UCAT Overview
The University Clinical Aptitude Test is an exam used by Medical/Dental schools as part of their application process.
Here is all you need to know:
The UCAT is an aptitude test that assesses some of the skills required for a career in medicine/dentistry.
It is a nearly two-hour exam containing four sections. (we will cover this later)
It is scored out of 2700 with the performance in the first four sections scaled to a score between 300 and 900.
The last section of the UCAT (situational judgment) is scored from band 1 to 4 with band 1 being the highest.
Booking your UCAT
You can only take the UCAT test once a year.
When creating a UCAT account the name you set it up with must match exactly as it appears on the photo ID you intend to take to the test.
Book as early as possible to have more dates to book from at a test centre near you.
You can look for test centres near you using the Pearson Vue website.
You can see how the test centre looks here.
You can reschedule your test up to 24 hours before your test.
If you need to make changes after this you will need to contact Pearson Vue.
Photo ID
You must have the correct photo ID with you to sit your test.
The ID must be original, unexpired, include a photograph that must be a true likeness, include your name that matches the name registered in your UCAT account, and include your signature.
Accepted forms of ID include:
Passport - accepted at any test centre
Full/provisional driving licence - accepted at test centres in the country of issue
EU identity card or Irish passport card - accepted at test centres in the EU (not accepted in the UK)
Government-issued identity card from a non-EU country - accepted at test centres in the country of issue
More information can be found here
Access Arrangements
Access arrangements are available if you have a disability for example a learning difficulty, sensory impairment, long-term physical disability or a medical condition.
UCATSEN
UCATSEN provides you with 25% extra time which amounts to 150 minutes compared to the normal 120 minutes of the UCAT.
You can apply from the 13th of May 2025.
The UCAT office must approve extra time and rest breaks before you book your test.
You should apply for these at least ten working days before you book your test.
You are eligible to sit UCATSEN if you have one or more of the following:
Cognition and physical needs such as dyslexia or dyscalculia
Communication and interaction needs
Sensory and physical needs such as hearing, vision impairment or physical disability
Social, mental and emotional needs e.g. ADD, ADHD or mental health conditions
There are other forms of the UCATSEN such as:
UCATSA - gives you a five-minute break between sections but no extra time
UCATSENA - gives you 25% extra time and five-minute rest breaks
UCATSEN 50 - gives you 50% extra time
More information can be found here
Problems During the Test
If you experience any problems during the test immediately notify the invigilator by raising your hand and they will try to solve it immediately.
If this isn't possible you will get a reference number to quote when you contact Pearson VUE.
Contact them immediately after you leave the exam room.
They will investigate and report back to you.
More information can be found here
UCAT Bursary
It costs £70 to sit the UCAT in the UK and £115 to sit it abroad.
Candidates in financial need who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for the UCAT bursary to cover their full test fee.
If your bursary application is successful, you will receive a voucher code to use when booking your test; however, if you have already booked and paid for your test, you can use the voucher code to claim a refund.
The bursary application deadline is the 26th of September 2025.
You can find more information here
Eligibility
You’re eligible for the UCAT bursary if you meet the following criteria:
Free school meals
16 to 19 bursary
Learner support
Universal Credit
Working/Child Tax credit
Income support
Asylum support
6 week revision plan…
Week 1
Learn about the UCAT in detail. Learn the different sections, the question types and the timing of each section. Look for resources to help you with your preparation.
Week 2
Practice questions and identify your strongest and weakest sections by doing a full mock. Get used to the UCAT layout and practice using a keyboard and a mouse. Practice the various UCAT shortcuts.
Week 3
Do some more practice questions and section mocks focusing on your weaker sections and do a mock at the end of the week to see if your scores are improving. If they aren’t look back on your answers and check if you are repeating mistakes or if you find that you keep running out of time in a section, guess, flag and skip, don't waste time on a question.
Week 4
You should be doing more focused revision this week and more full mocks. Reflect on your mocks and implement different strategies to help you save time and answer questions quickly.
Week 5
Do at least three mocks this week making sure to note down your scores in each section and check for improvements.
Week 6
As you get closer to your exam do some official UCAT full mocks because these provide the most accurate assessment of your score and what score you are working on and are most reflective of what you might get in your actual UCAT exam. Go through all your answers, even the answers you got right.
UCAT Sections
The UCAT has 4 different sections:
Verbal Reasoning
Decision Making
Quantitative Reasoning
Situational Judgement
We will explore each of these sections individually below.
To use the calculator in the exam, use Alt + C to open or close it. PLEASE ENSURE YOUR NUMBER LOCK IS ON SO YOU CAN USE THE KEYPAD TO TYPE IN THE NUMBERS! This is way easier.
Useful keyboard shortcuts!
Alt+P: Previous question
Alt+N: Next question
Alt + V: Navigator
Alt+F: Flag the current question
ON/C: Backspace
M+: Add to memory
M-: Subtract from memory
MRC: Recall from memory
What should I use to revise?
When you're getting ready for the UCAT, it's worth checking out two main options: Medify and Medentry.
Medify vs MedEntry
Difficulty
Medify is generally considered harder, especially in Abstract Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning. This can be good as it prepares you for the potentially challenging nature of the UCAT.
MedEntry can be slightly easier particularly in AR patterns.
Question Style
Medify has a wider variety of question styles, potentially closer to the actual UCAT.
MedEntry focuses on core concepts, this may not have the same range of complexities as the UCAT.
Other Factors
Medify offers a larger question bank and more mocks.
MedEntry has a more user-friendly interface and better customer support.
Strengths
Medify is excellent for building speed and accuracy under pressure due to the challenging nature of the questions.
MedEntry offers very detailed explanations for logical reasoning in Decision Making
MedEntry also has skill trainers for mental maths and reading skills
Weaknesses
Medify provides limited explanations and solutions and can be frustrating for some users.
MedEntry’s question bank might not fully prepare you for the full range of difficulties in the real UCAT.
Whichever option you choose you cannot go wrong, as long as you are consistent and revise daily you will be fine! Also a reminder that a low UCAT score is not the end of your application.
Click here to visit the Medify website,
Click here to visit the MedEntry website.
MedEntry Discount Code
To help you with your UCAT preparation we have affiliated with MedEntry to help alleviate some of the costs involved in your preparation
Our discount code: J2HJ2H
Discount amount: 10%
You might also be interested in our BOOST program.
Click here to go to MedEntry website.
Verbal Reasoning
The verbal reasoning section of the UCAT assesses your logical and critical thinking skills.
It consists of four passages with four questions each.
There are two question types: True, false or can’t tell questions and inference questions.
Types of questions
Inference
For these types of questions, you need to make a conclusion based on the passage so they are more time-consuming because you might need to read the whole passage to get the correct answer.
True/False/Can’t Tell
● True - can be inferred /stated in the passage
● False - cannot be inferred from the passage
● Can’t tell - not enough information present.
● It is relatively easier to know if the statement is true or false from the passage because there is usually a statement in the passage that affirms or negates the statement in the question but can’t tell is a bit trickier because you have to read the passage very carefully to make sure it is not stated in the passage and therefore a conclusion cannot be made.
● Make sure not to use any prior information you may have about the topic and don’t make assumptions. It is vital to focus only on what the passage states.
Top Tips!
Look out for qualifiers in the passage and question
There could be soft qualifiers for example might, could, possibly, some
Or strong qualifiers like always, never and must
You could read the passage first before reading the question or read the question first then read the passage, do some practice and figure out what strategy works best for you.
Reading the passage first allows you to understand the questions fully and makes pinpointing what part of the passage the question is talking about easier but it can be a time-consuming approach.
Reading the question first allows you to pick out keywords and saves time however you might miss out on crucial information elsewhere in the passage and it also prevents you from understanding the text as a whole.
Pick out key things from the passage like key dates, verbs and nouns.
Read the questions very carefully, it is very easy to miss out on keywords like not or except.
If you're not sure, don't waste time on a question, make an educated guess, flag and move on.
Read books, newspapers and articles to practice reading fast and picking out keywords.
Don’t rely on your prior knowledge for this section, focus solely on what the passage states.
Click here to go back to the main UCAT page!
Decision Making
The decision-making section of the UCAT tests your ability to reach a decision or conclusion.
Some questions have four answer options while some require you to respond to five statements by placing a yes or no answer next to each statement.
Questions types include:
Syllogisms
Logical Puzzles
Recognising assumptions
Interpreting information
Venn diagrams
Probability
We will look at each type in detail below. Please note some images on mobile might be difficult to read.
Question types
Syllogisms
For this question type you get partial marks i.e. if you get all the options correct you get two marks and if you get one wrong you get a mark.
Drawing Venn diagrams makes it easier to solve this question type.
For example, if we draw a Venn diagram as shown below, it makes it much easier to answer the question.
Logic Puzzles
Using your notepad is very important with this type of question don’t try to work it all out in your head drawing a diagram is more effective.
Shortening any names or colours given in the question when drawing your diagram also helps to save a lot of time.
Recognising Assumptions
This question type is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require any calculations.
It is important not to let your personal opinions affect the way you answer this question type. Don’t pick the answer option you agree with the most, choose the answer option that effectively addresses every part of the argument and isn’t a broad statement.
Interpreting Information
The information given could be a passage, pie chart, table or graph. The key thing with this question type it to use your whiteboard to present the information in a way which you can understand it. That is what is key.
Venn Diagrams
Some questions give you a Venn diagram in the question or give you some information and ask you to choose a suitable Venn diagram from the answer options while some require you to draw a Venn diagram to answer the question.
Make sure you are also aware how to quickly identify segments which apply to the question.
The correct answer for the question on the is B.
Probability and Statistics
Drawing tree diagrams for some of the probability questions makes them easier to answer.
Top Tips for Decision Making!
Draw Venn diagrams for syllogism questions - it makes it very easy to categorise information and answer the question quickly.
For graph questions read both axes carefully.
Keep your notes concise and shorten names to save time when answering logical puzzle questions.
Make use of your notepad. Make your workings clear so you can easily find information if you go back to answer a question.
Draw diagrams for logical puzzle questions.
Don't make assumptions, correlation does not always equal causation.
Click here to go back to the main UCAT page.
Quantitative Reasoning
The quantitative reasoning section of the UCAT tests your arithmetic skills
Some questions are standalone while some are connected to the same data
There is an on-screen calculator present to help with this section
When practising for this section it is better to use a desktop computer with a number pad and a mouse to accurately mimic the UCAT test environment
Most of the questions have a chart or graph with data
Question types include:
Percentage changes and decimal equivalents
Unit conversion - weight, currency exchange, time and temperature
Rates - rates for flow
Speed questions
Averages- mean median mode
Please note some images on mobile might be difficult to read.
Exploring question types
Percentage changes and decimal equivalents
You might be asked to calculate a change in percentage. To do so use the following formula:
Percentage change = (Final Value - Original Value) / Original Value
Unit conversion - weight, currency exchange, time and temperature
This type of question can take some time to answer due to the conversions therefore if you find yourself spending a lot of time on questions like this make an educated guess, flag and skip so you have time for some easier questions
Shapes - Volume, Area and Perimeter
For this type of question it is important to be aware of formulas to calculate volumes, areas and perimeters for common shapes. We have attached them all further down in the page.
Tax
Calculating tax can be really confusing because of the tax brackets so it’s important to do a lot of practice questions to get yourself used to it.
For this question type you will always be provided with tax bracket data so don’t spend any time to commit this data to memory.
Speed
You might be asked to solve speed related questions.
Ensure you have a good understanding of velocity/time graphs and acceleration/time graphs.
Averages - Mean, Median & Mode
Mean = Total of all numbers Amount of numbers
Median = The middle value when the numbers are in order, if two numbers are in the middle take the average
Mode = The value which appears the most
Range = Largest value - the smallest value
For example: 3,3,5,6,7,7,8,9
Mean - (3+3+5+6+7+7+8+9) / 8= 6
Median - (6+7) / 2= 6.5
Mode - 3 and 7
Range - 6
The UCAT calculator
Pressing the backspace or ON/C button on the calculator deletes all the numbers on the calculator
To store numbers on the calculator use the M+ button
To recall stored numbers use the MRC button
To delete stored numbers use the M- button
Quantitative Reasoning Top Tips
Improve your mental math. You can do this by playing brain games like Elevate and Lumosity
Do simple calculations in your head or use the notepad
Don’t use the UCAT calculator for all your calculations it wastes time
Use your notepad to make notes of your workings in an organised way so you can easily go back to your workings if you go through the question again
Memorise useful formulas and conversions
Estimate especially when the answer options are very different from each other
Make sure you understand compound interests and tax brackets
Read the axes of the graph very carefully
Click here to go back to the overview page. Scroll down for useful formulas, conversions and equations.
Situational Judgement
The situational Judgement section of the UCAT consists of hypothetical scenarios based on a clinical setting or as a medical/dental student
Each scenario has about six questions associated with it.
There are 7 main themes:
Confidentiality
Professionalism
Noncompliance
Distressed patients
Miscommunication
Coping with pressure
Teamwork
The UCAT’s Secret…
The SJT section of the UCAT is derived from the GMC’s good practice guidelines. This means the quicker you memorise and get used to it, the faster you will see an improvement to your SJT score! Click here to access the GMC good practice guidelines.
Question Types
Importance
Some questions come up time and time again. They have the same answers we well! These questions will always have the answers listed below:
If a staff member has a heavy workload but a patient expresses any type of concern - VERY IMPORTANT
Hospital / dental team reflected on a mistake that has been made - VERY IMPORTANT
If a patient feels inconvenienced and could potentially feel undervalued - VERY IMPORTANT
Appropiateness
For the importance and appropriateness question types you get partial marking if you choose an answer option close to the correct answer for example if the correct answer is a very appropriate thing to do but you put appropriate, but not ideal you still get some marks
Standarised answers:
If your friend feels squeamish before a dissection / teaching session, your priority is to calm them down
If a relative seems to be excessively speaking on behalf of a patient and you want to ask them to leave the room - VERY APPROPRIATE
Reporting dishonesty - APPROPRIATE, NOT IDEAL because you should let them own up first, but there would be no bad outcome so it is appropriate
Gathering opinions from everyone before making a decision for a team - APPROPRIATE, NOT IDEAL / VERY APPROPRIATE
Most Appropriate and Least Appropriate Response
Unlike the two previous subsections you don’t get any partial marking for this question type and you have to get both actions correct to get a mark.
Situational Judgement Tips
To get a better understanding of how a doctor/medical student should behave in certain situations and see what actions are appropriate read the GMC’s good medical practice.
In any of the scenarios, patient safety is always of the utmost importance.
Understand medical ethics, confidentiality, consent and capacity.
Know your role and the limitations that come with some of them. For example if the passage states that you are a medical student you should know that a medical student can’t prescribe medication to a patient.
Seniority doesn’t matter in some situations for example just because someone is a consultant doesn’t mean they can break patient confidentiality and you can’t report them or they can bully junior doctors or medical students.
Don’t escalate too quickly. Try to solve the problem locally before escalating. For example, if a question states that you are a medical student doing a group project and one of your team members isn't cooperating try to solve the problem within your group before escalating to your lecturer. The same also applies to scenarios taking place in a hospital or dental practice.
Click here to go back to the main UCAT page!
Conversions & Formulas To Learn
Conversions
Formulas
Equations
Speed (m/s) = Distance (m) / Time (s)
Percentage change = (Final Value - Original Value) / Original Value
Mean = Total of all numbers / Amount of numbers