Loading More Content
The number of UCAT test-takers in 2022 was 36,374. This is around 1,000 fewer test-takers than in 2021 (37,230).
While this might suggest a slightly lower number of applicants for Medicine in 2022, it is important to keep in mind the reduced total number of medical places available this year. This is because the cap on the number of places to study Medicine in the UK has been re-introduced at around the pre-pandemic level. Universities have been given a target of 7,571 Medicine places this year, compared to 10,543 places last year.
In addition to this reimposition of the cap in places, there are also deferrals from last year to take into account – so fewer people sitting the UCAT doesn’t necessarily mean less competition for Medical School.
The mean 2022 UCAT score was 2,500 which is essentially the same as last year’s mean score of 2,499. As expected when we examined the interim UCAT scores, the final mean score ended up being lower than the interim mean score of 2,554.
However, one change we can see is that a higher proportion of applicants achieved a Band 1 in Situational Judgement this year. Specifically, 20% of test-takers achieved Band 1 this year, which is up from 14% last year. There was also a drop in the proportion of students who achieved a Band 4, from 16% in 2021 to 14% in 2022.
While there was virtually no change in the mean UCAT score from last year to this year, there has been some change in the decile level. In 2022, the top decile starts at 2880, when it was 2850 in 2021.
The thresholds for the lower deciles are also lower. For example, last year a score below 2360 would have landed you within the bottom three deciles, whereas this year it would be a score below 2340.
All in all, this means that to be considered a top performer in the UCAT, you would need to have a slightly higher score this year than last year. You can see all of this year’s deciles in our UCAT Scores guide.
Now that the final UCAT results have been released, it’s important to understand how your UCAT score compares and which decile you are in. You then need to use this information to select your UCAS choices and make sure you’re applying to Medical Schools where you stand a chance of being shortlisted for interview.
Once you’ve made your choices and submitted your UCAS application, don’t just sit around waiting for invites. Start preparing for interviews now to get ahead!
Loading More Content