MCAT vs UCAT: What’s the Difference?

June 25, 2024

minute read

MCAT and UCAT are the frequently used admission exams for medical schools in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. 

These two exams are commonly mixed up as they are both an essential entry requirement for many medical schools worldwide. It can be unclear to applicants which test to take as this depends on the specific country you are in.

This article will go through the different exam structures, exam fees, and other characteristics of MCAT and UCAT. We will give a comprehensive comparison between these two.

What is the MCAT?

The MCAT is a well-known standardized admission exam widely used and acknowledged by all medical schools in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Caribbean Islands. 

These medical schools require applicants to take the MCAT as part of their admission process. It is a computerized exam that is 7 hours and 30 minutes long.  

If you are planning to pursue any career in medicine, such as cardiology or anesthesiology, you should prepare to take the MCAT before enrolling in medical school. 

The MCAT has four test sections, including Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Sociology

All the test questions in each section are in a multiple-choice format, and you are expected to answer 230 of these questions

Additionally, it tests your abilities and skills to see if you meet the standards of the medical school you want to get into. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) administers the MCAT. 

MCAT Four Test Sections are:

What is UCAT?

UCAT, or the University Clinical Aptitude Test, is a standardized admission test widely used and recognized in the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. 

It contains five test sections that focus on an individual's cognitive abilities and skills. 

The primary purpose of this test is to assess the mental abilities of the applicant. To determine if said applicant can handle the challenges and pressures of pursuing any medical degree programs.

Also, the UCAT is administered via Pearson VUE across the different schools in the United Kingdom and other countries worldwide. It was established to help medical schools and institutions assess the qualities of their aspiring medical students. 

The test takes around 2 hours with 225 multiple-choice test questions. Also, the test is only given once a year and is a computer-based exam.

UCAT Four Test Sections are:

  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Abstract Reasoning
  • Decision Making
  • Situational Judgment

MCAT vs. UCAT: What are the Similarities?

Both the MCAT and UCAT are recognized and used by most medical schools and universities in different countries. Also, they are both used to assess the knowledge, skills, and mental abilities of an individual who wishes to enroll in medical school. 

These two exams are both offered in a computer-based setup, and the type of test questions are in multiple-choice format. 

Furthermore, the MCAT and UCAT are trusted by medical schools and other educational institutions to provide reliable assessments of the applicant’s knowledge and capabilities. This will determine their capacity to succeed in certain medical professions.

Exam Format and Structure: MCAT vs. UCAT

In comparison, the MCAT and UCAT significantly differ in their exam format and structure. 

In terms of duration, the MCAT takes around 7 hours and 30 minutes for you to finish the whole test, while the UCAT is only given within a 2 hour timeframe. 

Additionally, the MCAT focuses primarily on different branches of science to evaluate the knowledge and skills of the individual, whereas, the UCAT measures the individual's verbal reasoning skills, decision making, and other related topics.

The UCAT is more focused on the cognitive abilities of the individual and not on the content knowledge, which is measured by the MCAT. 

However, both the MCAT and UCAT are computer-based tests with multiple-choice test questions. 

In terms of frequency, the MCAT has more test dates offered in a year compared to UCAT, which can only be taken once annually.

Exam Format and Structure

MCAT

UCAT

Test Sections

-Biological and Biochemical Foundations


-Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems


-Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior


-Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

-Verbal Reasoning


-Decision Making


-Quantitative Reasoning


-Abstract Reasoning


-Situational Judgment

Test Duration

Duration per test section:


90 to 95 minutes each

 

Overall:

 

7 hours and 33 minutes, including break times.

Duration per test section:


Verbal Reasoning - 21 minutes

Decision Making - 31 minutes

Quantitative Reasoning - 25 minutes

Abstract Reasoning - 12 minutes

Situational Judgment - 26 minutes


Overall:

 

2 hours

Number of Test Questions

230 Test Questions

225 Test Questions

Type of Test Questions

Multiple-choice test questions

Multiple-choice test questions

Test Frequency

35 testing dates annually from January to September.

Once a year

Test Delivery Mode

Computer-Based Test

Computer-Based Test

Scoring: MCAT vs. UCAT

The scoring system used by the MCAT and UCAT is very different.

For example, the the MCAT utilizes a scoring range of 118 to 132 points in each test section. Whereas, the UCAT has a scoring range of 300 to 900 points per test section. 

However, in both exams, you need to add up all the test section scores to get the overall score. 

In MCAT, the overall score ranges from 472 to 528 points, and in the UCAT, its overall score ranges from 1,200 to 3,600 points

In addition, the MCAT has a percentile score ranking for you to know the corresponding percentile rank of your overall test score. The percentile score ranking of the MCAT is a collected overall score of its previous test-takers.

MCAT Scoring

UCAT Scoring

Score Range Per Test Section:

118 to 132

Score Range Per Test Section:

300 to 900

Overall Score Range:

472 to 528

Overall Score Range:

1,200 to 3,600

This is the MCAT Percentile Rank from May 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022. The table below shows the MCAT overall scores with their corresponding percentile ranks. It will help you compare your MCAT scores to their previous test-takers and to know your percentile ranking.

Overall MCAT Score

Percentile Rank

Header

Overall MCAT Score

Percentile Rank

Header

Overall MCAT Score

Percentile Rank

472

<1%

Cell

491

19%

Cell

510

78%

473

<1%

Cell

492

21%

Cell

511

81%

474

<1%

Cell

493

24%

Cell

512

84%

475

<1%

Cell

494

27%

Cell

513

86%

476

1%

Cell

495

29%

Cell

514

88%

477

1%

Cell

496

32%

Cell

515

90%

478

1%

Cell

497

35%

Cell

516

92%

479

2%

Cell

498

38%

Cell

517

94%

480

3%

Cell

499

42%

Cell

518

95%

481

4%

Cell

500

45%

Cell

519

96%

482

4%

Cell

501

48%

Cell

520

97%

483

6%

Cell

502

52%

Cell

521

98%

484

7%

Cell

503

55%

Cell

522

99%

485

8%

Cell

504

58%

Cell

523

99%

486

9%

Cell

505

62%

Cell

524

100%

487

11%

Cell

506

65%

Cell

525

100%

488

13%

Cell

507

69%

Cell

526

100%

489

15%

Cell

508

72%

Cell

527

100%

490

17%

Cell

509

75%

Cell

528

100%

Test Requirements: MCAT vs. UCAT

The registration process for the MCAT and UCAT are both done online. 

Before proceeding for the exam registration, you first need to create an account for both the MCAT and UCAT on their official website. 

Furthermore, to continue your application, you will use this account you registered to book your test date for both the MCAT and UCAT. 

In terms of their test requirements, these two exams have completely different requirements in terms of identification documents to support your identity. 

You can check the comprehensive table below showing the differences between MCAT and UCAT in their respective registration process and required documents. 

MCAT Test Requirements

UCAT Test Requirements

For Online Application 


-Make an account on the AAMC website.


-Fill out the application questions and prompts on their website.


-Go to MCAT registration systems and follow the instructions given.


Present the following upon registration:


1. Any government-issued IDs (must be valid and not expired)


2. ID must contain a clear photo of you.


3. ID must be in English. 


4. Accepted IDs include:

-Driver’s license


-Passport


-Permanent Resident Card (Green Card)


-Employment Authorization Document


-Canada Health Car (For Ontario and British Columbia only)


-Consular ID


-Canadian Aviation Card


5. Submit your academic transcripts (applicable for high school, undergraduate, and any post-graduate education). Also, it accepts unofficial transcripts but must reflect your full name.  

For Registration Process: 


-Register for a UCAT account on their official website


-Make sure to use your complete legal name as reflected on the ID you will present.


-Wait for the confirmation email from Pearson UE containing your UCAT candidate number.


UCAT Booking For the Test: 


-Used the UCAT candidate number provided to continue registering for the exam using the Pearson VUE registration system.


-Wait for further instruction to complete the registration process. Another email will be sent to you after 24 hours.


Present the following on the test day:


1. Bring a printout of your confirmation email from Pearson VUE and the ID you have used with a picture of you.


2. Accepted IDs include:

-Passport


-Driver’s License with picture


-EU Identity Card/Irish Passport Card (must be in Roman script)


-Any other government-issued IDs from a non-EU country only (must be in Roman script or local language)

Test Costs: MCAT vs. UCAT

The MCAT and UCAT both accept payments made using any major credit or debit card including American Express, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover. 

However, these two medical admission exams greatly differ in terms of their exam costs. The  MCAT exam fee is USD 310 while the UCAT fee varies depending on where you are located. 

For example, if you are from Australia or New Zealand, the cost of the exam is USD 305. Whereas, if you are from the United Kingdom, the exam cost is £70. 

Here’s a comprehensive table reflecting their cost differences and payment options.


MCAT Fee

UCAT Fee

Payment Modes

Only accepts credit or debit cards (American Express, VISA, MasterCard)

Accepts major credit/debit cards

Cost

USD 310

£70 (Test-takers in the UK)

£115 (Test-takers outside the UK)

USD 305 (Test-takers in Australia and New Zealand)

Test Recognition: MCAT vs.  UCAT

The MCAT and UCAT are two admission exams commonly used by various medical schools worldwide. 

It is part of their admission requirement and will help the institution determine if the applicant has the right skills and knowledge to be outstanding in the medical field. 

Furthermore, the UCAT is accepted by a consortium of medical schools and universities in different countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. 

On the other hand, the MCAT is highly recognized and used by most medical schools in the United States, Canada, Europe, Singapore, Australia, and other countries worldwide

Below are some medical schools in the United Kingdom that require the UCAT.

  • the University of Aberdeen
  • Anglia Ruskin University
  • Aston University
  • the University of Birmingham
  • the University of Bristol
  • Cardiff University
  • the University of Dundee
  • the University of East Anglia
  • Edge Hill University
  • the University of Edinburgh
  • the University of Exeter
  • the University of Glasgow
  • Hull York Medical School
  • Keele University
  • Kent and Medway Medical School
  • King’s College London
  • the University of Leicester
  • the University of Liverpool
  • the University of Manchester
  • the University of Newcastle
  • University of Nottingham
  • Plymouth University
  • Queen Mary University of London
  • Queen’s University Belfast
  • the University of Sheffield
  • the University of Southampton
  • University St. Andrews
  • St. George’s, University of London
  • the University of Sunderland
  • the University of Warwick

Below are some medical schools in Australia and New Zealand that require the UCAT.

  • The University of Adelaide
  • Charles Sturt University
  • Curtin University
  • Flinders University
  • Monash University
  • The University of Newcastle/the University of New England
  • The University of New South Wales
  • The University of Queensland
  • the University of Tasmania
  • The University of Western Australia
  • Western Sydney University
  • The University of Auckland
  • The University of Otago

Below are some medical schools in Australia that require the MCAT. 

  • Griffith Medical School
  • Melbourne Medical School
  • UQ Medical School
  • Sydney Medical School
  • McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
  • Queen’s University School of Medicine
  • University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry
  • University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine
  • University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine
  • University of Manitoba Max Rady College of Medicine
  • University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine
  • Harvard Medical School
  • Yale School of Medicine
  • Boston University School of Medicine
  • Stanford University School of Medicine
  • Georgetown University School of Medicine
  • Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  • Howard University College of Medicine
  • University of South Alabama College of Medicine
  • New York Medical College
  • Duke University School of Medicine
  • Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
  • Saint Louis University School of Medicine
  • Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
  • California Northstate University College of Medicine
  • George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
  • …and more.

Which is Easier: MCAT vs. UCAT?

The MCAT and UCAT are both considered difficult by their test-takers. We all know that these two exams significantly differ regarding their structure and primary purpose. 

The MCAT evaluates an aspiring medical student's content knowledge and skills. In contrast, the UCAT tests medical schools' cognitive abilities, skills, and behaviours. 

We cannot conclude on whether the MCAT is easier than the UCAT. 

These two exams have significantly varied in most aspects, especially in the areas they assess. 

Many will debate that the MCAT is very challenging because of its exam duration and test contents, which require intense preparation. 

In comparison, the UCAT mainly revolves around cognitive abilities and skills and the test is given in a limited timeframe. 

Thus, both exams are complex and need long preparation and intensive review to ace the test, whichever you decide to take.

Should You Take the MCAT vs. UCAT?

If you are planning to attend medical school in the United States, Canada, Europe or Singapore, you need to take the MCAT over the UCAT. This is because it is apart of the admission requirements for these specific countries.

However, if you want to pursue a medical degree in the United Kingdom, New Zealand or Australia, you should take the UCAT instead of MCAT. These countries highly prefer their applicants to take the UCAT. 

Both the MCAT and UCAT are standardized examinations used by various medical schools in different parts of the world. So it is best to know beforehand what admission tests your preferred medical school accepts.

Summary Table of Differences: MCAT vs. UCAT

Below is the table of differences between the MCAT and UCAT.


MCAT

UCAT

Test Sections

-Biological and Biochemical Foundations


-Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems


-Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior


-Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

-Verbal Reasoning


-Decision Making


-Quantitative Reasoning


-Abstract Reasoning


-Situational Judgment

Test Duration

7 hours and 33 minutes, including break times.

Two hours

Number of Test Questions

230 Test Questions

225 Test Questions

Type of Test Questions

Multiple-choice test questions

Multiple-choice test questions

Scoring System

Score Range Per Test Section: 118 to 132


Overall Score Range:

472 to 528

Score Range Per Test Section:

300 to 900


Overall Score Range:

3,600

Test Frequency 

35 testing dates from January to September.

Once a year

Exam Cost

USD 310

£70 (Test-takers in the UK)

£115 (Test-takers outside the UK)

USD 305 (Test-takers in Australia and New Zealand)

Mode of Payment

Only accepts credit or debit cards (American Express, VISA, MasterCard)

Accepts major credit/debit cards

Additional FAQs – MCAT vs. UCAT

Which is Harder: MCAT or UCAT?

The MCAT and UCAT are two different admission exams used by medical schools worldwide. 

Generally, both of these exams are difficult on their own, given that they differ in terms of the topics and areas they focus on. 

Most UCAT test-takers find it difficult as it is not the usual admission exam. 

Also, the test needs more focus and excellent critical thinking skills.  And given the test's time limit, most of its test-takers fail to complete the exam. Thus making it more challenging than the MCAT. 

Is MCAT Required in the UK?

No, MCAT is not required in the UK, but if you want to pursue a medical degree, you need to take the UCAT. 

Also, it is an exam highly favored and trusted by most medical schools in the United Kingdom. 

UCAT is a test that measures the applicant’s mental abilities, characteristics, attitudes, and behaviors needed to fully succeed in taking a higher medical course in the United Kingdom.

What is the MCAT in the UK?

Medical schools in the United Kingdom do not use the MCAT; instead, they use the UCAT. It is an admission exam highly recognized by medical schools and institutions in the United Kingdom. 

Note that those medical schools in the UK do not accept and acknowledge the MCAT, instead, they require aspiring medical students to take the UCAT.

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