How is the MCAT scored?

The MCAT has four sections, each scored 118–132, totaling 472–528. Each section has about 59–65 questions. Raw scores are converted to scaled scores using a statistical equating process to account for exam difficulty variations.

What MCAT score do I need for medical school?

Most accredited US medical schools require an MCAT score of 500 or above. Competitive schools typically expect 510–515+. The average MCAT score for matriculants to MD programs is approximately 511–512.

MCAT Score Calculator – Convert Raw Score to Scaled Score

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Chemical & Physical Foundations (C/P)

Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills (CARS)

Biological & Biochemical Foundations (B/B)

Psychological, Social & Biological Foundations (P/S)

MCAT Score Ranges & Percentiles

Score Range	Percentile	Competitiveness
521–528	97–100th	Top programs (Harvard, Hopkins)
515–520	91–96th	Very competitive for most MD programs
510–514	80–90th	Competitive — most MD programs
505–509	65–79th	Average — some MD programs, strong DO
500–504	49–64th	Below average for MD; competitive DO
495–499	34–48th	Consider retake or DO programs
Below 495	<34th	Significant retake recommended

Frequently Asked Questions

Common MCAT scoring questions.

What is a good MCAT score for medical school?

Most MD programs look for 510 or above. The average for accepted students is around 511–512. Top programs (Harvard, Hopkins, Stanford) average 520–522. For DO programs, 500–504 is often competitive.

How many times can you take the MCAT?

You can take the MCAT up to 3 times in a single year, 4 times over 2 consecutive years, and 7 times total over your lifetime. All scores are reported to medical schools.

How long are MCAT scores valid?

Most medical schools accept MCAT scores from within the last 3 years. Some schools may accept scores up to 5 years old. Always check the policy of each school you're applying to.

What is the average MCAT score for accepted students?

The national average MCAT score for students accepted to MD programs is approximately 511–512 (about the 80th percentile). For top-ranked schools (Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford), admitted students average 520–522. For DO programs, a competitive score is typically 500–505. The lowest-scoring 10% of admitted students at most allopathic schools score around 505–507.

What is a perfect MCAT score?

The maximum MCAT score is 528 (132 on each of the four sections). A perfect 528 places you above the 100th percentile — fewer than 0.1% of test takers achieve it each year. Scores of 524+ are typically considered exceptional and well above the cutoff for any medical school in the US.

Which MCAT section is the hardest?

This varies by student background. CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) is considered the hardest by pre-med students with a science focus because it cannot be memorized — it requires fast, nuanced reading comprehension. Biochemistry-heavy students often find the P/S (Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations) section most challenging due to its breadth of social science content.