UCAT ANZ Test Statistics and Percentile Calculator now available!
3 years ago by Rob
Interim test statistics for UCAT ANZ 2020 are now available on the UCAT ANZ official website.
This blog describes what they mean and how to interpret them.
What data is shown?
The UCAT ANZ 2020 preliminary test statistics displays the following data:
- the mean scores for each UCAT subtest
- the mean overall UCAT cognitive score
- the scores required to achieve a particular decile for each UCAT subtest
- how overall UCAT cognitive scores translate to percentiles
The data is based on the scores of the majority of UCAT candidates (approximately 14,000 students) who have sat UCAT in the 2020 testing cycle. Due to COVID-19 / coronavirus and the resulting lockdown in Victoria, a small number of students (approximately 150) have yet to sit UCAT, and are due to sit UCAT in September. The UCAT results of these students is unlikely to affect the above data, but final statistics will be published on the UCAT ANZ website once they are available.
What does the data mean?
Although the data is ‘preliminary’, it provides a good indication of how your UCAT score compares.
If, for example, you achieved a UCAT Abstract Reasoning score of around 650, your score was about average (5th decile) compared to other candidates sitting UCAT ANZ 2020. On the other hand, if you achieved a UCAT Decision Making score of around 750, you will have achieved the 9th decile – that is, you will have been in the top 10% of candidates for this UCAT subtest.
In general, in order to obtain an interview offer for a standard, non-rural place in medicine, you will need to achieve an overall cognitive UCAT score in the 9th decile (that is, you will need to be in the top 10% of students sitting UCAT). This year, this equates to an overall UCAT cognitive score of 2920+. This represents an increase from 2019, where an overall UCAT score of 2850 will have placed you in the 9th decile.
How can I calculate my UCAT percentile?
You can find a UCAT percentile calculator on the UCAT ANZ website. Enter your overall cognitive subtest score to find out your percentile.
What score do I need to get into medicine?
The UCAT score required for entry into medicine depends on a number of factors, including the university and course to which you are applying, whether you are a rural applicant and whether you are a local applicant (for example for the University of Western Sydney).
In general, for standard applicants to medical courses in Australia, you will need to be in the top 10% of students sitting UCAT to obtain an interview offer. At some universities, offers for medicine are made for students who perform outstandingly well in their ATAR.
Note that James Cook University and Bond University do not require you to sit UCAT for entry into medicine.
Rural students often require significantly lower UCAT scores to obtain entry into medicine.
What should I do now?
Students who have achieved a UCAT score of around 90+ percentile
If you have achieved a UCAT score of around 90+ percentile and you are a non-rural applicant, there is a very good chance that you will receive a medical interview offer at your preferred university. If this is the case, it is important to start preparing for your interview. Remember that interviews are a crucial part of the medical entry process and performing well is vital to securing your place at medical school.
Students who have achieved a UCAT score of much less than 90+ percentile
If you have achieved a UCAT score much less than 90th percentile and are a non-rural applicant, you should focus on achieving the highest ATAR possible. Some universities make additional offers for medicine for those candidates who achieve a very high ATAR. Furthermore, if you decide to re-attempt entry into medicine, having a strong ATAR will significantly increase your chance of obtaining a place in medicine. Once your exams are over, you should consider re-starting your UCAT preparation, as distributed practice is the best way to achieve UCAT success. This blog also describes some tips for those who may not have achieved the necessary UCAT score for medicine: https://www.medentry.edu.au/blog/i-didn-t-get-a-good-enough-ucat-score-what-should-i-do.
