Unsure whether to take the UCAT or MCAT®? Discover key differences, how they’re used, and insights on choosing the right test.
For aspiring medical students, choosing between the UCAT and MCAT can be pivotal. The UCAT is essential for U.K. medical school applications, while the MCAT is widely required in the United States and at some international institutions. This blog explores the key differences between these exams, from structure to scoring, to help you choose the right path.
What Are the UCAT and MCAT?
The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an exam primarily used by U.K. medical schools to assess applicants’ problem-solving and situational judgment skills. It consists of five sections: Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making, Quantitative Reasoning, Abstract Reasoning, and Situational Judgment. Candidates typically take the UCAT in the summer up until late September before applying to U.K. medical programs. The UCAT is conducted by Pearson VUE.
The Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) is a key exam for students looking to study medicine in the United States or in certain international programs, such as American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC)’s MD program. It consists of four sections:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
The MCAT is usually offered every month from January to September to fit with medical school application cycles. The MCAT is conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
Key Differences in Structure and Content
Both tests are computer based, but have a variety of crucial differences.
Knowledge Requirements:
The UCAT requires minimal background knowledge and does not contain any curriculum or science content. It focuses instead on exploring the cognitive abilities of the candidates. On the other hand, the MCAT requires a strong foundation in science, especially for the first three sections. Only the last section, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, does not require any prior knowledge and is designed to assess a candidate’s ability to comprehend and analyze information.
Exam Length:
There is a huge difference in the length of each exam. The UCAT lasts only two hours, while the MCAT takes approximately six hours and 15 minutes, meaning you could be in the exam room for up to eight hours with breaks. This means the MCAT requires a lot more stamina and preparation for the day itself.
Fees:
Although fees can vary by test center and location, the 2025 MCAT registration fee is $345 USD for test-takers in the United States and Canada. Comparatively, the UCAT registration fee is £70 for test-takers in the United Kingdom.
Scoring and Result Use
The method of scoring is also different for each test. For the UCAT, the four cognitive subtests are scored on a scale of 300–900, with an overall score up to 3600, and the Situational Judgment section is scored separately in bands.
By contrast, for the MCAT, each section is scored from 118 to 132, with a total score range of 472–528.
The UCAT and the MCAT are usually used as one part of the admission process, and they are weighted differently by different schools. For example, AUC has no minimum MCAT score and prefers to look at a candidate’s application as a whole, so it’s important to consider these factors once you have your test score.
Choosing Between the UCAT and MCAT
There are some key factors to take into consideration when deciding which test to take.
- Career or Study Goals: The UCAT aligns well with U.K. medical schools, while the MCAT is essential for U.S. schools and international schools such as AUC. Therefore, it’s important to decide where you would like to study and work to determine which test would be best for you.
- Academic Background: Students with a strong science foundation might feel more confident and prepared for the MCAT. The UCAT, on the other hand, is well-suited for those comfortable with logic and quick decision-making.
There is also the option to take both tests, which can substantially widen your opportunities, but may be challenging to complete in one academic year.
Conclusion
Choosing between the UCAT and MCAT depends on your medical school ambitions and strengths. The UCAT is ideal for those targeting U.K. medical schools, while the MCAT opens up options in the United States and internationally — including programs like AUC’s Doctor of Medicine (MD), where students benefit from a global medical education and diverse clinical experiences.
The UCAT and the MCAT require distinct approaches, so understanding their unique structures and requirements is essential for success. If you’re ready to explore a medical career that could span continents, consider how each exam aligns with your goals, and reach out for guidance on preparing effectively.