The UCAT 2025 results mark a significant moment for aspiring medical and dental students, not only because of the test’s new format but also due to candidate performance trends.
One of the most significant changes in UCAT 2025 is the removal of the Abstract Reasoning (AR) subtest. This decision was based on research showing that AR had lower predictive validity and was more coachable than other sections. As a result, the UCAT now includes only three cognitive subtests – Verbal Reasoning (VR), Decision Making (DM), and Quantitative Reasoning (QR) – alongside the Situational Judgement Test (SJT). The total cognitive score is now out of 2700, rather than 3600.
This change has had a noticeable impact. With one less section to prepare for, candidates could focus more deeply on the remaining subtests. Additionally, the time saved from removing AR was redistributed to the other sections, especially Decision Making, which now includes more questions and slightly longer time allocation.
Candidate Numbers: A Surge in Interest
In 2025, 41,354 candidates took the UCAT, up from 37,913 in 2024. This increase reflects a growing interest in medicine and dentistry, and it also means more competition for places. With more students applying, universities may raise their cut-offs or become more selective in interviews, making strategic applications even more important.
Mean Scores: A Noticeable Increase
The final mean total score in 2025 is 1891 (out of 2700), compared to an adjusted mean of 1870 in 2024 (excluding AR). Here’s how the subtest scores compare:
| Subtest | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Reasoning | 602 | 601 |
| Decision Making | 628 | 620 |
| Quantitative Reasoning | 661 | 649 |
QR saw the biggest jump, with a 12-point increase. This may reflect better preparation or a more accessible question set. Overall, candidates performed better in all three subtests, suggesting either a stronger cohort or a more focused test experience due to the format change.
Decile Rankings: Higher Scores Across the Board
The decile thresholds in 2025 are consistently higher than in 2024. For example:
| Decile | 2025 | 2024 (Adjusted) |
|---|---|---|
| 1st (10th percentile) | 1580 | 1580 |
| 2nd | 1680 | 1670 |
| 3rd | 1760 | 1740 |
| 4th | 1820 | 1810 |
| 5th (Median) | 1880 | 1860 |
| 6th | 1950 | 1920 |
| 7th | 2010 | 1980 |
| 8th | 2100 | 2060 |
| 9th (Top 10%) | 2220 | 2170 |
This means that to be in the top 10% of candidates in 2025, you needed a score of 2220, compared to 2170 last year. The median score also rose by 20 points. These shifts suggest that competition is intensifying, and students need higher scores to stand out.
Situational Judgement Test (SJT): A Positive Turnaround
The SJT results in 2025 show a significant improvement:
| Band | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Band 1 | 21% | 13% |
| Band 2 | 39% | 36% |
| Band 3 | 29% | 38% |
| Band 4 | 10% | 13% |
More students achieved Band 1 this year, and fewer fell into Band 4. This is encouraging, especially since many universities use Band 4 as a hard cut-off. With fewer students being excluded based on SJT, more candidates remain in the running, increasing competition at schools that weigh SJT heavily.
Key Insights: What This Means for Applicants
Better scores, but tougher competition
While scores are higher, so is the number of applicants. This means that a good score in 2025 is higher than it was in 2024, and students need to aim for the top deciles to remain competitive. A score of 2100 or above places you in the top 20%, which is often the threshold for interviews at highly selective universities.
The overall standard for UCAT scores has risen. This means a high UCAT score is now just one part of the equation. To truly stand out, applicants must also have an exceptional overall profile, with strong academic grades, relevant work experience, a compelling personal statement, and ideally a high SJT band.
Format change may have boosted performance
Removing AR likely helped students concentrate on the remaining subtests. With fewer sections to revise and more time per question, candidates may have felt less overwhelmed, leading to better performance. However, this also means that direct comparisons with previous years are tricky, and percentile rankings are more useful than raw scores.
SJT Banding is more favourable
The rebound in Band 1 scores is great news. If you scored Band 1 or 2, you’re in a strong position. Band 4, however, remains a red flag at many institutions. With fewer students in Band 4, more candidates will be eligible for interviews, especially at schools that previously excluded Band 4 applicants.
Strategic applications are crucial
Given the higher scores and increased competition, students must be strategic in their university choices. Use your decile ranking and SJT band to shortlist universities that match your profile. Some schools place more weight on UCAT scores, while others consider academics and personal statements more heavily.
