What MCAT Scores Are Needed for Medical School: MCAT Score Range Explained
Learn about MCAT testing, scores and requirements, including what you can aim for as part of a successful medical school application.
If you are an aspiring medical doctor who dreams of entering a 4-year MD program, you may be wondering about the MCAT and what is a good MCAT score?
In this article, we’ll highlight this important test, explore common MCAT score ranges accepted by medical schools and outline the steps you can take to improve your chances of success.
What Is the MCAT?
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam for pre-medical students that assesses their knowledge of scientific concepts and critical thinking skills. It is designed to highlight your readiness to begin the study of medicine. The test consists of four sections and takes approximately 7-8 hours to complete – it is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
What Is the MCAT Score?
Your MCAT score reflects how well you did on all four sections of the test, and your MCAT percentile ranking reflects how well you performed compared to other test-takers. Your score plays a significant role in the medical school admissions process and can be a make-or-break factor when securing a spot in a competitive MD program. Achieving a strong MCAT score will provide a distinct advantage, so it is essential to do your best on the exam.
What Are the MCAT Sections?
The MCAT is divided into four sections, each assessing a distinct area of knowledge and skills that are essential for medical school success. Each section is scored on a scale of 118 to 132, giving a total MCAT score range of 472 to 528.
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- 59 questions
- 95 minutes
- Evaluates general and organic chemistry, physics and biochemistry, signaling your ability to apply scientific reasoning to clinical scenarios.
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
- 53 questions
- 90 minutes
- Tests your ability to analyze complex passages from the humanities and social sciences. Unlike other sections, CARS requires no prior content knowledge. It measures the critical thinking skills essential for clinical decision-making.
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- 59 questions
- 95 minutes
- Covers cellular biology, genetics and biochemistry, demonstrating your readiness for the foundational science content of your first years of study in med school (Basic Science).
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- 59 questions
- 95 minutes
- Focuses on psychological and sociological factors that influence health and behavior, an area that is increasingly central to medical education.
Between each section there is an optional break that test-takers can use to take a breather or grab a snack.
How Is the MCAT Scored?
The total MCAT score scale runs from 472 to 528, with a mean score of 500. Your MCAT percentile ranking reflects how you performed relative to other test-takers. For example, if you ranked in the top 10%, you scored better than 90% of students who sat the exam. You will also receive an MCAT percentile rank for each individual section, giving you a clear picture of where you stand within the full MCAT scoring range.
Importantly, there is no penalty for incorrect answers, so you are encouraged to attempt every question.
MCAT Score Range and Percentiles Explained
Each section is scored between 118 and 132, making the total possible MCAT score range 472 to 528. A score of 500 represents the 50th percentile. MCAT percentiles are updated annually by the AAMC and reflect performance over a rolling three-year period.
| Total Score | Approximate Percentile |
|---|---|
| 528 | 100th |
| 520–527 | 97th–99th |
| 514–519 | 90th–96th |
| 507–513 | 75th–89th |
| 500–506 | 50th–74th |
| Below 500 | Below 50th |
Individual section scores matter too – medical schools may review your performance across all four sections, not just your total.
MCAT Score Ranges: Best, Competitive, Above-Average and Below-Average
Understanding what different score ranges mean for your application can help you set realistic goals and make informed decisions about your medical school application(s).
Best MCAT Score Range (515–528)
A score between 515 and 528 places you in the top 10% of test-takers. Applicants in this range are highly competitive for all medical schools, including the most selective institutions. At this level, your MCAT is unlikely to be a limiting factor. Attention shifts to your GPA, personal statement and clinical experience.
Competitive MCAT Score Range (509–514)
Scores in this range place you above the 80th percentile and are considered competitive for a wide range of medical schools. A strong supporting application (healthcare experience, personal statement and solid academics) makes candidates in this range very attractive to admissions committees.
Above-Average MCAT Score Range (501–508)
An MCAT score between 501 and 508 is above the national average in the United States and reflects a solid command of the material. While this may limit access to the most selective U.S. MD programs, it remains competitive for a wide range of schools.
Below-Average MCAT Scores (500 or below)
A score of 500 or below falls at or beneath the 50th percentile. However, this does not mean your path to medicine is closed. Many schools, including St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine (SMUSOM), will still consider you as part of a holistic admissions process, especially when supported by strong academic records, meaningful clinical experience and genuine commitment to the profession.
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Contact us for more info about MCAT requirements at St. Matthew’s University.
What Is the Highest MCAT Score?
The highest total MCAT score is 528, and the highest 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 MCAT score for all test-takers from May 2024 to April 2025 was 501, with a mean of 125 per section. Understanding how your score compares within the current MCAT score range can help you gauge your competitiveness as an applicant.
What Is a Good MCAT Score to Have?
A good MCAT score is generally considered to be 511 or higher, placing you at the 82nd percentile or above. However, what counts as “good” depends on the schools you are targeting. Key benchmarks to keep in mind: a score of 515 or higher (91st percentile) is considered a top applicant score, while the national average sits at 501. There is no universal passing score – different schools set their own thresholds and requirements.
At SMUSOM, we evaluate every applicant as an individual and want to know as much about you as a person as we do about your MCAT score. In addition, MCAT scores are only a required part of the application process for U.S. students, although all applicants who have taken the MCAT must submit their scores.
How Long Are MCAT Scores Valid?
MCAT scores are valid for three years from the date the exam was taken. Factor this into your planning if you are considering a gap year or reapplying after an unsuccessful cycle. The AAMC also limits the number of attempts for each test-taker: up to three times in a single testing year, four times across two consecutive years and no more than seven times in total. Thorough preparation before your first attempt is the best investment you can make.
How Does My GPA Measure Up Against the MCAT?
If your GPA is lower than average, a strong MCAT score can demonstrate to medical schools that you have the knowledge and skills to succeed. Conversely, a higher GPA may give you more flexibility in the admissions process if your MCAT score is not as strong as you might wish.
Does My Medical School Acceptance Depend Solely on a Good MCAT Score?
No, MCAT scores are just one factor in the complex landscape of MD program admissions requirements. Medical schools will also look at many other aspects of your application, including:
- Grade Point Average (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. SMUSOM requires two letters of recommendation as part of a complete MD program application.
- 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. A passionate personal statement can make all the difference.
- Clinical experience: Volunteer or professional experience in the field of medicine demonstrates your commitment to the profession and increases your chances of getting into medical school.
- 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.
What MCAT Score Do I Need to Get into SMUSOM?
There is no minimum MCAT score requirement at St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine for our Doctor of Medicine (MD) program. 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 MCAT score range, aiming for a high score will help you showcase your knowledge and skills to our admissions committee.
Learn more about the St. Matthew’s University student experience in this video testimonial:
We also encourage you to contact us if you have any admissions or other questions, or start the process by learning how to apply!
About St. Matthew’s University School of Medicine
Established in 1997, SMUSOM’s legacy includes 2,300+ MD program graduates. Our alumni go on to practice medicine in the U.S., Canada and internationally, making a real difference in communities around the world.
Successful MD program participants experience five semesters of classroom and lab-based learning on our Grand Cayman campus (Basic Science), followed by five semesters of clinical rotations at affiliated teaching hospitals, clinics and medical centers in the U.S., and select elective rotation sites in Canada.
Most importantly, in our supportive learning environment, future physicians achieve their academic, USMLE and residency placement goals!
FAQs About the MCAT
Whether an MCAT score is required as part of your application to medical school will depend on the specific admissions requirements of the school in question, as well as your own country of origin. At St. Matthew’s University, the MCAT is only required for U.S. students, although it is recommended for all.
In general, students can take the MCAT in January and from March to September of each year. The standard start time is 8:00 a.m. on test days. Scores are released by 5:00 p.m. ET on the scheduled score release date. Learn more on the MCAT schedule webpage.
There are options to consider if you earn an MCAT score that you find unsatisfactory. The first would be to re-take the test if you have time to do so. However, before choosing this option, be sure you have enough time to study effectively and address the areas that you found challenging initially. Because the MCAT is only offered during certain periods of the year, this may not be feasible for every aspiring med student. In this case, you should make sure the other portions of your application (letters of recommendation, personal statement, etc.) are strong. You can also address your MCAT score in your statement and during interviews, to highlight the challenges you faced and what you learned from the experience. Remember, at St. Matthew’s University, we consider applications holistically and a relatively low MCAT score does not necessarily mean you will be unsuccessful as a candidate.
Yes, a 510 score places you at approximately the 80th percentile and is competitive for a wide range of U.S. and Caribbean programs. At St. Matthew’s University, a 510 paired with a strong GPA and compelling personal statement makes for a well-rounded application.