How Do UK Medical Schools, Dental Schools & Universities Use the UCAT Situational Judgement Test SJT in 2024 (2025 Entry)
Dr Akash Gandhi·NHS GP and Medicine Admissions ExpertPublished 2 October 2024Updated 25 June 2026 9 min read
The UCAT Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is a critical component of the UCAT exam for students applying to UK medical schools and UK dental schools in 2024 for 2025 entry. This test evaluates decision-making, communication, and professionalism - essential qualities for medical and dental students.
Different medical schools and dental schools use the situational judgement test band in varying ways, which can significantly affect how applicants strategise their applications.
In this guide, we’ll break down which medical schools use the UCAT SJT score, those that consider the SJT score heavily, and schools where a Band 4 SJT score could lead to automatic rejection.
In 2024 we know that 13% of UCAT candidates scored a band 1, 36% scored a band 2, 38 % scored a band 3 and 13% scored a band 4.
Overview and importance of the Situational Judgement Test
Medical schools that DONT use the SJT at all (ie great if you have SJT Band 4)
Medical schools that DONT automatically reject SJT Band 4 scores but DO score the application (not ideal if you have UCAT SJT Band 4)
Medical schools that REJECT UCAT SJT Band 4 scores
Unclear Medical Schools
Dental Schools & SJT Overview
What Is the UCAT SJT and Why It Matters for Medical School Applications in 2024?
Overview of the UCAT SJT and Its Role in Medical School Admissions
The UCAT Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is the last section in the UCAT exam. It assesses how well applicants can respond to real-world scenarios they might face as healthcare professionals.
The SJT assigns one of four bands to each applicant, from Band 1 being the highest to Band 4, the lowest score. Medical students are tested on their ability to respond appropriately in these situations, which makes the SJT score an important factor for many universities in their admissions process.
Band 1: Highest score, representing the best decision-making and judgement.
Band 2: Strong score with good decision-making.
Band 3: Acceptable performance.
Band 4: Lowest performance, which can limit medical school options.
The Importance of UCAT Situational Judgement Test Band Scores for Medical School & Dental Applications
Different medical schools use the SJT score differently. Some weigh it heavily as part of their admissions process, while others consider it less important.
However, other elements of your UCAT score, academic qualifications, and interview performance can still keep your application competitive.
Medical Schools That Don’t Use the UCAT SJT for 2025 Entry (Updated in 2024)
If you’ve scored Band 4 in the UCAT Situational Judgement Test, don’t worry! Several UK medical schools don’t consider the SJT score as part of their admissions process.
This means you will be evaluated based on other factors such as your UCAT score, academic performance, personal statement and interview performance instead.
Where Can I Apply with UCAT Situational Judgement Test Band 4 in 2024 for 2025 Entry?
Below is a list of medical schools that do not consider the SJT score in their admissions process, making them ideal for students with UCAT Situational Judgement Test Band 4.
These medical schools prioritise other elements of the UCAT and academic performance. By targeting these universities, you can avoid the restrictions of having a low SJT score.
University of Bristol: Bristol does not consider the SJT score during selection, so Band 4 students won’t be penalised. They rank by UCAT before inviting to interview
University of Buckingham: Buckingham Medical School does not factor in the SJT score, making it an excellent choice for Band 4 applicants. They do not look at the UCAT at all, but is a private medical school.
University of Cambridge: Cambridge has said that they do not assess the SJT score at any point in the admissions process, allowing applicants with Band 4 to focus on their UCAT score and academics.
University of Dundee: Dundee Medical School does not consider the SJT score in their admissions, giving Band 4 students a strong chance based on other factors such as academics and the UCAT.
University of Exeter: Exeter Medical School does not use the SJT score, making it a suitable choice for Band 4 applicants. They put greater weight on the UCAT score and predicted grades.
University of Glasgow: Glasgow does not factor in the SJT score during their admissions process, making it a strong option for SJT Band 4 applicants.
Plymouth University: Plymouth does not consider the SJT score in their admissions, meaning Band 4 applicants are not at a disadvantage.
University of Southampton: Southampton does not score the SJT in their admissions process, making it a good option for students with a Band 4.
University of St Andrews: St Andrews Medical School does not use the SJT in their admissions process, allowing Band 4 applicants to apply without worry.
Medical Schools That Consider the SJT in the Selection Process for 2025 Entry
While some schools don’t consider the SJT, others use it as part of their selection process. However, Band 4 does not necessarily mean automatic rejection at these universities. The SJT score might be considered during interviews or in borderline cases.
Where Else Can I Apply with UCAT SJT Band 4 in 2024 for 2025 Entry But Perhaps Is Not Advisable?
Here are the medical schools that use the UCAT SJT but don’t automatically reject Band 4 applicants. This means you can apply here, but the UCAT SJT is scored in the process, so it may not be the most advisable to apply here:
Birmingham: Birmingham Medical School uses the SJT score in interviews. Although Band 4 doesn’t lead to automatic rejection, it does lower your chances of getting an offer. Have a look at their pre-application scoring online.
Norwich (UEA): Norwich uses the SJT during interviews, and while Band 4 doesn’t mean immediate rejection, it does make it much harder to do well (very few even with SJT Band 3 get offers here).
King’s College London: King’s College London uses the SJT score as part of the admissions process, but Band 4 is not an automatic rejection.
Sheffield: Sheffield Medical School uses the situational judgement band as a virtual 9th station during interviews. Band 4 won’t result in automatic rejection but lowers your chances.
Medical Schools That Automatically Reject UCAT SJT Band 4 for 2025 Entry
For some medical schools, a Band 4 in the UCAT SJT will result in an automatic rejection, regardless of your overall UCAT score or academic performance. These schools see Band 4 as an indicator of weaker professional judgment and interpersonal skills.
Complete List of Medical Schools That Reject Band 4 UCAT SJT Scores
The following medical schools automatically reject applicants with a SJT Band 4.
Medical Schools with Unclear UCAT SJT Policies for 2024 (2025 Entry)
Some medical schools have unclear policies regarding how they use the UCAT SJT for 2025 entry. If you have a Band 4 score, it's best to contact the admissions office directly for clarification.
Bangor: Bangor's policy on the SJT remains unclear for 2025 entry. It is advisable to contact the university for detailed information if applying with Band 4.
St George’s University of London: St George’s uses the SJT post-interview, but it's unclear how Band 4 is treated in the admissions process.
UCL (University College London): UCL ranks candidates using the UCAT and SJT scores but has not clarified how Band 4 will be treated for 2024 applications.
By understanding how UK medical schools use the UCAT SJT for 2024 (for 2025 entry), you can better tailor your application strategy. Whether you're applying with Band 1, Band 2, Band 3 or Band 4, focusing on schools that align with your UCAT SJT band will help maximise your chances of securing a place.
How Dental Schools Use The Situational Judgement Band SJT in 2024 (2025 Entry)
Broadly speaking there are two ways that dental schools look at the SJT.
They either don't look at the SJT at all (which is safe for SJT Band 4 candidates)
They either prioritise Band 1 or 2 and may consider Band 3 SJT/or only look at it after the interview sometimes
Dental Schools That Do Not Use The SJT In The Admissions Process (Safe for SJT Band 4)
If you have received a Band 4 in the UCAT Situational Judgement Test (SJT), there are still several UK dental schools that do not consider the SJT in their admissions process.
This means your Band 4 score in the SJT won’t affect your chances of being accepted into these dental schools.
Below are the dental schools that accept applicants with Band 4 as they do not use the SJT in their selection process:
University of Birmingham: Birmingham does not use the SJT as part of their dental school admission process.
University of Bristol: Bristol Dental School does not use the SJT score, so applicants with Band 4 are not disadvantaged. They rank by total UCAT score.
University of Dundee: Dundee Dental School does not consider the SJT score as part of their admissions process, making it a great option for situational judgement test band 4 applicants.
University of Glasgow: Glasgow Dental School does not factor the SJT score into their decision-making process.
University of Leeds: Leeds Dental School does not use the SJT score in the selection process, so Band 4 applicants will not be penalised.
University of Newcastle: Newcastle does not use the SJT as part of their dental school admission process.
University of Plymouth: Plymouth Dental School does not consider the SJT score at any stage of their admissions process. They do look at the total UCAT score.
Queen's University Belfast: Queen’s Belfast Dental School does not assess the SJT score when reviewing applications. They look at the UCAT alongside GCSE/achieved A Levels.
Dental Schools That Use The SJT In The Admissions Process
For applicants with Band 1 or Band 2 in the UCAT Situational Judgement Test (SJT), certain dental schools give these scores more weight in their shortlisting process. If you've performed well on the SJT, these universities could be great options for you:
University of Cardiff: Cardiff Dental School uses the SJT during shortlisting (see its scoring system) giving applicants with Band 1 and Band 2 an edge in the admissions process.
King’s College London (KCL): KCL factors the SJT into its shortlisting process, meaning Band 1 and Band 2 applicants have a higher chance of moving forward in the selection (but see its weighting compared to other sections).
University of Liverpool: Liverpool uses the SJT in the shortlisting process, so applicants with Band 1 or Band 2 will have an advantage. Band 2 can also be considered depending on your UCAT scores or academics.
University of Manchester: Band 1 and Band 2 are prioritised, so if you score in one of these higher bands, you stand a better chance. Manchester accepts Band 3 applicants, provided their scores exceed the cutoff. Band 4 is an automatic rejection.
The Situational Judgement Test is reported in four bands rather than a numerical score. Band 1 is the strongest, showing judgement that closely matches the expert panel; Band 2 is a good performance; Band 3 is modest; and Band 4 is the weakest, differing substantially from the ideal answers. Bands sit alongside your cognitive score out of 2700, not within it.
Is UCAT SJT Band 4 bad?
Band 4 is the lowest band and is the one most likely to count against you, as some medical schools screen out or deprioritise Band 4 applicants. It does not automatically end your chances, but it narrows your options, so you should apply strategically to schools that weight the SJT lightly. Always check each school's current policy before applying.
Is UCAT SJT Band 3 bad?
Band 3 is a middling result and is generally more acceptable than Band 4. Many schools that use the SJT as a threshold accept Band 3, though the most SJT-focused schools prefer Band 1 or 2. Band 3 rarely rules you out on its own, but a higher band keeps more options open, so aim for Band 1 or 2 where you can.
Can you apply to medicine with SJT Band 4?
Yes, but choose your four medicine choices carefully. Some schools do not use the SJT at all or use it only as a minor factor, making them more realistic with a Band 4, while others automatically reject Band 4. Because these policies change each cycle, verify the current stance on every school's admissions page before committing your UCAS choices.
How do medical schools use the UCAT SJT?
Schools use the SJT in different ways: some ignore it, some use it as a threshold (often requiring at least Band 3), some fold it into a holistic or points-based score, and a few automatically reject the lowest band. There is no single approach, so your strategy should be built around how each of your target schools actually uses it this cycle.
Which medical schools don't use the UCAT SJT?
A number of UK medical schools place little or no weight on the SJT, which makes them more forgiving for applicants with a lower band. Exactly which schools do this changes from year to year, so do not rely on old lists; confirm the current SJT policy directly on each medical school's admissions pages before you apply.
Do dental schools use the UCAT SJT?
Practice varies among dental schools just as it does for medicine: some do not use the SJT in selection, while others factor it in. If your SJT band is low, prioritise dental schools that do not weight it heavily. As with medicine, check each dental school's current admissions criteria rather than assuming, since policies are reviewed each cycle.
How can I improve my UCAT SJT band?
Study the GMC's Good Medical Practice and the four pillars of medical ethics, then practise lots of SJT questions, reviewing the official explanations to align your judgement with the expert consensus. Answer as the ideal professional would, not on instinct, avoid over-using the most extreme options, and look for patterns in the questions you get wrong.
Does scoring Band 1 or 2 in the SJT improve my chances?
Yes. A high SJT band keeps every option open, meets the thresholds set by schools that screen on the SJT, and can earn extra points at schools that score it within a holistic process. While many schools weight the cognitive subtests more heavily, a strong SJT band never hurts and can be the deciding factor between close candidates.
Does the UCAT SJT affect your interview?
It can, depending on the school. Most use the SJT only at the screening or scoring stage for interview selection rather than during the interview itself, but a minority revisit it afterwards. Its main role is helping decide who is invited to interview, so a strong band improves your chances of getting that invitation in the first place.
What is the UCAT Situational Judgement Test?
The SJT is the section of the UCAT that assesses professional and ethical judgement rather than cognitive ability. It presents realistic scenarios a healthcare student or worker might face and asks you to rate the appropriateness of responses or the importance of considerations, measured against expert consensus and guidance such as the GMC's Good Medical Practice. It is reported as a band from 1 to 4.
Is the SJT the most important part of the UCAT?
Not usually. Most medical and dental schools weight the three cognitive subtests (which form your score out of 2700) more heavily than the SJT band. However, the SJT still matters: a low band can act as a barrier at schools that screen on it, while a strong band protects your options, so it is worth preparing for properly rather than ignoring.
Ultimate Package students from our 2025/26 cycle, with their UCAT scores and offers, who trained with us for the UCAT, personal statements and interviews.
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Sophie
Medicine, King's College London
2025 UCAT2,590 / 2,700
“Harry got my UCAT up to 2,590, working through the sections I kept dropping marks on week by week. Gemma then ran my interview practice so the MMI stations didn't catch me out, and Dr Akash mentored me the whole way through. I'm off to King's for Medicine.”
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Daniel
Medicine, University College London
Medicine offers4 offers
“The interview prep was the part that actually moved the needle. Proper mock MMIs, not just lists of questions, and feedback that was honest about what I was getting wrong. I ended up with four offers and firmed UCL.”
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Aisha
Dentistry, University of Birmingham
Dentistry offers4 offers
“The Ultimate Package kept me organised from UCAT through to interviews. They knew what dental schools actually ask and tightened up my personal statement. Four offers in the end, and I'm going to Birmingham.”
Ultimate Package
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Charlotte
Veterinary Medicine, Royal Veterinary College
Vet offers4 offers
“Vet applications come down to the written SAQs as much as the interview. Dr Rebecca went through my SAQs line by line, sharpened my answers and prepped me for the panels. I came away with four offers and chose the RVC.”
