What are the UCAT Scores and how is the UCAT used by Universities?
The UCAT, formerly the UMAT, is a key part of Medicine admissions in Australia and New Zealand. UCAT scores will be used for 2020 entry in combination with other aspects of applicants’ profiles. In total, this will determine who are the best candidates for the course. Universities will use UCAT scores in different ways, so this is something important to consider this during your application stage.
How exactly is the UCAT used by universities?
Generally, the UCAT will be used as one aspect of an aggregate score for each candidate. UCAT scores, along with ATAR rank, current GPA and interview performance, are all assigned a certain “weighting” by each university. This differs depending on how much the university values each criterion. These criteria also depend on whether you are applying to Medicine directly as a school leaver (in which case ATAR rank matters more), or as a current student at a university (in which case GPA will be used).
The weightings for these different components vary considerably. For example, Auckland University weights the UCAT at 15%, GPA at 60%, and interview performance at 25%. However, Otago University gives UCAT scores a 33% weighting which is over double the value that Auckland gives them. Their GPA also gets a 64% weighting. Many universities are expected to weight all three components equally.
UCAT scores also have a role to play in how applicants are selected for interview. For example, for 2019 entry Monash University used a combination of UMAT and ATAR to determine the participants that would be invited to interview. They then used an equal weighting of UMAT, ATAR and interview performance to asses its candidates.
This is a common format, and if universities choose to use this structure it means that your UCAT scores will be used at two stages: selecting for interview, and final decision. That said, it is important to understand that many universities have not yet announced exactly how they will be using UCAT scores. The universities which already have a policy may also make changes before applications for 2020 entry open.
How good do my UCAT scores need to be?
Again, this depends on the university. If you’re applying with a low UCAT to Auckland, which has less of an emphasis on UCAT scores, it won’t be as damaging to your application. However, if you were applying to Otago where it has a higher weighting then it would be a different story.
That said, some universities employ a cut-off, meaning that they will not consider applications below a named score even if they are outstanding in other aspects of the application.
Universities have not released their policies on UCAT cut-offs at this stage, but Monash University and the University of Queensland have used a cut-off for the UMAT. They require applications to have got at least 50 points on each section of the test. Monash University also had a cut-off for the combined score of UCAT and ATAR for deciding which applicants to interview. Therefore, although it is difficult to provide exact policies at this stage, the UCAT is certainly a part of your application which should be taken seriously.
Of course, a higher score is always better, but a weaker UCAT score does not mean that your aspirations to study Medicine are over. Some universities are more interested in your academic record up to this stage, whether that is your ATAR or GPA, and a good performance at interview may also give you a stronger chance of getting in.
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Do I need the UCAT for all Medicine-related courses?
No. Every university has a different policy, and it is best to do your own careful research before signing up for the UCAT. You’d be a little annoyed if you signed up only to realise you didn’t need it! However, some courses are less likely to require the UCAT than others.
The UCAT is not usually needed for physiotherapy or optometry. It is often – but not always – required for dental sciences. Some universities, such as the University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne, do not use the UCAT at all. Here is a list of all the universities requiring the UCAT for 2020 entry, and the courses for which it is required:
- Charles Darwin University (Clinical Sciences)
- Charles Sturt University (Dentistry)
- Curtin University (Medicine)
- Flinders University (Medicine)
- Monash University (Medicine)
- University of Adelaide (Medicine, Dental Surgery)
- University of Auckland (Medicine)
- University of New South Wales (Medicine)
- University of Newcastle, Australia (Medicine)
- University of Otago (Medicine, Dental Surgery)
- University of Queensland (Medicine)
- University of Tasmania (Medicine)
- University of Western Australia (Medicine, Dental Science)
- Western Sydney University (Medicine)
Remember that many universities will not offer direct school leavers courses. Instead, you will need to be a member of the university for a year before making an application to the medical school specifically.
If you are applying as a graduate student, you may not need the UCAT to apply to these universities. However, you may be required to sit the GAMSAT instead. If in doubt, always check the information given directly by the university. More information can also be found on the UCAT official website.
Our Final Words of Wisdom…
As the UMAT transitions into the UCAT, this may seem like a confusing time. However, it is likely that many universities will maintain similar policies to the ones they had for 2019 entry.
Generally speaking, the UCAT will be a significant part of your application regardless of the university you are applying to, and it should be treated seriously. Even the universities which place a lower emphasis on the UCAT will still consider it as part of your application. A poor UCAT performance could block you from being invited to interview. Ensure this doesn’t happen and check out our Medicine programmes to triple your chances of success!
If you’ve discovered that you need to take the UCAT to get into your dream medical school, then let’s start preparing together! Our courses are run and taught by medical experts who are in the top 10% in their field. They’re more than happy to help you get there too with their sound, unbeatable knowledge of medicine and advice on the admissions tests needed to secure your place at University.
