Guides · University admissions
The UCAT: sections, scoring and preparation
The short answer
The UCAT is the admissions test used by most UK medical and dental schools. It has four sections: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and Situational Judgement. It is taken on a computer in the summer before you apply. It rewards speed and technique more than knowledge, so six to eight weeks of regular timed practice is the most reliable way to improve.
Key points
- Four sections: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and Situational Judgement.
- Abstract Reasoning was removed from 2025 onwards.
- It is taken on a computer at a test centre, usually between July and September.
- Universities use scores differently, so research how each one uses them.
- Timing is the main challenge: practise in timed conditions from early on.
What the UCAT tests
- Verbal Reasoning: reading passages quickly and judging whether statements follow from them.
- Decision Making: logic puzzles, interpreting data and evaluating arguments.
- Quantitative Reasoning: using numbers from tables and charts under time pressure, with an on-screen calculator.
- Situational Judgement: judging how appropriate or important actions are in realistic clinical and professional scenarios.
The first three sections are scored on a scale and combined into a total. Situational Judgement is reported as a band. Always check the latest format on the official UCAT website.
When to sit it
Registration usually opens in the spring and testing runs over the summer, before the 15 October UCAS deadline. Booking an earlier test date leaves the rest of the summer for your personal statement and work experience, but make sure you have had enough practice first.
How universities use the score
Each medical and dental school decides how to use the UCAT. Some rank applicants by total score to decide interviews, some use a threshold, and others combine it with predicted grades and the personal statement. Researching this helps you choose universities that suit your score once you have it.
A six to eight week plan
- Week 1: sit a full practice test to find your baseline, then learn the format of each section.
- Weeks 2 to 4: work section by section, learning techniques and doing untimed then timed sets.
- Weeks 5 to 6: mixed timed practice and two or three full mock tests, reviewing every mistake.
- Final weeks: full mocks under exam conditions, focusing on pacing and keeping calm.
How a tutor helps
A UCAT tutor diagnoses where time is lost, teaches efficient strategies for each section, and sets targeted practice. Our medicine specialists also help with medicine applications, personal statements and MMI interview practice.
This guide gives general information and was correct when last reviewed. Exams, deadlines and rules change, so always check the official website of the exam board, school, university or regulator.