Let’s get straight to it: what’s a “good” MCAT score? In short, it’s the score that makes you a competitive applicant for the medical schools you’re aiming for. For most MD programs, that magic number starts around a 511.
Think of your score as a key. A 500 might open the door to certain programs, but a 515+ starts acting like a master key, giving you access to some of the most selective institutions in the country.
What a Good MCAT Score Really Means
Here’s the thing—a "good" MCAT score isn't a single, universal number. While there are definitely benchmarks to aim for, the right score for you depends on your specific goals, the schools on your list, and how the rest of your application stacks up. It’s a critical piece of a much larger puzzle.
For an admissions committee, your MCAT score serves one primary purpose: it helps predict whether you can handle the academic grind of medical school. It’s a standardized yardstick that lets them compare applicants from vastly different undergraduate schools and majors on a somewhat level playing field. A strong score signals that you have the scientific foundation and critical thinking skills to thrive.
Understanding the Competitive Landscape
To really get a feel for what makes a score competitive, you have to look at the data. And the data tells a clear story: the average score of everyone who takes the MCAT is quite different from the average score of those who actually get in.
This gap is everything. To stand out, you need to perform significantly better than the average test-taker. For example, in recent years, the average score for everyone taking the test hovered around 506.3, landing them in the 66th percentile. But the average score for students who were actually accepted into an MD program was much higher—around 511.7, which is up in the 81st-83rd percentile range.
This shows that successful applicants aren't just average; they're consistently performing in the top tier of test-takers. For more insights, you can explore the latest MCAT score trends on College Transitions.
Your Score is All About Context
At the end of the day, a good score is completely contextual. It’s a number that, when woven together with your GPA, your research experience, your volunteering, and your personal story, builds a compelling case for why a school should choose you.
A 510 could be an fantastic score for an applicant with a stellar research background applying to their state school. But for someone aiming for a top-10 research powerhouse, the target might need to be closer to 520.
Your journey starts with figuring out these nuances. A few key factors will help define what your ideal score looks like:
- Your GPA: A high GPA can sometimes offset a slightly lower MCAT score, and the reverse is also true. Admissions committees look at how these two numbers balance each other.
- Target School Profiles: Do your homework. Look up the median MCAT scores of the students who were recently accepted to your dream schools. This is your most direct benchmark.
- MD vs. DO Programs: Generally, allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) schools have different average accepted MCAT scores, with MD programs often requiring higher numbers.
MCAT Score Tiers At a Glance
To simplify things, it helps to think about scores in tiers. Each range sends a different signal to admissions committees.
| Score Range | Percentile Range | General Competitiveness Level |
|---|---|---|
| 515+ | 88th – 100th | Highly Competitive: Opens doors to top-tier MD programs and makes you a standout applicant. |
| 510-514 | 74th – 87th | Very Competitive: Puts you in a strong position for most mid-tier and many top-tier MD programs. |
| 505-509 | 50th – 73rd | Competitive: A solid range for many MD and most DO programs, especially with a strong GPA. |
| 500-504 | 37th – 49th | Somewhat Competitive: May be sufficient for some DO programs, but less competitive for MD. |
| <500 | <37th | Not Competitive: Unlikely to meet the screening criteria for most US medical schools. |
This table gives you a quick snapshot of where different scores fall. Use it as a starting point to understand what range you should be aiming for based on your goals.
How the MCAT Scoring System Works
To really figure out what makes an MCAT score "good," you first have to get a handle on how the AAMC calculates that final three-digit number. It’s not as simple as counting how many questions you got right. The process involves a pretty sophisticated scaling method designed to keep things fair for everyone, no matter which version of the test you take.
Let's pull back the curtain and see how your hard work turns into the score medical schools see.
The MCAT is built around four distinct sections. Each one tests a different, yet complementary, set of skills and knowledge. Think of them as the foundational pillars of your academic profile.
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys)
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/Biochem)
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc)
From Raw Score to Scaled Score
For each of these four sections, your performance starts as a raw score—basically, the number of questions you answered correctly. But here’s the thing: you’ll never actually see this number.
Why? Because the AAMC creates multiple versions of the MCAT, and some might be slightly harder or easier than others. To even things out, your raw score is converted into a scaled score. This is the key step that ensures a 128 on a test in May means the exact same thing as a 128 on a test in September.
Key Takeaway: The scaled scoring system is a leveling mechanism. It guarantees your final score reflects your mastery of the material, not the specific set of questions you happened to get on test day.
Each of the four sections is graded on a scale from 118 to 132. The midpoint, which lands you right at the 50th percentile for a section, is a score of 125.
Calculating Your Total MCAT Score
This part is refreshingly simple. Your total MCAT score is just the sum of your four section scores. No tricky weighting, no complex algorithms—each section carries the exact same weight.
This means the lowest score you can possibly get is a 472 (118 x 4), and a perfect score is a 528 (132 x 4). The national average for all test-takers usually hovers right around 500-501.
This diagram helps visualize how different score tiers function in the admissions process.
As the graphic shows, a score around 500 can get your foot in the door. But scores like 511 and 515+ act as increasingly powerful keys, unlocking opportunities at more competitive medical schools.
Why MCAT Percentiles Matter
Your scaled score is great, but it’s the percentile rank that gives it context. This number tells you—and admissions committees—how you performed compared to every other person who took the exam. It’s the metric that really frames your academic strength.
For example, a total score of 511 is solid, but knowing it places you in the 81st percentile is what gives it power. It means you scored better than 81% of all other test-takers. That’s a clear, undeniable signal to admissions officers.
Understanding both your score and your percentile is crucial for setting realistic goals. Here’s a quick look at how they stack up:
| Total Score | Approximate Percentile |
|---|---|
| 524 – 528 | 100th |
| 515 | ~90th |
| 511 | ~81st |
| 506 | ~66th |
| 501 | ~50th |
This table makes one thing very clear: in the upper ranges, even a small point increase can cause a huge jump in your percentile rank. Moving from a 511 to a 515, for instance, can move you nearly ten percentile points, making your application significantly more competitive in a crowded field.
Understanding Key MCAT Score Benchmarks
Not all numbers on the MCAT scale are created equal. As you climb from the starting score of 472 up to a perfect 528, you'll pass several critical thresholds that medical school admissions committees (AdComs) pay close attention to.
Think of these scores like checkpoints in a long-distance race. Each one you pass signals a new level of competitiveness and opens up a wider range of opportunities. Let's break down what these key numbers really mean for your application.
The 500 Mark: The National Average
Scoring a 500 puts you right at the 50th percentile. In simple terms, you’ve performed better than half of all the students who took the exam. While this shows a foundational grasp of the material, it's generally not considered competitive for most MD programs in the United States.
However, a 500 can be a perfectly viable score for some DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs or post-baccalaureate programs. It's the baseline that tells you you're on the right track, but you'll almost certainly need to aim higher to be a strong candidate for allopathic (MD) medical schools.
The 505 Goal: A Competitive Starting Point
Once you cross the 505 threshold, you’re moving into a more competitive zone. This score typically puts you around the 60th percentile, signaling to AdComs that you have solid academic aptitude.
A 505 makes you a much stronger applicant for DO programs and brings some MD schools into view, especially if you have a stellar GPA and a compelling narrative told through your extracurriculars. For many pre-meds, breaking 505 is a great initial goal to set during their study period.
The 511 Threshold: The Accepted Student Average
This is arguably the most important benchmark for aspiring MDs. A score of 511 puts you at or above the average for students accepted into U.S. medical schools. Hitting this number often moves your application from the "maybe" pile to the "serious contender" pile for a wide array of programs.
An MCAT score of 511 or higher is widely seen as a strong indicator of competitiveness for medical school admissions, placing you at or above the 82nd percentile among all test-takers.
Scores in this range prove you have a high level of mastery and suggest you’re well-prepared for the rigors of a medical school curriculum. Achieving this is a huge step toward building a successful application.
The 515+ Tier: The Top Applicant Zone
When you score 515 or higher, you enter the territory of highly competitive applicants. This lands you in the top 10% of all test-takers (90th percentile and above). A score in this range doesn't just make you competitive—it makes you a standout candidate.
Applicants with scores of 515 or higher often receive more interview invitations and acceptances, including from top-20 research institutions. While scores from 510-514 are competitive for many mid-tier MD programs, a score of 515 and up significantly boosts your chances; acceptance rates can reach around 71% for those scoring 514 or higher. At this level, your MCAT score becomes a powerful asset that can even help offset minor weaknesses elsewhere in your application.
Why a Balanced Score Profile Matters
Your total score tells a big part of the story, but it’s not the whole narrative. Admissions committees look closely at your individual section scores. They want to see consistent strength across the board, not just a high total score propped up by one or two amazing sections.
Here’s why balance is so critical:
- It Demonstrates Well-Roundedness: A strong performance in all four sections—Chem/Phys, CARS, Bio/Biochem, and Psych/Soc—proves you have a balanced and versatile skill set.
- It Highlights Critical Thinking: The CARS section, in particular, is viewed as a proxy for your critical reasoning skills—abilities that are absolutely vital for a future physician.
- It Avoids Red Flags: A significantly low score in one section (e.g., a 123) can be a major red flag, even if your total score is otherwise competitive. It might suggest a knowledge gap that could become a real problem in medical school.
While aiming for a high total is important, the real goal is to get the best, most balanced score you possibly can. To understand the upper limits of performance, you can also read our guide on what is a perfect MCAT score.
How Medical Schools View Your MCAT Score
So, you've got your MCAT score. It's a huge piece of the puzzle, but it's crucial to understand it's never the only piece. Medical schools look at everything through a lens called holistic review. This means they're piecing together every part of your application—your grades, experiences, essays, and scores—to get a full sense of who you are.
Think of it this way: your MCAT score is like the headline of your academic story. It’s big, bold, and gets a lot of attention. But the rest of your application—your GPA, research, clinical hours, and personal statement—provides the context and the narrative that makes that headline meaningful. A great score is a fantastic start, but it can't tell the whole story on its own.
Ultimately, a single number will never define your entire candidacy. It's about the complete picture you present.
Your MCAT Score as Part of a Bigger Picture
Admissions committees (AdComs) see your MCAT score and GPA as the two main pillars of your academic readiness. Together, they offer a quick snapshot of your ability to handle the intense, fast-paced curriculum of medical school.
This is where the numbers can really work together. A high MCAT score can be a game-changer, especially if your GPA has a few blemishes. It sends a clear signal to AdComs that you’ve mastered the core concepts and possess the critical thinking skills to succeed, reassuring them that an earlier academic struggle doesn't reflect your current abilities.
On the flip side, a stellar GPA can provide a bit of a safety net for an MCAT score that's a few points shy of a school's average. It demonstrates consistency, diligence, and long-term academic success. Truly understanding what medical schools look for means appreciating this delicate dance between your grades and your test score.
How Different Schools Weigh Your Score
Here’s a critical point: not all medical schools view your MCAT score the same way. An institution’s unique mission and focus dramatically shape how they prioritize different parts of your application.
- Top-Tier Research Universities: These programs are often laser-focused on high stats. An MCAT score of 515+ is frequently the expectation because they're searching for candidates who can thrive in hyper-competitive academic settings and potentially become leaders in biomedical research.
- State Schools and Primary Care-Focused Programs: While academic excellence is still a must, these schools might put more weight on your experiences. Things like extensive clinical volunteering, a deep commitment to community service, or a passion for serving underserved populations can make a huge impact. A slightly lower score might be balanced by an applicant with a truly exceptional service record.
The Holistic Review: A "good" MCAT score is one that keeps your application in the running long enough for the admissions committee to be wowed by your experiences, personal statement, and letters of recommendation. It gets your foot in the door; the rest of your application has to walk you through it.
Average MCAT Scores for Top US Medical Schools
To give you a clearer picture of the competitive landscape, we've compiled a table showing the average accepted MCAT scores and GPAs for a selection of US medical schools. Use this data not as a rigid set of rules, but as a guide to help you set realistic and ambitious targets for your own application.
| Medical School | Average Accepted MCAT Score | Average Accepted GPA |
|---|---|---|
| NYU (Grossman) | 522 | 3.96 |
| Johns Hopkins University | 521 | 3.94 |
| Duke University | 520 | 3.89 |
| University of Pennsylvania | 520 | 3.92 |
| Washington University in St. Louis | 520 | 3.90 |
| University of California–San Francisco | 518 | 3.86 |
| University of Michigan–Ann Arbor | 517 | 3.85 |
| Case Western Reserve University | 516 | 3.84 |
| University of Virginia | 515 | 3.85 |
| Ohio State University | 514 | 3.82 |
| University of Florida | 513 | 3.81 |
| University of Wisconsin–Madison | 511 | 3.75 |
As you can see, the numbers vary, but the trend is clear: top programs consistently admit students with exceptional academic metrics. This table underscores the importance of aiming high while also building a well-rounded profile that shines beyond the stats.
The Numbers Tell a Story
If we look at the data from recent application cycles, the importance of a strong score becomes crystal clear. For example, while the average score for all test-takers might hover around 500.5, the average for students who actually matriculate (enroll in medical school) jumps to 511.9.
Looking at specific schools tells an even more detailed story. The University of Cincinnati and the University of Maryland, for instance, admitted students with average MCAT scores around 515, with highly competitive acceptance rates between 6.6% and 8.9%.
At the end of the day, your MCAT score is a standardized predictor. It gives schools a reliable way to gauge your potential. But it's your experiences, your resilience, and your character that truly show them the kind of physician you'll become.
How to Set Your Personal MCAT Target Score
Alright, we've broken down the benchmarks. Now it's time to get personal. A "good MCAT score" isn't some universal number floating out there; it's a specific target that fits your academic profile and the medical schools you're aiming for. Setting this target is what turns a vague dream into an actionable game plan.
This isn't about just aiming for a 528 and hoping for the best. It's a calculated move based on real data, an honest look at your own stats, and knowing where you're starting from. Let's walk through exactly how to define the score that will make your application as competitive as possible.
Step 1: Research Your Target Schools
First things first: you need to become a data detective. Your mission is to dig up the median MCAT scores and GPAs for the last entering class at every single school on your list. This isn't guesswork. It's hard data that shows you exactly what a competitive applicant looks like at those specific programs.
The absolute best tool for this is the AAMC's Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database. It’s a goldmine of information, offering detailed profiles for every accredited medical school in the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s what you're looking for:
- Median MCAT Score: This is the middle-of-the-pack score for their admitted class—half scored higher, half scored lower. This number should be your main reference point.
- MCAT Score Range (10th-90th percentile): This gives you the spread where most admitted students landed. If you can hit the 75th percentile or higher, you'll be a very strong candidate.
- Median GPA: Don't ignore this. You need to understand how your GPA and MCAT score work together, which is crucial for the next step.
I highly recommend creating a simple spreadsheet to track this data for each school. This organized list is the foundation for everything that follows.
Step 2: Honestly Assess Your GPA and Profile
With your school research done, it's time for a reality check. Your GPA and MCAT are the two main pillars of your academic profile, and admissions committees look at them as a package deal.
Think of it like a seesaw. If one side is a bit low, the other needs to be higher to keep things balanced.
- If Your GPA is at or Above a School's Median: You've got some breathing room. Your goal should be an MCAT score at or just above that school's median. Your strong grades already do a lot of the talking for you.
- If Your GPA is Below a School's Median: This is where your MCAT score needs to shine. To stay competitive, you should aim for an MCAT score that is well above the school's median to prove you can handle the academic load.
Strategic Calculation: If your GPA falls into a school's 50th percentile (or even lower), a smart move is to target an MCAT score in their 75th percentile. This helps balance out your application and demonstrates you have the horsepower for med school, even if your GPA isn't perfect.
Don't forget the rest of your story. Do you have killer research experience, unique clinical hours, or a compelling life story? These are important for a holistic review, but they rarely make up for a big deficit in your stats. Your target score's first job is to get your application past the initial screening filters.
Step 3: Take a Diagnostic Test
The final step is to figure out your starting line. Before you dive into a grueling study schedule, you need to know where you stand right now. The only way to do that is by taking a full-length, timed diagnostic MCAT exam under conditions that are as realistic as possible.
Don't panic if the score is lower than you'd like. This initial number is just data. Its only purpose is to show you the gap between where you are and where you need to be. For instance, if your diagnostic is a 495 and your target is a 512, you now have a clear mission: create a study plan to gain 17 points.
This three-step process—research, self-assessment, and baseline testing—takes the mystery out of it all. You'll go from wondering "what's a good MCAT score?" to knowing exactly what your target score is and what it will take to get there.
What to Do After You Get Your Score
That moment when your MCAT score flashes on the screen is a big one. Whether you feel a wave of relief or a knot in your stomach, your next move needs to be strategic. Your score isn't the end of the line; it’s a critical piece of data that will shape the rest of your medical school application strategy.
No matter what that number is, the goal is to move forward with a plan that gives you the best possible shot at getting accepted.
Scenario 1: You Hit or Exceeded Your Target Score
First off, congratulations! That's a huge achievement and a massive asset for your application. A strong MCAT score can swing doors open and make you a highly competitive applicant at a wide range of medical schools.
So, what now? Your focus shifts to making the most of this success. Get strategic and apply to schools where your score puts you at or above their median for accepted students. This doesn't mean you can slack off on the rest of your application, but you can use this momentum to make sure your personal statement, experiences, and letters of recommendation are just as impressive.
Scenario 2: Your Score Fell Short
Getting a score below your target can feel like a gut punch, but it is absolutely not the end of your dream. The most important thing to do right now is to resist making any rash decisions. Breathe. Let's analyze what happened.
Was this just a bad test day, or were your practice scores hovering in this same range? A big drop from your practice tests might point to test-day anxiety or a one-off issue that can be fixed. But if your score is pretty consistent with how you were practicing, it’s a signal that your study strategy needs a fundamental overhaul.
Deciding to retake the exam is a major choice. Most medical schools look at your highest score, so a significant jump—think 5+ points—can show adcoms your resilience and academic drive. A small bump of a point or two, however, might not justify the time, money, and stress of a retake.
Key Consideration: Only retake the MCAT if you have a completely revamped study plan and are genuinely confident you can make a meaningful improvement. Using the same old study methods will likely get you the same old result.
If your score is borderline, you might broaden your school list to include programs where you’re still a competitive applicant. In other cases, the smarter move is to double down on other parts of your application, like getting more clinical experience or diving into a research project.
For anyone struggling to figure out a new study plan, our comprehensive guide on how to improve your MCAT score provides actionable strategies to break through a plateau. Ultimately, your path forward depends on an honest look at your performance and a clear-eyed assessment of your application as a whole.
Your Top MCAT Score Questions, Answered
Once you have your score report, the questions really start flooding in. What does this number actually mean? How will admissions committees see it? Let's clear up some of the most common questions pre-meds have about their MCAT scores.
Is 510 a Good MCAT Score?
Yes, absolutely. A 510 is a strong, competitive score that puts you ahead of the pack. Landing a 510 means you’re in the 78th percentile—you outperformed nearly four out of every five people who took the exam.
This score makes you a solid candidate for a wide range of MD programs and a very strong applicant for most DO programs. While the most elite, research-heavy universities often see median scores creeping closer to 515 or higher, a 510 ensures your application gets a serious look at many excellent medical schools.
How Do Medical Schools View Multiple MCAT Scores?
The old stigma around retaking the MCAT is pretty much gone. Most medical schools will primarily focus on your highest score, so a significant jump can actually work in your favor.
Seeing a score increase of five or more points tells admissions committees a story of resilience, growth, and a serious work ethic. However, taking the exam multiple times with little or no improvement might raise questions about your preparation and judgment.
Our Advice: Only retake the MCAT if you have a completely revamped study plan. If you just repeat the same habits, you'll likely get the same results. A strategic retake requires identifying your weaknesses and adopting a new, more effective approach.
How Important Is the CARS Section Score?
Your total score is king, but the CARS section gets a lot of extra attention from admissions committees. Why? Because a strong CARS score (think 128 or higher) is seen as a powerful predictor of your ability to succeed in the rigorous environment of medical school. It’s a direct reflection of your critical thinking and reasoning skills.
On the flip side, a very low CARS score (below 125) can be a red flag, even if your science scores are stellar. It might suggest a weakness in the non-scientific reasoning that is essential for being a great physician. The goal should always be a balanced performance across all four sections.
What MCAT Score Is Needed for DO Schools?
Pursuing an osteopathic (DO) medical education is a fantastic path to becoming a physician, and the score expectations are slightly different. The average MCAT for students starting at DO schools typically falls in the 504-505 range.
This means a score of 506 or higher will make you a very competitive applicant at the vast majority of DO schools. Just like with MD programs, the most competitive DO schools are seeing their averages climb each year, so a higher score always gives you a better shot.
Navigating the MCAT and the admissions process can feel like a maze, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. The expert tutors at Ace Med Boards offer one-on-one guidance to help you master the material, build a winning strategy, and hit your target score. Start with a free consultation today to see how a personalized study plan can make all the difference.
