What Is a Good MCAT Score?

Have you been burning the midnight oil while studying for the MCAT and now find yourself wondering, "What score should I aim for?" Generally, a score of 511 or higher, with each section score not dipping below 127, is considered good. The MCAT isn't about passing or failing - it's about setting and surpassing benchmarks.

Why is this important? The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is your gateway to the revered hallways of a top medical school. The MCAT exam is a standardized test that's an integral part of the admissions process to MD programs in medical schools across the U.S. and Canada. It's your golden ticket to your dream school and career, and how well you perform can significantly impact your medical school admissions.

This article discusses MCAT score ranges, the significance of the percentile you score in, and how a good MCAT score can fast-track your admission to medical school.

MCAT score ranges explained

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the mastermind behind the MCAT, ensures the scores are scaled and equated. This means that the scores maintain the same meaning regardless of when or where you take the test, so your performance matters the most. 

Your MCAT score hinges on the number of questions you answer correctly - there are no point deductions for wrong answers. Answering all of the test questions, even if it involves some guesswork, can only benefit you!

Here's a quick run-down of the AAMC's scoring process:

1. The AAMC adds up how many questions you responded to correctly in each section. Remember, incorrect or unanswered questions bear no penalty.
2. These correct answers are then converted into scaled scores for each section.
3. Finally, each section's scaled scores are tallied to determine your MCAT scaled overall score (472 to 528).
4. You'll get a scaled score for each of the four components and an aggregate scaled score.

Why such an odd grading scale, you ask? According to the AAMC, this method underscores the significance of the average score distribution where the majority of students score (about 125 points per part, or 500 points overall).

What's the best MCAT score possible?

Ready for some score-related trivia? What's the highest score you can achieve on the MCAT? If you answered 528, you're right! Let's dissect the scores a bit further:

• Best MCAT total score range: 515-528
• Competitive MCAT total score range: 509-514
• Above average MCAT total score range: 502-508
• Below average MCAT total score range: 501 or below

Having a good grasp of the MCAT percentiles and the total MCAT score ranges can help guide your preparation efforts and set realistic expectations. Keep in mind that the higher your MCAT score, the higher your chances are of being accepted into a competitive medical school. 

The Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) can be an insightful resource to help you understand the typical test scores and GPAs for specific specialties and schools.

A score higher than 509 will usually place you in the top 50th percentile, making your application more competitive. However, having a high GPA or achieving a higher MCAT score in the range of 515-528 can significantly boost your chances. Remember, acceptance rates tend to be higher for those with exceptional academic records.

Moreover, consider using resources like free MCAT practice exams during your prep to strengthen your understanding of the MCAT section scores. Regular practice can help you aim for a score that will set you apart from other applicants.

While 528 might be a dream score for many, it isn't the only deciding factor to get into medical school.

How is the MCAT scored?

As a pre-med student, your MCAT score, along with your average GPA, plays a significant role in how school admissions committees evaluate your application.

The MCAT test is composed of four sections: 

• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
• Biological Foundations of Behavior
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. 

These sections of the MCAT are designed to assess your knowledge and reasoning skills in these areas, which are crucial for a successful medical student.

Scoring for the MCAT isn't like some other tests in which you can only pass or fail. Rather, your raw scores are converted into a scaled score that ranges from 472 to 528. The highest MCAT score possible is a 528, but generally, a good score that can help you get into a top medical school is above 511. This score often places you above the 90th percentile rank, making you a competitive candidate for your dream school of medicine.

Nonetheless, if you find yourself with a lower MCAT score, don't be disheartened. There are several factors in the admissions process that schools consider, and a strong application can often compensate for a less-than-ideal score. You also have the option to retake the MCAT to achieve a higher score.

The actual MCAT exam isn't the only opportunity to practice the test structure. An integral part of your MCAT prep should involve taking practice tests and exams. These not only help familiarize you with the test format but also serve as a valuable tool for gauging your readiness for the actual test day. 

Furthermore, your performance on these tests can guide your preparation, helping you focus on areas where you may need improvement. Remember, the goal isn't just to pass. You want to excel so you can step through the doors of a prestigious medical school.

How much do MCAT scores matter?

Many MCAT test takers are haunted by the questions: Just how much does your MCAT score matter? Is it a defining factor for your medical school application?

The answer to both is: The MCAT matters - a lot. 

While your MCAT score isn't the sole determinant of your application's fate, it is one of the first elements to catch the admissions committee's eye. Alongside your GPA, your MCAT score sets the academic stage for your candidacy. 

If your scores don't meet the academic expectations set by the previous year's matriculants, your application might not make it past the first round of reviews. So, if your target school had an average MCAT score of 511 last year, aim to at least match that - if not surpass it.

What MCAT score do I need to be accepted to medical school?

The MCAT score needed for medical school acceptance varies by program. Below, we provide the average MCAT scores for top medical schools in the U.S.:

• Harvard University: 520
• New York University (Grossman): 522
• Columbia University: 522
• Johns Hopkins University: 521
• University of California-San Francisco: 516
• Duke University: 519
• University of Pennsylvania (Perelman): 522
• Stanford University: 520
• University of Washington: 512
• Yale University: 519

What else impacts your medical school admission?

Remember, your MCAT score - while crucial - isn't the only element that medical schools consider. They're looking for a complete package that includes:

• GPA
• MCAT score
• Undergraduate coursework
• Letters of recommendation
• Medical field-related experience
• Extracurricular activities
• Personal statement

While aiming for a high MCAT score is important, don't lose sight of these other essential components.

Use College Rover to find the best medical school for you

Your MCAT score is a significant factor in your med school application. However, don't let it overwhelm you. Understand the scoring system, prepare efficiently, and aim high! And remember, while your score is important, it's just one piece of the admissions puzzle. 

For assistance with your school research, application process, and more, turn to College Rover. We're here to guide you every step of the way toward achieving your medical career dreams. Good luck!