Should I retake MCAT with 509?

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 509.

Is 509 a good MCAT score 2023?

Applicants accepted to allopathic (MD-granting) medical schools for the 2022-2023 year had an average MCAT score of 511.9. This is an increase from 2020-2021 when the average was 511.5. This year alone, MedEdits students have been accepted to allopathic medical schools with MCAT scores as low as 508.

Is retaking the MCAT a red flag?

Taking the MCAT more than once isn't necessarily a red flag for admissions committees. Many applicants opt for at least one retake to improve their scores. However, the impact of retakes on your application can vary between institutions.

Should I retake the MCAT if I got a 500?

Unfortunately, the test is designed to have average MCAT score of about 500, which means at least half the test takers get 500 or below, a score too low to meet most medical school standards. This means that a large percentage of people will probably need to retake the test if they want to go to medical school.

Do med-schools look down on retaking MCAT?

If you're able to show an appreciable score jump from one test to the next, the majority of medical schools won't see having retaken the MCAT as an issue.

Should you retake a 509 MCAT???

What percentage of people take the MCAT twice?

Your application will not necessarily get compromised by taking the MCAT more than once unless you receive a lower score on the second exam than on your previous exams. Though this certainly isn't a situation anyone necessarily wants to be in. Almost 20% of students retake the MCAT exam.

What percentage of people retake the MCAT?

On average, 38 percent of all MCAT test takers retake the MCAT. It should be noted that there is no shame in retaking the MCAT. There are thousands of doctors who took the MCAT two and even three times.

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.

Do multiple MCAT scores look bad?

Again, medical schools don't care if you have multiple MCAT tests on your application.

Will a 500 MCAT get me into med-school?

Although the average now is a little bit higher, 500 is typically good enough. Don't worry about your stats. You can apply, in the context of having diversity as well for medical schools. It's just what it is, you play the cards that you're dealt.

Should I retake MCAT if I got a 508?

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.

How do med schools view retaking MCAT?

Medical schools will receive and view all of your MCAT scores, and in the case of your retake scores being lower than your initial scores, the admissions committee may view this as a negative factor—raising questions about your preparedness for med school.

Has anyone taken the MCAT 7 times?

As someone who took the MCAT seven times, whose medical school application was rejected 129 times before finally earning an acceptance, I know firsthand how hard the road is to becoming a doctor. But through the difficult and frustrating times, I ask candidates to have faith in themselves.

Is 509 good enough for MD?

Assuming a good cumulative GPA (i.e., 3.5+) and well-written application essays, we suggest the following rough program breakdowns depending on your MCAT total score: 511+: 100% MD programs; 0% DO programs. 506–510: 75% MD programs, 25% DO programs. 500–505: 25–50% MD programs; 50–75% DO programs.

Is a 509 good enough?

A balanced 509 (where each section is in the 125–132 range) can get you into any DO school regardless of your background. The average DO matriculant scores a 503. If you're a minority, a balanced 509 might even get you interviews at private MD schools.

What is the average MCAT score on the first attempt?

Average MCAT Scores

MCAT scores range from 472-528. Between 2016-2017 and 2023-2024, the average MCAT score jumped over 1.5 points, from 499.6 to 501.3. The average appears to be increasing overall, with 2022-2023 holding the record-high score of 501.6.

Is it OK to fail the MCAT?

First there is no passing score for the MCAT it's just one of many things medical schools look at for acceptance but obviously getting a higher score is better and schools like Harvard will want a high score even for someone who did other amazing things.

What is a bad MCAT score?

A great score is 515 to 528 (the maximum possible score), while an average score is 502 to 508. In contrast, a poor score is 501 and below. This guide will go over what a good MCAT score is and how medical schools use your score to make their decision.

How bad is a 490 MCAT score?

Earning a 490 MCAT score is significantly below the national average and can present difficulties in gaining admission to medical school. If you received a 490 on the MCAT, you should consider retaking the exam or applying to medical schools known to accept applicants with lower MCAT scores.

What's the lowest MCAT score 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.

Does a bad first MCAT affect chances?

If you retake the MCAT only once, even twice, and improve your score each time, it won't impact your chances of admission. However, retaking the MCAT excessively or scoring lower each time you take it may negatively impact your application.

Has anyone ever gotten 100% on the MCAT?

Since this method is not perfect, we'll leave you with a range; between 30 and 70 students every year achieve a perfect 528 MCAT. This is out of the nearly three hundred thousand students who take the exam. Thus, achieving a perfect MCAT score is quite difficult, but it is not impossible.

Is 494 MCAT accepted?

Based on the average accepted MCAT scores and minimum required MCAT scores at medical schools in the US and medical schools in Canada, you'll need a minimum score in the 490-495 range to be accepted into any medical school that requires the MCAT. Anything lower than 490 is very unlikely to be acceptable.

Can schools see how many times you took MCAT?

Also keep in mind, medical schools will be able to see all of your scored exams, and there are limits on the number of times you can take the exam. See the MCAT Essentials for more information about viewing your scores, releasing your scores to programs and lifetime limits.