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UCAT Preparation Guide 2025: Succeed in the Medical Entry Test

Sep 18, 2025

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a standardised exam sat by thousands of students each year as part of the admissions process for medical and dental schools in the United Kingdom and a small number of international universities.

The UCAT is designed to assess skills that are considered essential for a career in medicine or dentistry, including problem-solving, critical thinking, numerical reasoning and decision-making. Unlike academic exams, it does not test scientific knowledge but instead focuses on aptitude and professional behaviours.

The test lasts two hours and is delivered on computer. It is divided into several timed subtests, each assessing a different skill set, and is made up entirely of multiple-choice questions.

Performance in the UCAT plays a key role in the selection process, alongside academic grades, work experience and interview performance. A strong score can significantly improve your chances of securing a place at medical or dental school.

The UCAT covers:

  • Verbal reasoning
  • Numerical reasoning
  • Abstract reasoning
  • Decision analysis

 

There is also a version of the UCAT called the UCATSEN (Special Educational Needs) designed for those that have special arrangements for a medical condition or disability.

 

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The UCAT must be taken by all applicants applying to study medicine or dentistry at the following university medical and dental schools:

  • University of Aberdeen
  • Brighton and Sussex Medical School
  • Cardiff University
  • University of Dundee
  • University of Durham
  • University of East Anglia
  • University of Edinburgh
  • University of Glasgow
  • Hull York Medical School
  • Imperial College
  • Keele University
  • King's College London
  • University of Leeds
  • University of Leicester
  • University of Manchester
  • University of Newcastle
  • University of Nottingham
  • University of Oxford Graduate Entry Medical Degree
  • Peninsula Medical School
  • Queen Mary, University of London
  • University of Sheffield
  • University of Southampton
  • University of St Andrews
  • St George's, University of London
  • Queen's University Belfast
  • Warwick University Graduate Entry

 

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UCAT Test – Verbal Reasoning

You will be given a piece of literature to read as the assessors are looking for your aptitude in reading information and being able to draw an analysis or conclusion from it.

There may be several pieces of literature to read, each with a few verbal comprehension questions that must be answered.

These questions will be statements of information and you will have to mark on your answer sheet whether you believe the statement to be true, false or that the answer cannot be determined.

Although some questions may seem slightly ambiguous, there is always a correct answer.

This test is administered onscreen.

There are 11 passages to read and 4 statements that correspond with each passage.

Underneath each statement will be three options:

  • True
  • False
  • Can’t tell

 

You will be given 22 minutes to complete the test.

The passages that you will be given to read are usually factual and are extracted from books, magazines and newspapers.

All of the information you need to answer the questions will be given to you, no other knowledge is required.

The extract is there to convey information to you or attempt to persuade you to a certain viewpoint.

  • You should answer ‘True’ if there is definitely information in the passage that corresponds with the statement, either there in black or white or can be logically deduced.
  • Selecting ‘False’ as your answer would suggest that the statement given is in direct conflict with the passage or it is distinctly implied that it would be a contradiction.
  • You should select the ‘Can’t tell’ option if there is not enough information given to you in the passage to be able to make a firm judgement.

 

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UCAT Test – Quantitative Reasoning

This portion focuses on your numerical abilities.

Information is provided in the form of tables, charts or graphs.

There will be four separate questions for each piece of information given to you and four or five answer choices.

It is assumed that you studied a Maths GCSE to a fairly high level in this test, but the test is not measuring your mathematical ability, simply your ability to reason mathematically and to make sense of numbers and patterns.

You will need to be able to perform simple equations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication and division without the use of a calculator.

 

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UCAT Test – Abstract Reasoning

The purpose of an abstract reasoning test is to measure your general intelligence without the influence of your social and education knowledge thus far.

It gives a clear indication of your capacity for learning.

You are only given basic knowledge with which to answer a question so it tests how well you are able to use this logic and consists of sequences of shapes or patterns.

Firstly, the shapes must be identified.

  • How big are they
  • What colour are they
  • How many are there
  • Ehat is their shape, etc.

 

Then, you are able to look at the bigger picture and see if there is any pattern in the shapes.

The shapes could be mirrored (i.e. flipped over), the colours could reverse or the shapes could follow a pattern.

Once you have grasped the pattern you should be able to decide which symbol should fit in next.

 

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UCAT Test – Decision Analysis

This portion is testing how well you are able to make sense of coded information and if you can trust your own judgement enough to make a decision that may not be completely logic based.

You will be given one situation together with some coded information and must use it to make sense of the terms that are then given to you.

The terms and questions in relation will get progressively harder.

You are being assessed on your ability to make decisions which will look at how well you can make sense of information, analyse facts and put everything together to make a decision when you may not have all of the relevant information.

The test will be onscreen and there will be one scenario with 26 related items following.

There will be four or five responses available for each item and in some cases, there may be more than one correct answer.

If a multiple response is required it will be stated so be sure to read all of the information.

 

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UCAT Example Questions

 

Verbal Reasoning

Question 1

Passage:

"Recent studies suggest that drinking two to three cups of coffee per day can lower the risk of heart disease, while excessive intake (over five cups) may increase anxiety and disrupt sleep."

Statement: Drinking one cup of coffee per day lowers the risk of heart disease.

a) True
b) False
c) Can’t tell

The correct answer is: c) Can’t tell

The passage mentions two to three cups lowering risk, but does not specify one cup.

Question 2

Statement: Excessive coffee intake may lead to disrupted sleep.

a) True
b) False
c) Can’t tell

The correct answer is: a) True

Directly stated in the passage.

 

Quantitative Reasoning

Question 1

A clinic treated 240 patients in one week. 30% were children, 25% were elderly, and the rest were adults.

How many adult patients were treated?

a) 72
b) 96
c) 120
d) 108

The correct answer is: d) 108

Children = 30% of 240 = 72.
Elderly = 25% of 240 = 60.
Children + elderly = 132.
Adults = 240 – 132 = 108.

Question 2

A patient’s prescription requires 120 mg of a drug per day, split into 3 equal doses. Each tablet contains 20 mg.

How many tablets does the patient take daily?

a) 4
b) 6
c) 8
d) 12

The correct answer is: b) 6

120 ÷ 20 = 6 tablets.

 

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Abstract Reasoning

Question 1

Set A: Shapes with an even number of sides are shaded.
Set B: Shapes with an odd number of sides are unshaded.

Which set does a shaded pentagon belong to?

a) Set A
b) Set B
c) Neither
d) Both

The correct answer is: c) Neither

A pentagon has 5 sides (odd), so shaded doesn’t fit either rule.

Question 2

Pattern: Circle, triangle, square, circle, triangle, … What comes next?

a) Circle
b) Triangle
c) Square
d) Hexagon

The correct answer is: c) Square

The sequence repeats every three shapes.

 

Decision Making

Question 1

If all doctors are scientists, and some scientists are musicians, which conclusion follows?

a) Some doctors are musicians.
b) All musicians are doctors.
c) Some scientists may not be doctors.
d) All scientists are doctors.

The correct answer is: c) Some scientists may not be doctors.

We know all doctors are scientists, but not that all scientists are doctors.

Question 2

You are given a coded message:

X = “The clinic is open on Mondays.”
Y = “The clinic is closed on Tuesdays.”

If the code “X and Y” is true, what can you conclude?

a) The clinic is open on Mondays and closed on Tuesdays.
b) The clinic is closed on both Mondays and Tuesdays.
c) The clinic is open on both Mondays and Tuesdays.
d) The clinic is open on Tuesdays but closed on Mondays.

The correct answer is: a) The clinic is open on Mondays and closed on Tuesdays.

Both coded statements are taken as true.

 

Situational Judgement (SJT)

Question 1

A medical student notices a fellow student looking at their phone during a clinical exam.
How appropriate is it to immediately report this to the exam supervisor?

a) Very appropriate
b) Appropriate, but not ideal
c) Inappropriate, but not awful
d) Very inappropriate

The correct answer is: a) Very appropriate

Academic misconduct must be reported promptly.

Question 2

You are a trainee doctor. A patient asks you about a complex diagnosis that you do not fully understand.

How appropriate is it to tell them your opinion anyway so they feel reassured?

a) Very appropriate
b) Appropriate, but not ideal
c) Inappropriate, but not awful
d) Very inappropriate

The correct answer is: d) Very inappropriate

Giving information outside your knowledge could mislead the patient. The correct action is to refer to a senior.

 

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How to Prepare for the UCAT

Preparation is key to achieving a strong UCAT score. Unlike academic exams, the UCAT does not test specific subject knowledge, but it does measure speed, reasoning and decision-making under pressure.

Here are some proven strategies:

 

1. Understand the format

  • Familiarise yourself with all five subtests: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, Decision Making and the Situational Judgement Test.

  • Know the timing for each section and how many questions you will face.

 

2. Practise under timed conditions

  • Use official UCAT practice tests to get used to onscreen formats and the strict time limits.

  • Train yourself to move on quickly from questions you find difficult.

 

3. Build test-taking stamina

  • The UCAT lasts two hours without breaks. Replicate this in practice to strengthen concentration and reduce fatigue.

 

4. Develop section-specific strategies

  • Verbal Reasoning: Skim passages for keywords rather than reading every word.

  • Quantitative Reasoning: Refresh GCSE-level maths skills and practise mental arithmetic.

  • Abstract Reasoning: Train yourself to spot common shape patterns (e.g., symmetry, number of sides, colour changes).

  • Decision Making: Practise interpreting data and applying logical rules quickly.

  • Situational Judgement: Review medical ethics principles and NHS values to guide appropriate responses.

 

5. Use high-quality resources

  • Start with the free UCAT practice materials available on the official UCAT website.

  • Supplement with reputable test-prep books, online courses and apps.

 

6. Plan your preparation

  • Begin at least 6–8 weeks before your test date.

  • Set aside short, regular study sessions (e.g., 1–2 hours daily).

  • Mix full-length practice tests with shorter drills to improve both endurance and speed.

 

7. Manage exam-day stress

  • Practise mindfulness or breathing exercises to stay calm under pressure.

  • Know the logistics: confirm your test centre, what ID you need and the rules on calculators and rough paper.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions

 

When can I take the UCAT?

The UCAT is typically sat between July and September each year. Registration opens in the spring, and you must book a test date in advance through Pearson VUE.

 

How is the UCAT scored?

Each of the four cognitive subtests (Verbal, Quantitative, Abstract Reasoning and Decision Making) is scored on a scale of 300–900. The Situational Judgement Test is scored separately in Bands 1–4.

 

How many times can I sit the UCAT?

You can take the UCAT once per application cycle. If unsuccessful, you may resit in the following year.

 

What is a good UCAT score?

A competitive score is usually above 2,600 overall (650+ average per section), though this varies by university and year. Always check the requirements of the schools you are applying to.

 

Is the UCAT harder than the BMAT?

The UCAT is faster-paced and heavily time-pressured, while the BMAT tests more scientific knowledge and essay writing. Which is “harder” depends on your personal strengths, but most UK medical schools require either UCAT or BMAT, not both.

 

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Final Thoughts

The UCAT is a challenging but highly achievable test if you approach it with the right preparation and mindset. It is designed to measure the skills and behaviours needed for success in medicine and dentistry, not your scientific knowledge.

By understanding the format, practising under timed conditions and developing strategies for each subtest, you can significantly improve your performance. Remember that the UCAT is only one part of the admissions process, alongside your academic record, personal statement and interviews.

Consistent practice, familiarity with the question styles and strong time management will give you the best chance of securing the score you need. Approach your preparation steadily and with focus, and you’ll enter the exam ready to show your full potential.

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