A good MCAT score is one that gets you interviews at the schools you want to attend. That sounds obvious, but it reframes the question in a useful way. There is no single magic number. A score that is excellent for one applicant pool is merely competitive for another. This guide explains the MCAT score range, what the numbers mean, and how to judge whether your score is good for your goals.
How the MCAT is scored
The MCAT total score ranges from 472 to 528. That total is the sum of four section scores, each scored from 118 to 132, with 125 as the midpoint of each section. The scaled scores are designed so that the same number means the same level of ability regardless of which version of the test you took, which is why raw question counts are converted into these scaled scores.
| Component | Range | Midpoint |
|---|---|---|
| Total score | 472 to 528 | 500 |
| Each of the 4 sections | 118 to 132 | 125 |
Percentiles matter more than the raw number
Because the scale is unfamiliar, percentiles are the clearest way to understand a score. A percentile tells you the share of test takers you scored above. The midpoint total of 500 sits near the 50th percentile, meaning roughly half of test takers score below it. As you climb, each additional point represents a larger jump in percentile.
| Total score | Approximate percentile | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| 528 | 100th | Perfect score, extremely rare |
| 520 | ~98th | Top tier, competitive anywhere |
| 515 | ~92nd | Strong, competitive for most MD programs |
| 510 | ~80th | Above average, solid for many programs |
| 500 | ~50th | Median test taker |
The AAMC recalculates percentile ranks periodically based on recent test takers. Treat the numbers above as close approximations, and always check the current official percentile table when it matters for an application.
What counts as a good MCAT score?
Here is a practical way to think about the bands, keeping in mind that admissions is holistic and these are rough guides.
- 510 and above: a strong score that keeps most MD programs in play.
- 515 and above: competitive at the majority of medical schools, including many selective ones.
- 520 and above: a top-tier score that stands out almost anywhere.
- 505 to 509: above the median and workable, especially with a strong overall application.
- Below 500: below the median; pairing a retake or a strong upward trend with a robust application becomes important.
The average MCAT score for matriculants
There is a meaningful gap between the average score of everyone who takes the MCAT and the average score of students who actually get into medical school. The average for all test takers sits around 500, but the average for accepted MD students in the United States is typically in the 511 to 512 range. That gap is the real target most applicants should aim for.
Balance is part of a good score
Admissions committees look at section balance, not just the total. A 510 built from four even sections often reads better than a 510 with one very weak section dragged up by a very strong one, because a low section can raise concerns about a specific skill. Aim to lift your weakest section rather than padding your strongest. Our guide on how to improve your MCAT score covers how to do that efficiently.
Set your own target
The most useful number is not the national average; it is the median MCAT score of students admitted to the specific schools on your list. Look those numbers up, aim at or above them, and build your study plan to hit that target. A good MCAT score is ultimately the one that opens the doors you are knocking on.
Consistent practice is how a target score becomes a real score. Drill questions across all four sections and watch your weak areas shrink.
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