UCAT Tutor: 1:1 & Small-Group UCAT Prep

The UCAT now has four subtests

Abstract Reasoning was removed from the UCAT starting with the 2025 test. That leaves three scored cognitive subtests and the Situational Judgement Test:

Verbal Reasoningscored 300–900

Decision Makingscored 300–900

Quantitative Reasoningscored 300–900

SJTreported in Bands 1–4

The cognitive total is now out of 2,700, not 3,600. With one fewer subtest, each section carries more weight, so a weak section drags your total down more than it used to. That's why finding your weakest subtest early matters.

Most students sit the UCAT in the summer between Year 12 and Year 13. So if you're in Year 12 now, your test is in summer 2027 (for 2028 entry).

A simple UCAT plan

Diagnose first — take one timed mock before any revision to find your weakest section.
Learn the technique for each subtest — then practise it untimed, until it's automatic.
Add timing — the UCAT is mainly a time-pressure test. Learning when to flag a question and move on is worth a lot of marks.
Full mocks in the final weeks — review every mistake, not just the score.
Test week — lighter practice, sleep, and a plan for nerves.

What if the score comes back low?

It's not the end of your application. Medical schools use the UCAT very differently: some rank almost entirely on it, others use it as a threshold and then look at your statement, grades and interview. A big part of UCAS strategy is choosing four schools that suit your score. I help with that too, once results are in.

How I help

Group · UCAT

UCAT Group Bootcamp

6 group sessions over 4 weeks
Section-by-section technique and timing
SJT framework and weakness diagnosis
Test-week plan and nerves protocol

£120/student

Small cohorts of max 5 · online

Enquire →

Prefer 1:1? 1:1 hours are £40/hr

Bootcamps run 4–8 weeks before test day. Get in touch to hear about the next cohort.

Frequently asked questions

Is Abstract Reasoning still in the UCAT?

No. It was removed from the 2025 test onwards. The UCAT is now Verbal Reasoning, Decision Making and Quantitative Reasoning (scored out of 2,700 in total) plus the Situational Judgement Test.

When should I start preparing for the UCAT?

Most students do well with 6–8 weeks of steady preparation before their test date, starting with a diagnostic mock. Starting earlier with light practice helps if timing is a known weakness.

Is group or 1:1 UCAT tutoring better?

The group bootcamp is cheaper per student and works well for learning technique alongside others. 1:1 is better if one particular subtest is holding you back and you want all the time spent on it.

Which medical schools rely most on the UCAT?

It varies a lot, and it changes between cycles. Some schools shortlist mainly on UCAT, others use a threshold. We look at the current policies for each school when planning your four choices.

More guides

Last updated September 2026 by JeeHwan Ahn. Admissions details change every cycle — always check the final word on each university's own website.

UCAT prep with a plan, not just more questions.