Why is the MCAT curved?

There is no curve associated with the MCAT^® exam. Instead, the MCAT exam is scaled and equated so that scores have the same meaning, no matter when you test.

Is the MCAT actually curved?

One of the most important things to note about the scoring process is that the MCAT exam is NOT graded on a curve. Instead, the MCAT exam is scaled and equated so that scores have the same meaning no matter when you take your exam.

Why do they make the MCAT so hard?

The MCAT is hard because it is a measure of worthiness for someone to get into medical school and become a medical student. Doctors have a lot of responsibility so schools want to make sure that they accept people who show the academic rigor required to score well.

Why is the MCAT out of 528?

Each MCAT section is scored on a scale of 118–132 (highest). Your MCAT total score (whch is the sum of your section scores) ranges from 472–528. Because different versions of the test have varying levels of difficulty, the scale will be slightly different from one MCAT administration to the next.

Has anyone ever aced 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 The MCAT Curved? -Jack Westin

How rare is a 528 MCAT?

While test designers make it difficult, it is possible to achieve a so-called “perfect score” on the MCAT. According to the AAMC, out of the approximately two hundred thousand students who take the exam each year, between 30 and 70 achieve the highest score of 528 on the MCAT.

Is 525 a good MCAT score?

Attaining a score of 525 on the MCAT means you performed in the 100% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.

Is 517 a bad MCAT score?

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. A score over 517, the 94th percentile, should nearly guarantee admission.

How bad is a 480 MCAT score?

Attaining a score of 480 on the MCAT means you performed in the 3% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred. For example: 119 (C/P) 118 (CARS) 125 (B/B) 118 (P/S).

What is the hardest subject in MCAT?

Many students consider CARS the most difficult MCAT section, with AAMC data showing that the average CARS score is about 1 point lower than the other MCAT section scores. This is likely because CARS requires a different way of thinking through problems and can be more difficult to prepare for.

Is the MCAT harder than the SAT?

The MCAT is way more complex and considered a very challenging standardized test for med school. Also, the contents and structure of the MCAT are more advanced than the SAT. In contrast, the SAT is used as a standardized college and university admission exam.

Is it OK to fail the MCAT?

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.

Does anyone think the MCAT is easy?

The MCAT is a hard test, but it's manageable if you approach it diligently and efficiently. In other words, you'll need to work hard and smart. Let's look at what makes the exam more challenging than other tests you might have taken or heard of.

Do med schools see every MCAT?

Bryan adds that when it comes to the MCAT, all of your scores are reported to the med schools. This means every single time you've taken the MCAT except if you void your score.

Does the MCAT penalize guessing?

It's worth noting that there is no negative marking or penalties for incorrect answers in the MCAT exam – these are scored the same as unanswered questions – therefore, you won't be penalized for guessing an answer if you're unsure.

Can I get into med-school with a 502 MCAT?

Considering that a 502 is the average MCAT score, it's not competitive for med-school admission. With a 502, 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.

Can I get into med-school with a 505 MCAT?

So, for students who are doing about average or a little above average on the MCAT, in the 502-505 range, that's good enough to get a look and probably good enough to get an interview—although you would have to knock it out of the park on everything else—it could get you an acceptance.

What is the lowest MCAT score accepted into medical school?

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.

Has anyone ever gotten a 528 on the MCAT?

Yes. It is possible. Test designers make it difficult, but it is possible. Some students achieve a 528, the magic MCAT number, the perfect score every year.

What is an Ivy League MCAT score?

The average MCAT score of Ivy League medical school matriculants is commonly in the 98th percentile. So for applications to colleges such as Harvard, Yale or Brown – a good MCAT score would be 520 or more.

What score is 100% on MCAT?

They act as placeholders, however, and can be useful in better understanding the score range. Scores of 524-528 are in the 100th percentile, meaning no one has achieved them.

What is a realistic MCAT score?

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

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.

Should I retake a 513 MCAT?

You should retake a 513 MCAT score if your score is not balanced among the 4 sections, or if your target med-school(s) require a higher score for you to be competitive.

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.