Calculate your total MCAT score, see percentile rankings, and understand how your section scores compare. Get insights into medical school competitiveness.
47th Percentile — Below Average
Below average. May want to consider retaking or focusing on DO programs.
| Section | Raw | Scaled | Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chem/Phys | 45/59 | 126 | 64% |
| CARS | 40/53 | 126 | 64% |
| Bio/Biochem | 45/59 | 126 | 64% |
| Psych/Soc | 45/59 | 126 | 64% |
This converts practice exam raw scores to estimated scaled scores. Actual MCAT scoring uses an equating method that varies by test administration. Percentiles are approximate and based on recent AAMC data.
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles required for the study of medicine. Administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the MCAT is a crucial component of the medical school admissions process in the United States, Canada, Australia, and several Caribbean nations.
The exam was substantially redesigned in 2015 to better reflect the changing landscape of medical education and healthcare. The current version emphasizes not only scientific knowledge but also reasoning skills and understanding of behavioral and social determinants of health. This redesign recognized that successful physicians need more than just scientific knowledge—they need to understand how psychological, social, and biological factors interact to influence health outcomes.
The MCAT uses a scaled scoring system that differs from raw scores (the number of questions answered correctly). This scaling process ensures fairness across different test dates and forms, accounting for slight variations in difficulty between exam versions.
The MCAT consists of four sections, each scored on a scale from 118 to 132:
| Section | Full Name | Score Range | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C/P | Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 118-132 | 59 | 95 min |
| CARS | Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | 118-132 | 53 | 90 min |
| B/B | Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 118-132 | 59 | 95 min |
| P/S | Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior | 118-132 | 59 | 95 min |
The midpoint for each section is 125, which represents approximately the 50th percentile. A score of 125 on any section indicates average performance relative to other test-takers.
Your total MCAT score is simply the sum of your four section scores:
This results in a total score range of 472 to 528, with 500 being the median score. The standard deviation for total scores is approximately 10-11 points, meaning about 68% of test-takers score between 489 and 511.
Percentile rankings tell you what percentage of test-takers scored at or below your score. For example, a score at the 75th percentile means you performed as well as or better than 75% of all test-takers.
| Score Range | Approximate Percentile | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 524-528 | 99-100th | Exceptional—competitive for top programs |
| 518-523 | 94-98th | Excellent—strong for most MD programs |
| 514-517 | 86-93rd | Very good—competitive for many MD programs |
| 510-513 | 73-85th | Good—meets average for MD matriculants |
| 506-509 | 56-72nd | Average—may need strong application elsewhere |
| 500-505 | 30-55th | Below MD average—consider DO programs |
| Below 500 | Below 30th | May want to consider retaking |
Individual section scores are evaluated independently. Medical schools often look for balanced scores across all sections, though some programs may weight certain sections more heavily:
| Section Score | Approximate Percentile |
|---|---|
| 132 | 100th |
| 131 | 99th |
| 130 | 97th |
| 129 | 92nd |
| 128 | 86th |
| 127 | 76th |
| 126 | 64th |
| 125 | 50th |
| 124 | 38th |
| 123 | 24th |
| 122 | 14th |
| 121 | 7th |
| 120 | 3rd |
A "good" MCAT score depends on your target medical schools and overall application profile. However, some general benchmarks can guide your expectations:
The average MCAT score for matriculants at US MD (allopathic) medical schools typically falls around 511-512, which represents approximately the 80th percentile. However, this varies significantly by school:
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programs generally have lower average MCAT scores than MD programs. The average MCAT score for DO matriculants is approximately 504-506 (47-56th percentile). However, DO schools emphasize holistic review, considering factors like clinical experience, community service, and personal qualities alongside test scores.
Canadian medical schools vary widely in their MCAT requirements. Some schools (like McMaster) don't require the MCAT at all, while others only consider certain sections. For schools that do require it, competitive scores typically align with US MD averages.
Most successful test-takers dedicate 3-6 months to MCAT preparation, studying approximately 300-500 hours total. Key factors include:
Beyond content knowledge, several skills contribute to MCAT success:
Physical and mental preparation matters significantly:
This section tests your understanding of basic biochemistry, biology, physics, and general chemistry as they relate to living systems. Topics include:
CARS is unique among MCAT sections because it doesn't test specific scientific content. Instead, it evaluates your ability to:
Many test-takers find CARS the most challenging section because it can't be improved through content memorization alone.
This section focuses on biological processes at molecular, cellular, and organ system levels:
Added in the 2015 redesign, this section covers:
If your MCAT score doesn't meet your goals, you may consider retaking the exam. Here are important considerations:
Consider retaking if:
Most medical schools see all MCAT scores on your application. Policies vary:
Generally, significant improvement (4+ points) is viewed favorably, while multiple attempts with similar scores may raise concerns.
On average, retakers improve their scores by 2-3 points. However, improvement varies widely based on preparation changes and initial score. Test-takers who significantly change their study approach tend to see larger improvements.
Effective MCAT preparation typically involves:
A typical 3-month study schedule might look like:
Many test-takers must balance MCAT preparation with coursework, research, clinical experience, or employment. Strategies include:
MCAT scores are typically released approximately one month after your test date. The AAMC provides a score release calendar at the beginning of each testing year.
MCAT scores are valid for most medical schools for 2-3 years, though policies vary. Some schools accept scores up to 4 years old, while others strictly require scores from within the past 2 years. Check each school's specific requirements.
AAMC allows you to send scores to an unlimited number of schools through their MCAT Score Reporting System. Most applicants send scores as part of their AMCAS (MD) or AACOMAS (DO) application.
This MCAT score calculator provides percentile estimates based on historical AAMC data. Keep in mind:
Percentiles change over time: The exact percentile for any given score may shift slightly between testing years as the test-taker population changes.
Holistic admissions: Medical schools evaluate candidates holistically. A lower MCAT score can be offset by exceptional experiences, research, or other application components.
School-specific requirements: Some schools have minimum score thresholds, section-specific requirements, or unique evaluation criteria not reflected in general percentile data.
Individual circumstances: This calculator doesn't account for factors like underrepresented minority status, socioeconomic background, or unique life experiences that schools may consider in admissions.
For the most accurate and current percentile data, consult the official AAMC MCAT Score Scale available on the AAMC website.