How to score 700+ UCAT


The UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) is the first step towards entering dental school. To be competitive, most successful applicants score an average of 750+ across the 4 ‘thinking’ sections and achieve a Band 1 in the Situational Judgement Test (SJT).

To perform well, it’s essential to first understand the format and skills assessed in each section of the test:

1. Verbal Reasoning (VR)

44 questions | 22 minutes (plus 1 minute for instructions)

This section evaluates your ability to read quickly, understand complex information, and draw logical conclusions. You’ll be presented with short passages followed by questions that test two main formats:

• True / False / Can’t Tell: Determine whether a statement is supported, contradicted, or not addressed
• Most Suitable Response: Choose the option that best answers the question based on the passage.

Key tip: Don’t overthink. Time is not your friend in VR. If you have to think beyond the text to decide, the answer is usually “Can’t Tell.”

Effective practice method:

Train your reading speed and comprehension simultaneously. For example, read a random page from a book you haven’t seen before within a set time. Then, jot down what you understood without looking back. Finally, reread the page to check what you missed. Track your improvement over time — both in speed and accuracy.

In the exam:

Many students find it efficient to read the passage first, taking about 45–60 seconds, then spend around 15 seconds per question. Understanding the structure and key information in the text before answering helps you navigate questions more confidently and quickly.

2. Decision Making (DM)

35 questions | 37 minutes (plus 1 minute for instructions)

This section tests your critical thinking, logical reasoning, and ability to interpret data. You’ll face questions that involve:
• Multiple-choice options (only one correct answer), or
• Several statements where you must decide “Yes” or “No” for each.

Expect scenarios involving charts, tables, statistics, and written arguments.

Practice Strategies:

• Regularly review graphs and data sets, and practice drawing logical conclusions.
• When reading short passages, summarise what is explicitly stated and what is implied.
• Learn to identify ambiguous or uncertain information, as many traps rely on vague phrasing.

DM, at its essence, is a test of how logically you can think. Improve this by challenging your own beliefs and ideas - the more rigorous you are with yourself, the easier it will be to identify logical problems in others.

3. Quantitative Reasoning (QR)

36 questions | 26 minutes (plus 1 minute for instructions)

This section measures how effectively you use numerical reasoning to solve practical problems — not just raw maths ability.

You’ll work with tables, charts, and data sets to answer problems involving:
• Percentages and percentage change
• Ratios and proportions
• Decimals and fractions

Preparation tip:

Review GCSE-level maths topics, focusing on how to extract relevant data and perform quick, accurate calculations. The UCAT assumes proficiency at a strong GCSE standard. Practise mental maths and get familiar with the on-screen calcukatir — small time savings add up significantly here.

QR is all about mental efficiency, where hacks are most useful. Implement techniques to become better here.

4. Situational Judgement Test (SJT)

69 questions | 26 minutes (plus 1 minute for instructions)

The SJT evaluates your professional judgement, ethics, empathy, and decision-making — essential traits for a future healthcare professional. You’ll assess the appropriateness of actions and the importance of various considerations in workplace scenarios.

Key principles:
• Actions that are beneficial, ethical, or essential should be rated as very appropriate or very important.
• Actions with negative consequences or limited effect should be rated as inappropriate or less important.

Preparation tip:

Familiarise yourself with the nine principles of the General Dental Council (GDC) — they are invaluable for guiding ethical decisions and aligning your responses with professional standards.

The SJT will prepare you for real-life scenarios as a student or clinician. To master, this, learn the principles and practices expected of dentists and medics - these will guide you to the correct answer.