Applying to Medical School Strategically: Part 2 - Where to Apply with a High UCAT Score
Posted: September 22, 2026 by Stan
In this blog series we are exploring how you should use your UCAT scores when applying for medical school, in order to maximise your chances of securing a place. This blog details which universities to consider applying to with a high UCAT score.
Older figures are shown as originally published on the pre-2025 four-subtest scale (out of 3600). Unmarked figures are displayed on the current three-subtest scale (out of 2700).
What does my UCAT score mean?
First of all, congratulations on achieving such a fantastic UCAT score! A high UCAT score generally means placing in the top decile of that year's cohort (decile 9 and above). Decile and percentile boundaries are published after the UCAT testing period ends each cycle and shift slightly year to year. See Part 1 of this series for score thresholds by decile across recent years.
It is important to note that scoring in the top decile will not necessarily guarantee you an interview at every medical school. However, applying to universities that place a large emphasis on UCAT will greatly improve your chances.
A top-decile UCAT score, alongside high predicted A-Level grades and GCSE results, almost guarantees an interview invitation at universities which require the UCAT.
Where should I apply?
Here are some medical schools where a high UCAT score is needed, and where you should consider applying. Tap a university to see its full breakdown:
University of Cambridge School of Clinical Medicine
| Typical grades | A*A*A |
| Required subjects |
93% of applicants study at least three sciences, and fewer than 3% of two-science applicants receive an offer. Chemistry, Mathematics and Further Mathematics together is discouraged without first contacting a college. |
| GCSE requirements | No specific GCSE requirements. Please note that colleges have varying subject and grade requirements, so if you are interested in applying to Cambridge, we recommend visiting their website for more details. |
| How UCAT is used | The overall cognitive subtest score is used as part of selection for interview, and may also be considered when making offers, alongside the rest of the application. |
| UCAT threshold | No minimum threshold. UCAT is considered alongside the rest of the application, both for interview selection and when offers are made. |
| Situational Judgement | Not used. |
University of Oxford School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences
| Typical grades | A*AA |
| Required subjects |
All three A-levels must be taken in the same academic year, excluding Critical Thinking and Thinking Skills. Further subjects in Biology, Physics, Mathematics or Further Mathematics are recommended. |
| GCSE requirements | No specific GCSE requirements, but Oxford uses GCSE results and UCAT scores to form a "numerical ranking" which they use to select candidates for interview. A competitive application would have mostly 8s and 9s. |
| How UCAT is used | The cognitive UCAT score is combined with GCSEs to rank applicants, with the strongest invited to interview. Oxford states that all non-selected applicants are reviewed by tutors to identify candidates close to interview selection. |
| UCAT threshold | 2026 entry: mean UCAT score of 2217.5 across all applicants, mean 2377.5 across all shortlisted, mean 2407.1 for those receiving offers |
| Situational Judgement | Not used before interview. |
Imperial College School of Medicine
| Typical grades | A*AA (A* in Biology or Chemistry) |
| Required subjects |
For contextual offers, the A* can be in any subject. General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. |
| GCSE requirements | GCSE grade B/6 in English |
| How UCAT is used | UCAT is used to help shortlist for interview, but is not the sole factor. Imperial normally interviews the top third of applicants; thresholds vary year to year with the cohort's score distribution and the applicant-to-place ratio. |
| UCAT threshold | 2026 entry: 2320 home, 2310 overseas/EU, 2170 widening participation/contextual |
| Situational Judgement | Band 4 leads to automatic rejection. |
University of Bristol Medical School
| Typical grades | AAA (ABB contextual) |
| Required subjects |
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| GCSE requirements | GCSE grade A/7 in Mathematics and C/4 in English |
| How UCAT is used | Students who meet the academic requirements are ranked entirely upon UCAT scores, with the highest-scoring individuals invited to interview. |
| UCAT threshold | 2026 entry: home 2240, international 2270 |
| Situational Judgement | Not used. |
King's College London GKT School of Medical Education
| Typical grades | A*AA |
| Required subjects |
General Studies, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills and Global Perspectives are not accepted. |
| GCSE requirements | GCSE grade B/6 in English Language and Mathematics |
| How UCAT is used | The overall UCAT score is given more consideration than individual subtest scores. Selectors also weigh GCSE performance, predicted or achieved A-level grades, the personal statement and the reference. |
| UCAT threshold |
No fixed threshold in any year, though all applicants must sit the UCAT. 2024 entry: mean UCAT interviewee score 3020/3600 across all applicants, 3007/3600 for UK applicants, 3078/3600 for Non-UK applicants. |
| Situational Judgement | Taken into account when shortlisting. Band 3 was the lowest band offered both an interview and a place between 2020 and 2024. |
University of Edinburgh Medical School
| Typical grades | AAA |
| Required subjects |
Only one of Mathematics or Further Mathematics will be considered, and only one of Biology or Human Biology will be considered. The remaining A-level can be in any other subject, except a small number Edinburgh does not accept. |
| GCSE requirements |
Double Award combined sciences, or equivalent, at AA/77 may replace GCSE grades in sciences. Additional Applied Science and Applied Science are not accepted. |
| How UCAT is used |
Applicants are ranked via a points system: UCAT scores are divided into deciles and combined with a Situational Judgement score and academic score to determine initial ranking and possible invitation to interview. Individual section scores may be revisited where applicants are tied and places are limited. Following interview, the final score is weighted as: 25% academic score, 17.5% UCAT decile, 7.5% Situational Judgement banding, 50% interview score. |
| UCAT threshold |
2027 entry: minimum total cut-off of 1850. Applicants scoring below this are not considered, except Plus Flag applicants. 2024 entry: average 2777/3600 Scottish, 3093/3600 rest of UK Edinburgh treats RUK/ROI applicants separately from Scottish applicants, with stricter place limits and higher thresholds for those living outside Scotland. |
| Situational Judgement | Band 4 leads to automatic rejection. |
University of Birmingham Medical School
| Typical grades | AAA (predicted AAB minimum) |
| Required subjects |
No preference for the third A-level, but General Studies, Critical Thinking and EPQ are not accepted as one. |
| GCSE requirements |
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| How UCAT is used | Applications receive an overall score combining three weighted components: 45% academic, 40% UCAT, 15% contextual. The UCAT component (cognitive subtests only, excluding SJT) is ranked into national deciles, with each decile awarded a score. Interview selection is based on this combined total. |
| UCAT threshold | No minimum cut-off score. |
| Situational Judgement | Used at interview stage. |
Note: UCAT score thresholds do change year-to-year and are impossible to predict with certainty until after the UCAS October 15th deadline.
Check out other blogs in this series:
- Applying to Medical School Strategically: Part 1 - Using Your UCAT Score
- Applying to Medical School Strategically: Part 3 - Where to Apply with a Good UCAT Score
- Applying to Medical School Strategically: Part 4 - Where to Apply with an Average UCAT Score
- Applying to Medical School Strategically: Part 5 - Where to apply with a Low UCAT Score
Last updated: September 2026
