Low UCAT Universities in 2023 (2024 Entry)
If you have received a low UCAT score in 2023 and still aspire to pursue a medical career in the UK, all hope is not lost. While a low UCAT score can limit your options, some UK medical schools place less emphasis on this exam or have lower UCAT cut-off thresholds.
In this article, we'll explore low UCAT medical schools that may be more accommodating to applicants with lower UCAT scores for the 2024 entry.
We will end with suggestions for other routes into medical school.
However, it is crucial to remember that entry requirements can change, so always check the latest information on university websites before applying.
👉🏼 UCAT Cut-Off Scores 2023 - 2024 Entry - Every Score You Need To Know!
1) Aston Medical School
Why apply to Aston if you have a low UCAT score?
Aston is one of the newer medical schools and places a higher weight on academics rather than the UCAT, this makes it a great choice if you have strong GCSEs and a low UCAT score.
Selection Criteria At Aston:
UCAT = ⅓ of the selection process
Academics = ⅔ selection process
After the interview, the interview score is added to the previous totals
Final selection = UCAT 25%, Academics 50% and Interview 25%
All SJT Bands are accepted
Top Tips For Applying To Aston With A Low UCAT Score
Calculate your academic score to see if you met their cut-off for an interview last year of 31.5 points out of 36 points.
Traditionally a lot of places are given for contextual offers (up to 40% in the past)
2) Cardiff Medical School
Why apply to Cardiff if you have a low UCAT score?
Whilst unclear how the UCAT is used at Cardiff, Cardiff has always placed great emphasis on GCSE grades, making it a great place to apply if you have very strong GCSE grades and a low UCAT score.
Selection Criteria At Cardiff University:
The top 9 GCSE grades are scored, it is believed that this is out of 27 points
Cardiff states that “The UCAT and GAMSAT may be used as part of our selection process” though it is unclear how
Top Tips For Applying To Cardiff With A Low UCAT Score
In the past, you have needed 27/27 points to be considered for an interview at Cardiff
3) Keele Medical School
Why apply to Keele if you have a low UCAT score?
Keele puts greater weighting on the medicine personal statement and traditionally has a low UCAT cut-off score (2280 for 2023 entry)
Selection Criteria At Keele:
UCAT (20%) = 5 points
SJT (8%) = 2 points
Other Contextual (12%) = 3 points
Personal Statement (60%) = 15 points
Top Tips For Applying To Keele With A Low UCAT Score
There is a high weighting on the Personal Statement - make sure that your personal statement adheres to their PS guidelines
Ensure that you meet their UCAT Cut Off score
It used to have a Roles & Responsibilities form, but this will not be used in 2024 entry, instead, greater weighting will be placed on the Personal Statement
Get your personal statement reviewed to help make it stand out
4) Kent & Medway Medical School
Why apply to KMMS if you have a low UCAT score?
Kent & Medway has traditionally had a generous UCAT threshold, though it has a relatively small number of places each year for medicine.
Selection Criteria At Kent & Medway University:
Fairly generously low UCAT threshold (2470 in 2023 Entry)
UCAT SJT Band 4 = rejection
KMMS has separate policies for pre-A level, post A-level, pre-graduate, and post-graduate applicants
A-level predicted grades are not considered
Slightly unclear how the UCAT and academics are looked at
Top Tips For Applying To Kent & Medway With A Low UCAT Score
The average UCAT score invited to interview at Kent & Medway in 2022 was 2629
5) Queen’s University Belfast
Why apply to Queen’s Belfast if you have a low UCAT score?
Queen’s Belfast places only 12.5% of its weighting on the UCAT, the rest is on academics. This makes Queen’s Belfast a great choice if you have strong GCSEs and a low UCAT score.
Selection Criteria At Queen’s Belfast:
UCAT = 12.5% (6 points)
GCSEs = 87.5% (36 points) - top 9 GCSEs looked at
Total = 42 points
Find out more about the Queen’s Belfast selection criteria here
Top Tips For Applying To Queen’s Belfast With A Low UCAT Score
You need to have strong academics (GCSE scores) - ensure that you work out your total score out of 42.
See the past Queen’s Belfast Cut-Off Scores to see if your score is competitive or not
Learn hot topics and practice role plays for the Queen’s Belfast Interview
6) Sunderland Medical School
Why apply to Sunderland if you have a low UCAT score?
Sunderland, like Keele, is one of the few medical schools that traditionally has a low UCAT requirement, and places a greater emphasis on their ‘Interview Selection Tool’.
Selection Criteria At Sunderland University
UCAT must be in the top 8 UCAT deciles (in 2022 this was 2250 and above)
UCAT SJT Band 4 is rejected
Resits are permitted under certain circumstances, if you have AAB, only the B needs to be retaken
Interview Selection Tool will need to be filled in after applying
Students will complete a Casper online test & a numeracy test online
Top Tips For Applying To Sunderland With A Low UCAT Score
Sunderland is good to apply to if you have lots of volunteering in terms of hours
You are allowed to list up to four volunteering/paid jobs (shadowing doctors during work experience does not count)
They only look at activities carried out in the last two years
Other Routes Into Medicine (that don’t require the UCAT)
As well as the UCAT universities mentioned above, there are other routes into medicine, each of which has its challenges, advantages and disadvantages. Here we will run through a few of them.
1. Sit the BMAT
Consider taking the BMAT and applying to universities that rely on this exam instead.
Read more:
2. Take a Gap Year
Your year will aim to ensure that you get your achieved A-Level / IB grades. You can then make a plan to improve your UCAT score in view of reapplying to medicine next year.
Read more:
3. Study Medicine Abroad
Most universities abroad do not require the UCAT and often have more lenient A-Level grade requirements. Many, however, may not be taught in English.
Read more:
4. Graduate Entry Medicine
You can go on to university either via clearing or through applying for another course. In your final year, you can then reapply for medicine.
This is, however, often a more challenging route to take than applying as an undergraduate. It may be favourable if you do not achieve the desired A-Level grades.
Read more:
Overall
While a low UCAT score can present challenges, some universities in the UK take a more holistic approach to admissions, considering factors beyond UCAT scores.
Be sure to research each university's specific requirements and policies, and don't hesitate to contact them for advice.
Remember that perseverance and strategic planning can still lead you to a rewarding medical career.
Frequently Asked Questions - Low UCAT Medical Schools
What is UCAT, and why is it important for medical school applications in the UK?
The UCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) is an essential exam for aspiring medical students in the UK. It assesses skills such as critical thinking and problem-solving, which are crucial for success in medical studies.
Which UK medical schools are more lenient with low UCAT scores?
Several UK medical schools consider factors beyond UCAT scores. Ones to consider in 2023 for 2024 entry are Aston, Cardiff, Keele, Kent & Medway, Queen’s Belfast and Sunderland.
How can I improve my chances of getting into medical school with a low UCAT score?
To enhance your chances, focus on strengthening other aspects of your application, such as academic qualifications, personal statement, and interview performance. Consider universities with lower UCAT thresholds.
Which are the low UCAT universities in 2023 (2024 Entry)
Low UCAT universities include: Aston, Cardiff, Keele, Kent & Medway, Queen’s Belfast, Dundee and Sunderland. This is because they often look at other factors important in the application such as volunteering or GCSE grades.
Are there alternative routes to studying medicine in the UK without UCAT requirements?
Yes, you can consider alternative routes like the BMAT, taking a gap year to improve your UCAT score, studying medicine abroad, or pursuing graduate entry medicine.
What are the low UCAT medical schools in 2023?
There are several medical schools in the UK that only require a low UCAT to apply to: Cardiff, Keele, Aston, Sunderland, Kent & Medway, Queen's Belfast and Dundee.
Can I apply to medical schools in the UK if I have retaken the UCAT the following year and improved my score?
Yes, improving your UCAT score through retakes can enhance your chances of acceptance, especially if you had a low score last year.
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