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With the release of the UCAT 2024 test results, candidates are now able to gauge how their performance compares to others and how it might impact their university applications.
In this post, we’ll break down the key statistics and what they mean for you as you plan your next steps.
2024 UCAT Mean Scores
As of September 26, 2024, the mean total cognitive score among 37,913 candidates is 2523.
Here's the breakdown of the mean scores across the four cognitive subtests:
Verbal Reasoning (VR): 601
Decision Making (DM): 620
Quantitative Reasoning (QR): 649
Abstract Reasoning (AR): 653
The score range for each cognitive subtest remains between 300 - 900. These scores are important as they reflect overall performance and are used by universities during the selection process.
Decile Ranking: How Does Your Score Compare?
Understanding how your total score ranks can help you make informed decisions about university applications. The decile ranking system divides candidates into ten groups based on their scores. For example, scoring 2520 places you in the 5th decile, which means you performed better than 50% of all test-takers.
Here are some key total scores from the decile ranking:
1st Decile (10th percentile): 2140
5th Decile (50th percentile): 2520
9th Decile (90th percentile): 2920
These rankings allow candidates to see where they stand relative to others, providing a useful tool for making university choices.
The following table provides deciles of candidate subtests and total scores. Each decile rank represents 10% of candidates based on their overall test performance. The 1st decile represents a score at the 10th percentile; the 2nd decile represents a score at the 20th percentile, and so on.
Situational Judgement Test (SJT) Bands
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) assesses how candidates approach real-world scenarios, an essential component of the UCAT. In 2024, the distribution of candidates across SJT bands is as follows:
Band 1: 13%
Band 2: 36%
Band 3: 38%
Band 4: 13%
A higher SJT band (Band 1) indicates strong decision-making and ethical judgment, factors some universities weigh heavily in their selection process.
How 2024 Scores Compare to Previous Years
Looking at previous years' data, mean total scores have fluctuated slightly but remained within a similar range. In 2023, for example, the mean total score was 2516, only slightly lower than this year. However, subtest scores, especially in Decision Making and Abstract Reasoning, have seen subtle changes, with Verbal Reasoning consistently around the 590–600 range.
The following table provides deciles of candidate total scores in each year. Each decile represents 10% of candidates. The 1st decile represents a score at the 10th percentile; the 2nd decile represents a score at the 20th percentile, and so on.
Situational Judgement Test (SJT) 2019 - 2023
The table below shows the percentage of candidates achieving each SJT banding:
What Does Your Percentile Mean?
If your total score is 2660, for example, you’re in the 68th percentile, meaning you scored better than 68% of candidates. Each university may interpret these percentiles differently, and some calculate their own based on their applicant pool. Always check individual university criteria for more accurate percentile data.
Key Takeaways
The Mean Total Score for 2024 is 2523.
Abstract Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning remain the highest-scoring subtests.
Decile rankings and SJT Bands offer valuable insight into how your performance measures up to other candidates.
Comparing results with previous years can help set expectations and plan strategically for university applications.
As you prepare your university applications, understanding your UCAT results in the context of these statistics can help you target institutions that align with your strengths. At GuideMe, we’re here to help you interpret these results and guide you on your journey toward securing a spot in your dream university.
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