What changed this cycle

From the 2025 cycle the UCAT dropped the Abstract Reasoning subtest. There are now three cognitive subtests, Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning, each scored between 300 and 900, giving a total between 900 and 2700. Previously there were four cognitive subtests scoring 1200 to 3600.

The Situational Judgement Test is still taken and reported separately in bands 1 to 4. If you compare a student's score with older cut-off figures, check they come from the same scale. A strong score out of 2700 is a different number from a strong score out of 3600.

The BioMedical Admissions Test (BMAT) was delivered for the last time in the autumn 2023 sitting and was last used for 2024 entry, so it plays no part from 2025 entry onwards. Universities that previously required BMAT have moved to other admissions tests or to the UCAT.

Older guidance still mentions BMAT. Each course's current entry requirements say which admissions test, if any, is needed, so that is the place to send students.

From the 2026 entry cycle, UCAS replaced the single free-text personal statement with three structured questions. Applicants answer each question in turn, within an overall limit.

The questions focus on why the applicant wants to study the course, how their studies have prepared them, and what else they have done to prepare. The exact wording, order and character limit are on the UCAS site. Those are the details most likely to change between cycles, so check them there.

Several new medical schools have opened or begun taking students in recent cycles, expanding the number of UK places. Recent additions include Pears Cumbria School of Medicine, the University of Greater Manchester, St Mary's and Ulster.

New places are typically capped and depend on General Medical Council approval, so which schools are open to which applicants changes year to year. Applicants should check the current status of any newer school before adding it as a UCAS choice.