Do you need your MCAT score to apply?

Most US schools require the MCAT as part of your application unless you are entering medical school through a BS/MD degree or EAP program. Schools that don't require the MCAT in the regular admissions process are typically abroad, which may make obtaining a US medical license more complicated.

Do you need MCAT score before applying?

Once you've picked a date, understand that it will take about a month for you to get your score back. So why could you take the MCAT at the end of May and still be in the first wave of applications? The rule is simple: you do not need to have your MCAT score before you submit your application.

How important is the MCAT for admissions?

So in one sense, a high MCAT score can get you in because it shows you can get out. MCAT scores are also a key component — and one of the few admissions officers can control directly — of medical school ranking in consumer publications such as Barrons and U.S. News & World Report.

Do I have to submit all my MCAT scores?

All scores from every time you've taken the MCAT are reported and sent to the colleges you designate. The only exception is that if you tested prior to April 2003, you can select which of those pre-April 2003 scores to send to colleges.

What is the lowest MCAT score to be accepted?

Medical institutions in the U.S. and Canada that necessitate the MCAT typically accept scores ranging from 490-495 at the minimum. Scores below 490 are rarely if ever, accepted. Interestingly, a vast majority of individuals score above this range. Recent data suggests that the average score hovers around 506.5.

What MCAT Scores Do You Need for Medical School?!

What is a bad first MCAT score?

So, technically speaking, a bad MCAT score would be anything below 500. However, in order to be a competitive applicant, you should aim to score much higher than 500. A good MCAT score largely depends on the schools you are applying to.

Can I apply to med-school without MCAT?

Yes, it is possible to get into certain medical schools without taking the MCAT. Though, you must keep in mind that the vast majority of schools require you to take the MCAT. As a result, your options become more limited should you choose to skip the exam.

Should I retake a 515 MCAT?

While going from 515 to 517 looks good, going from 498 to 501 looks great. So statistically speaking, unless you're already in the very highest tier of test takers, chances are that retaking the MCAT will result in a better score and will ultimately benefit your application.

Is taking the MCAT 3 times a red flag?

Retaking the MCAT isn't a red flag, and even three attempts may not impact your admissions decision, although we recommend performing your best on the first two tests.

Should I retake a 507 MCAT?

If you want to maximize your chances of achieving medical school acceptance, and if your overall application is not strong, we recommend you retake the MCAT if your score is 507.

Does GPA or MCAT matter more?

In other words, students with higher GPAs and MCAT scores have a better chance of getting into medical school. On the other hand, it's really difficult to get into medical school with a low GPA. The lower the GPA, the higher the MCAT score needed to get into medical school, and vice-versa.

Does GPA matter for MCAT?

If your GPA is on the low side, you'll need higher MCAT scores to compensate. But remember: Although grades and scores play a large role in your application, medical schools are also interested in who you are, why you want to be a physician, and whether or not you have a clue about what being a doctor is really like.

What is a good MCAT score 2023?

A "good" MCAT score is one that puts you near or above the average percentile for matriculants at your target medical schools. For comparison, the average MCAT score for students admitted to an MD program in the United States in 2022–2023 is between 511 and 512, with an average GPA of 3.75.

Should I apply with a 500 MCAT score?

Considering that a 500 is a below-average score, it is improbable to be competitive for med-school admission with that score. However, once you know which medical schools you aim to get into, you'll better understand whether a 500 will get you accepted.

Does your first MCAT score matter?

Certain medical schools will consider only your most recent MCAT score or your highest MCAT score if you've taken the exam more than once. Other programs will consider the average score of all your MCAT attempts.

Should I retake a 517 MCAT?

Should I Retake The MCAT If My Score Is 517? Generally, we recommend retaking the MCAT if the MCAT score is not balanced among the four sections of the MCAT.

Should I retake a 508 MCAT?

If you want to maximize your chances of achieving medical school acceptance, and if your overall application is not strong, we recommend you retake the MCAT if your score is 508.

Should I retake a 513 MCAT?

If, on the other hand, you're hellbent on getting into a "top" medical school where a 513 is below the 10th percentile, then you should consider a retake and doing something along the lines of Peace Corps.

Is a 502 a bad MCAT score?

As of the 2022-23 testing cycle, the 50th percentile score for the MCAT is 501.6. In other words, a score of 502 or higher is considered an above-average MCAT score. Because med school is super competitive, the higher the score you earn, the better your chances of getting in will be.

Can high GPA make up for lower MCAT?

The bottom line is this – if you have a low MCAT, you must do your best to balance it with a high GPA. While these stats are not the be-all and end-all of medical school admissions, some schools will not continue the review of your application if you do not demonstrate a strong academic history via your GPA and MCAT.

Is 510 MCAT too low?

In general, a good MCAT score is 511 and above.

So do not worry too much if your score is lower than this.

How much does the MCAT cost?

It costs $330 to take the MCAT (and $370 for late registration 1–2 weeks before your test date). This initial MCAT registration fee includes the distribution of your MCAT scores to medical schools.

What is a DO vs MD?

An MD is a Doctor of Medicine, while a DO is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. The bottom line? They do the same job, have similar schooling, can prescribe medication and can practice all over the U.S. “In general, DOs practice a more holistic, whole-person type of care,” explains Dr.

What year in college DO you take the MCAT?

Application timelines

In this guide, we mentioned that the earliest you should take the MCAT is the summer following your sophomore year, and that recommendation was for someone who is not planning to take a gap year. If you do plan to take a gap year, you will have a bit of a buffer and some more time.