MCAT scores at top medical schools
Table of contents
- MCAT exam information
- Top MD programs and MCAT scores
- Harvard Medical School
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
- University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
- Duke University School of Medicine
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
- Stanford University School of Medicine
- Conclusion
If you are considering a career in medicine, then you probably already know that MCAT scores play a crucial role in medical school admissions. The MCAT, or Medical College Admission Test, is a standardized examination required for admission to most medical colleges in the U.S. No matter where you are in the pre-med journey, strong MCAT scores can make a significant difference in your chances of acceptance. Whether you are aiming for an average MCAT score at Harvard or comparing expected benchmarks such as the Stanford MCAT average and Duke MCAT score, the exam is a non-negotiable step toward becoming a doctor.
MCAT exam information
This comprehensive exam features multiple-choice questions assessing knowledge across several domains critical to success in both medical school and later practice. The highest MCAT score achievable is 528, which is achieved by a very small number of applicants. The test is broken down into four main scoring sections:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Since MCAT scores significantly impact your odds of admission to a top medical program (see more details about the role of the MCAT in pre-med admissions), it’s worth focusing on what a good MCAT score is, especially for prestigious schools. Students who enrolled in U.S. MD programs in 2025 had an average MCAT score of 512.1, so many advisors recommend striving for a score of 511 or higher; however, some elite programs report averages that are much closer to the top of the MCAT score range. Setting a target that matches the expectations of your chosen schools will give you the best chance for success in your medical school applications.
Top MD programs and MCAT scores
Below are six top doctor of medicine (MD) programs in the U.S., all in the top six of Admit’s 2026 medical school rankings, which are based on match lists, admissions data, and NIH research funding:
Harvard Medical School
Harvard Medical School ranks first in Admit’s rankings, and its entering class of 2025 had an average MCAT score of about 520.5. This high score underscores the competitiveness of gaining admission to a top-tier medical school, as it is less than eight points short of a perfect score.
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine ranks second in Admit’s rankings, and its Class of 2028 had an average MCAT score of 520. This score is extremely competitive and similar to Harvard’s.
University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine
The University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine ranks third in Admit’s rankings, with a median MCAT score of 517. UCSF’s median is the lowest of the six schools here, a reminder that admission to a top program doesn’t depend on a near-perfect score.
Duke University School of Medicine
Ranked fourth in Admit’s rankings is Duke University School of Medicine, which has a median MCAT score of 520. Duke’s median MCAT score is in line with averages at other top programs and reflects the high standards expected by these leading medical schools.
University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine
The University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine ranks fifth in Admit’s rankings, with an impressive median MCAT score of 522 for the class that entered in 2026. Notably, the Perelman School of Medicine’s median MCAT score is higher than those of Johns Hopkins and the other programs on this list. UPenn’s high MCAT score highlights the exceptionally strong academic profile of admitted students.
Stanford University School of Medicine
Stanford’s medical school ranks sixth in Admit’s rankings, and its 2024 entering class had a median MCAT score of 518. This score further emphasizes the difficulty of securing a spot in these top medical programs.
The variation in MCAT scores among these schools indicates that admission decisions at top medical schools in the U.S. consider a holistic review process. Factors such as research experience, clinical exposure, leadership, and community service play significant roles alongside academic metrics like MCAT performance. Furthermore, while statistics highlight the competitiveness of these programs, it’s evident that success in gaining admission requires more than just strong test scores. Many other components, like GPA and letters of recommendation, contribute to a compelling application at the nation’s top medical schools.
Conclusion
The MCAT is a crucial component of the journey to becoming a physician and securing a spot at any top medical institution in the U.S. However, it is essential not to overlook other important aspects of your application, such as your GPA, volunteer work, research projects, and other relevant experiences. While MCAT score statistics are great guideposts, factors beyond MCAT scores, such as research experience, extracurricular achievements, and holistic review, play a crucial role in admissions decisions and overall medical school rankings. Enhancing your medical school application portfolio involves concerted preparation for the MCAT, excelling in required courses, and demonstrating strong performance in the more qualitative aspects of your application.
