How UCAT Is Scored and What Score You Need
How is UCAT scored?
The UCAT scoring process is complicated, and Pearson VUE uses complex statistical analysis to arrive at your UCAT score, based upon the answers you select. The scoring process is covered in detail in the MedEntry UCAT Course.
There are several myths relating to UCAT scores, which are outlined below:
| UCAT scoring myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| It is possible to predict UCAT scores based on raw marks. | UCAT scores are calculated using complex statistical processes. It is not possible to predict UCAT scores based on raw marks (the number of questions you answer correctly). The most accurate indication of your performance can be obtained after completing MedEntry UCAT practice exams, as MedEntry uses statistical programs to calculate your scores. |
| You need to answer all questions correctly to achieve a high score. | UCAT is a very difficult, time-pressured test. The majority of students do not have sufficient time to answer every UCAT question. You can therefore obtain very high scores even if you do not answer every UCAT question correctly. |
| UCAT questions change depending on your response. | Computerised Adaptive Testing is not utilised in UCAT. There are multiple ‘versions’ of UCAT that are used every year, but the content within each version is identical, and does not vary based on your responses. |
| You will be penalised for incorrect responses. | There is no negative marking in UCAT. If you choose an incorrect response, you will receive a score of zero. |
When will I receive my UCAT score?
You will receive your UCAT score on the day you sit UCAT. However, full statistics relating to the performance of other UCAT candidates will not be released until later in the year. You will not know exactly how your UCAT score compares until this time.
Note that your UCAT scores will be automatically sent to UCAT ANZ Consortium universities in early September – you do not need to submit your own scores.
What will my UCAT score report look like?
After you sit UCAT, you will receive a scaled score for each of the five UCAT subtests, which range from 300 to 900. You will also receive a total scaled score for the four cognitive subtests (UCAT Verbal Reasoning, UCAT Decision Making, UCAT Quantitative Reasoning and UCAT Abstract Reasoning) that ranges from 1200 to 3600.
The Situational Judgement score is provided separately as it tests ‘non-cognitive’ attributes. Some universities use UCAT Situational Judgement differently when assessing candidates for entry into their courses.
What UCAT score do I need to get into medicine?
The UCAT score you need to get into medicine depends on various factors, including the year that you sit UCAT, the university/course to which you are applying and whether you are a rural student or local student.
In general, a UCAT total cognitive score of about 2900 (which equates to approximately the top 10% of candidates sitting UCAT) is required for a standard medical place. The score required is lower for rural students, local students, and those applying for dentistry.
When you enrol in a MedEntry UCAT Course, you will receive detailed feedback including estimated percentiles and scaled scores, so you can track your progress and see where you stand.
How will universities use UCAT scores?
Universities use UCAT scores in different ways. UCAT is often weighted significantly when applying for medicine, and in some cases is the only criterion used for selecting students for a medical interview. Some universities do not consider Situational Judgement scores.
Read more about how universities will use UCAT scores in our blog.