Admissions Tests
UK Medical School Admissions Tests
Most UK medical schools require a standardised admissions test. Your score can make or break your application. Here is a complete guide to UCAT, BMAT and GAMSAT.
UCAT
Required by the majority of UK medical schools. Taken online at a test centre between July and October. No subject knowledge required.
BMAT
The BioMedical Admissions Test was discontinued by Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing in 2024. Previously used by Oxford, Cambridge and others — check school websites for alternatives.
GAMSAT
Used for graduate-entry programmes. Tests reasoning in humanities, social sciences and sciences. Offered twice per year in March and September.
UCAT: The Complete Guide
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a 2-hour computer-based test taken at a Pearson VUE test centre or online. It assesses cognitive abilities and professional attributes. It does not test academic knowledge.
| Section | Time | Questions | What It Tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 21 min | 44 | Assesses your ability to critically evaluate information presented in written passages. You must decide whether statements are true, false or cannot be determined from the passage. |
| Decision Making | 31 min | 29 | Tests your ability to apply logic to reach conclusions, analyse complex data, evaluate arguments and make sound decisions in ambiguous situations. |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 25 min | 36 | Assesses your ability to critically evaluate numerical information. Requires use of basic mathematical operations — a basic on-screen calculator is provided. |
| Abstract Reasoning | 13 min | 55 | Tests your ability to identify patterns among abstract shapes. The SCANS framework (Shape, Colour, Arrangement, Number, Size) is widely recommended for this section. |
| Situational Judgement | 26 min | 69 | Measures your capacity to understand real-world situations and identify appropriate behaviour. Responses are banded A–D rather than scored numerically. |
Scoring
- Sections 1–4 are each scored 300–900. The total cognitive score ranges from 1200–3600.
- Situational Judgement is scored separately in bands: Band 1 (highest) to Band 4 (lowest).
- Average UK cognitive score is typically around 2490–2510 in recent cycles.
- You can only sit the UCAT once per admissions cycle. Choose your test date carefully.
Registration & Booking
- Registration opens in May each year at ucat.ac.uk
- Testing period: July to October, with results available immediately after the test.
- Fee: approximately £70 (UK/EU) or £115 (outside EU). Bursary available for eligible applicants.
- Book early — popular dates and test centres fill up quickly in July and August.
Indicative UCAT Score Thresholds by School
These figures are approximate, based on publicly available data and applicant-reported outcomes. Thresholds change year to year based on the applicant pool.
Always verify directly with each university as thresholds are not officially published in most cases.
| Medical School | Approx. Threshold | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| King's College London | ~2740 (cognitive) | Very competitive — in the top quartile of applicants. |
| University of Warwick (GEM) | ~2700+ | Graduate entry; UCAT heavily weighted. |
| University of Southampton | ~2640 | Uses UCAT as part of a points-based selection system. |
| University of Sheffield | ~2600 | UCAT score combined with academic profile. |
| University of Edinburgh | ~2650 | SJT banding also considered. |
| University of Dundee | ~2550 | Considers UCAT alongside Highers or A-level predictions. |
| University of Leeds | ~2600 | Uses UCAT as a primary shortlisting tool. |
| University of Birmingham | ~2600 | Uses for undergraduate entry; graduate entry uses GAMSAT. |
| Cardiff University | ~2600 | Welsh-resident applicants may have different thresholds. |
| Newcastle University | ~2580 | Part of a wider academic and situational judgement assessment. |
GAMSAT: Graduate Entry Admissions Test
The Graduate Australian Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT) is used for graduate-entry medicine in the UK, Ireland and Australia. It is a full-day test with three sections.
Reasoning in Humanities and Social Sciences
75 multiple-choice questions • 100 mins
Passages from humanities, arts and social sciences. No prior subject knowledge required — answers are based on the text.
Written Communication
2 essays • 60 mins
Respond to stimulus quotes with two essays. One typically analytical, one reflective. Scored A–G.
Reasoning in Biological and Physical Sciences
110 multiple-choice questions • 170 mins
Graduate-level biology, chemistry and physics. This is the most technically demanding section. Strong science grounding essential.
GAMSAT Scoring
Each section is scored from 0 to 100. The overall score is calculated as (S1 + S2 + 2×S3) ÷ 4, meaning Section III counts double. Most UK and Irish schools require an overall score of 55–65 or above. A low Section III score (below 50) may disqualify an application even with a high overall score at some institutions.
Preparation Tips
Start early
For UCAT, start practising at least 8–12 weeks before your test date. The test rewards speed and accuracy under pressure, which comes from repetition. For GAMSAT, 6–12 months of preparation is standard for Section III.
Use official materials first
The UCAT Consortium offers free official practice tests. GAMSAT offers a free practice paper through ACER. Always do official materials before moving to third-party resources, as question style matters enormously.
Time yourself relentlessly
The biggest mistake candidates make is practising without time pressure. Abstract Reasoning gives you roughly 14 seconds per question. Decision Making, 64 seconds. Practise under strict time conditions from week one.
Review every wrong answer
A wrong answer is more valuable than a correct one if you understand why you got it wrong. Maintain an error log and revisit weak areas before your test date.
Situational Judgement is not common sense
SJT responses should reflect good medical practice, not just what seems sensible. Familiarise yourself with the GMC's Good Medical Practice guidance and consider how it applies to each scenario.
Book your test slot early
UCAT test slots fill up fast, particularly in July and August when demand is highest. Register and book as soon as registration opens (typically May) to get your preferred location and date.
Get Personalised Test Preparation Help
Our mentors have sat the UCAT and GAMSAT themselves. They can review your practice scores, identify weak sections and help you build a structured revision plan.
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