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You’ll need to take the UCAT if you’re applying to a UCAT university in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Most universities require the UCAT, and only a small handful require the BMAT.
Your UCAT score is only valid for one year. If you sit the exam in 2021 then the score will be valid for 2022 entry to university. If you wish to take a gap year or reapply the next year then you will need to resit the UCAT and use your latest score.
You can only sit the UCAT once per cycle.
Unfortunately, many candidates will not be happy with their score. It is important that when applying to a university you make sure you meet all the minimum criteria, paying close attention to minimum UCAT scores. As you will have your UCAT score in advance of submitting your UCAS application you can tailor your application accordingly – applying to universities that put little or no emphasis on the UCAT exam.
You can read more about where to apply with your score on our UCAT Scores page.
Yes! From our experience, we have found that practice makes a significant improvement to your UCAT score. Research also shows that your UCAT score does depend on preparation, school attended, mathematical ability, gender, and age (Lambe et al. 2012).
The UCAT Special Educational Needs (UCATSEN) is 25% longer than the standard UCAT and is available for those with dyslexia. If you have extra time for other public exams then you will be entitled to sit the UCATSEN.
Every student prepares for UCAT in a different way to suit their individual learning needs and abilities. Most students, however, find it useful to attend a UCAT Course or read a book covering the UCAT, especially theories and techniques, to begin with, followed by undertaking numerous practice questions.
Don’t leave your UCAT prep until the last minute. Most candidates who perform badly state that they were underprepared and had not done enough practice questions. It is advisable to spend at least four weeks doing regular revision, followed by two weeks of intense revision and practice questions before sitting the exam.
Yes – we have a free practice UCAT test and free practice UCAT questions on our website!
You can postpone your exam but if you leave it too late you may lose your fee. Once you’ve started your exam however you must complete it and can’t resit the exam that year, so if you’re unwell it’s best to cancel and re-book.
Unfortunately, no. You can only sit the UCAT once per year so if you didn’t score as well as you’d hoped then you can’t resit until the next year. If you get a low score then make sure you are applying to universities that place little or no emphasis on the UCAT exam to maximise your chances of success.
Currently, 30 UK medical schools use the UCAT as part of their selection process for undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Check the list of UCAT unis here.
There is a wide window of opportunity to sit the exam, but the price goes up if you leave it to September or October. This is due to an increase in demand. We recommend booking the test during the summer holidays as when you get back to school in September you will be busy with personal statements, course work and starting your A2 year.
You need to sit the UCAT the year that you’re applying to Medical School. If you’re applying in 2022 for 2023 entry, you must sit the UCAT in 2022.
The UCAT ANZ test is usually held in July.
Need help deciding when to book your test for? Check out our guide to picking a UCAT ANZ date.
There are 30 UCAT ANZ test centres in Australia and New Zealand. You can find a list of them on the exam website.
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