If you are applying to medical or dental school for 2027 entry, your UCAT result will play an important role in deciding where you apply. One of the first questions students ask after sitting the test is simple: “Is my UCAT score good enough?”
The answer is not quite as straightforward as choosing one number.
A Good UCAT Score in 2026 depends on how you performed compared with other candidates, how your chosen universities use the UCAT, your Situational Judgement Test (SJT) band and, in some cases, the strength of the rest of your application.
However, the latest 2026 statistics give applicants a useful idea of where their score currently stands.
Important: At the time of writing, the UCAT Consortium has published preliminary 2026 statistics based on 20,794 tests taken up to 13 September 2026. Final mean scores, deciles and percentiles will be released after the testing period ends, so the figures below may change.
How Is the UCAT Scored in 2026?
The UCAT currently contains three cognitive subtests:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Decision Making
- Quantitative Reasoning
Each cognitive section is scored between 300 and 900, giving you a total cognitive UCAT Score 2026 ranging from 900 to 2700.
Situational Judgement is scored separately from Band 1 to Band 4. Band 1 represents the strongest performance.
This scoring system has been in place since Abstract Reasoning was removed from the UCAT in 2025. Because of this change, UCAT scores from 2024 and earlier should not be directly compared with 2025 or 2026 scores.
What Is a Good UCAT Score in 2026?
Based on the preliminary official figures, the mean total cognitive score for UCAT 2026 is currently 1970.
The preliminary deciles are:
| Percentile/Decile | Preliminary 2026 UCAT Score |
| 10th percentile | 1630 |
| 20th percentile | 1750 |
| 30th percentile | 1840 |
| 40th percentile | 1910 |
| 50th percentile | 1980 |
| 60th percentile | 2040 |
| 70th percentile | 2110 |
| 80th percentile | 2190 |
| 90th percentile | 2300 |
These figures suggest that a score of approximately 2110 or above currently places a candidate around the top 30%, while 2190 or above is around the top 20%. A score of 2300 or higher is currently around the 90th percentile, meaning it is above the scores achieved by roughly 90% of candidates in the preliminary dataset.
So, as a general guide:
Around 1980: close to the current median.
2100+: a good performance relative to the current candidate population.
2200+: a strong score, currently around or above the 80th percentile.
2300+: an excellent relative performance, currently around the top 10%.
These should be treated as guides rather than university admission cut-offs.
Why the Final 2026 Percentiles Could Change
It is particularly important not to treat the preliminary figures as final.
The UCAT Consortium has specifically warned candidates that approximately another 22,000 people were still expected to take the test when the preliminary statistics were published.
We saw a significant change last year. The preliminary UCAT mean for 2025 was 1939, but the final mean fell to 1891 once the complete testing population was included.
The same type of movement could happen in 2026.
Therefore, if you scored 2170, for example, you should not assume your final percentile based solely on today’s preliminary table. Wait for the official final statistics before making exact percentile comparisons.
Is There a UCAT Score That Guarantees a Medical or Dental School Interview?
No.
There is no national UCAT score that guarantees admission or an interview.
UK medical and dental schools use UCAT results differently. Some institutions place substantial weight on the total score, while others combine it with GCSE results, contextual information or other parts of the application.
Some universities operate UCAT thresholds. Others rank applicants against each other, meaning the effective score required can change each year depending on the applicant pool.
Universities can also consider individual cognitive subtest scores or the SJT. The UCAT Consortium advises candidates to check the current admissions policy for each university carefully before applying.
This is why asking, “Is 2150 a good UCAT score?” is only part of the question.
The more useful question is:
“How competitive is my complete application for the universities I am considering?”
What Is a Good SJT Band in 2026?
Situational Judgement should not be overlooked simply because it is reported separately from your cognitive score.
According to the preliminary 2026 data:
- 16% of candidates achieved Band 1
- 42% achieved Band 2
- 32% achieved Band 3
- 10% achieved Band 4
Band 1 is the highest possible result, while Band 2 also represents a strong performance for many applicants.
The importance of SJT varies considerably between universities. Some may incorporate it into their selection score, while others may use lower bands as part of an exclusion or shortlisting process. The UCAT Consortium notes that an increasing number of universities use SJT results during selection.
Always check the policy of each university on your shortlist.
How Does the UCAT Score Affect 2027 Entry?
If you are applying to a relevant UK medicine or dentistry course for 2027 entry, you need to sit the UCAT during the 2026 testing cycle. Your UCAT 2026 result is valid for the 2027 admissions cycle, including applicants seeking deferred entry for 2028.
One advantage is that you receive your score before making your final UCAS choices.
Use that information strategically.
A student with a particularly high UCAT score may consider universities that place substantial emphasis on UCAT performance. A student with a more moderate result may instead investigate universities where academics, contextual criteria or other selection factors have greater importance.
That does not mean choosing universities based on UCAT alone. GCSEs, predicted grades, course requirements, applicant status and individual admissions policies all need to be considered together.
Should You Worry If Your UCAT Score Is Below the 90th Percentile?
Not necessarily.
A high UCAT score can open more options, particularly at universities that place considerable weight on the exam, but being below the 90th percentile does not automatically make an application unsuccessful.
Similarly, achieving 2300+ does not guarantee an interview or offer.
The strongest approach is to assess your UCAT alongside your academic profile and then research how each university selects applicants.
This is where strategic university selection becomes particularly important.
Getting Support With Your UCAT and Medical School Application
Preparing for the UCAT is not just about working harder. Students often make greater progress when they know exactly which skills need improvement and have a structured plan for addressing them.
Dr Admissions supports medical and dental applicants through UCAT preparation, university-selection strategy and the wider application process. UCAT support includes live group teaching, one-to-one tutoring, timed question practice, mock preparation and targeted guidance focused on individual strengths and weaknesses.
Whether you are trying to Boost Your UCAT Score before test day or deciding where to apply after receiving your results, the aim should be the same: make informed decisions based on your own application rather than relying on a single “magic” UCAT number.
Final Thoughts
So, what is a good UCAT score in 2026?
Based on the preliminary figures available in September 2026, 2110+ currently places you around the 70th percentile, 2190+ around the 80th percentile and 2300+ around the 90th percentile.
But your percentile is only part of the admissions picture.
A genuinely good UCAT score is one that, when combined with your academic results, SJT band and wider application, makes you competitive for the universities you choose.
Most importantly, use the final official 2026 statistics when they are published and check the latest entry requirements directly with each medical or dental school before submitting your UCAS choices.
For structured UCAT preparation and strategic medical or dental school application support, visit Dr Admissions.
Also Read
The Best UCAT Tips To Boost Your Score
UCAT Preparation Course-Gain a Competitive Score with Dr Admissions
