If you’re heading toward medical school, you’ve probably asked at least once: What MCAT score will actually open the right doors? The honest answer is that it depends on your list of schools. However, a 510 or higher often puts you in a good place for many programs, while anything above 518 is frequently considered outstanding.

(Looking for a more individualized MCAT plan? You can call or text SOS Admissions at 310-870-5428.)

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The Basics of MCAT Scoring

• Total Score Range: 472 to 528

• Sections (each 118–132):

  1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

  2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

  3. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

  4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

Each section contributes to the total. You don’t lose points for incorrect answers, so guess whenever you’re unsure—an educated guess is better than no guess at all.

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What Counts as Good?

General Guidelines:

• 515–528: Very competitive, especially for well-known programs

• 511–514: Solid range for many schools

• 506–510: Middle ground, works for a variety of places

• 505 and below: More limiting; might require a strong application elsewhere (like volunteer work, clinical exposure, or research) to offset

If you’re aiming for top-tier institutions, a score around 515 or above is often recommended.

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Percentiles and How They Matter

MCAT percentiles show where you stand compared to your peers:

• 518 ~ 95th percentile

• 515 ~ 90th percentile

• 510 ~ 78th percentile

Higher percentile scores usually mean you’ll stand out more when admissions committees start comparing applicants.

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Average Scores at Select Schools (2025)

Below are approximate average scores for incoming classes at a few standout programs. Keep in mind these can shift slightly year to year.

Students interested in these institutions often aim for at least those averages—or higher.

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Is 515 Worth Smiling About?

In many cases, yes. A 515 places you around the top 10% of test takers. Even if your GPA is on the lower side, a 515 or above can give your application a noticeable lift.

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Is 500 Too Low?

While a 500 hovers around the 50th percentile, it’s generally seen as less competitive for medical school admissions. Some programs might still consider it if you have robust clinical experience or exceptional community engagement, but it’s wise to think about retaking the exam for a better result.

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MCAT Scores in Canada

For Canadian schools, an MCAT score in the ballpark of 511–515 usually works well, though some programs place special emphasis on certain sections (CARS is a big one at certain institutions). Canadian schools sometimes prioritize local applicants, so an out-of-province or international applicant should aim a bit higher to be safe.

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Tips for Scoring 515+

Many students get anxious about breaking that 515 mark. Having helped several friends prepare (and doing the test myself once upon a time), I’ve seen a few common habits among high scorers:

1. Craft a Realistic Study Calendar
   Plan about 300–350 hours for studying, starting with a baseline test to pinpoint your weaker areas.

2. Choose Resources Wisely
   Official AAMC exams plus a reputable question bank (like UWorld MCAT) cover a lot of ground. Jumping between too many sources can get confusing.

3. Develop Testing Tactics
   Practice your reading speed, hone your time management, and do full-length tests in real exam conditions. This can improve your stamina and focus.

4. Complete Key Prerequisites
   Classes like biochemistry and organic chemistry introduce a lot of MCAT content. Making sure you’ve taken them first can help prevent large knowledge gaps.

5. Pace Yourself and Avoid Burnout
   Regular breaks, good sleep, and a bit of downtime can go a long way toward keeping your mind alert.

(Want more tailored guidance? Call or text SOS Admissions at 310-870-5428.)

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FAQs

1. What’s a perfect score?
528 is the absolute highest. Almost nobody hits it each year, so don’t stress if you’re a few points below that.

2. Can I retake the MCAT?
Yes, but plan to show a meaningful jump in your second attempt. Multiple retakes can raise questions unless you clearly improve.

3. How long are scores valid?
Most schools accept MCAT scores for about two or three years. Double-check your target schools because these policies can vary.

4. Can strong extracurriculars offset a weaker MCAT?
Sometimes, especially if a school uses a holistic approach. But extremely selective programs still want to see scores around their usual averages.

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How Schools Use MCAT Scores

• Initial Vetting: Some institutions screen out applicants below a certain threshold right away.

• Overall Fit: Schools look at your GPA, essays, and experiences alongside your MCAT.

• Section Emphasis: Certain programs focus a lot on certain sections. For instance, McMaster is known for placing more value on CARS.

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How SOS Admissions Can Help

SOS Admissions offers:

• Custom Study Timelines
  They’ll zero in on your unique strengths and weak spots.

• Detailed Practice Test Analysis
  Get feedback on each section, so you can concentrate on the areas that matter most.

• Application Strategy
  Learn how to highlight your MCAT scores in a broader application and show your best side.

Call or text 310-870-5428 if you’d like to learn more. Talking with an advisor about your goals can sometimes save you a lot of guesswork.