What MCAT Scores Are Needed for Medical School Admission?
Learn what MCAT scores are needed for medical school, including average, good and highest scores. Explore sections, scoring and how GPA is compared to MCAT results.
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an important part of the admissions process for medical school. It’s designed to assess a student’s knowledge of the sciences, critical thinking skills and writing ability. Due to the significant impact of MCAT scores on medical school admissions decisions, it is important for students to understand what scores are required to get accepted into a top medical school. In this article, we’ll explore the MCAT scores accepted by medical schools and outline the steps you can take to improve your chances of acceptance. More information about the MCAT is available at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
What is the MCAT score?
The MCAT score is a percentile ranking that reflects how well you performed on the MCAT in comparison to other test-takers. Your MCAT score plays a significant role in the admissions process and can be a make-or-break factor when trying to secure a spot in a quality medical school. Achieving a strong MCAT score will provide a distinct advantage; therefore, it is essential to do your best on the exam.
What are the MCAT sections?
The MCAT consists of four sections:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Living Systems
- Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Knowledge in each discipline is key to scoring well on the MCAT, so it is important to learn, study and practice all topics covered in each section.
How is the MCAT Scored?
The total MCAT score ranges from 472 to 528, with a mean score of 500. Your percentile ranking reflects how well you did relative to other test-takers. For example, if your ranking was in the top 10%, it means you scored better than 90% of the students who took the test.
What are the individual MCAT score ranges?
Each section is scored from 118 to 132, contributing points towards your total score for each tested subject area. An overall combined score is then calculated by averaging your performance across all four sections.
What are the MCAT percentiles?
Percentile scores show which percentile range your score falls in – for example, a percentile rank of 70 means that you scored better than 70% of the test takers. Medical school admissions officers use percentile scores to compare your results with other applicants who took the same exam.
It’s important to note that percentiles are contextual and subject to changes over time. It’s more beneficial for applicants to focus on their actual scores rather than using percentiles as a benchmark.
What is the highest MCAT score?
The maximum MCAT score is 528 and the total MCAT score per section is 132. In terms of percentile rankings, the highest percentile is 99+, which means you scored better than 99% of test-takers.
What is the average MCAT score?
According to the AAMC, the average score for all MCAT test-takers from May 2023 to April 2024 was 501, with a mean of 125 per section.
What is a good MCAT score to have?
A good MCAT score is generally any score that falls in the 50th percentile or higher, indicating you performed better than at least half of the other test-takers. Depending on the medical school you are applying to, some may require higher scores than others. Researching and understanding each school’s admissions process and desired scores is essential.
How does my GPA measure up against the MCAT?
If your GPA is lower than average, your MCAT score could determine whether you get accepted into medical school. A higher MCAT score can demonstrate to medical schools that while your academic performance may not have been stellar during undergraduate studies, you still have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field of medicine. On the other hand, if your GPA is higher than average, you may have more flexibility in the medical school admissions process.
Does my medical school acceptance depend solely on a good MCAT score?
No, MCAT scores are just one factor in the complex landscape of medical school admissions. Medical schools will also look at many other aspects of your application, including:
- GPA: Good grades throughout your undergraduate studies can demonstrate that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed as a medical student.
- Letters of recommendation: Having someone vouch for you with a well-written letter of recommendation is essential to demonstrating your character and capabilities to admissions officers.
- Clinical experience: Volunteer or clinical experience in the medical field demonstrates your commitment to the profession and increases your chances of getting into medical school.
- Undergraduate coursework: Showcasing coursework that highlights your academic prowess can also be a great way to demonstrate your capabilities to medical school admissions officers.
- Medical research experience: Participation in medical research can demonstrate your commitment to the field. For example, if you have conducted research in a lab or published papers, this could be viewed favorably by medical school admissions officers.
- Extracurricular activities: Showcasing any relevant extracurricular activities or leadership positions you’ve held can also help strengthen your application. This could include working as a tutor, volunteering in the community or participating in professional societies.
- Personal statement: A well-thought-out personal statement provides an opportunity to showcase unique qualities and experiences that you may not be able to demonstrate through test scores or grades alone. An impressive personal statement can make all the difference.
What MCAT score do I need to get into St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine?
There is no minimum MCAT score requirement at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine. This is because we evaluate applicants holistically and look at their overall academic merit, in addition to other factors that are important in assessing a student’s potential. While there’s no specific minimum, aiming for a high MCAT score will help you showcase your knowledge and skills to our admissions committee.
Please note that MCAT scores are an application requirement for all U.S. students, and are strongly recommended from all other applicants as well.
Learn more about St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine’s admission process.
At St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine (SMUSOM), we consider your whole application. With this holistic approach, our admissions committee can identify the best possible candidates for admission. This means students who seem likely to embrace the medical school experience by fully committing themselves to their studies and enriching the SMUSOM community. If you want to learn more about our admissions process and how to increase your chances of getting accepted, please visit our admissions page for more information.