What Is A Good MCAT Score? |See The Breakdown On How to Get It

What Is A Good MCAT Score: Are you interested in studying medicine? and perhaps, you are preparing for your MCAT exams?

well, I’m sure you will want to know What Is A Good MCAT Score ? as this can keep your mind on task when preparing for the exams.

Owing to the fact, that there is numerous false information when it comes to MCAT scoring.

In this article, we’re going to cover not only everything about how MCAT is scored, but most importantly, how you can use this information shared to build your Score Goal if you are preparing for your MCAT exams and then show you how to get it.

First off, we’d like to quickly say that it is very wise of you to do this research in advance! You are way ahead of most other MCAT test-takers.

Over the years we have studied countless MCAT scorers above 90 percentiles, and they have always made such efforts to prepare for MCAT intelligently, not just by hard work.

Smart preparation means familiarizing yourself with the structure of the MCAT assessment so you can get a feel for what you are dealing with.

This shows that you are thinking of a higher score as the average MCAT test candidate goes straight to the MCAT study. without preparation and planning.

As I said, great work! Now let’s take a look at exactly how the MCAT is scored, find out exactly how to achieve the MCAT score you want, and how to effectively achieve that goal without going through all of the stress most premeds go through.

In this comprehensive guide, you will learn everything you need to know about MCAT scores including:

• The average MCAT score
• The MCAT score range
• What is a good MCAT score and what you need to get into medical school
• or What is the average MCAT score
• What is the highest MCAT score
• Where you should apply to medical school based on your MCAT score
• MCAT prep and ideas on how to study for the MCAT.

Why Is The MCAT Score Important?

Well, the importance of your MCAT score can not be overemphasized as it is like your key to the kingdom.

Usually, medical schools are looking to find a complete student. A student that has all boxes ticked in their requirement book.

First, they look at your MCAT score and your GPA. Other things they look for are your extracurricular activities, your medical experiences such as volunteer work and research, your leadership, and your overall exposure.

They also review your personal statement, letters of recommendation, and assess you in admissions interviews.

At the top of this list, your MCAT score plays an important role in your admission to medical school, as committees are selective, prompting some programs to have minimum MCAT score requirements.

After all, it provides insight into how you will fare in medical school and your licensing exams in the future.

Now, before you can continue creating your MCAT study plan, any candidate must first understand that the key to passing this exam is to aim for a good MCAT score. Having a good score gives you more chances and therefore more choices of medical schools that you can attend.

But to get that good score, we need to understand how MCAT scoring works and how MCAT is scored.

MCAT Fundamentals Every Medical student should know

We recognize that taking the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is one of the most fearful parts of the medical school admissions process for many applicants. After years of study, focus and dedication, time spent in extracurricular and academic activities, it is distressing to imagine that your success could depend on your MCAT score. You may be wondering:

• What MCAT score do I need to get into medical school?
• What is a good, or “good enough,” MCAT score?
• I have one MCAT score? Should I retake the MCAT?

Since many medical schools consider the MCAT score to be the most important objective criterion for your application to medical school, you should use all strategies to take the MCAT as few times as possible to earn the highest score.

While your GPA is also extremely important, the MCAT is the only metric medical schools can use to objectively compare you to other applicants. Your goal should be to achieve the highest possible MCAT score, or a score close to the average MCAT score, for students admitted to your medical schools. Discover medical school admissions statistics including average MCAT scores and average GPA for all medical schools in the United States.

How The MCAT Is Scored

One good question any pre-med student should ask is How Does MCAT Scoring Work?

perhaps, you are coming from a family of doctors and you may have wondered walking in their shoes means you having to ask them some of these tough questions.

But sometimes they end up not giving you a satisfactory answer.

The Medical College Admissions Test, also known as MCAT, is a standardized test that weighs heavily on your overall application.

While it’s not the only thing that medical schools look into, it does have the distinction of being one of the only ways to compare your capabilities to that of other students objectively. MCAT Scoring Work?

All other med school requirements are subjective due to different schools, courses, and learning styles.

Thanks to the standardized nature of the MCAT, schools can get a better picture of your knowledge and academic skills. Your score is the first barrier to entry and ultimately it will play a role in whether or not you advance to the next stage of the admissions process.

Most students are familiar with the concept of standardized testing. However, the MCAT follows a unique grading system. It does not assign letter-based grades and does not even follow the usual notation conventions from zero to 100.

Four Sections MCAT Exams is Scored On

The MCAT is a tiered exam and is graded based on the difficulty of answering questions. That brings us to an understanding of the score ranges for each section and for the MCAT as a whole.

Nonetheless, the MCAT is currently composed of the following four sections:

#1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (BBLS)

This section is simply called “Bio/Biochem.” what this means is that as a pre-med student you are supposed good knowledge of biology and biochemistry.

Thus, this section of your MCAT exams will test your biological and biochemistry understanding.

it will also include some parts that will test your ability to apply analytical skills, statistical skills, reasoning, and scientific inquiry to find solutions.

#2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (CPBS)

The section focuses on physical and chemical sciences while also testing your ability to solve problems.

Generally, the first two sections of the MCAT exams are referred to as the “Natural Sciences” section. However, they both get individual scores.

#3. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

This particular section is known to the test-takers as the CARS section. it is different from all other sections.

Instead of testing your knowledge on specific areas of study, it will rather evaluate your CT (Critical Thinking) and reasoning skills.

it will have text passages about subjects like ethics, population health, philosophy, and more.

#4. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (PSBB).

well, this final part focuses on testing your comprehension of the named scientific principles, it focuses heavily on the importance of psychology and behavioral determinants of health in medicine.

Once you have completed your quiz, each section will be graded individually. As with all standardized tests, your score will depend on the number of correct answers.

The good news is that the wrong and unanswered questions get the same scores, so you can make educated guesses without worrying about penalties.

The MCAT score does not follow a traditional 100-point scale. Instead, the markers use your correct answers to convert your score to a scale between 118 and 132. You will also be given a percentile rank to see where you are in the range of other applicants’ scores.

NOTE

Each of the MCAT sections receives a score of 118 to 132. The MCAT will then add the four scores together to get your cumulative total.

Understand MCAT Score Ranges

I know you might be asking “Why is the MCAT scoring system so weird?”

Well, the truth is the scoring system may seem confusing at first, but it’s pretty easy to understand when you break the test down into four separate sections.

The MCAT is a massive test that takes several hours. Studying the contents of each unit can make the test easier to use and less intimidating.

Following a 15-point scale, each of the four sections is scored between 118 and 132 which are the lowest and highest possible score, respectively. 

When combined, it makes the total score range from 472 to 528. The exam is centered so that the mean and median lie at 500.

This strange grading system was born out of the need to level the playing field, as different sets of questions are offered every year and some may be more difficult than other versions.

For this reason, raw scores are converted to scaled scores through a process called equating, which compensates for slight variations in difficulty

Sometimes students wonder if their grades are affected by when they take the test or who is writing with them in the test center.

Nonetheless, For the 2021-2022 year, the midpoint score of 500 puts you in the 45th percentile. That means that you did better than 45 percent of all test-takers for that year. Ranks continually rise along with the cumulative number range, indicating a more competitive score.

How to Interpret Your MCAT Score Report

There are basically 4 sections you will see when you receive your MCAT Score Report namely;

#1. The Score Column on the MCAT Score Report:

The “Score” column shows you your graded score for each section. The evaluation for MCAT is based on correctly answered questions.

Wrong answers have no additional penalty and are scored in the same way as unanswered questions. They don’t affect your score, so it’s a good idea to make an educated guess about questions that you’re not sure about!

#2. The Percentile Rank Column on the MCAT Score Report

On the other hand, the “percentile rank” shows how your score compares to your competitors and shows you their percentage that was higher or lower than you.

#3. The Confidence Band Column on the MCAT Score Report

The “confidence band” describes the range of accuracy of your section and your scores. It recognizes the inherent inaccuracies of standardized tests as the results can be influenced by various factors.

The AAMC states that it aims to “avoid differences between candidates with similar results”.

A confidence band of 122-124 means that your score was actually between 122-124 after taking into account the shortcomings of the scoring system.

This removes the doubt about the difference between applicants’ raw grades, whether they scored 122 or 124. This in turn smoothes the prerequisites for admission to medical studies and works in favor of the applicant.

#4. The Score Profile Column on the MCAT Score Report

Lastly, the ‘score profile’ shows you your strengths and weaknesses on the MCAT. It helps you understand which section you should focus or improve on, in case of a retake.

What is The Highest MCAT Score?

When it comes to the MCAT exam the highest anyone can score is 528. What this means is that you will have to score nothing less than 132 in all 4 sections of the exam.

This is actually possible to get a perfect score but it’s rare and difficult to achieve. Nonetheless, you really don’t need a perfect score to get a high percentile.

For the 2021-2022 year, a score of 522-523 would put you in the 99th percentile. Those who score between 524 and 528 are considered to be in the 100th percentile.

Now you know what the highest score in MCAT is, then, What Is A Good MCAT Score?

What Is A Good MCAT Score?

Hey! don’t be scared I know scoring 528 sounds impossible and you are already wallowing in thought What Is A Good MCAT Score is.

The truth is, you don’t have to get a perfect score but a target MCAT score varies depending on the student involved. Thus, your choice of med school plays a very important role in determining “your good MCAT score”

That being said, there is a range that is generally accepted. An MCAT score is considered good if you score anything 510 and above cumulatively with individual sections totaling 127 each.

None section is more important than the other. Even if you get a perfect score to make up the difference elsewhere, having a low score might hurt your chances of gaining admission.

It is important to study and prepare for every section equally in order to have a generally consistent score across all areas.

The MCAT exam is tough and with a total score of 510, you will be slightly comfortable and would place you around the 78th percentile or higher.

According to the aggregate acceptance rates reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges, approximately 61.4% of applicants with a score between 510 and 513 were accepted.

MCAT Score Percentiles

To accurately understand your score see this table of MCAT score percentiles. You will find out where you stand.

What Is The Average MCAT Score?

Now that you understand how the MCAT is scored and how to interpret the score reports, you may now be excited to start strategizing how to take on the exam. But before one could lay out the plans, we need to have a goal to aim for.

It’s no news that all institutions have their standards and requirements, each medical school has a limited number of potential students that can be accepted.

Understanding how you fit into the equation and comparing yourself to others can give you some insight into the MCAT score you are aiming for.

There is no guaranteed score to be accepted, but we can look at the acceptance data and aggregate the scores to see what the schools prefer.

Based on the MCAT scores and percentiles released for 2021-2022, we can say that the applicants average score is around 502. This is relatively close to the mean of 500. A score from 501 to 502 puts you in 48th place at the 52nd percentile.

However, this number refers to the average MCAT score of all applicants. Unfortunately, not all students taking the MCAT are accepted and enrolled in medical school. Not only that, many candidates take the MCAT multiple times!

Association of American Medical Colleges

In 2020, the Association of American Medical Colleges found that more than 88,000 applicants had taken the MCAT nearly 100,000 times. Oddly enough, these are higher numbers than last year.

During the 2020-2021 application cycle, there were approximately 53,030 applicants in medical schools. However, only 22,239 registered, which corresponds to an overall acceptance of only 42%.

With that in mind, what is the average MCAT score of people accepted into medical school?

According to the AAMC;

The average MCAT score for students accepted into allopathic, or MD-granting, medical schools was 511.5. The standard deviation is approximately 6.5.

Why A “Good” MCAT Score Varies By Student

Before that, we covered what most consider “good MCAT score”. The general consensus is that a score of 528 will increase your chances of entering medical school.

However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that you should aim for a 510. What constitutes a “good” score differs from student to student.

Why is that? It all depends on your goals and the schools you plan to attend. As mentioned earlier, some institutions are much more competitive than others.

All in all, it is difficult to start studying medicine. You have to be at the top of your class and work hard to be accepted everywhere. But some schools are so competitive that they can only bid on the brightest minds in the country!

In these cases a 528 is not enough!

Med Schools that Accepts High MCAT Score

Let’s take a look at some of the top schools’ average scores. Some of the best educational institutions in the country require scores well above the national MCAT score average for enrollment. The schools with the highest average MCAT scores include:

If you are asking how high you need to score to be accepted into any of these med schools, well, you are not alone.

On average, the applicant that have been accepted into these schools scored around 96th percentile or higher!

The most competitive of the group, Vanderbilt, Yale, Washington University, and NYU, accept students with an average MCAT score of 521. That’s in the 98th percentile!

Med Schools that Accepts Low MCAT Score

Contrary to popular belief, a lower average MCAT score for pre-med students doesn’t indicate the quality of education you’ll get or even a school’s prestige. It simply means that these schools might prioritize other factors when admitting potential students.

The schools with lowest average MCAT scores include:

To attend these schools, you must be in the 55th percentile of applicants or higher. The school with the lowest average MCAT score is the University of Mississippi. The students admitted there have an average score of around 503.

Again, lower averages don’t necessarily reflect the type of education you’re receiving. It doesn’t even indicate overall competitiveness.

For example, Florida State University is notoriously difficult to access. The school has one of the lowest acceptance rates in the country. Only 2.1% of applicants receive an admission offer that sits between the universities of New York, Stanford, and Georgetown.

Still, Florida State University’s enrolled students have an average MCAT score of only 506.

Those who want to attend one of these schools have even better chances with the MCAT national average of 510.

As you can see, there are many variables when it comes to your medical school applications and your MCAT scores. While we can say that 510 is a good number to aim for, it is not the same for everyone.

Medical School Acceptance Rates Based on MCAT Score

Keep in mind that a great GMAT or MCAT score will not guarantee your admission to medical school. To illustrate, let’s consider the aggregated acceptance rates for applicants by MCAT score as reported by the Association of American Medical Colleges.Show 102550100 entriesSearch:

MCAT score	Percent Accepted
Less than 486	0.5%
486-489	1.1%
490 – 493	3.2%
494 – 497	10%
498 – 501	20%
502 – 505	32%
506 – 509	46.4%
510 – 513	61.4%
514 – 517	72.8%
Above 517	82.5%

As you can see, the higher the MCAT score, the better your chances of being accepted. In general, if you have a lower MCAT score, you should ideally have a higher GPA to balance your academic profile. However, many factors affect an applicant’s success as medical school admissions committees review applications holistically. That is why your experiences, your personal statement, work and activity entries, side essays and interviews are so important.

Where Should I Apply to Medical School Based on my MCAT Score?

These are very broad guidelines for where to apply based on your MCAT score and GPA of 3.5 or higher. These recommendations may differ depending on your state of residence, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and other factors.

• MCAT score of 505 or lower: Consider applying to your state’s allopathic and osteopathic medical schools.
• MCAT scores ranging from 506 to 509: Apply to medical schools in your state. Apply to a few more allopathic medical schools as well as 15 – 20 osteopathic medical schools.
• The MCAT scores ranging from 510 to 514: Apply to state medical schools as well as 25 – 30 carefully chosen allopathic medical schools. Consider applying to a few top-tier osteopathic medical schools, depending on other factors in your profile.
• Apply to your state medical schools as well as 25 allopathic medical schools if you have an MCAT score of 514 or higher. The more selective your school list should be, the higher your MCAT score.

How should I study for the MCAT?

When students ask me how I should prepare, I ask them first, “How did you prepare for the SAT or ACT, and what went well?” At this stage, most students know their weaknesses and have an idea of how they learn best. The material to be examined is usually dealt with in undergraduate courses. The best way to prepare varies from candidate to candidate and there is no one right way.

MCAT Prep: Here are some MCAT prep possibilities

#1. Review on your own:

Buying or borrowing review books and studying on your own could be a viable alternative if you are skilled in self-studying with exceptional time management and organizational skills. If you need to supplement what you learned in your preparatory classes, there are several good review books available.

Many students have the self-discipline to study independently and include the AAMC practice tests in their study regimen (see below). Khan Academy MCAT features some outstanding prep tools created in collaboration with the AAMC. They’re also free!

#2. Commercial prep course:

Students typically prepare for the MCAT by enrolling in live or online MCAT review classes. The quality of these courses does not vary greatly, and their usefulness is dependent on each individual teacher’s talent, which is often difficult to gauge before to a course.

Whatever the success of the course, taking it requires a student to stay on track and construct a study plan, which is valuable in and of itself.

In my experience, these courses occasionally include initial “diagnostic tests,” which tend to “underscore” candidates, followed by “simulated examinations,” which tend to “overscore” applicants. I’m not sure why testing firms employ this method, but it’s possible that they’re attempting to make applicants nervous in order to drive them to study and then to increase students’ confidence before test day.

Regardless, take commercial practice test results with a grain of salt and place a higher emphasis on AAMC practice test results (see below).

#3. Private tutoring:

Private tutoring is getting more popular. If you need serious study in some areas, it may be good to seek out a professional instructor for “trouble spots.” Private instruction for each section may be a viable and costly option for certain applicants.

#4. Online resources:

At the current time, there are numerous internet resources and question banks available. Before enrolling in one, chat with several students who have used the tools and performed well.

#5. Study plan:

Regardless of how you prepare, it is critical to have a well-organized study plan in place to ensure that you cover all of the content before the exam. As previously stated, I recommend that students study for the MCAT® for at least three months. It is critical to be properly prepared for the MCAT®, and the amount of time required will vary from student to student. Be honest with yourself and dedicate the time necessary to perform well on the exam, even if it means deferring your planned application year.

#6. Practice tests:

Applicants can take practice exams at the AAMC. I propose that applicants take all of these examinations as part of their study plans. The results of these examinations are the best predictors of how a student will perform on test day. Order practice exams from the AAMC store.

#7. AAMC resources:

The AAMC offers various tools to help applicants prepare for the MCAT, including a portal of information provided by undergraduate university professors. In addition, the AAMC offers free lectures and tutorials to help students prepare in cooperation with Khan Academy and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Which Medical Schools have the Highest Average MCAT Scores?

What are some of the highest average MCAT scores for American medical colleges?

School	MCAT Score
Vanderbilt	521
Washington University	521
Yale	521
NYU	521
Johns Hopkins	520
Northwestern	520
Perelman/University of Pennsylvania	520
Pritzker/University of Chicago	520
Harvard	519

Fequently Asked question About What A Good MCAT Score is

Conclusion

A good MCAT score depends on the student and their goals. However, it is helpful to know the rating ranges and percentiles in order to gauge your chances of acceptance (with respect to this test).

Ultimately, the goal should always be to get the highest score possible. There’s no way to guarantee that you’ll be accepted. However, high MCAT marks can do a lot to make your application competitive and compelling.

That being said, what other ways do you think a pre-med student can get a good score in their MCAT exams? please use the comment section below.

if you enjoy this read please don’t hesitate to share it with your friends and colleagues.

References