If you’re planning to become a doctor, the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is likely one of the biggest hurdles you’ll face on your journey. This standardized exam is a crucial part of medical school applications in the U.S., Canada, and some other countries. But with a scoring range from 472 to 528, many students wonder: What exactly is a good MCAT score?
Understanding what makes a score “good” isn’t just about hitting a random number. It depends heavily on the schools you want to apply to, your overall academic record, and how competitive the medical school admissions process is each year. In fact, data from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) shows that the average MCAT score for accepted students hovers around 511.7, while the national average test-taker score is closer to 500.
To put that into perspective:
- Scoring 515 or above places you roughly in the top 10% of test takers.
- Achieving 520 or higher is typically expected by many top-tier medical schools like Harvard or Johns Hopkins.
- For DO (osteopathic) schools, the bar is usually a bit lower, with many programs considering scores around 500–505 competitive.
In this article, you’ll get a clear understanding of how the MCAT is scored, what different score ranges mean, and how you can set realistic goals based on your target schools. Whether you’re a first-time test taker or aiming to improve your score, this guide breaks down the essentials in simple language — no jargon, no fluff.
Key Takeaways:
- The average MCAT score for accepted MD students is about 511.7, but what counts as “good” varies by school.
- Scores above 515 are considered highly competitive and increase your chances at most schools.
- Top-tier medical schools often expect scores of 520+.
- DO schools tend to have lower average MCAT requirements but still value strong scores?
- Your MCAT score is important, but should be considered alongside your GPA, experience, and other parts of your application.
Ready to find out what a good MCAT score means for you? Let’s dive in.
What is the MCAT?
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam designed to assess whether students have the knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills needed to succeed in medical school. It’s an essential requirement for nearly every medical school in the United States, Canada, and several other countries.
Administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the MCAT isn’t just a test of memorization — it’s designed to evaluate how well you can apply scientific concepts to real-world scenarios, analyze information, and reason through complex problems.
What Does the MCAT Test?
The MCAT measures more than just science knowledge. It evaluates a broad set of skills that are crucial for future physicians, including:
- Problem-Solving Skills
Understanding how to approach scientific and clinical problems logically and efficiently. - Critical Thinking
The ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate complex information, including data, graphs, and research studies. - Scientific Knowledge
Covers core concepts from biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology, all applied within a medical and clinical context. - Reading Comprehension
Particularly tested in the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section, where students interpret and analyze passages from humanities, social sciences, and ethics — topics not directly related to science but essential for communication and reasoning in medicine.
Why Is the MCAT Important?
Medical schools use the MCAT as a standardized measure to compare applicants from different educational backgrounds. While your GPA shows your academic performance over time, the MCAT reflects how prepared you are for the rigors of medical school in a controlled, high-pressure environment.
In fact, according to the AAMC, nearly 90,000 students take the MCAT annually, competing for around 22,000 medical school seats in the U.S. alone. This makes your MCAT score one of the most critical components of your medical school application.
How is the MCAT Scored?
Understanding how the MCAT is scored can help you set realistic goals and better prepare for test day. Unlike many tests that give you a simple percentage or a pass/fail grade, the MCAT uses a scaled scoring system that translates your raw performance into standardized scores. This ensures fairness across different test dates and versions of the exam.
The Four MCAT Sections
The MCAT is split into four distinct sections, each designed to test different knowledge areas and skills essential for medical school success. Each section receives an individual score, and then those scores are combined into your overall MCAT score.
Here’s a quick overview of the sections and their focus areas:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys)
This section tests your knowledge of general chemistry, organic chemistry, introductory physics, and biochemistry, but always within the context of biological systems. For example, you might be asked to apply chemistry concepts to how oxygen is transported in blood or how enzymes catalyze reactions. - Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Unique among the four sections, CARS tests your ability to comprehend, analyze, and reason through passages taken from the humanities and social sciences. The passages cover topics like ethics, philosophy, cultural studies, and social sciences. No prior content knowledge is required here; instead, your reading comprehension and critical thinking skills are under the spotlight. - Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/Biochem)
This section assesses your understanding of biology, biochemistry, and some organic chemistry as they relate to living organisms. You’ll encounter questions about cell structure, metabolism, genetics, and physiology. - Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc)
This newer section tests your grasp of psychology and sociology principles that affect health and behavior. It looks at how psychological, social, and biological factors influence perceptions, behaviors, and health outcomes — important knowledge for future doctors who will work with diverse patients.
Scoring Range for Each Section
Each section of the MCAT is scored on a scale of 118 to 132. This scale might seem unusual compared to typical exam scores, but it’s carefully designed to standardize scores regardless of which test version you take.
- The lowest possible score on each section is 118.
- The highest possible score on each section is 132.
- The middle or average score is around 125 per section.
When you add these four section scores together, your total MCAT score ranges from 472 to 528.
| Section | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Chemical and Physical Foundations | 118–132 |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | 118–132 |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations | 118–132 |
| Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations | 118–132 |
| Total Score | 472–528 |
How Are Raw Scores Converted to Scaled Scores?
Your raw score is the number of questions you answer correctly on each section. However, the MCAT doesn’t report raw scores; instead, it converts these into scaled scores through a process called equating.
Why?
- Different versions of the MCAT have slightly different question difficulties.
- Equating ensures that a score from one test date is comparable to a score from another, even if the questions were a bit easier or harder.
- This system prevents unfair advantages or disadvantages due to test timing or question sets.
For example, if one exam version is slightly tougher, getting 75 correct might translate to a scaled score of 128, while on an easier version, the same number of correct answers might yield a 126.
What Is the Average MCAT Score?
- The average MCAT score for all test-takers usually hovers around 500, the midpoint of the total score range.
- For students accepted into MD (allopathic) medical schools, the average total score is higher, approximately 511.7, according to the most recent data from the AAMC.
- This gap shows that scoring above average significantly improves your competitiveness for admission.
Is There a Passing or Failing Score?
No. The MCAT doesn’t have a “pass” or “fail” designation. Instead, each medical school sets its own standards for what scores it considers acceptable.
- Some schools publish median scores of recently admitted students, which can give you an idea of what to aim for.
- Others take a more holistic view and consider MCAT scores alongside GPA, clinical experience, essays, and interviews.
However, scoring too low can limit your options, as many schools use the MCAT as an initial screening tool.
Score Reporting and Validity
- Your MCAT score is valid for three years from your test date.
- When applying to medical schools, you can choose which scores to send, but many schools require you to send all attempts within the past three years.
- You can take the MCAT up to three times in a single year, four times over two years, and seven times in a lifetime.
Percentile Rankings: How Your Score Compares
Each MCAT score corresponds to a percentile, which tells you how you performed relative to other test takers.
- For example, a score of 510 usually falls around the 80th percentile, meaning you scored better than 80% of test takers.
- A score near 520 is in approximately the 98th percentile, placing you among the top scorers nationally.
Percentiles update annually based on the performance of all examinees, so it’s important to check the latest data.
Understanding the MCAT scoring system takes some pressure off because you’ll know exactly where you stand and what scores are competitive for your goals. This knowledge also helps you tailor your study plan to target the scores you need for your dream schools.
So, What is a Good MCAT Score?
When it comes to the MCAT, the term “good score” isn’t universal. What counts as a good score largely depends on your goals, the specific medical schools you’re applying to, and how the rest of your application looks. However, understanding national averages, percentile rankings, and school-specific expectations will give you a clearer target.
Understanding Percentiles: How Your Score Compares to Others
The MCAT is a scaled and percentile-ranked exam, meaning your score reflects how you performed compared to other test-takers. Each year, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) publishes updated percentile ranks based on the past three years of MCAT scores.
Here’s a general guide to MCAT scores and what they mean in percentile terms:
| MCAT Total Score | Approximate Percentile (2024 Data) | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|
| 528 | 100th percentile | Perfect score (extremely rare) |
| 523–527 | 99th percentile | Top 1% of test takers |
| 515–522 | 92nd–98th percentile | Highly competitive for top 20 schools |
| 510–514 | 78th–91st percentile | Competitive for most MD programs |
| 505–509 | 59th–77th percentile | Borderline for MD, good for DO schools |
| 500–504 | 45th–58th percentile | Below the MD average, suitable for DO programs |
| Below 500 | Below 45th percentile | Generally, too low for MD programs |
(Source: AAMC Percentile Ranks)
National Averages: Where Most Students Stand
According to the most recent AAMC data:
- The average total MCAT score among all test takers is around 500, which represents the 50th percentile.
- However, for students who successfully matriculate into MD (allopathic) medical schools, the average total MCAT score is approximately 511.7, placing them well above the national median.
- For DO (osteopathic) schools, the average matriculant score typically falls around 504–505, though this can vary by program.
What Score is Competitive for MD Schools?
For students applying to MD programs, here’s a general guide to MCAT score competitiveness:
- 510–514: This range is considered solidly competitive for most U.S. MD programs. It puts you above roughly 75% of test-takers.
- 515–519: This range places you in the top 10% of test-takers, making you a strong candidate for the top 30 U.S. medical schools.
- 520 and above: You’re now in the top 1–2% of test takers. This range is considered highly competitive for top-tier programs like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, the Mayo Clinic, and NYU.
Keep in mind that many top medical schools have median MCAT scores for accepted students in the 520+ range.
What’s a Good Score for DO Programs?
If you’re considering DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) schools, the expectations are a bit different:
- 500–505: Considered competitive for many DO programs.
- 506–509: More competitive, and can open doors at more selective DO schools.
- 510+: Excellent for DO schools and may make your application stand out.
DO programs generally take a more holistic approach, meaning they weigh factors like life experience, leadership, clinical exposure, and personal motivation heavily alongside your MCAT and GPA.
How GPA and MCAT Balance Each Other
Medical schools rarely look at your MCAT score in isolation. They consider it alongside your GPA, especially your science GPA (BCPM GPA – Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math).
Here’s how the two typically balance:
- High GPA + Lower MCAT (500–505): Some schools may still offer interviews, especially DO programs or MD schools with lower average scores.
- Lower GPA + High MCAT (515+): A high MCAT can help compensate for a GPA that’s slightly below the school’s average.
- Both High (GPA 3.8+ and MCAT 515+): Ideal for applying to top 20 MD programs.
- Both Below Average: This combination can significantly reduce your chances at MD programs, though DO schools may still consider you.
Many admissions committees use a formula or metric known as the GPA-MCAT grid (available in the AAMC MSAR database) to gauge how applicants compare to past successful candidates.
Average MCAT Scores at Top Medical Schools (2024 Data)
Here’s a snapshot of the median MCAT scores for accepted students at some of the most competitive U.S. medical schools:
| Medical School | Median MCAT Score |
|---|---|
| Harvard Medical School | 520 |
| Johns Hopkins School of Medicine | 521 |
| Stanford University School of Medicine | 519 |
| University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) | 518 |
| Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine | 520 |
| University of Michigan Medical School | 517 |
| New York University (NYU – Grossman) | 522 |
These scores reflect the level of competition at elite programs. Keep in mind that even with a high MCAT score, factors like GPA, research experience, leadership, and clinical exposure remain critical for admission.
What If Your MCAT Score Isn’t Perfect?
It’s important to emphasize that many students get into medical school with MCAT scores below the national averages for top schools. A strong MCAT score can improve your chances, but it’s just one part of a holistic review process.
Other important application factors include:
- Clinical and patient care experience
- Research and publications
- Volunteer work and leadership roles
- Strong letters of recommendation
- A compelling personal statement and secondary essays
- Interview performance
If your MCAT isn’t where you want it to be, you still have options:
- Apply broadly to a mix of MD and DO programs
- Focus on strengthening your GPA and extracurriculars
- Consider retaking the MCAT with a focused study plan
- Gain additional clinical and research experience
Setting Your Target MCAT Score
Here’s a general framework for setting your MCAT goal:
- Target 510+ if you want to apply broadly to MD programs.
- Aim for 515+ for the top 30 U.S. MD schools.
- Strive for 520+ if you’re targeting top 10 medical schools.
- 500–505 is typically strong for many DO schools.
Always review the MSAR (for MD programs) and individual DO school websites for the latest data before setting your final target.
What’s a Competitive MCAT Score for MD vs. DO vs. Top-Tier Schools?
Knowing what score you should aim for depends heavily on the type of medical school you want to attend. MD (allopathic) programs, DO (osteopathic) programs, and top-tier medical schools each have different expectations for what constitutes a competitive MCAT score.
What is a COMPETITIVE MCAT Score? Canadian | American MD | DO | and Caribbean Schools
Competitive MCAT Scores for MD (Allopathic) Schools
MD programs tend to have higher average MCAT requirements than DO schools. This is partly because many MD programs are more research-focused and traditionally more competitive.
- Most MD schools require scores around 510 or higher to be competitive.
- For well-ranked MD schools, scores between 515 and 519 increase your chances significantly.
- The most selective MD programs often expect 520 or above as their median accepted score.
Competitive MCAT Scores for DO (Osteopathic) Schools
DO programs focus on a holistic approach to medicine, emphasizing primary care, whole-body health, and preventive care. As a result, their average MCAT scores tend to be slightly lower than MD schools.
- A score between 500 and 505 is often considered competitive for many DO schools.
- Scores in the 506 to 510 range can improve your chances at more selective DO programs.
- Scores above 510 will make your application very strong in the DO admissions process.
DO schools often place more weight on factors beyond the MCAT, such as clinical experience, volunteering, and personal qualities.
Competitive MCAT Scores for Top-Tier Medical Schools
The most prestigious and competitive medical schools set the bar even higher. Schools like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, and the Mayo Clinic expect applicants to be in the top percentile nationally.
- These schools usually expect MCAT scores of 520 or higher, placing applicants in the top 2% of all test-takers.
- Applicants with scores below this range can still apply but face a more challenging admissions process.
- In addition to MCAT scores, these schools expect strong GPAs, extensive research, leadership roles, and exceptional letters of recommendation.
What If Your Score Falls Below These Thresholds?
If your MCAT score doesn’t meet the typical range for your dream school, don’t be discouraged. Here are some options:
- Retake the MCAT after focused preparation to improve your score.
- Apply broadly to a mix of MD and DO schools with varying selectivity.
- Highlight your strengths in other areas of your application, such as clinical experience, research, and leadership.
- Consider post-baccalaureate or special master’s programs to strengthen your academic profile.
How to Choose the Right Target MCAT Score
To decide what MCAT score to aim for:
- Research Your Target Schools: Use the AAMC’s MSAR for MD schools and individual DO school websites for average accepted scores.
- Consider Your GPA and Experience: If your GPA is lower, a higher MCAT score can help balance your application.
- Set a Realistic Goal: Factor in your current knowledge, study time, and resources when setting your target score.
- Plan for Backup Options: Apply to a range of schools, including some with slightly lower average MCAT scores.
Understanding these score expectations can help you prepare strategically and maximize your chances of acceptance.
How Do Medical Schools Use MCAT Scores in Admissions?
The MCAT isn’t just a number — it’s a critical tool that medical schools use to evaluate applicants. But how much weight does it actually carry? And how do admissions committees interpret your score alongside the other parts of your application?
Let’s break it down step by step.
Why the MCAT Matters to Medical Schools
Medical school is academically intense. The MCAT is designed to predict whether an applicant has the scientific knowledge, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities needed to succeed in the first two years of medical school, especially in coursework like anatomy, physiology, and biochemistry.
Medical schools rely on the MCAT because:
- It provides a standardized metric to compare applicants from different educational backgrounds, universities, and grading systems.
- It correlates closely with student success in pre-clinical coursework and on the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams, which are required for medical licensure.
- It’s one of the few objective academic measures, alongside GPA.
Where the MCAT Fits in the Admissions Process
The MCAT is often used at multiple stages of the admissions process:
- Initial Screening
- Many schools set MCAT and GPA cutoffs during the first review of applications.
- Applicants below a certain threshold (often around 500–505 for MD schools) may not proceed to the secondary application stage unless there are exceptional circumstances.
- For top schools, the informal cutoff can be 510–515+, depending on the competitiveness of the applicant pool.
- Holistic Review
- After initial filtering, schools evaluate applicants based on a combination of academic metrics and personal qualities.
- Your MCAT is weighed alongside:
- GPA (especially science GPA)
- Clinical experience
- Research involvement
- Volunteer work and leadership roles
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement and essays
- Interview performance
- Post-Interview Evaluation
- Even after interviews, the MCAT continues to be part of the final decision process.
- For borderline cases, a strong MCAT can tip the balance in your favor.
Does One Section Matter More Than Others?
- In most cases, no single section outweighs the others; however, some schools pay attention to particular sections based on their curriculum focus.
- For instance:
- A low CARS score (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) might raise concerns at schools that emphasize communication and ethical reasoning.
- A weak Psych/Soc score could be noticed at schools that value patient-centered care and understanding of behavioral health.
Some medical schools publish minimum section scores in addition to total score expectations. For example, they may require that no section falls below 124 or 125, even if the total score is acceptable.
MCAT vs. GPA: Which Matters More?
Both are critical, but they serve slightly different purposes:
| MCAT | GPA |
|---|---|
| Standardized measure | Reflects consistency over time |
| Tests readiness for medical school rigor | Shows work ethic and mastery of coursework |
| One-day performance (high-stakes) | Multi-year academic history |
| Can help balance a lower GPA | Can help balance a slightly lower MCAT |
- A high GPA with an average MCAT suggests long-term academic strength but may raise questions about standardized testing ability.
- A high MCAT with a lower GPA shows intellectual ability and readiness, but may cause schools to ask whether you struggled with long-term coursework discipline.
Both are important, and neither typically overrides the other entirely.
Holistic Admissions: Beyond the Numbers
Most U.S. and Canadian medical schools use a holistic admissions process, which means:
- They evaluate your personal qualities, life experiences, motivation, and suitability for medicine, not just your academic stats.
- This is especially true for schools that prioritize community service, diversity, and underserved populations.
AAMC’s own statement emphasizes:
“Medical schools consider MCAT scores as one component of an applicant’s academic preparation and readiness but weigh them alongside personal experiences, attributes, and academic metrics.”
How to Set Your MCAT Target Score
Setting a realistic yet competitive MCAT target score is one of the most important steps in your medical school journey. Your target score should align with your goals, the schools you’re aiming for, and how the rest of your application looks.
How To Choose Your Ideal MCAT Target Score
Step 1: Know Your Goals
Start by asking yourself:
- Are you applying to MD programs, DO programs, or both?
- Are you aiming for top-tier schools, mid-tier schools, or schools with specific missions (like serving underserved communities)?
- Is your GPA strong enough that you can aim for an average MCAT, or will you need a higher MCAT to balance a lower GPA?
Your answers will heavily influence the MCAT score you should target.
Step 2: Research School Requirements
Use reliable tools like the AAMC MSAR (for MD schools) and AACOM’s Choose DO Explorer (for DO schools) to look up:
- Median MCAT scores for accepted students
- GPA ranges
- School missions and values
- Acceptance rates
This research helps you understand whether a score like 510 is strong or borderline for the schools you’re targeting.
Step 3: Match Your GPA to Your MCAT Goal
Here’s a helpful way to balance GPA and MCAT:
| GPA Range | Suggested MCAT Target |
|---|---|
| 3.9+ | 510+ for most MD, 515+ for top schools |
| 3.7–3.89 | 510–514 (solid for MD), 515+ (competitive for top MD) |
| 3.5–3.69 | 512–515 to compensate for slightly lower GPA |
| 3.3–3.49 | 515+ (strong MCAT needed to offset GPA) |
| Below 3.3 | 515+ (plus strong extracurriculars, clinical work, post-bac, or master’s coursework) |
If your GPA is on the lower side, aiming for a higher MCAT can balance your application and demonstrate academic readiness.
Step 4: Consider Your Own Strengths and Timeline
- Are you a strong standardized test-taker? You might aim higher (515+) comfortably.
- Struggle with exams? You might set a realistic goal of 510–512, focusing more on strengthening other parts of your application.
- How much time do you have to prepare? Aiming for a 520+ might require 5–6 months of disciplined study, while targeting 510–512 might be reasonable with 3–4 months of focused prep.
Step 5: Look at Percentile Benchmarks
| MCAT Total Score | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 528 | 100th percentile (perfect) |
| 520 | ~98th percentile |
| 515 | ~92nd percentile |
| 510 | ~78th percentile |
| 505 | ~59th percentile |
| 500 | ~45th percentile |
This helps you gauge how competitive your target is relative to all test-takers.
Step 6: Be Strategic with a Balanced School List
When setting a target MCAT, think in terms of building a balanced school list:
- Reach schools: Top-tier or highly competitive schools (aim for 515–520+).
- Target schools: Where your MCAT and GPA are close to the median accepted scores (510–514).
- Safety schools: Schools where your stats are above the median, typically including some DO schools (500–509 or higher for DOs).
Step 7: Don’t Forget the Holistic Picture
A great MCAT score alone doesn’t guarantee admission. Schools look for:
- Clinical experience and patient care
- Research involvement
- Volunteer service and leadership
- Strong personal statements and essays
- Letters of recommendation
- Interview performance
Set an MCAT goal that supports your application rather than trying to overcompensate for weaknesses.
Example Scenarios
- Student A: GPA 3.95, strong research, volunteering. Aiming for top MD schools. → Target MCAT: 520+.
- Student B: GPA 3.65, solid clinical experience, average research. → Target MCAT: 512–515 for strong MD chances.
- Student C: GPA 3.4, strong community service, applying to both MD and DO. → Target MCAT: 515+ to balance GPA.
- Student D: GPA 3.7, less clinical exposure but good volunteer work. Applying mostly DO. → Target MCAT: 505–510.
Your Target Should Be Personalized
Your MCAT target is unique to you. It’s shaped by:
- Your GPA
- The types of schools you’re applying to
- Your test-taking strengths
- How the rest of your application supports or offsets your academics
Be realistic, be informed, and remember that the MCAT is a significant piece — but not the only piece — of your path to becoming a physician.
How to Improve Your MCAT Score
If your MCAT score isn’t quite where you want it to be — whether it’s from a practice test or even an official attempt — don’t be discouraged. Improving your MCAT score is possible, and many students successfully raise their scores by several points with the right strategy, discipline, and mindset.
Start With Honest Reflection
The first step toward improvement isn’t hitting the books — it’s taking a step back. You need to assess why your score isn’t where you want it to be. Are your challenges rooted in a lack of content knowledge? Are you struggling with timing? Or is test anxiety getting in the way?
Start by reviewing your most recent practice tests or official MCAT score breakdown. Look for patterns. Are you consistently underperforming in certain sections like CARS or Chem/Phys? Do you struggle more with passage-based questions or discrete fact-based questions? Honest reflection helps you avoid making the same mistakes in your next round of studying.
Build a Smarter, Targeted Study Plan
Once you understand where the gaps are, the next step is to build a targeted, efficient study plan. The key here isn’t studying longer — it’s studying smarter.
Focus the majority of your study time on your weakest areas, but don’t completely neglect your strengths. If, for example, you’re consistently doing well in Psychology/Sociology but struggling in Chemistry/Physics, allocate more time to those weaker sections while still reviewing your stronger areas periodically to maintain them.
Set a realistic timeline based on how much improvement you’re aiming for. Some students can see significant progress in 4–6 weeks if they only need a minor score boost. Others may need 2–3 months or more for a larger jump in scores.
Prioritize Content, Then Practice
One of the most common mistakes students make is diving straight into practice exams without having a solid grasp of the foundational content. If your struggles are based on content gaps — like not fully understanding biochemistry pathways, physics formulas, or sociology terms — then mastering the content should come first.
Once your content is solid, transition your focus to passage-based practice, which is the core of the MCAT. The MCAT isn’t just about knowing facts; it’s about applying knowledge to unfamiliar scenarios. The more passage-based questions you practice, the better you become at interpreting information, making connections, and reasoning under pressure.
Practice Exams Are Non-Negotiable
Taking full-length, timed practice exams is one of the most effective ways to improve your score. These exams help in multiple ways:
- They build your stamina for a 7.5-hour test day.
- They help you master time management within and across sections.
- They expose your weaknesses and help track your progress.
It’s not just about taking these exams — it’s about reviewing them in detail. Spend time analyzing every wrong answer. Why did you miss it? Was it a content issue, a misinterpretation of the passage, or a careless mistake? This reflective review process is where the real improvement happens.
Mastering the CARS Section
For many students, the CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) section is the most frustrating. Unlike the science sections, CARS doesn’t test factual knowledge — it tests reasoning, comprehension, and the ability to analyze arguments.
Improving in CARS requires consistent daily practice. Read challenging materials like philosophy articles, historical essays, or literature criticism. Focus on understanding the main idea, the author’s tone, and the argument structure. Treat each CARS passage like a puzzle — the clues are always in the text, not in your outside knowledge.
Managing Timing and Test Anxiety
Poor timing is a common issue that affects scores. Many students know the material but still score lower because they run out of time. The solution is practice, not just practicing questions, but practicing under timed, test-like conditions regularly.
Similarly, test anxiety can derail performance. Managing this starts weeks before the test by building confidence through thorough preparation, maintaining a healthy sleep routine, and practicing mindfulness or stress-reduction techniques.
Don’t Hesitate to Seek Help
If you’re finding it difficult to improve on your own, consider professional resources:
- Enroll in a reputable MCAT prep course like Blueprint, Princeton Review, or Kaplan.
- Work with a private MCAT tutor who can help diagnose your issues and develop a custom plan.
- Join online MCAT communities (such as Reddit’s r/MCAT) to share resources, strategies, and moral support with fellow test-takers.
Sometimes, even just a few sessions with a tutor focused on your weakest section can make a meaningful difference.
Your Health Matters, Too
Many students underestimate how much mental and physical health affects MCAT performance. Cramming for 10 hours a day while sacrificing sleep, exercise, and nutrition often leads to burnout and poor results. Instead, treat your MCAT prep like a marathon, not a sprint.
Prioritize balanced routines — get enough sleep, eat well, take breaks, and incorporate some form of physical activity. A clear, rested mind performs significantly better on test day.
Yes, You Can Improve
Thousands of students improve their MCAT scores every year — some by a few points, others by as much as 10 points or more. With the right approach, the right mindset, and a clear plan, meaningful improvement is not only possible — it’s probable.
The key takeaway: Your first score doesn’t define your future. What defines your success is how you respond, adapt, and grow from the experience.
Is the MCAT the Most Important Part of Your Application?
The MCAT often feels like the centerpiece of your medical school application — and for good reason. It is a standardized, quantifiable measure that many schools use to assess your academic readiness for medical training. But is it the most important part of your application? The short answer: not necessarily.
The Holistic Admissions Approach
Medical schools today use what’s called a holistic admissions process. This means they don’t just look at numbers like your MCAT score or GPA. Instead, they consider the whole picture:
- Who are you beyond your grades and test scores?
- What experiences have shaped your desire to become a physician?
- How have you demonstrated leadership, empathy, and resilience?
- What unique perspectives do you bring to the medical field?
Admissions committees read your personal statement, evaluate your letters of recommendation, and consider your clinical experience, research, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities alongside your academic metrics.
Why the MCAT Still Matters
Despite the holistic approach, the MCAT holds a special place because it provides a standardized benchmark across a wide and diverse applicant pool.
- It helps schools objectively compare candidates who come from different undergraduate institutions, academic programs, and even countries.
- Because the MCAT tests skills directly related to medical school coursework — like critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem-solving — it’s often seen as a reliable predictor of academic success in the early years of medical school.
Because of this, the MCAT often acts as a “gatekeeper” in the admissions process. Many schools use minimum MCAT scores as an initial filter to decide which applications move forward to secondary review or interviews.
Balancing MCAT with Your Unique Story
Even with a strong MCAT score, schools want to see what makes you unique. This is where your personal story and experiences come into play:
- Have you demonstrated a commitment to serving your community or underserved populations?
- Do you have experiences that show perseverance in the face of adversity?
- Have you taken leadership roles or contributed to meaningful research?
These qualities can sometimes balance out a slightly lower MCAT score or GPA, helping you stand out as a well-rounded candidate.
The MCAT is a crucial part of your application, but it’s only one piece of a much larger puzzle. Your academic achievements open the door, but your experiences, character, and passion are what convince admissions committees that you’ll be a compassionate and competent future physician.
So, while you should definitely prepare thoroughly for the MCAT, remember to invest equal energy in building a strong, authentic overall application.
Conclusion: What’s a Good MCAT Score — And What Really Matters?
A good MCAT score depends entirely on your goals, the schools you’re applying to, and how the rest of your application looks. For most MD programs, a score of 510 or higher is competitive. For top-tier schools, you’ll want to aim for 515–520+, and for DO programs, scores in the 500–505 range are often sufficient.
But here’s the key takeaway — while the MCAT is an important metric, it’s not the only thing that matters. Medical schools care about the whole you: your academic abilities, clinical experience, leadership, volunteer work, research, and most importantly, your motivation for pursuing medicine.
If your MCAT isn’t exactly where you want it, don’t lose hope. Many students succeed by strengthening other areas of their application or improving their MCAT score with a better study strategy.
At the end of the day, a good MCAT score aligns with your target schools and supports your story as a future physician.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the average MCAT score needed to get into medical school?
The average MCAT score for students who matriculate into MD programs is around 511–512, based on the latest AAMC data. For DO programs, the average typically falls between 504 and 505. However, individual schools vary — competitive MD programs often expect 515 or higher, while others are flexible with slightly lower scores.
2. How important is the MCAT compared to other parts of my medical school application?
The MCAT is a significant part of your application because it’s one of the only standardized measures admissions committees have. However, medical schools use a holistic review process, meaning they also consider GPA, clinical experience, research, volunteering, leadership, letters of recommendation, and your statement. The MCAT alone won’t secure or deny admission — it works in balance with the rest of your profile.
3. Can I get into medical school with a below-average MCAT score?
It’s possible, particularly if you have a strong GPA and outstanding extracurricular experiences. Many DO programs and some MD schools emphasize a holistic approach that values your clinical work, community service, leadership, and personal journey. While a lower MCAT does limit options, it doesn’t automatically rule out acceptance, especially if the rest of your application is compelling.
4. Should I retake the MCAT if my score isn’t as high as I hoped?
Consider retaking the MCAT if your score is significantly below the median for your target schools or if you believe it doesn’t represent your true abilities. A modest retake (one or two attempts) is common and generally not viewed negatively. However, multiple low attempts can raise concerns. If your score is close to the accepted range, it may be wiser to focus on strengthening other parts of your application rather than retesting.
5. How can I improve my MCAT score effectively?
Improvement starts with identifying your weaknesses. Focus on mastering content first, especially in challenging areas like Biochemistry or Physics. Then, transition to consistent practice using full-length, timed exams. Thoroughly review every mistake to understand whether it stems from content gaps, timing issues, or reasoning errors. Additionally, prioritize CARS practice, improve your test-taking stamina, and maintain a balanced routine to avoid burnout.
