Changes To The UCAT 2025 And How To Prepare

Kajal Tyagi
5 days ago
5 min read

Hello, future doctors and dentists! If you aim to study medicine or dentistry at a UK university like Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College, UCL, or the University of Edinburgh, the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) will be a crucial step in your journey. This 2-hour computer-based test helps universities pick students for medical and dental programs, and it’s got some updates for 2025.

You are at the right place to learn about these changes and how to shine in the UCAT.

Let’s tackle this together!

What’s New with the UCAT in 2025?

The UCAT Consortium, which runs the test, announced updates for 2025 on their website (ucat.ac.uk ) to make the exam fairer and more relevant for future healthcare professionals. In a nutshell, there will be three sections instead of four, with a max score of 2700 instead of 3600. The situational judgement test will continue to be scored in band 1-4 like before.

Here’s what’s new:

Abstract Reasoning Removed: The UCAT used to have five sections, but Abstract Reasoning (AR) is out in 2025. It tested pattern recognition but wasn’t the best at predicting medical school success and often favored students with extra coaching, creating unfairness.
Four Sections Now: The test now has four sections: Verbal Reasoning (VR), Decision Making (DM), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Situational Judgement (SJT). The total score for VR, DM, and QR is out of 2700 (each 300–900), down from 3600. SJT is scored in bands (1–4).
More Time and Questions: Decision Making now has 36 questions (up from 29) and 37 minutes (up from 31). Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning get an extra 30 seconds of instruction time, and QR has a 2-minute break before starting, giving you a breather.
New Question Types: Decision Making includes “simulation-style” questions where you apply logic to real-world medical scenarios, making the test more practical.

UCAT Score Expectations for Top UK Universities

King’s College London: Candidates who progress to the interview will generally be in the top 20% of UCAT scores and be in SJT Bands 1-3. Till 2025 entry, the UCAT was scored out of 3600, and international students with a score of 3100+ received interview calls from KCL. The scores of admitted students would be somewhat higher, at around 3200+. Since the UCAT is now scored out of 2700, it is expected that students with scores of 2300 and above may get an interview call. Given KCL’s Competitiveness, the scores of admitted students are likely to be 2420+.
University College London: UCL considers all subtests but gives considerable attention to the Situational Judgment Test to evaluate applicants' understanding of real-world scenarios and ethical considerations. In 2024, international students with a score of 3060+ received interview calls from UCL. The scores of admitted students would be somewhat higher, at around 3200+. For 2025, UCAT scores above 2290 (out of 2700) are expected to be shortlisted for the interview, and admitted students’ scores are projected to be higher, likely 2400+.

For top universities like Oxford and Cambridge, which are even more competitive, the UCAT score expectations are higher. Students aiming for an interview call at Oxford or Cambridge may need scores of 2400 or above, while admitted students might typically score 2500 or higher, reflecting their rigorous selection process for Medicine.

Medicine applicants for 2026 entry must take the UCAT between July 7 and September 26, 2025, with results sent directly to universities.

How to Prepare for the UCAT 2025: Section by Section

Start preparing at least 10-12 weeks before your test date (July 7 to September 26, 2025), with registration opening May 13. The UCAT website offers free practice materials like question banks and mock tests—use them! Here’s how to tackle each section:

Verbal Reasoning (44 questions, 22 minutes)This section tests how well you understand written information, like medical reports. You’ll read 11 passages and answer 44 multiple-choice questions. Know the format to manage your 22 minutes well—aim for 1–2 minutes per passage. Practice regularly with UCAT question banks to get used to the passages, like health articles. Skim to get the main idea and scan for keywords to answer faster. Focus on understanding the passage’s key points, not assumptions. Time management is key: don’t double-check answers unless you’re unsure, and flag tough questions to return to later. After practicing, review your mistakes to improve.
Decision Making (36 questions, 37 minutes)This tests your logic in real-world scenarios, like choosing treatments. You’ll face question types like logical puzzles, syllogisms, and new simulation-style questions. Know the format to feel confident, and revise probability and Venn diagrams, as the UCAT website suggests. Practice all six question types (e.g., interpreting data, recognizing assumptions) using UCAT mock tests to handle the new format. Identify your weak spots—like probabilistic reasoning—and focus there. Use adaptive question banks to tailor your practice. Manage your time—aim for 1 minute per question—and use the onscreen tools efficiently.
Quantitative Reasoning (36 questions, 26 minutes)This checks your math skills, like calculating drug dosages, using data from tables, charts, or graphs. You’ll have 36 questions, often four per data set, and an onscreen calculator. Know the format to plan your 26 minutes—about 40 seconds per question. Revise GCSE-level math: percentages, ratios, rates, and averages (like weighted means). Practice interpreting data from graphs and tables using UCAT question banks. Use shortcuts for quick mental math, and get comfy with the calculator. Flag tough questions and move on, returning if time allows. Take practice tests under timed conditions, review your answers, and use the 2-minute break to relax.
Situational Judgement (69 questions, 26 minutes)This tests how you handle medical scenarios, like responding to a patient’s concerns. You’ll rank responses, scored in bands (1–4). Learn the format to know what to expect. Study the General Medical Council’s Good Medical Practice guidelines to understand doctors' values like empathy and professionalism. Practice with UCAT sample questions to get used to scenarios and role-specific responses (e.g., as a student, not a doctor). Build ethical decision-making by discussing case studies with friends. Pace yourself—about 20 seconds per question—and review your practice to improve.

Extra Tips to Shine

Book your test early (by June end) to pick your slot, as the UCAT website advises. Make a study plan: practice one section daily, then do full mock tests weekly to build stamina. Use the UCAT Tour Tutorial to learn the test interface, like shortcuts. On test day, arrive early at your Pearson VUE center, bring a valid ID, and stay calm—you’re ready!

To know how to ace your UCAT exam, read here

Final Thoughts: You’ve Got This!

By mastering Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, and Situational Judgement, you’ll be set for universities like Oxford and Cambridge. Use the UCAT website’s free resources, practice smart, and believe in yourself. You’re on your way to becoming a fantastic doctor—good luck!

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