Key Takeaways
- The national average MCAT score for all test-takers is around 501, while the average for accepted medical students is approximately 511–512.
- A “good” score is context-dependent, meaning it should be evaluated against the median scores of the schools where you plan to apply.
- While the MCAT is critical, admissions committees consider it alongside GPA, clinical experience, research, and other components of your application.
If you’re a pre-med student, chances are you’ve typed “what’s a good MCAT score?” into Google more than once. It’s one of the most common questions students have, and for good reason—the MCAT is a major milestone on the path to medical school—one that can prevent you from going further down the road.
But the truth is, the definition of a “good” MCAT score isn’t one-size-fits-all. This article walks you through why there’s no hard and fast answer to this question.
Understanding the Scoring Scale
The MCAT is a scaled exam: not every student gets the same questions to answer, and scaling helps even out the differences in difficulty this variation causes. As you probably know, MCAT scores can range between 472 and 528, with 500 at the midpoint.
Each of the four sections (Chemical and Physical Foundations, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, Biological and Biochemical Foundations, and Psychological and Social Foundations) is scored from 118 to 132 and combined for the total score. Most examinees score between 490 and 510. However, competitiveness depends less on absolute numbers and more on how those numbers compare with matriculant averages.
National Averages vs. Accepted Student Averages
Data published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) shows that:
- The average MCAT score among all test-takers for the last several admission cycles is about506.
- The average score among students who matriculate into U.S. MD programs is higher, typically about 512.
This difference highlights that students admitted to medical school tend to score above the national average.
Understanding Percentiles
Because the MCAT is scaled, each score also corresponds to apercentile rank:
- 500 equates to roughly the 50th percentile (average performance)
- 510 places a test-taker around the 80th percentile (competitive for many programs)
- 515 is a 90th-percentile score (competitive for top-tier schools)
Medical schools pay close attention to percentiles since they reflect how you compare to other applicants nationwide.
A Contextual Definition of “Good”
A “good” MCAT score is not universal—it is contextual. For example:
- A score of 510 may be competitive at many state medical schools where matriculant averages are around 508–510.
- The same 510 may be below the median at highly selective institutions, where the average is often 516–518.
Applicants should compare their scores against the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR) database, which provides detailed score ranges and admissions data for individual schools.
Beyond the Numbers
While the MCAT is heavily weighted, admissions committees use a holistic review process. A strong GPA, meaningful clinical and research experience, leadership roles, and compelling personal statements can offset a score slightly below the median at a given school.
In short, a “good” MCAT score is one that positions you as a competitive applicant to your target schools. For many applicants, this means 510 or higher; for those pursuing top-ranked institutions, the bar rises to 515 and above. However, scores should always be interpreted in the broader context of your application and the specific programs you hope to attend.
