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In general, scoring around 511-512 or higher on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) makes you competitive for most schools of medicine. A 515+ MCAT total score puts you solidly in range for top-tier or Ivy League medical schools. If your goal is Harvard or Johns Hopkins, a good score is in the mid-to-high 510s, ideally above 518.
What counts as a good score can vary from there, depending on your target schools and the overall strength of your application, which includes GPA, coursework, and extracurricular activities. Knowing these benchmarks can give you a clear target as you plan your preparation.
Below, I walk you through how MCAT scoring works, how to know if your score matches the program of your choice, and a few tips for achieving your best MCAT score.
Determining a Good MCAT Score
In the 2025/26 application cycle, the average MCAT scores were:
- All test-takers: 500.5
- Allopathic (MD) applicants: 506.3
- Allopathic (MD) matriculants: 512.1
- Osteopathic (DO) applicants: 502.43
- Osteopathic (DO) matriculants: 502.97
Looking at the data from pre-med and accepted students across the United States, a 511-512 is generally considered a good MCAT score. However, what’s “good” depends heavily on the type of program you’re applying to and how the rest of your med school application looks. (Some medical schools don’t require an MCAT at all!)
DO programs often admit students with slightly lower scores, while MD matriculants average closer to 511-512. For top medical schools, averages jump to around 518-520. A strong MCAT score aligns with your target schools and complements your GPA, personal statement, and clinical or research experience.
Boost your prep with the most realistic practice exams available. Our full- and half-length exams mimic the AAMC style, giving you extra practice before exam day.
Your total MCAT score is the sum of four MCAT sections, ranging from 472 to 528, a perfect score. Individual MCAT section scores are scored from 118 to 132:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Your raw score, or the number of correct answers, is converted into a scaled score. This adjusts for small differences in difficulty across exam versions. For example, answering 36 questions correctly might convert to 121 depending on the test form. The AAMC does not release raw scores, but scaling ensures fairness across all MCAT administrations.
Most medical school admissions do not have a minimum MCAT requirement. However, there is usually an unstated threshold below which admission is very difficult. To maximize your options, use test prep courses and practice tests to your advantage to get the highest score possible.
MCAT Percentiles (2025/26 Cycle)
MCAT percentile ranks tell you how well you did compared to all other test-takers from the past three years.
For example, if you scored in the 52nd percentile, you scored the same as or above 52% of test-takers. If you scored in the 97th percentile, you scored the same as or above 97% of the other test-takers.
It’s important to know and understand MCAT percentile scores because some schools may have a preference for students at or above a certain threshold.
| Total MCAT Score | MCAT Percentile Rank |
|---|---|
| 524-528 | 100 |
| 523 | 99 |
| 522 | 99 |
| 521 | 98 |
| 520 | 97 |
| 519 | 96 |
| 518 | 95 |
| 517 | 94 |
| 516 | 92 |
| 515 | 91 |
| 514 | 89 |
| 513 | 87 |
| 512 | 84 |
| 511 | 82 |
| 510 | 79 |
| 509 | 77 |
| 508 | 74 |
| 507 | 71 |
| 506 | 68 |
| 505 | 65 |
| 504 | 62 |
| 503 | 58 |
| 502 | 55 |
| 501 | 52 |
| 500 | 49 |
| 499 | 46 |
| 498 | 42 |
| 497 | 39 |
| 496 | 36 |
| 495 | 34 |
| 494 | 31 |
| 493 | 28 |
| 492 | 25 |
| 491 | 23 |
| 490 | 21 |
| 489 | 18 |
| 488 | 16 |
| 487 | 14 |
| 486 | 12 |
| 485 | 11 |
| 484 | 9 |
| 483 | 8 |
| 482 | 6 |
| 481 | 5 |
| 480 | 4 |
| 479 | 3 |
| 478-477 | 2 |
| 476-475 | 1 |
| 474-472 | <1 |
Average MCAT Scores (2025/26 Cycle)
These are the average MCAT scores through the 2025/26 application cycle provided by the AAMC and AACOMAS. Averages are split between MD and DO applicants and matriculants (students accepted and enrolled) in those program types.
| MD Applicants | DO Applicants | MD Matriculants | DO Matriculants | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total MCAT | 506.3 | 502.43 | 512.1 | 502.97 |
| CPBS | 126.4 | 125.28 | 128 | 125.41 |
| CARS | 125.8 | 124.9 | 127 | 124.99 |
| BBLS | 126.7 | 125.61 | 128.2 | 125.78 |
| PSBB | 127.5 | 126.64 | 129 | 126.8 |
Highest Possible MCAT Score
The max score on the MCAT is 528, which means earning a perfect 132 in each of the four sections. The MCAT score range is between 472 to 528, with the average falling right around 501.
To put things in perspective, a 502 lands you just above the 50th percentile. A high MCAT score of 518 places you around the 95th percentile. That’s a score considered competitive for schools at the top of the med school rankings.
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Differences in Scores Based on Background
Data from the 2025-2026 cycle reveal patterns by major, race and ethnicity, and home state, but students from all groups and regions matriculate. As you look at these trends, it’s important to remember that no pattern prevents a qualified student from gaining admission into a school of medicine.
Primary Undergraduate Major
Overall, the data shows applicants in quantitative and physical science majors tend to score higher on the MCAT. Applicants majoring in specialized health sciences and social sciences tend to have slightly lower averages.
- Math and Statistics: 511.6
- Physical Sciences: 509.6
- Social Sciences: 505.8
- Specialized Health Sciences: 504
Among matriculants, the trend is similar. Students from math, statistics, and physical sciences continue to achieve the highest MCAT scores, although students from other majors still successfully matriculate with solid scores.
- Math and Statistics: 515.8
- Physical Sciences: 513.8
- Social Sciences: 512.2
- Specialized Health Sciences: 511.1
Race and Ethnicity
For 2025-2026, MCAT scores and GPAs varied across racial and ethnic groups. Among applicants, Asian students had the highest mean total MCAT score (508.8), while Black or African American (498.1) and American Indian/Alaska Native (500.7) students had lower averages.
Among matriculants, averages rose, with Asian students at 514.3 and Black or African American students at 507.2. Science and total GPAs were strong across all groups.
Important note: In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that colleges and medical schools cannot use race as a direct factor in admissions. Holistic review of applicants’ experiences and backgrounds remains allowed and is the standard used by admissions committees.
State of Legal Residence
Regional differences in MCAT scores and GPAs are noticeable among applicants, but relatively modest in terms of admissions processes. Top-performing states, like California, Massachusetts, and New York, post average total MCAT scores around 507-508 with GPAs near 3.7-3.8.
At the other end, Puerto Rico is an outlier with total MCAT scores around 493. States like Mississippi and West Virginia score slightly below average, with MCAT scores in the low-500s and mid-3.5 GPAs.
Among matriculants, the pattern is similar, but overall numbers are higher. Students from Northeast and West Coast states matriculate with MCAT scores above 513 and GPAs around 3.8. Those from Puerto Rico and lower-scoring states, such as Mississippi and West Virginia, enter with scores near 506-507.
GPAs remain strong across the board, showing that while some regions produce higher test scores, admitted medical students come from every corner of the country.
MCAT Test Dates
| 2026 Test Date | Score Release Date | Start Test Prep by: |
|---|---|---|
| January 9 | Feb. 10 | Oct 9, 2025 |
| January 10 | Feb. 10 | Oct 10, 2025 |
| January 15 | Feb. 17 | Oct 15, 2025 |
| January 23 | Feb. 24 | Oct 23, 2025 |
| February 13 | March 17 | Nov 13, 2025 |
| March 7 | Apr. 7 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| March 20 | Apr. 21 | Dec 20, 2025 |
| April 10 | May. 12 | Jan 10, 2026 |
| April 11 | May. 12 | Jan 11, 2026 |
| April 24 | May. 27 | Jan 24, 2026 |
| April 25 | May. 27 | Jan 25, 2026 |
| May 2 | Jun. 2 | Feb 2, 2026 |
| May 8 | Jun. 9 | Feb 8, 2026 |
| May 9 | Jun. 9 | Feb 9, 2026 |
| May 14 | Jun. 16 | Feb 14, 2026 |
| May 22 | Jun. 23 | Feb 22, 2026 |
| May 30 | Jun. 30 | Feb 28, 2026 |
| June 12 | Jul. 14 | Mar 12, 2026 |
| June 13 | Jul. 14 | Mar 13, 2026 |
| June 26 | Jul. 28 | Mar 26, 2026 |
| June 27 | Jul. 28 | Mar 27, 2026 |
| July 11 | Aug. 11 | Apr 11, 2026 |
| July 24 | Aug. 25 | Apr 24, 2026 |
| July 31 | Sept. 2 | Apr 30, 2026 |
| August 15 | Sept. 15 | May 15, 2026 |
| August 21 | Sept. 22 | May 21, 2026 |
| August 22 | Sept. 22 | May 22, 2026 |
| September 3 | Oct. 6 | Jun 3, 2026 |
| September 4 | Oct. 6 | Jun 4, 2026 |
| September 11 | Oct. 13 | Jun 11, 2026 |
| September 12 | Oct. 13 | Jun 12, 2026 |
Check out our full guide to MCAT test day and release dates, including tips for when to select a date and how to register.
How to Access Your Scores
Access and view your MCAT scores on the AAMC website here. You will have to sign in.
MCAT scores are released 30-35 days after the test date, typically at 5:00 PM ET. Generally, AAMC does not email you about score updates.
Pro tip: Follow the AAMC’s X account and turn on notifications.
MCAT Resources
Prepping for your MCAT exam? We’ve got you covered. Check out these resources from our 99th-percentile tutors:
- AAMC Sample MCAT Score Calculator
- Best MCAT Practice Exams
- MCAT Go – An MCAT Audio Learning Experience
- MCAT Prep – iOS and Android Mobile MCAT Studying
- MCAT CARS Mastery Course
- Study Plan for the MCAT
- High-Yield MCAT Topics List & How to Study
- How to Create the Best MCAT Study Schedule
- MCAT Math Tips from the Nation’s Leading Tutor
- How to Beat the Chem/Phys Section of the MCAT
- MCAT Test Day Rules and What to Bring (And Not Bring)
FAQs
You can take the MCAT up to three times in a single calendar year, four times within two consecutive years, and seven times total over your lifetime.
The MCAT is intentionally difficult. Most admissions officers understand the value of an improvement in your score, so retaking the MCAT two or three times isn’t unusual. It generally won’t hurt your application as long as your score shows clear progress.
No, there’s no penalty for guessing on the MCAT. Wrong answers are scored exactly the same as blank ones, so it’s always in your best interest to fill in an answer for every question before you submit your exam.
Even if you’re unsure, make an educated guess. You might pick up a few extra points that could boost your overall score.
Try to take the MCAT no later than April of your application cycle. For the 2025-2026 cycle, that means sitting for the exam by the end of April 2025. This timing allows you to submit your primary application early in the cycle. Waiting longer may disadvantage your application.
Ideally, you’ll take the MCAT at the end of your junior year if you plan to apply immediately after college. If you’re taking a gap year to complete a post-bacc, gain research experience, or meet admission requirements, plan to take it at the end of your senior year.
MCAT scores are technically valid for three years from the date of the exam. You can use them as part of your primary medical school application during that time.
However, it’s a good idea to talk with an experienced application advisor before submitting a score that’s more than a year old. In many cases, retaking the exam makes more sense than using an older score. A solid MCAT prep course can help you prepare.
In the 2025/26 application cycle, MD applicants had an average overall GPA of 3.67 and a science GPA of 3.57. Matriculants of MD programs had higher averages, with an overall GPA of 3.81 and a science GPA of 3.75.
It’s important to note that GPA and MCAT often balance each other. A lower MCAT may be offset by a higher GPA, while a slightly lower GPA can sometimes be balanced by a higher MCAT score.
To get a clear picture of your competitiveness, review your dream school’s average GPA, MCAT score, and acceptance rate using our MedSchoolExplorer. It’s free!
Boost Your MCAT Score by 12+ Points
The medical school application process is highly competitive, and a strong MCAT score can make a big difference. Pair your GPA, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and extracurriculars with expert guidance to maximize your chances.
Get 1-on-1 help from our 99th-percentile MCAT tutors and improve your score by an average of 12+ points.
Ken Tao, PhD
Ken is the Director of MCAT and Research at MedSchoolCoach. He is an alumnus of UC Berkeley and Harvard University, boasts degrees in Bioengineering, Molecular and Cell Biology, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Ken previously worked with undergraduate students at Princeton Review where he was the only tutor certified in all subjects. Ken was one of the highest rated MCAT tutors ever and a teacher trainer. He founded Magoosh's MCAT division and has written content for dozen's of MCAT books and guides.
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