With the UCAT scores for 2024 now released, it’s time to break down what these numbers mean for your medical school application. More people took the UCAT this year, the scores have shifted slightly, and competition is heating up. Read on for the key takeaways and how to use them effectively.
The Numbers Are Up: More Students, Same Number of Spots
One of the first things to notice this year is the increase in test-takers. In 2024, 37,913 students sat the UCAT—an increase of more than 2,000 from last year’s 35,625. This means more competition but with no corresponding increase in the number of medical school places available. The number of spots has been capped just like last year, so you’re up against more applicants fighting for the same number of seats.
What is the takeaway? Be ready for a more competitive application process. If your UCAT score is around the average, it’s crucial to strategise carefully about which universities to apply to, especially considering that schools weigh UCAT scores differently.
Mean Scores Have Shifted: Small Increases, Bigger Impact
This year’s mean UCAT score is 2,523, a slight increase from 2,516 in 2023. While this is not a huge jump, you need a higher score than last year to remain competitive. What is more notable is the drop in Band 1 achievement in the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). Only 13% of test-takers achieved Band 1 this year, compared to 25% in 2023. If you’re among that 13%, you’ve got an edge, as fewer candidates will have that top SJT band on their application.
The Verbal Reasoning (VR) section also saw a slight rise in average score, from 591 last year to 601 this year. Universities like Nottingham, which double-weight the VR section, might prioritise candidates with stronger verbal reasoning performance, so this could impact your chances if you’re applying to schools that emphasise this section.
Deciles: Higher Scores Needed to Rank Well
Decile rankings have shifted as well. If you aim to be in the top 20% of applicants, you’ll need a score of 2,780 or higher—up from 2,760 in 2023. Even the median score increased slightly, from 2,510 to 2,520, showing a general upward trend in performance across the board.
You must step up your game this year to be among the top scorers. Slight differences in your UCAT score can now make a bigger impact on where you land in the decile rankings, and those rankings will directly influence your chances of securing an interview at certain schools.
What to Do with This Information?
How do you move forward now that you have got your UCAT score?
- Analyze Your Score: Look hard at where your score falls in the overall stats. Are you above the mean? Where do you land in the decile rankings? This should give you a sense of where you stand in the larger applicant pool.
- Choose Universities Strategically: Some universities place more emphasis on UCAT scores, while others consider factors such as your personal statement or academic achievements. For example, if your UCAT score is higher, you should target schools like King’s College London or Newcastle, which tend to have higher UCAT cut-offs. If your score is closer to the median, consider applying to schools that focus on other application elements, such as Keele or Sunderland.
- Focus on SJT: If you scored Band 1 in the SJT, don’t take that lightly. With fewer candidates achieving this distinction this year, it can set you apart from the rest. Make sure to highlight this in your applications, especially if you are applying to universities considering the SJT in their shortlisting process.
Your Next Step
2024 is shaping up to be a slightly more competitive year for UCAT takers, but you’re still in luck if your score is at the top. Use the data to make informed decisions about where to apply and ensure that your personal statement and interview prep are as strong as your UCAT performance.
Getting into medical school is about more than just one score. But with a solid understanding of the 2024 UCAT landscape, you can make strategic choices to maximise your chances.