Applying to medicine in the UK is competitive, around 20-30,000 candidates apply each year for fewer than 9,000 places. The first major hurdle is the interview, and how schools decide who to invite is not always clear.
Students often ask: which universities only look at GCSEs? Which only look at UCAT? Can predicted A-levels guarantee me an interview?
The truth: no UK medical school relies solely on one factor. Instead, each uses a blend of academic results, UCAT performance, and sometimes contextual or personal statement elements.
But the weightings vary dramatically, and if you know them, you can apply strategically.
Must Read: UK Medical Schools Shortlisting table
UCAT-Led Universities
These schools set academic minimums and then rank almost entirely by UCAT:
- Bristol, Sheffield, Southampton, St Andrews, St George’s, Manchester, Newcastle, Glasgow, Plymouth, Anglia Ruskin, Edge Hill, and UCL.
Why it matters: If you score highly in UCAT (top deciles, especially 2800+), you should strongly consider these schools. If your UCAT is weak, they are high-risk choices.
GCSE-Focused Schools
At these universities, strong GCSEs can outweigh a mediocre UCAT:
- Cardiff: famously GCSE-heavy; most shortlisting is based on GCSE scores.
- Queen’s Belfast: combines GCSE points with UCAT points.
- Hull York: uses a detailed points model, UCAT (40), GCSEs (30), SJT (15).
- Nottingham/Lincoln: points-based using both GCSEs and UCAT.
- Birmingham: complex weighted system, GCSEs can count for nearly half the shortlist score.
- Liverpool: explicitly scores the top nine GCSEs.
Why it matters: If you’ve got a row of 8s/9s, these schools reward that more than most.
A-Level / Academic Heavyweights
Here, predicted or achieved A-levels play a decisive role:
- Exeter: 75% A-levels, 25% UCAT.
- Barts (QMUL): 50% UCAT, 50% UCAS tariff.
- Aston: points model that leans strongly toward academics.
Why it matters: Top predictions (AAA*) can offset an average UCAT here.
Holistic Selectors
Some schools mix everything, UCAT, GCSEs, A-levels, personal statement, and context:
- King’s College London: considers all four.
- Cambridge and Oxford: UCAT used post-BMAT, but academics and interviews remain central.
- Edinburgh: UCAT deciles + SJT + academics.
- Keele: UCAT plus personal statement.
- Kent & Medway (KMMS): contextualised scoring + UCAT.
- UEA: blends UCAT and academics with no fixed cut-off.
- Leicester: 50:50 UCAT and academics.
- Aberdeen: 30% academics, 20% UCAT, 50% interview.
Why it matters: These schools suit balanced applicants, or those who benefit from widening participation.
Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM)
Different rules apply for graduates:
- Warwick: UCAT-focused.
- Swansea: GAMSAT only.
- Ulster, Surrey, Worcester, Cumbria: accept UCAT or GAMSAT.
Why it matters: Choose your test strategically; if you’re stronger at reasoning and humanities, GAMSAT may suit, while high quantitative thinkers might prefer UCAT.
The Myth of “Single-Factor” Selection
To be clear: no UK medical school says, “we only care about GCSEs,” or “we only care about UCAT.” All use a combination. But the weighting varies, and that’s where applicants can be smart.
- Got a very high UCAT? Target Bristol, Glasgow, or Sheffield.
- Have top GCSEs but weaker UCAT? Cardiff or QUB are safer.
- Holding AAA predictions? Exeter or Barts reward that.
- Prefer balance or contextual support? Consider King’s, Keele, or KMMS.
Medical school shortlisting is never simple, but understanding these patterns transforms your application strategy. Don’t waste choices applying blindly.
Match your strengths, GCSEs, A-levels, UCAT; to the universities that value them most. That way, you maximise your chances of getting an interview, the crucial next step in becoming a doctor.