What is a good UCAT score?
5 min read ยท updated 2026-10-03
Across 42,359 UCAT tests taken up to 24 September 2026, the average total cognitive score was 1918 out of 2700. A score of 2050 put a candidate in the top 30%, and 2250 in the top 10%.
How the UCAT is scored
Since 2025 the UCAT has three cognitive subtests, Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning, each scored from 300 to 900, for a total of 900 to 2700. Abstract Reasoning was removed in 2025, so totals from 2025 onwards are not comparable with earlier years.
The Situational Judgement Test is reported separately in four bands, from Band 1 (excellent) to Band 4 (low).
2026 averages
- โ Total cognitive score: mean 1918
- โ Verbal Reasoning: mean 602
- โ Decision Making: mean 640
- โ Quantitative Reasoning: mean 675
- โ SJT: Band 1 15%, Band 2 40%, Band 3 34%, Band 4 11%
2026 deciles (total cognitive score)
The score needed to reach each decile in 2026, with 2025 in brackets:
- โ 5th decile (median): 1920 (1880)
- โ 6th decile: 1980 (1950)
- โ 7th decile: 2050 (2010)
- โ 8th decile: 2140 (2100)
- โ 9th decile: 2250 (2220)
What counts as good
A good score depends on the universities you apply to, because each uses the UCAT differently: some rank applicants by score for interview, others combine it with academic results or set thresholds. Check each medical or dental school's admissions page. As a guide, a total above about 2050 was in the top 30% in 2026, and Band 1 or 2 in the SJT was achieved by 55% of candidates.
FAQs
What was the average UCAT score in 2026?๏ผ
A total cognitive mean of 1918, based on 42,359 tests taken up to 24 September 2026.
What UCAT score is top 10%?๏ผ
2250 or above in 2026 (2220 in 2025).
What is the highest possible UCAT score?๏ผ
2700: 900 in each of the three cognitive subtests.
Is the SJT included in the total?๏ผ
No, it is reported separately as Band 1 to Band 4.
Can I compare my score with 2024 scores?๏ผ
Not directly: Abstract Reasoning was removed in 2025, which changed the total.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 2026-10-03.
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