How Do UK Medical Schools, Dental Schools & Universities Use the UCAT Situational Judgement Test SJT in 2024 (2025 Entry)
The UCAT Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is a critical component of the UCAT exam for students applying to UK medical schools and UK dental schools in 2024 for 2025 entry. This test evaluates decision-making, communication, and professionalism - essential qualities for medical and dental students.
Different medical schools and dental schools use the situational judgement test band in varying ways, which can significantly affect how applicants strategise their applications.
In this guide, we’ll break down which medical schools use the UCAT SJT score, those that consider the SJT score heavily, and schools where a Band 4 SJT score could lead to automatic rejection.
In 2024 we know that 13% of UCAT candidates scored a band 1, 36% scored a band 2, 38 % scored a band 3 and 13% scored a band 4.
It is important to use this wisely when applying to medical schools and dental schools in the UK and check entry requirements clearly - check out our UCAT Cut-Offs Guide for more information on this.
Summary
In this article you will find:
Overview and importance of the Situational Judgement Test
Medical schools that DONT use the SJT at all (ie great if you have SJT Band 4)
Medical schools that DONT automatically reject SJT Band 4 scores but DO score the application (not ideal if you have UCAT SJT Band 4)
Medical schools that REJECT UCAT SJT Band 4 scores
Unclear Medical Schools
Dental Schools & SJT Overview
What Is the UCAT SJT and Why It Matters for Medical School Applications in 2024?
Overview of the UCAT SJT and Its Role in Medical School Admissions
The UCAT Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is the last section in the UCAT exam. It assesses how well applicants can respond to real-world scenarios they might face as healthcare professionals.
The SJT assigns one of four bands to each applicant, from Band 1 being the highest to Band 4, the lowest score. Medical students are tested on their ability to respond appropriately in these situations, which makes the SJT score an important factor for many universities in their admissions process.
Band 1: Highest score, representing the best decision-making and judgement.
Band 2: Strong score with good decision-making.
Band 3: Acceptable performance.
Band 4: Lowest performance, which can limit medical school options.
The Importance of UCAT Situational Judgement Test Band Scores for Medical School & Dental Applications
Different medical schools use the SJT score differently. Some weigh it heavily as part of their admissions process, while others consider it less important.
A Band 4 on the SJT can be particularly challenging as many universities reject applicants who score in SJT Band 4 (13% of applicants in 2024 for 2025 entry).
However, other elements of your UCAT score, academic qualifications, and interview performance can still keep your application competitive.
Medical Schools That Don’t Use the UCAT SJT for 2025 Entry (Updated in 2024)
If you’ve scored Band 4 in the UCAT Situational Judgement Test, don’t worry! Several UK medical schools don’t consider the SJT score as part of their admissions process.
This means you will be evaluated based on other factors such as your UCAT score, academic performance, personal statement and interview performance instead.
Where Can I Apply with UCAT Situational Judgement Test Band 4 in 2024 for 2025 Entry?
Below is a list of medical schools that do not consider the SJT score in their admissions process, making them ideal for students with UCAT Situational Judgement Test Band 4.
These medical schools prioritise other elements of the UCAT and academic performance. By targeting these universities, you can avoid the restrictions of having a low SJT score.
Aston University: Aston does not use the SJT score at any stage of the admissions process, making it a strong option for Band 4 applicants. Aston looks at Academics (50%), UCAT (25%) & Interview (25%).
University of Bristol: Bristol does not consider the SJT score during selection, so Band 4 students won’t be penalised. They rank by UCAT before inviting to interview
University of Buckingham: Buckingham Medical School does not factor in the SJT score, making it an excellent choice for Band 4 applicants. They do not look at the UCAT at all, but is a private medical school.
University of Cambridge: Cambridge has said that they do not assess the SJT score at any point in the admissions process, allowing applicants with Band 4 to focus on their UCAT score and academics.
Cardiff University: Cardiff does not use the SJT score during shortlisting, making it a great option for Band 4 students. Cardiff has a separate scoring system looking mainly at GCSEs.
University of Dundee: Dundee Medical School does not consider the SJT score in their admissions, giving Band 4 students a strong chance based on other factors such as academics and the UCAT.
University of Exeter: Exeter Medical School does not use the SJT score, making it a suitable choice for Band 4 applicants. They put greater weight on the UCAT score and predicted grades.
University of Glasgow: Glasgow does not factor in the SJT score during their admissions process, making it a strong option for SJT Band 4 applicants.
Plymouth University: Plymouth does not consider the SJT score in their admissions, meaning Band 4 applicants are not at a disadvantage.
University of Southampton: Southampton does not score the SJT in their admissions process, making it a good option for students with a Band 4.
University of St Andrews: St Andrews Medical School does not use the SJT in their admissions process, allowing Band 4 applicants to apply without worry.
Medical Schools That Consider the SJT in the Selection Process for 2025 Entry
While some schools don’t consider the SJT, others use it as part of their selection process. However, Band 4 does not necessarily mean automatic rejection at these universities. The SJT score might be considered during interviews or in borderline cases.
Where Else Can I Apply with UCAT SJT Band 4 in 2024 for 2025 Entry But Perhaps Is Not Advisable?
Here are the medical schools that use the UCAT SJT but don’t automatically reject Band 4 applicants. This means you can apply here, but the UCAT SJT is scored in the process, so it may not be the most advisable to apply here:
Birmingham: Birmingham Medical School uses the SJT score in interviews. Although Band 4 doesn’t lead to automatic rejection, it does lower your chances of getting an offer. Have a look at their pre-application scoring online.
Norwich (UEA): Norwich uses the SJT during interviews, and while Band 4 doesn’t mean immediate rejection, it does make it much harder to do well (very few even with SJT Band 3 get offers here).
King’s College London: King’s College London uses the SJT score as part of the admissions process, but Band 4 is not an automatic rejection.
Queen’s University Belfast: Queen’s uses the SJT in borderline cases before and after interviews.
Sheffield: Sheffield Medical School uses the situational judgement band as a virtual 9th station during interviews. Band 4 won’t result in automatic rejection but lowers your chances.
Medical Schools That Automatically Reject UCAT SJT Band 4 for 2025 Entry
For some medical schools, a Band 4 in the UCAT SJT will result in an automatic rejection, regardless of your overall UCAT score or academic performance. These schools see Band 4 as an indicator of weaker professional judgment and interpersonal skills.
Complete List of Medical Schools That Reject Band 4 UCAT SJT Scores
The following medical schools automatically reject applicants with a SJT Band 4.
Medical Schools with Unclear UCAT SJT Policies for 2024 (2025 Entry)
Some medical schools have unclear policies regarding how they use the UCAT SJT for 2025 entry. If you have a Band 4 score, it's best to contact the admissions office directly for clarification.
Bangor: Bangor's policy on the SJT remains unclear for 2025 entry. It is advisable to contact the university for detailed information if applying with Band 4.
St George’s University of London: St George’s uses the SJT post-interview, but it's unclear how Band 4 is treated in the admissions process.
UCL (University College London): UCL ranks candidates using the UCAT and SJT scores but has not clarified how Band 4 will be treated for 2024 applications.
UCLAN (University of Central Lancashire): UCLAN’s stance on UCAT SJT Band 4 is not fully defined for 2025 entry.
By understanding how UK medical schools use the UCAT SJT for 2024 (for 2025 entry), you can better tailor your application strategy. Whether you're applying with Band 1, Band 2, Band 3 or Band 4, focusing on schools that align with your UCAT SJT band will help maximise your chances of securing a place.
How Dental Schools Use The Situational Judgement Band SJT in 2024 (2025 Entry)
Broadly speaking there are two ways that dental schools look at the SJT.
They either don't look at the SJT at all (which is safe for SJT Band 4 candidates)
They either prioritise Band 1 or 2 and may consider Band 3 SJT/or only look at it after the interview sometimes
Dental Schools That Do Not Use The SJT In The Admissions Process (Safe for SJT Band 4)
If you have received a Band 4 in the UCAT Situational Judgement Test (SJT), there are still several UK dental schools that do not consider the SJT in their admissions process.
This means your Band 4 score in the SJT won’t affect your chances of being accepted into these dental schools.
Below are the dental schools that accept applicants with Band 4 as they do not use the SJT in their selection process:
University of Birmingham: Birmingham does not use the SJT as part of their dental school admission process.
University of Bristol: Bristol Dental School does not use the SJT score, so applicants with Band 4 are not disadvantaged. They rank by total UCAT score.
University of Dundee: Dundee Dental School does not consider the SJT score as part of their admissions process, making it a great option for situational judgement test band 4 applicants.
University of Glasgow: Glasgow Dental School does not factor the SJT score into their decision-making process.
University of Leeds: Leeds Dental School does not use the SJT score in the selection process, so Band 4 applicants will not be penalised.
University of Newcastle: Newcastle does not use the SJT as part of their dental school admission process.
University of Plymouth: Plymouth Dental School does not consider the SJT score at any stage of their admissions process. They do look at the total UCAT score.
Queen's University Belfast: Queen’s Belfast Dental School does not assess the SJT score when reviewing applications. They look at the UCAT alongside GCSE/achieved A Levels.
Dental Schools That Use The SJT In The Admissions Process
For applicants with Band 1 or Band 2 in the UCAT Situational Judgement Test (SJT), certain dental schools give these scores more weight in their shortlisting process. If you've performed well on the SJT, these universities could be great options for you:
Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry (QMUL): At QMUL, the SJT band is used post-interview when making final offers.
University of Cardiff: Cardiff Dental School uses the SJT during shortlisting (see its scoring system) giving applicants with Band 1 and Band 2 an edge in the admissions process.
King’s College London (KCL): KCL factors the SJT into its shortlisting process, meaning Band 1 and Band 2 applicants have a higher chance of moving forward in the selection (but see its weighting compared to other sections).
University of Liverpool: Liverpool uses the SJT in the shortlisting process, so applicants with Band 1 or Band 2 will have an advantage. Band 2 can also be considered depending on your UCAT scores or academics.
University of Manchester: Band 1 and Band 2 are prioritised, so if you score in one of these higher bands, you stand a better chance. Manchester accepts Band 3 applicants, provided their scores exceed the cutoff. Band 4 is an automatic rejection.
University of Sheffield: Band 1 or Band 2 is prioritised, but Band 3 is deprioritised
FAQ: How UK Medical Schools & Dental Use the UCAT Situational Judgement Test (SJT) for 2025 Entry
1. Is UCAT SJT Band 3 bad?
Band 3 in the UCAT SJT is considered an acceptable performance by most universities, but it can limit your options. Some medical schools may deprioritise or score you lower for Band 3 compared to Band 1 and Band 2 applicants.
2. Is UCAT SJT Band 4 bad?
Band 4 is the lowest score in the UCAT SJT, and many medical schools will automatically reject applicants with a Band 4. However, some universities, such as Aston and Bristol, do not consider the SJT score, so Band 4 applicants still have options.
3. How do medical schools use the UCAT Situational Judgement Test?
The UCAT SJT is used differently by each medical school. Some schools use it as part of the interview process or to score borderline cases, while others do not consider it at all. A few schools, like King’s College London, score it heavily during admissions.
4. Which medical schools don’t consider the UCAT SJT?
Several medical schools don’t use the UCAT SJT in their admissions process, making them good options for Band 4 applicants. These include Aston University, the University of Bristol, the University of Cambridge, and the University of Dundee.
5. Which medical schools automatically reject UCAT Band 4 applicants?
Some medical schools will automatically reject Band 4 applicants. These schools include Aberdeen, Anglia Ruskin, Barts and London, Keele, Hull York, and Edinburgh, see above for an extensive list.
6. How can I improve my UCAT SJT score?
To improve your UCAT SJT score, practice with scenario-based questions, focus on decision-making skills, and study medical ethics. Using reflective practice can also help.
7. Can I apply with Band 4 to medical schools in 2024?
Yes, you can apply with Band 4 to medical schools like Aston, Bristol, Buckingham, and Cambridge, as these schools do not use the SJT score in their selection process. However, many other schools will automatically reject Band 4.
8. What medical schools use the UCAT SJT score but don’t automatically reject Band 4?
Schools like Birmingham, Norwich (UEA), and Queen’s University Belfast use the UCAT SJT score during the selection process but don’t automatically reject Band 4 applicants. However, your chances may be lower.
9. Does scoring Band 1 or 2 in the UCAT SJT improve my chances?
Yes, scoring Band 1 or Band 2 can significantly boost your application, especially at schools like King’s College London or Birmingham, which score the UCAT SJT heavily during the interview.
10. Does the UCAT SJT affect my interview score?
In some schools, like Sheffield, the UCAT SJT is used as an additional interview station. Scoring higher on the SJT can help boost your interview score.
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