What to do if you get a bad score on the MCAT?

If your MCAT score is significantly below average for the schools you're applying to, you may need to reconsider when you apply to medical school. Retaking the MCAT will take time, as you must assess your situation, change your study tactics in order to improve, and find an available test date.

What happens if I get a low 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.

What happens if you don't do well on the MCAT?

You're worn out, drained, and full of anxiety—and you know your top choice schools will see your score. Yes, you have the option to take the MCAT again, but schools will see this score along with the next one. If you void this test, they won't see your score. You can take the test again and, hopefully, do better.

What is the lowest MCAT score accepted for do?

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 to do if you fail the MCAT?

[10:55] Option #2: Retake the MCAT

If you're going to get the same score again, there's no point in retaking the MCAT. If you're scoring higher in your practice test and then you took the real MCAT and got lower, then something went wrong on test day. Go and retake the test as soon as possible.

You Got a Bad MCAT, Now What?

Is 493 a bad MCAT score?

A score of 493 corresponds to the 29th percentile, meaning that you performed better than 29% of test-takers. While this might not seem terrible at first glance, it's essential to understand that medical schools typically seek applicants with higher percentile scores.

What is a bad first MCAT score?

A poor MCAT score is any score that doesn't get you into a medical school, but statistically this would be a score below the overall mean or average, so a score of 506 or less. A poor MCAT score could also be considered anything below the 50th percentile for recent test-takers, which is approximately 501.

Does a bad first MCAT score matter?

So, naturally, a high score on your first attempt is ideal. However, it doesn't always work out that way. While it's true that you can take the MCAT three times in the same year and seven times in a lifetime, medical schools can see how you scored on each attempt.

Is 491 a good 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. For example: 122 (C/P) 123 (CARS) 123 (B/B) 123 (P/S).

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

The typical MCAT score one needs to be competitive for medical school admission to allopathic medical schools in the United States is a 511. MCAT scores of 509 or below are generally considered low and not competitive for allopathic medical school admissions.

Why am I scoring so low on MCAT?

Not doing enough analysis is the another common mistake students make during MCAT prep. As a rule of thumb, you should spend 2-3 times the amount of time you spend going over your questions as you spend actually doing them. Analyze why you got the question wrong and if you got it right, analyze why you got it right.

What is a failing grade on an MCAT?

What is the Passing Score for MCAT? The MCAT score range is between 472-528 when the four scores are added up, with the average MCAT score being 500. A low MCAT score is in the 470 range.

Is it OK to fail in med school?

Getting Bad Grades in Medical School. I'm not going to sugarcoat it: most of us fail at least once in medical school. Unless you're one of those rare students who can absorb knowledge like a sponge, failure is all part of the process.

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.

What is a realistic MCAT score?

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

MCAT and GPA requirements vary depending on the school you are applying to. So do not worry too much if your score is lower than this. However, if you want to get accepted into a top medical school, you will probably need to aim for a score significantly higher than this.

What score is 75% on MCAT?

75th percentile – total score: 509/510; score for each section: between 126-128. 90th percentile – total score: 515; score for each section: between 128-130. 99th percentile – total score: 523; score for each section: between 131-132.

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: 118 (C/P) 118 (CARS) 125 (B/B) 121 (P/S).

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.

Does retaking the MCAT look bad?

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 502 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 502.

Should I retake a 504 MCAT?

Should I Retake The MCAT If My Score Is 504? 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 504.

Can I get into med-school with a 515?

According to recent AAMC stats, a 515 on the MCAT is not a bad score because it's an above-average MCAT score, and it is competitive for med-school admission: A 515 is 91 percentile rank on the MCAT. * The current average MCAT score is at the 501 mark, and a 515 is 14 points ahead of that score.

Should I retake a 517 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.

Should I retake a 515 MCAT?

Before I start with the advice, I feel the need to clarify that a 515 is a great score (92nd percentile) and people who score this high do not need to retake the MCAT.

Can I apply to med-school with a 493 MCAT?

Considering that a 493 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 493 will get you accepted.