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: 500.6
- 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.
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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 | 86 |
| 512 | 84 |
| 511 | 82 |
| 510 | 79 |
| 509 | 76 |
| 508 | 74 |
| 507 | 71 |
| 506 | 67 |
| 505 | 64 |
| 504 | 61 |
| 503 | 58 |
| 502 | 55 |
| 501 | 52 |
| 500 | 48 |
| 499 | 46 |
| 498 | 42 |
| 497 | 39 |
| 496 | 36 |
| 495 | 33 |
| 494 | 31 |
| 493 | 28 |
| 492 | 25 |
| 491 | 23 |
| 490 | 20 |
| 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 |
A good MCAT score isn’t just about hitting a certain percentile. The most useful benchmark is how your score compares with the students typically admitted to the medical schools on your list.
Start by looking at the recent MCAT averages or score ranges for the programs you’re considering.
If your score falls near or above a school’s typical range, that can be a positive sign. If it falls below that range, it doesn’t automatically rule you out, but the rest of your academic record and application must carry more weight.
Your GPA also matters when putting your MCAT score in context. AAMC data show that medical school acceptance rates vary across different combinations of GPA and MCAT scores, so neither number should be considered in isolation.
As you build your school list, compare:
- Your MCAT score with each school’s recent averages or ranges
- Your overall and science GPA
- Whether you’re primarily targeting MD, DO, or both
- The strength of the rest of your application, including your clinical experience, research, service, and personal statement
The aim isn’t necessarily to match one universal “good” MCAT score. It’s to build a school list where your academic profile fits realistically with the students those programs typically admit.
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 | 502.95 | 512.1 | 502.97 |
| CPBS | 126.4 | 125.44 | 128 | 125.41 |
| CARS | 125.8 | 124.98 | 127 | 124.99 |
| BBLS | 126.7 | 125.77 | 128.2 | 125.78 |
| PSBB | 127.5 | 126.75 | 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 consider an applicant’s race as a factor in admissions. Schools may still consider an applicant’s experiences and attributes, including experiences related to race, as part of the admissions review.
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.
| 2027 Test Date | Score Release Date | 10-Day Deadline | Start Test Prep By (4-Month Study Window) |
| January 15 | February 16 | January 5 | September 15, 2026 |
| January 16 | February 16 | January 6 | September 16, 2026 |
| January 21 | February 23 | January 11 | September 21, 2026 |
| January 29 | March 2 | January 19 | September 29, 2026 |
| January 30* | March 2 | January 20 | September 30, 2026 |
| February 12 | March 16 | February 2 | October 12, 2026 |
| March 6 | April 6 | February 24 | November 6, 2026 |
| March 19 | April 20 | March 9 | November 19, 2026 |
| April 9 | May 11 | March 30 | December 9, 2026 |
| April 10 | May 11 | March 31 | December 10, 2026 |
| April 16 | May 18 | April 6 | December 16, 2026 |
| April 17 | May 18 | April 7 | December 17, 2026 |
| May 1 | June 2 | April 21 | January 1 |
| May 7 | June 8 | April 27 | January 7 |
| May 8 | June 8 | April 28 | January 8 |
| May 13 | June 15 | May 3 | January 13 |
| May 14* | June 15 | May 4 | January 14 |
| May 21 | June 23 | May 11 | January 21 |
| May 29 | July 29 | May 19 | January 29 |
| June 11 | July 13 | June 1 | February 11 |
| June 12 | July 13 | June 2 | February 12 |
| June 25 | July 27 | June 15 | February 25 |
| June 26 | July 27 | July 16 | February 26 |
| July 9* | August 10 | June 29 | March 9 |
| July 10 | August 10 | June 30 | March 10 |
| July 23 | August 24 | July 13 | March 23 |
| July 30 | August 31 | July 20 | March 30 |
| August 14 | September 14 | August 4 | April 14 |
| August 20 | September 21 | August 10 | April 20 |
| August 21 | September 21 | August 11 | April 21 |
| August 28* | September 28 | August 18 | April 28 |
| September 2 | October 5 | August 23 | May 2 |
| September 3 | October 5 | August 24 | May 3 |
| September 10 | October 12 | August 31 | May 10 |
| September 11 | October 12 | September 1 | May 11 |
*These dates will only be available at select testing centers.
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 through the AAMC’s Testing Services and Score Reporting System. You will need to sign in.
MCAT scores are released about 30-35 days after the test date and are available by 5 PM ET on the scheduled score release date. The AAMC will email you when your scores are available.
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
Even if you’re unsure, make an educated guess. You might pick up a few extra points that could boost your overall score.
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.
Alex Starks
Alex scored in the 99th percentile on his MCAT and has over 13 years of teaching experience. He joined MedSchoolCoach to help lead our content division, focused on creating the most realistic practice questions and highest quality video content available anywhere.
