MCAT scoring: What you need to know

Are you a student dreaming of becoming a doctor? Well, you’re on the right track if you’re looking into the MCAT, as it is one of the most critical milestones on the journey to medical school. As a standardized exam designed to assess problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts, the MCAT plays a crucial role in the admissions process for nearly all U.S. and Canadian medical schools.

Whether you’re just starting to think about applying to med school or deep into your preparation, understanding how the MCAT is scored, what counts as a good score, and how long scores remain valid is necessary for creating a successful application strategy.

Let’s break it down in detail.

What is the MCAT and what does it test?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a computer-based multiple-choice exam administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The MCAT is designed to evaluate the foundational knowledge and skills considered vital for medical school.

The test is divided into four sections, each focusing on a different area:

1. Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems (CPBS)Tests your knowledge of chemistry and physics principles in a biological context.
2. Critical analysis and reasoning skills (CARS)Focuses on reading comprehension and critical thinking. This is a verbal reasoning assessment based on passages from the humanities and social sciences.
3. Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems (BBLS)Covers biology and biochemistry, emphasizing how cells and organ systems function.
4. Psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior (PSBB)Tests your understanding of psychology, sociology, and how behavior affects health.

Each section tests your scientific knowledge and ability to reason, analyze, and apply concepts to real-world scenarios. Doing well on the MCAT shows admissions committees that you’re ready to take on the rigors of a medical school curriculum. Challenging MCAT questions simulate the kind of problem-solving you’ll need to do as a medical student and future physician.

When should I take the MCAT?

Aim to take your MCAT early in the year, ideally no later than May, to ensure your scores are available when medical school applications open. The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) begins sending applications to medical schools at the end of June each year, and the admissions process continues for several months.

Knowing when MCAT scores come out is crucial for effective planning. MCAT scores are generally released about 1 month after your test date, with most score releases occurring at 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the designated release day.

Since medical schools will only review your application after receiving your MCAT scores, it’s imperative to plan ahead so your results arrive before application deadlines. If you intend to transition directly from undergraduate studies to medical school, you should take the MCAT by May of your junior year. This timing allows your scores to be available by June, giving you a full senior year for interviews and final decisions before graduation.

For students considering a gap year before entering medical school, taking extra time can provide more opportunities to study for the exam and gain valuable clinical experience, strengthening your medical school application. In this case, aim to complete the MCAT by the end of your senior year. Regardless of your path, scheduling your first test as early as January gives you flexibility in case a retake is needed, ensuring that your MCAT scores come out in time for application cycles.

Taking the MCAT as early as possible helps you manage your study schedule alongside other commitments and ensures timely score release for your applications. For a comprehensive guide on timing and score release details, check out our article on the best time to take the MCAT.

How is the MCAT scored?

Each of the 4 MCAT sections is scored individually on a scaled score range from 118 to 132, with a median score of 125. For most sections, you’ll answer 59 questions, except for the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section, which contains 53 questions. The number of correct answers in each section determines your raw score, which is then converted into a scaled score to account for variations in exam difficulty, ensuring that MCAT scores are fair and reliable.

After each section is scored, the four scaled section scores are combined to create your total MCAT score. The total MCAT score range spans from:

• 472 - the lowest possible MCAT score
• 528 - a perfect MCAT score

The midpoint of the total MCAT scores range is 500, which represents the average MCAT score among all test-takers. The AAMC does not use percentage-based scoring for the MCAT, but rather a scaled scoring system to ensure fairness and reliability across different test dates and versions.

Here’s how the MCAT score range breaks down by section:

Because of this scaling process, even if you miss several questions, your MCAT scores may be higher than you expect. The AAMC does not release specific grading curves for MCAT scores, but aims to maintain consistency and accuracy for all examinees through scaled scores.

The AAMC scaling system for each application cycle is a closely guarded secret, so there’s no perfect way to convert raw scores to scaled scores on your own. Still, you can use your raw scores (the number of questions you got right out of the total) to predict what your official MCAT score will be. Understanding what constitutes a good MCAT score range can help you set realistic goals as you prepare for the exam.

What is a good MCAT score?

The definition of a good MCAT score range can vary based on the medical schools you’re targeting and the overall strength of your application, which includes your GPA, extracurriculars, essays, and other experiences. Take a look at the ranges below to get a sense of what MCAT scores and percentile data actually mean. A high MCAT score can tip admissions in your favor, while a low MCAT score can be equally consequential.

Below are general guidelines for interpreting your MCAT score range:

• 472 - 499 (1st - 46th percentile): This MCAT score range is considered below average, which can significantly restrict your medical school options unless you have an outstanding GPA or highly unique experiences.
• 500 - 505 (49th—65th percentile): These MCAT scores fall around the national average. Together with a strong GPA and experience hours, they may be acceptable at less competitive medical schools.
• 506 - 509 (68th - 77th percentile): A slightly above average MCAT score range, which gives you a reasonable chance at many MD and DO (osteopathic) schools if your other application components are strong.
• 510 - 514 (79th - 89th percentile): This competitive MCAT score range puts you above the average MCAT scores nationally and within reach of many mid-tier and upper-tier allopathic or osteopathic programs.
• 515 - 518 (91st - 95th percentile): These very competitive MCAT scores are achieved by the top 10-20% of test takers and can open doors at many prestigious medical schools.
• 519 - 528 (96th - 100th percentile): An excellent to perfect MCAT score range, frequently seen among applicants accepted to Ivy League and other top-tier institutions.

For added perspective, recent admissions cycles show that the average MCAT scores for students accepted to U.S. allopathic (MD) programs are around 511-512, according to official AAMC MCAT scores data. For osteopathic (DO) programs, the average MCAT score for accepted students is around 502, according to the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. While achieving a high MCAT percentile does wonders for your application, remember that admissions committees evaluate your entire profile. A slightly lower MCAT score can be balanced by strong clinical experience, research, leadership, and a compelling personal statement.

Becoming familiar with the full MCAT scores range and knowing where your results fall on the MCAT scores percentile chart will help you set realistic expectations and plan your next steps in the application process.

How long are MCAT scores valid?

Your MCAT scores remain valid for a specific period, usually 2 to 3 years, depending on the individual medical school’s policies. Check how long MCAT scores are valid for each school you apply to so you can effectively plan your application timeline.

If you complete the MCAT in 2025, your scores may be accepted for medical school application cycles in 2025, 2026, and sometimes 2027. However, some programs only accept scores from the past 2 years. Review each school’s official admissions requirements to confirm the validity period for MCAT scores early in your planning process.

This limited time frame helps admissions committees ensure that your knowledge is up to date and that your score accurately reflects your academic readiness. Knowing when and what time MCAT scores come out can help you better coordinate your application submissions and meet urgent deadlines.

Key takeaways

The MCAT can feel overwhelming, but knowing how it’s scored and what score you should aim for can give you clarity and direction. AAMC MCAT scores are reported on a scale, and knowing where your results fall within the MCAT scores range can help you target the right programs. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:

1. MCAT scores range from 472 to 528. Average MCAT scores hover around 500, while a score of 515 or above is considered highly competitive for most applicants.
2. Each of the 4 MCAT sections is equally weighted, so maintaining consistently high performance across all areas will boost your total MCAT score and improve your MCAT scores percentile.
3. A good MCAT score range depends on the specific medical schools you’re applying to, but aiming for at least a 510 will make you a strong candidate at many MD programs.
4. It’s beneficial to know how long MCAT scores are valid. Most schools accept MCAT scores that are 2 years old or less, while some accept scores up to 3 years old. Plan your test date according to your overall application timeline.

While your MCAT scores play a huge role in the admissions process, they are just one part of a holistic review. Focusing on smart study strategies, being driven and consistent, and balancing your preparation with self-care will help you achieve your best possible MCAT score and set you up to excel throughout medical school.