The current medical school admissions have been more competitive, and the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) has been a key determinant in who obtains an interview invitation. Learners who wish to enrol in medical programmes in the United Kingdom and other countries that participate in UCAT are not only subject to academic requirements but also to examination of scoring, which directly affects their probability of securing an interview. Knowledge of the influence of UCAT scores on interview selection is critical in enabling applicants to plan their preparations and applications appropriately.
This blog discusses the most recent changes in UCAT scoring, how the universities apply the scores in shortlisting applicants to interview, UCAT and university interviews, and what the peculiarities of the procedure are in various institutions.
Key Structural Changes in UCAT and Scoring Overview
In 2025, the UCAT was changed drastically, with the most important one being the elimination of the Abstract Reasoning section, which in the past evaluated pattern-recognition abilities. This ruling was informed by studies that showed that this section has a low predictive validity of success in medical school in the future and the fact that coaching benefits might undermine equity. The test now has three cognitive subtests, namely Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, and Quantitative Reasoning, and a Situational Judgement Test (SJT).
These modifications have streamlined the contents of the UCAT that are quantifiable and have concentrated on the increased interest in natural aptitude and reasoning capabilities that are most applicable to healthcare. There are also new styles of questions in the test format, including simulation questions in Decision Making and more subtle ethical situations in the SJT. In general, UCAT is considered a more competitive test, but the average scores are slightly higher than they were in past years.
The Impact of UCAT Scores on Medical Interview Invitations
Universities vary in their use of UCAT scores in shortlisting applicants to interviews, with some being very strict with cut-off scores and others more holistic, with UCAT scores combining with academic performance and other factors. This inconsistency makes the admissions scene a demanding one that is easily traversed with the necessary knowledge.
Most universities set a minimum threshold for the UCAT score, below which an applicant does not receive consideration in the interview process. Certain medical schools have longstanding policies that require applicants to score at least in the 50th percentile to receive further consideration. However, schools tend to rely on ranking or combined scores to select the best candidates, so the minimum does not guarantee an interview.
The other medical schools use the ranking system where the applicants are ranked according to the overall UCAT scores, and the highest scorers are invited to the interviews until the interview slots are filled. This ranking may be made solely under the influence of UCAT scores or supplemented by some other aspects, including grades in school or background information. Therefore, a high UCAT score may be very effective in improving the chances of an applicant, particularly in those universities that attach much weight to the test in their selection.
Also Check: Top UK Universities That Give the Most Weight to UCAT Scores
Specific University Approaches to UCAT and Interviews
The various medical schools approach the issue of UCAT in different ways as regards the invitations to interviews. As an example, the University of Bristol has been known to shortlist applicants based practically only on UCAT scores, and no more than the situational judgement test is considered when it comes to interview selection. Newcastle University has traditionally selected candidates solely based on their UCAT ranking, placing particular value on a high score.
On the other hand, universities like King’s College London and the University of Birmingham consider a more comprehensive and integrated tool, which includes academic performance in addition to UCAT scores. Queen’s University Belfast and the University of Leeds are also using weighted academic and UCAT scores in a similar way, allowing applicants with average UCAT scores but outstanding academic performance to stay competitive.
Scottish universities like Aberdeen and Dundee do not have strict UCAT cut-offs but rank applicants and place great emphasis on academics, often admitting mid-range UCAT scores to competent students. This difference underscores the importance of researching individual medical schools’ admission policies before applying.
The Role of the Situational Judgement Test
Although the major emphasis of UCAT is on cognitive subtests, the Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is also critical, especially in shortlisting and offering decisions. Numerous universities decline to interview students with the lowest band in the SJT and may be apprehensive of Band 3 results, though with some exceptions, particularly regarding international students.
There are schools that incorporate the SJT score itself in their ranking or point system and ones that consider the SJT score as a pass/fail mark. As such, a favourable SJT band would be able to augment a favourable UCAT cognitive score, and a negative SJT may constrain the chance of an interview, in spite of favourable cognitive scores.
Growing Competition and Rising Cut-offs
According to data from the 2025 UCAT cycle, there is an increase in test-takers; at that time, more than 41,000 students took the exam, an increase of about 9 per cent compared to the previous year, 2024. More competitive cut-off points for interview invitations at various universities result from the increasing number of applications and the marginal improvement in average scores.
This implies that those applicants who wish to join universities whose rankings or cut-offs largely depend on UCAT scores have to make an effort to not only match but exceed expectations in the average scores. In the meantime, applicants who are aiming to join institutions using mixed scoring systems can use outstanding academic qualifications to offset average UCAT scores.
Strategizing UCAT and University Interviews
To ensure that the universities are strategic in their approach to application destinations, given the diversity in the use of UCAT scores in the selection of university interviews, applicants must be strategic in their choice of destinations. The UCAT policies of every medical school are at this point crucial to research, especially concerning the issue of whether the institution uses fixed thresholds, ranking-based invitations, or point-based systems.
Some applicants with very high UCAT scores can be confident in applying to universities that mostly shortlist according to UCAT results, including Bristol or Newcastle, and thus maximise their chances of getting multiple interviews. Individuals scoring averagely or borderline must aim at schools that have holistic admissions where academic and contextual considerations are taken into account, which increases their chances even without high scores in tests.
SJT training is also vital, as it can affect interview eligibility and the final offer. A balanced preparation approach in UCAT subtests and the SJT will create the best application profile.
UCAT Success with RAAKMEDICS
In the complex and competitive environment of the medical admission sector, UCAT scores serve as a determining factor in gaining an invitation to the interview. The changes to the UCAT format and scoring methodology have enhanced core cognitive skills and introduced more realistic ethical simulations, making the test more relevant and fair.iIt is important to understand how various universities use UCAT scores, whether based on cut-offs, rankings, or composite scores in addition to academic performance, so that applicants can develop effective strategies.
Check Out: How to Boost Your UCAT Concentration and Focus Under Pressure
RAAKMEDICS offers expert advice on UCAT preparation services to help candidates enhance their test-taking techniques, score higher in all UCAT areas, and comprehend how to improve their chances of being invited to medical university interviews. RAAKMEDICS enables future medical students to be confident in their applications and position themselves to succeed in getting desirable medical school interviews through individualised coaching and up-to-date guidance in accordance with the current admission requirements.
