What is a failing MCAT score?

There is no definitive pass or fail score for the MCAT; rather, each medical school sets its own criteria for acceptable scores. To determine the score needed for a particular medical school, it's best to consult the specific school's requirements or visit their website.

What is the lowest acceptable MCAT score?

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 is a passing MCAT score?

An MCAT of 512 or above makes you a competitive applicant for both allopathic and osteopathic medical schools assuming other aspects of your candidacy are also strong. An MCAT of 515, which will place you in the 90th percentile of all test takers, or above will make you a much more competitive applicant.

What is a really bad MCAT score?

There are few medical schools who accept students with an MCAT of lower than 490. If your MCAT score is dangerously low, you may be better off retaking the test or applying to no-MCAT medical schools.

Is a 493 MCAT score accepted?

The answer depends on several factors including what type of medical school (MD vs DO vs Canadian) you're interested in, and most importantly, your individual section scores. Attaining a score of 493 on the MCAT means you performed in the 29% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.

You Got a Bad MCAT, Now What?

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.

Is 482 a bad MCAT score?

Attaining a score of 482 on the MCAT means you performed in the 5% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred. For example: 120 (C/P) 123 (CARS) 119 (B/B) 120 (P/S).

Do most people fail the MCAT?

No one “fails” the MCAT. The MCAT score is an important part of a medical school application but there is no passing score. About 70,000 new MCAT-takers take the test every year. Roughly 20,000 get into medical school (MD or DO).

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 an average MCAT score 2023?

Data Summary. The average MCAT score for all test-takers in 2023-2024 is 501.3. The average MCAT score for test-takers who applied to medical school in 2022-2023 was 506.5. The average MCAT score for all medical school applicants who ended up enrolling was 511.9.

What is a perfect MCAT score 2023?

Now, there are four multiple sections (no writing section required) with a total of 230 questions, and each section has a possible scaled score of 118-132. Logically, the total MCAT score range is 472-528.

Should I retake the MCAT with 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.

What MCAT score is 90%?

90th percentile – total score: 515; score for each section: between 128-130. 99th percentile – total score: 523; score for each section: between 131-132. 100th percentile – total score: 524; score for each section: 132.

Can I get into med-school with a 507 MCAT?

With a 507, you might make some med-school score cutoffs, but the rest of your application needs to be very competitive to make you a viable candidate for most med-schools.

What is the most common MCAT score?

MCAT Score Statistics

The average MCAT total score is 502 with a standard deviation of 10.8, while the 90th percentile score is 515.

Is a 517 MCAT too low?

To get an excellent MCAT score means to score in the overall 90th percentile or higher, which currently means a score of 515 or greater. With an MCAT score of 515 or above, you have a significantly better chance of getting accepted. Anything above the score of 517 is considered outstanding.

Does retaking the MCAT look bad?

Retaking the MCAT multiple times isn't necessarily bad as long as your score improves each time. If your score worsens with each attempt or stays the same, it won't strengthen your med school application.

Should I retake a 502 MCAT?

Should I Retake The MCAT If My Score Is 502? 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 502.

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.

What is the hardest subject in MCAT?

So if you don't need to prepare for CARS, think again. As far as we know, this section was a significant obstacle to even highly talented students. Overall, CARS might be the most difficult section of the MCAT to improve.

Why am I scoring so low on MCAT?

In the same vein as not giving yourself enough time to study, I often find that students who don't achieve their goal scores on the MCAT didn't fully cover all the necessary content. This is often due to lack of time, dislike for a certain subject, or assumed mastery of a particular content area.

Does a bad first MCAT score matter?

No matter what, admissions committees will see all of your MCAT scores. While taking the test twice is unlikely to impact your admissions decision, if you end up taking the MCAT three or more times could make them question if you're prepared for the challenges of medical school.

Can I get into med-school with a 487 MCAT?

According to the latest statistics, students with a score of less than 506 have even less of a chance of getting into medical school. And students with scores around 501 and lower should really consider retaking the test.

Can I get into med-school with a 488?

Yes, if you want to maximize your chances of achieving medical school acceptance, we recommend you retake the MCAT if your score is 488.

Is 491 a bad MCAT score?

Attaining a score of 491 on the MCAT means you performed in the 23% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.