Your Guide to the 2024 UCAT Cut-Off Scores for University Entry in Australia
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Written By Team MedView
Reviewed By Callum Chalmers (Currently studying Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - MBChB at University of Auckland)
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a crucial step in the process of applying to medical school.
The UCAT score you receive determines the universities you have a chance of scoring an interview for, with each institution having individual entry criteria.
We've created a handy guide that breaks down the requirements you need to meet in order to be considered for an interview offer at Australia's top medical schools — from the University of New South Wales to Monash University.
Plus, we offer a refresher on how the UCAT cut-off scores work and explore where to seek support on your medical school journey. Let's dive in!
UCAT scores: What do they mean?
Written By Team MedView
Reviewed By Callum Chalmers (Currently studying Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery - MBChB at University of Auckland)
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is a crucial step in the process of applying to medical school.
The UCAT score you receive determines the universities you have a chance of scoring an interview for, with each institution having individual entry criteria.
We've created a handy guide that breaks down the requirements you need to meet in order to be considered for an interview offer at Australia's top medical schools — from the University of New South Wales to Monash University.
Plus, we offer a refresher on how the UCAT cut-off scores work and explore where to seek support on your medical school journey. Let's dive in!
UCAT scores: What do they mean?
UCAT scores are the primary assessment tool for undergraduate medicine entry in Australia. A high UCAT score not only increases your chances of receiving an interview offer but also plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for various medical schools.
For some applicants, such as those from rural and remote areas, the UCAT score required might be comparatively lower.
The scoring process for the 4 cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning) of the UCAT ANZ is based on a scaled score due to the number of questions for each subtest varying.
It's not possible to make a direct comparison of the raw marks between these subtests and as a results, these marks are converted to scale scores that range from 300 to 900.
For the Verbal Reasoning (VR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Abstract Reasoning (AR) subtests, each question carries a weightage of 1 mark, while in the Decision Making (DM) subtest, multi-statement questions are weighted as 2 marks.
The total scaled score, which can be considered as an average score, is achieved by summing the individual scaled scores of VR, DM, QR, and AR, which can range from 1200 to 3600.
This overall UCAT score allows universities to compare applicants’ performances across different testing years, ensuring a fair assessment of candidates’ aptitude and determining the cut off score for admissions.
The final part of the UCAT is the Situational Judgement Test (SJT), which assesses an applicant’s ability to understand real-world situations and make appropriate decisions based on the information provided. The SJT score ranges from 300 to 900 — this scoring system is the same as that of the other subtests.
Importantly, the SJT isn't considered by most universities in the admissions process but you still need to complete it when sitting the UCAT.
Stay ahead in UCAT prep! Get the latest updates, key dates, and insider tips—delivered monthly to your inbox. Sign up for ON THE PULSE with MedView, our monthly newsletter, and your UCAT digest!

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UCAT score ranges and percentiles: What is a good UCAT score?
A “good” UCAT score is typically around the 90th to 95th percentile, which is the score required for entry into medicine.
Based on previous cohorts, the average UCAT score invited to interview is over 3000 — those with scores of 3100+ are more likely to be offered an interview than those in the 2800 to 2900 range.
Your UCAT score is a percentile score, reflecting your performance relative to other exam takers, and a higher score enhances your prospects of scoring both an interview and an offer at a commended medical school.
To access official percentile data for UCAT and better understand where you stand among other applicants, you can visit the UCAT ANZ website.
Australian medical schools requiring UCAT scores

A number of universities in Australia require UCAT scores for admission — these are:
- The University of Adelaide
- Central Queensland University
- Charles Sturt University
- Curtin University
- Flinders University
- Griffith University
- Monash University
- The University of Newcastle / University of New England
- The University of New South Wales
- The University of Queensland
- University of Southern Queensland
- University of Tasmania
- The University of Western Australia
- Western Sydney University
The average score invited for interviews varies depending on the university and how competitive the pool of applicants is. Keep in mind that these cut-off scores tend to fluctuate each year so it will rarely be the same as the previous year.
How do UCAT universities use scores?
Each medical school has different requirements and it's important to be aware of these when applying. Here's a look at how 12 Australian universities use both UCAT and ATAR scores in their admissions process.
The University of Adelaide
ATAR requirements
- For both the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and the Bachelor of Dental Surgery, the minimum ATAR needed is 90
- Although, in reality, those previously admitted to the University of Adelaide have achieved an ATAR of 99.75, which highlights just how competitive this process is
UCAT cut-off score
- To achieve an interview offer for the University of Adelaide, the cut-off score you need to achieve is around 2730 for those based in South Australia and around 3140 for those interstate
- Your UCAT score is weighted 100% when it comes to the interview offer stage
- For admission offers, the weighting is 20% UCAT, 40% interview results and 40% academic results
Central Queensland University
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR required for Central Queensland University (CQ) is 95, but in reality students admitted to CQU have achieved an ATAR of 98.7
UCAT cut-off score
- The UCAT cut-off score needed is around 3050, which accounts for 100% in landing an interview and just 25% in the final ranking
Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University
ATAR requirements
- For the Doctor of Medicine, which is a Joint Medical Program (JMP) offered in conjunction with Western Sydney University, the minimum required ATAR is 95.5
- For rural students, the minimum is 91.5
UCAT cut-off score
- The UCAT cut-off score for the JPM comes in at around 3090, which is weighted 100% for interview offer decisions
- When it comes to the weighting for admission to this program, applicants are assessed on 75% interview and 25% UCAT
Curtin University
ATAR requirements
- For it's Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees, the minimum ATAR required is 95 — but students need to achieve 98.35 to be considered competitive
- Curtin University also has a prerequisite that WACE (Western Australian Certificate of Education) students study chemistry in Year 12
UCAT cut-off score
- For local students, the UCAT cut-off score for Curtin University is around 2970 and this score is weighted 35% in the interview offer process and 20% for an official offer to the medical school
Flinders University
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR required for admission to the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences or Doctor of Medicine at Flinders University is 95
- The ATAR you actually need to achieve for consideration is 99.95
UCAT cut-off score
- The UCAT cut-off score for Flinders University is around 2870
- Ranking for admission offers are based on 90% ATAR and 10% UCAT
Monash University
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Medical Science or Doctor of Medicine is 90 but given the competitive nature of the applicant pool, the final ATAR required is 99.45
- Alongside the ATAR requirement, students also need to have scored at least 35 in English and 30 in Chemistry
UCAT cut-off score
- You'll need a score of at least around 3080 to be considered for an interview at Monash University and this score is weighted 50%
- There are 3 components included in the process: ATAR results, UCAT scores and a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) — the MMI consists of 6 interview stations that run for roughly 10 minutes each
- Your UCAT score is weighted at 33% for the final ranking
The University of Newcastle and University of New England
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR required for the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, which is a JMP offered by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England, is 94.30 for those from urban high schools
- Rural students need a minimum 91.40 ATAR
UCAT cut-off score
- The UCAT score needed for the interview process is around 3110 and this is 100% of the consideration
- Interestingly, the UCAT score isn't used for the final ranking, which is instead made up of a Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA) and Multiple Skills Assessment (MSA)
- The PQA is an online test that evaluate personal qualities that are considered important for the study and practice of medicine
- The MSA, on the other hand, is an in-person experience that is made up of 8 rotating stations and involves discussing different scenarios and activities with an assessor
The University of New South Wales
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR needed to be considered to study medicine at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is 96
- Although, because this particular degree is quite competitive, students generally need to secure an ATAR of 99.55 for a higher chance of scoring an interview
UCAT cut-off score
- Students need a UCAT of around 3060 to be competitive for the interview offer process and this is 50% of the weighting for this decision
- This score is weighted 33% for the final ranking, with your ATAR and interview used alongside this
The University of Queensland
ATAR requirements
- The University of Queensland requires a minimum ATAR of 95 but, to be successful in the final offer stage, you'll need 98.8
UCAT cut-off score
- While the minimum UCAT score depends on the performance of applicants and how many places are available, the lowest UCAT score that was invited to interview in 2022 was around 3030 for provisional entry applicants and around 2560 for the Rural Access Scheme
- This score is weighted 100% for the interview offer and 25% for the final ranking for admission
- You also need to have completed Year 12 English or equivalent and completed a MMI to be considered for an interview
University of Southern Queensland
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR requirement for the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is 95
- But, in actuality, students need 98.7 to be considered competitive
UCAT cut-off scores
- The UCAT cut-off score is around 3050 — this accounts for 100% of the decision-making process when it comes to the interview offer and 25% in the final ranking for admission
University of Tasmania
ATAR requirements
- The University of Tasmania (UTAS) requires a minimum ATAR of 95
- But, given how competitive the applicant pool is, you'll need a higher ATAR score of 99.95 for non-rural applicants and those who aren't from Tasmania and 99.45 for rural or Tasmanian students
UCAT cut-off score
- Applicants need to achieve a UCAT score of around 2530, and pass the 50th percentile
- According to the university, "groups of applicants with the same ATAR will be ranked by using the UCAT ANZ score as a secondary ranking method"
- UTAS uses the combined scores of the first 4 sections of the UCAT — the Situational Judgement Test is not included
- Other prerequisites include satisfactory achievement in Tasmanian Senior Secondary Chemistry (CHM415115) or equivalent within the last 5 years and satisfactory achievement in Year 12 English within the same time period
The University of Western Australia
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR for the University of Western Australia (UWA) is 98, but in reality, successful interview offer applicants need to score 99.75
UCAT cut-off score
- The UCAT cut-off score for local applicants is around 2970 and this is weighted 100% for the interview process and 20% for final ranking
Meeting your UCAT cut-off scores
Achieving a competitive score and working to meet minimum academic requirements requires a robust study strategy that focuses on both your UCAT and ATAR outcomes.
While you're guided through the ATAR process at school, the UCAT journey can seem a little less straightforward.
This is where MedView comes in — we understand the process of applying to medical schools is not only complex and confusing but it’s more competitive than ever before!
MedView Education takes med school admission to a new level through personalised admission support, application review, entrance exam and interview tutoring, and extracurricular mentoring for students in Australasia.
Our dedicated team and personalised support helps students get the results they need, with our UCAT students 5 times more likely to receive an interview and 4.5 times more likely to gain admission to an Australian medical school.
Plus, you can access a bunch of free and helpful resources — including insights from current medical students and MedView Admission Experts on the pathways and requirements to successful admission into medical school — via the MedView website.
Exploring alternative options for medical school admissions, like non-UCAT medical schools and postgraduate medicine pathways, is also a viable option. We'll dive into this a little more below!
CATCH MORE UCAT UPDATES!
Non-UCAT medical schools in Australia

Not achieving the necessary UCAT score to land a university interview offer is incredibly disappointing. When you put in a lot of time and effort and don't see the results, it can feel understandably disheartening and you might not know what to do next.
The good news is that there are other options for medical school admission that don't require the UCAT.
In fact, institutions like James Cook University, the University of Sydney (USYD) and the University of Melbourne don't use the UCAT in the admissions process [3].
The University of Sydney
USYD doesn't require applicants to complete the UCAT in order to apply for its medical program.
Instead, the university offers a Guaranteed Entry program, which gives you a confirmed place in an eligible degree with available places, granted you achieve the required selection rank and meet additional admission criteria.
Applicants need an ATAR of 99.95 in order to proceed to the assessment day, which includes a written task and group interview. Keep in mind that this is an incredibly competitive program with only 30 domestic places available!
The University of Melbourne
Similar to USYD, the University of Melbourne also offers a Guaranteed Entry pathway for students.
To qualify for a full fee paying place in the Doctor of Medicine, you'll need a 99 ATAR, while those looking for a Commonwealth-supported place through the Chancellor's Scholarship program need to achieve a 99.9 ATAR.
It's important to note that applicants also need to sit and pass an MMI interview in the final year of their Bachelor's degree and full fee paying applicants must have a weighted average mark (WAM) above 75 from their Bachelor's degree.
James Cook University
James Cook University also doesn't require the UCAT and tends to offer places to a fairly large ATAR score range.
The ATAR range of secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University for Semester 1, 2023 spanned from 91.85 to the highest of 99.95 [4].
This demonstrates how important the application and interview process is at a school like James Cook University and means you don't have to rely on your UCAT score if it came in lower than you would have liked.
However, bear in mind that the competition for spots at non-UCAT medical schools might still be intense, and fulfilling all other admission criteria is necessary to increase your success chances.
Frequently asked questions
What is a low UCAT score 2023?
A low UCAT score in 2023 is considered to be anything below 3000. If you happen to receive a low UCAT score, your best option is to explore non-UCAT universities or look at schools that don't rely as heavily on UCAT scores.
For example, while Flinders University requires applicants to sit the UCAT, it's weighing of results for admissions is 90% ATAR and 10% UCAT.
How can I interpret my UCAT score?
Your UCAT score is an indication of how your performance compared to other students taking the same exam, with a higher score indicating you did better than most. Therefore, your UCAT score can be interpreted as a measure of your academic success.
References
- https://www.ucat.edu.au/about-ucat-anz/universities/
- https://www.ucat.edu.au/about-ucat-anz/ucat-scoring/
- https://www.jcu.edu.au/\__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1878711/2024-MBBS-Dom-infosheet.pdf
- https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-medicine-bachelor-of-surgery
UCAT scores are the primary assessment tool for undergraduate medicine entry in Australia. A high UCAT score not only increases your chances of receiving an interview offer but also plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for various medical schools.
For some applicants, such as those from rural and remote areas, the UCAT score required might be comparatively lower.
The scoring process for the 4 cognitive subtests (Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning and Abstract Reasoning) of the UCAT ANZ is based on a scaled score due to the number of questions for each subtest varying.
It's not possible to make a direct comparison of the raw marks between these subtests and as a results, these marks are converted to scale scores that range from 300 to 900.
For the Verbal Reasoning (VR), Quantitative Reasoning (QR), and Abstract Reasoning (AR) subtests, each question carries a weightage of 1 mark, while in the Decision Making (DM) subtest, multi-statement questions are weighted as 2 marks.
The total scaled score, which can be considered as an average score, is achieved by summing the individual scaled scores of VR, DM, QR, and AR, which can range from 1200 to 3600.
This overall UCAT score allows universities to compare applicants’ performances across different testing years, ensuring a fair assessment of candidates’ aptitude and determining the cut off score for admissions.
The final part of the UCAT is the Situational Judgement Test (SJT), which assesses an applicant’s ability to understand real-world situations and make appropriate decisions based on the information provided. The SJT score ranges from 300 to 900 — this scoring system is the same as that of the other subtests.
Importantly, the SJT isn't considered by most universities in the admissions process but you still need to complete it when sitting the UCAT.
Stay ahead in UCAT prep! Get the latest updates, key dates, and insider tips—delivered monthly to your inbox. Sign up for ON THE PULSE with MedView, our monthly newsletter, and your UCAT digest!

UCAT score ranges and percentiles: What is a good UCAT score?
A “good” UCAT score is typically around the 90th to 95th percentile, which is the score required for entry into medicine.
Based on previous cohorts, the average UCAT score invited to interview is over 3000 — those with scores of 3100+ are more likely to be offered an interview than those in the 2800 to 2900 range.
Your UCAT score is a percentile score, reflecting your performance relative to other exam takers, and a higher score enhances your prospects of scoring both an interview and an offer at a commended medical school.
To access official percentile data for UCAT and better understand where you stand among other applicants, you can visit the UCAT ANZ website.
Australian medical schools requiring UCAT scores

A number of universities in Australia require UCAT scores for admission — these are:
- The University of Adelaide
- Central Queensland University
- Charles Sturt University
- Curtin University
- Flinders University
- Griffith University
- Monash University
- The University of Newcastle / University of New England
- The University of New South Wales
- The University of Queensland
- University of Southern Queensland
- University of Tasmania
- The University of Western Australia
- Western Sydney University
The average score invited for interviews varies depending on the university and how competitive the pool of applicants is. Keep in mind that these cut-off scores tend to fluctuate each year so it will rarely be the same as the previous year.
How do UCAT universities use scores?
Each medical school has different requirements and it's important to be aware of these when applying. Here's a look at how 12 Australian universities use both UCAT and ATAR scores in their admissions process.
The University of Adelaide
ATAR requirements
- For both the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery and the Bachelor of Dental Surgery, the minimum ATAR needed is 90
- Although, in reality, those previously admitted to the University of Adelaide have achieved an ATAR of 99.75, which highlights just how competitive this process is
UCAT cut-off score
- To achieve an interview offer for the University of Adelaide, the cut-off score you need to achieve is around 2730 for those based in South Australia and around 3140 for those interstate
- Your UCAT score is weighted 100% when it comes to the interview offer stage
- For admission offers, the weighting is 20% UCAT, 40% interview results and 40% academic results
Central Queensland University
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR required for Central Queensland University (CQ) is 95, but in reality students admitted to CQU have achieved an ATAR of 98.7
UCAT cut-off score
- The UCAT cut-off score needed is around 3050, which accounts for 100% in landing an interview and just 25% in the final ranking
Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University
ATAR requirements
- For the Doctor of Medicine, which is a Joint Medical Program (JMP) offered in conjunction with Western Sydney University, the minimum required ATAR is 95.5
- For rural students, the minimum is 91.5
UCAT cut-off score
- The UCAT cut-off score for the JPM comes in at around 3090, which is weighted 100% for interview offer decisions
- When it comes to the weighting for admission to this program, applicants are assessed on 75% interview and 25% UCAT
Curtin University
ATAR requirements
- For it's Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees, the minimum ATAR required is 95 — but students need to achieve 98.35 to be considered competitive
- Curtin University also has a prerequisite that WACE (Western Australian Certificate of Education) students study chemistry in Year 12
UCAT cut-off score
- For local students, the UCAT cut-off score for Curtin University is around 2970 and this score is weighted 35% in the interview offer process and 20% for an official offer to the medical school
Flinders University
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR required for admission to the Bachelor of Clinical Sciences or Doctor of Medicine at Flinders University is 95
- The ATAR you actually need to achieve for consideration is 99.95
UCAT cut-off score
- The UCAT cut-off score for Flinders University is around 2870
- Ranking for admission offers are based on 90% ATAR and 10% UCAT
Monash University
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Medical Science or Doctor of Medicine is 90 but given the competitive nature of the applicant pool, the final ATAR required is 99.45
- Alongside the ATAR requirement, students also need to have scored at least 35 in English and 30 in Chemistry
UCAT cut-off score
- You'll need a score of at least around 3080 to be considered for an interview at Monash University and this score is weighted 50%
- There are 3 components included in the process: ATAR results, UCAT scores and a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) — the MMI consists of 6 interview stations that run for roughly 10 minutes each
- Your UCAT score is weighted at 33% for the final ranking
The University of Newcastle and University of New England
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR required for the Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine, which is a JMP offered by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England, is 94.30 for those from urban high schools
- Rural students need a minimum 91.40 ATAR
UCAT cut-off score
- The UCAT score needed for the interview process is around 3110 and this is 100% of the consideration
- Interestingly, the UCAT score isn't used for the final ranking, which is instead made up of a Personal Qualities Assessment (PQA) and Multiple Skills Assessment (MSA)
- The PQA is an online test that evaluate personal qualities that are considered important for the study and practice of medicine
- The MSA, on the other hand, is an in-person experience that is made up of 8 rotating stations and involves discussing different scenarios and activities with an assessor
The University of New South Wales
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR needed to be considered to study medicine at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) is 96
- Although, because this particular degree is quite competitive, students generally need to secure an ATAR of 99.55 for a higher chance of scoring an interview
UCAT cut-off score
- Students need a UCAT of around 3060 to be competitive for the interview offer process and this is 50% of the weighting for this decision
- This score is weighted 33% for the final ranking, with your ATAR and interview used alongside this
The University of Queensland
ATAR requirements
- The University of Queensland requires a minimum ATAR of 95 but, to be successful in the final offer stage, you'll need 98.8
UCAT cut-off score
- While the minimum UCAT score depends on the performance of applicants and how many places are available, the lowest UCAT score that was invited to interview in 2022 was around 3030 for provisional entry applicants and around 2560 for the Rural Access Scheme
- This score is weighted 100% for the interview offer and 25% for the final ranking for admission
- You also need to have completed Year 12 English or equivalent and completed a MMI to be considered for an interview
University of Southern Queensland
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR requirement for the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) is 95
- But, in actuality, students need 98.7 to be considered competitive
UCAT cut-off scores
- The UCAT cut-off score is around 3050 — this accounts for 100% of the decision-making process when it comes to the interview offer and 25% in the final ranking for admission
University of Tasmania
ATAR requirements
- The University of Tasmania (UTAS) requires a minimum ATAR of 95
- But, given how competitive the applicant pool is, you'll need a higher ATAR score of 99.95 for non-rural applicants and those who aren't from Tasmania and 99.45 for rural or Tasmanian students
UCAT cut-off score
- Applicants need to achieve a UCAT score of around 2530, and pass the 50th percentile
- According to the university, "groups of applicants with the same ATAR will be ranked by using the UCAT ANZ score as a secondary ranking method"
- UTAS uses the combined scores of the first 4 sections of the UCAT — the Situational Judgement Test is not included
- Other prerequisites include satisfactory achievement in Tasmanian Senior Secondary Chemistry (CHM415115) or equivalent within the last 5 years and satisfactory achievement in Year 12 English within the same time period
The University of Western Australia
ATAR requirements
- The minimum ATAR for the University of Western Australia (UWA) is 98, but in reality, successful interview offer applicants need to score 99.75
UCAT cut-off score
- The UCAT cut-off score for local applicants is around 2970 and this is weighted 100% for the interview process and 20% for final ranking
Meeting your UCAT cut-off scores
Achieving a competitive score and working to meet minimum academic requirements requires a robust study strategy that focuses on both your UCAT and ATAR outcomes.
While you're guided through the ATAR process at school, the UCAT journey can seem a little less straightforward.
This is where MedView comes in — we understand the process of applying to medical schools is not only complex and confusing but it’s more competitive than ever before!
MedView Education takes med school admission to a new level through personalised admission support, application review, entrance exam and interview tutoring, and extracurricular mentoring for students in Australasia.
Our dedicated team and personalised support helps students get the results they need, with our UCAT students 5 times more likely to receive an interview and 4.5 times more likely to gain admission to an Australian medical school.
Plus, you can access a bunch of free and helpful resources — including insights from current medical students and MedView Admission Experts on the pathways and requirements to successful admission into medical school — via the MedView website.
Exploring alternative options for medical school admissions, like non-UCAT medical schools and postgraduate medicine pathways, is also a viable option. We'll dive into this a little more below!
Non-UCAT medical schools in Australia
Not achieving the necessary UCAT score to land a university interview offer is incredibly disappointing. When you put in a lot of time and effort and don't see the results, it can feel understandably disheartening and you might not know what to do next.
The good news is that there are other options for medical school admission that don't require the UCAT.
In fact, institutions like James Cook University, the University of Sydney (USYD) and the University of Melbourne don't use the UCAT in the admissions process [3].
The University of Sydney
USYD doesn't require applicants to complete the UCAT in order to apply for its medical program.
Instead, the university offers a Guaranteed Entry program, which gives you a confirmed place in an eligible degree with available places, granted you achieve the required selection rank and meet additional admission criteria.
Applicants need an ATAR of 99.95 in order to proceed to the assessment day, which includes a written task and group interview. Keep in mind that this is an incredibly competitive program with only 30 domestic places available!
The University of Melbourne
Similar to USYD, the University of Melbourne also offers a Guaranteed Entry pathway for students.
To qualify for a full fee paying place in the Doctor of Medicine, you'll need a 99 ATAR, while those looking for a Commonwealth-supported place through the Chancellor's Scholarship program need to achieve a 99.9 ATAR.
It's important to note that applicants also need to sit and pass an MMI interview in the final year of their Bachelor's degree and full fee paying applicants must have a weighted average mark (WAM) above 75 from their Bachelor's degree.
James Cook University
James Cook University also doesn't require the UCAT and tends to offer places to a fairly large ATAR score range.
The ATAR range of secondary students offered a place in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University for Semester 1, 2023 spanned from 91.85 to the highest of 99.95 [4].
This demonstrates how important the application and interview process is at a school like James Cook University and means you don't have to rely on your UCAT score if it came in lower than you would have liked.
However, bear in mind that the competition for spots at non-UCAT medical schools might still be intense, and fulfilling all other admission criteria is necessary to increase your success chances.
Frequently asked questions
What is a low UCAT score 2023?
A low UCAT score in 2023 is considered to be anything below 3000. If you happen to receive a low UCAT score, your best option is to explore non-UCAT universities or look at schools that don't rely as heavily on UCAT scores.
For example, while Flinders University requires applicants to sit the UCAT, it's weighing of results for admissions is 90% ATAR and 10% UCAT.
How can I interpret my UCAT score?
Your UCAT score is an indication of how your performance compared to other students taking the same exam, with a higher score indicating you did better than most. Therefore, your UCAT score can be interpreted as a measure of your academic success.
References
- https://www.ucat.edu.au/about-ucat-anz/universities/
- https://www.ucat.edu.au/about-ucat-anz/ucat-scoring/
- https://www.jcu.edu.au/\__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/1878711/2024-MBBS-Dom-infosheet.pdf
- https://www.jcu.edu.au/courses/bachelor-of-medicine-bachelor-of-surgery
Similar articels
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The UCAT
The UCAT, or the University Clinical Aptitude Test is the medical school admission test required for many universities in Australia and New Zealand. The UCAT is designed to assess applicants for the aptitude, attitudes and beliefs required of a doctor. In order to defeat the UCAT - we should understand what it is. First off, it’s a two hour computer based exam. There are 5 separately timed subtests - Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning and Situational Judgement. In this blog we break down each of the sections and offer guidance on how to prepare for this important exam.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning is meant to assess your ability to read something and draw appropriate conclusions. You can see why this would be important to a doctor - you’re part of a multidisciplinary team and will have to communicate effectively. In addition, doctors have to keep current with new research and draw reasonable conclusions from published findings. Decision making involves 11 text excerpts with 4 questions each, meaning this section has 44 questions in 21 minutes - that means an average of 29 seconds per question. That doesn’t even take reading the stem into account!
Decision Making
Decision Making is essentially data interpretation from graphs, tables, text and charts. You don’t need to have background knowledge on any subject, because part of what they’re testing is your ability to understand new information. Can you think of a time a doctor might have to do the same? This section has 29 questions in 31 minutes - an average of 64 seconds per question. Compare the timing of section to verbal reasoning, it’s more than double. Consider the length of time per question as an indication of how much the test writers want you to analyse.
Quantitative Reasoning
Quantitative Reasoning is a straightforward mathematics section - there are nine scenarios each with four questions. You’ll have access to an on screen calculator - which is functional but pretty clunky! You’ll have to strike a balance between using mental maths to be quick, and keeping your wits about you, and staying accurate. This section has 36 questions in 24 minutes - an average of 40 seconds per question. It’s not a lot of time to question your maths abilities!
Abstract Reasoning
Abstract Reasoning is used to evaluate your ability to locate patterns and understand logic, separate from your language abilities. If you’ve seen the guides online with pictures asking you to find a pattern - that’s abstract reasoning. This section is sometimes hard for students to grasp, because it’s such a different set of skills. It’s also probably the biggest struggle with time management. This section has 55 questions in 13 minutes - that’s only 14 seconds per question. Don’t even think about going into this section unprepared!
Situational Judgement
Situational Judgement assesses your judgement and character in different situations - the situations are usually clinical or education based. Either situations you’ve likely been in, or a situation you could be involved in future. Then you’ll have to evaluate the appropriateness, importance or consequences of the situation. It’s one way for universities to evaluate the characteristics that are important for future doctors! Situational Judgement has 69 questions in 26 minutes - an average of 25 seconds per question.
With so much to do - how can I set myself up for success?
Prepare
This sounds like a no brainer, but preparation is the most important thing you can do if you want to succeed on the UCAT. Going over questions is one thing but the most effective thing you can do is to practice under exam conditions. That means doing computer based exams - so when you get to test day, you know what to expect. Luckily MedView has a bank of questions.
Identify Your Strengths and Weaknesses
Time is a precious resource when you’re preparing for medical school admissions - you have to continue doing well in your studies, prepare yourself for an interview, and master a new exam. There’s not infinite time - so you have to learn how to study smarter, not just harder. So many students waste their time by continuing to drill skills that they’ve already mastered. It’s important to identify the weak points that need more TLC.
Learn Skills
Each type of question requires a specific psychometric approach to understand and answer so quickly. Skills and strategies to identify the problem and solve the challenging question are essential for success. MedView has a range of 1:1 tutoring, group workshops, practice exams and questions alongside our spiral learning curriculum to help students develop the skills necessary to succeed in time conditions. Our UCAT students are 5x more likely to receive an interview offer.
Sitting full-length practice exams under simulated conditions is the most effective preparation for developing UCAT skills. As this will familiarise yourself with the extreme time pressures, as well as allowing you to practise concentrating on psychometric skills for two hours. It is also important to practice using the computer-based platform that will be used when you sit UCAT as well.
Seek Help
Find friends that have taken the test before and ask for their experience. Better yet, schedule a free Academic Assessment with MedView today! When you start your journey as a MedView student, you are allocated an Education Coordinator who has experience helping hundreds of students get into med school. They’ll help you stay on track with your goals, offer you support, and help you succeed on your path to medical school.
Next Steps
The UCAT is an important exam that is key to medical school admission for undergraduates. We recommend starting your UCAT preparation early and integrating it into your study load to give yourself the best opportunity to succeed. If you’d like to learn more about the UCAT or how to get into Medical School, check out our free eBooks and blogs!
- What is the UCAT?
- How Universities use your UCAT Results
- A Quick Guide to Australia Medicine eBook
- A Quick Guide to New Zealand Medicine eBook
- How to Prepare for the UCAT
- What UCAT scores will get me into med?
MedView offers a range of UCAT preparation courses as well as personalised 1:1 tutoring with our expert team. If you would like to know more about the UCAT and how MedView can help, get in touch today.
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What can you do before the year starts?
Before the year starts, it is vital that you understand that the journey to becoming a doctor is a long and arduous process. Medicine is a life-long commitment whose pathway extends beyond the 6 years of study. It includes a progression from a house officer to a registrar, and application onto training schemes if you opt for the surgical pathway.
The vast majority of people who apply for medicine, do not have a clear picture of what they want to do in the future. This uncertainty is not something to worry about now – you have plenty of time to figure out exactly what you want to do. There is something in medicine for everyone. If you are still uncertain about the medical pathway beyond the 6 years of study, I would recommend doing further research.
Another thing you can do over the summer break is to identify your motivation to become a doctor. If it’s for the money, you may not be in the correct profession - it will be at least 10-12 years until you start earning the big bucks that all doctors are known for! If you have an inherent nature to help people and seek to make our society healthier, then you are on the right track.
Once your head is in the right place, enjoy your summer! The year will belong, and you will have to make social sacrifices to make your studies a priority. Make the most of the time you have by seeing friends and family, as you will inevitably see less of them throughout the year. You are likely to experience burnout sometime during the year, so optimising your rest now is important.
The single most effective way to distance yourself from your competitors is to start early and hard. After you have rested throughout December and into the new year, it is time to get started and get ahead. The Flying Start Course offered by MedView was my ticket to success. It is a highly intensive programme starting in late January that covers the first 6 weeks of content for the three core papers in the first semester. The advantages of this course are numerous:
- The most valuable aspect of Flying Start is the content covered. As the first semester contains 3 out of the 4 core papers, it is so important to get a good start. An early lapse within the first few weeks can completely derail your entire year. Being exposed to similar content ahead of time builds your confidence and gives you the opportunity to begin learning before others.
- There is a radically different teaching style from high school to university. Flying Start emulates the style you are accustomed to, while simultaneously teaching university material. This eases your transition and places students into a more comfortable and familiar environment.
- You can meet other motivated people. You may have heard the horror stories of people sabotaging each other, taking their notes and hiding their bags. While these are mostly exaggerated, there will still be those who resort to other measures to gain an advantage. The people doing Flying Start will be motivated just like you, and eager to get ahead. Working together and building these strong relationships before the year starts means that you have a better support group in place. I have met several bright individuals who were passionate and together, we were able to navigate the difficult year and succeed as a group!
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MedView believes in a holistic approach to medical school admissions, meaning we surround the student with a team of experts to help develop their candidacy and skills in all three major pillars in their journey to medical school, and now it’s even more accessible with the MedView Hub App!
Over the last decade there’s been a mass adoption of smartphones and a shift in the way people behave online and communicate. Australians are spending more time online, often using multiple screens, and consuming vast amounts of content each day. And it’s only going up!
Recent figures show that almost eight out of ten Australians use social media, and 87% of them use their mobile phones to access it. Fifty-nine percent of Australians access social media everyday or most days, and over a third of people check social media more than five times per day.
We often go online to chat with friends and family, share photos, or be entertained by cat videos. But the very same platforms we use to socialise can also be used to gather knowledge that we can apply in our offline lives. One of the areas where users can reap the benefits is online communities. MedView prides themselves on finding the best tutor, strategist or consultant for each student whether they be in Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom and having an online community platform allows even more core benefits for our students in a shorter amount of time. Now students can access over 320 tutors, strategists and consultants and get answers to their Synapse questions, interact in exclusive workshops, and most importantly make friends. The meaningful relationships with other members of the community increases knowledge and collective wisdom.
The MedView Hub App is our own online community platform for students, parents, tutors, and alumni to create a network of opportunities to participate in smart, focused conversation on specific medical school admissions topics (unlike the Instagram and Facebook chatter).
Over the last decade there’s been a mass adoption of smartphones and a shift in the way people behave online and communicate. Australians are spending more time online, often using multiple screens, and consuming vast amounts of content each day. And it’s only going up!
Recent figures show that almost eight out of ten Australians use social media, and 87% of them use their mobile phones to access it. Fifty-nine percent of Australians access social media everyday or most days, and over a third of people check social media more than five times per day.
We often go online to chat with friends and family, share photos, or be entertained by cat videos. But the very same platforms we use to socialise can also be used to gather knowledge that we can apply in our offline lives. One of the areas where users can reap the benefits is online communities. MedView prides themselves on finding the best tutor, strategist or consultant for each student whether they be in Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom and having an online community platform allows even more core benefits for our students in a shorter amount of time. Now students can access over 320 tutors, strategists and consultants and get answers to their Synapse questions, interact in exclusive workshops, and most importantly make friends. The meaningful relationships with other members of the community increases knowledge and collective wisdom.
The MedView Hub App is our own online community platform for students, parents, tutors, and alumni to create a network of opportunities to participate in smart, focused conversation on specific medical school admissions topics (unlike the Instagram and Facebook chatter).
Find out more and begin your journey to medical school by speaking with a MedView Academic Advisor for free today!
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