MCAT Scores 2026: Percentiles, Averages, and What’s Considered Good

The MCAT exam is one of the most important exams for students aspiring to enter medical school. Whether you’re taking it for the first time or retaking it to improve your score, understanding how MCAT scores are calculated and what counts as a good score can help you set realistic goals. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about MCAT scores, including percentiles, averages, and what’s considered a good score for 2026.

Understanding the MCAT Scoring System in 2026-2027

The MCAT exam (Medical College Admission Test) measures more than how many questions you answer correctly. Because it's scaled and equated, small differences in section scores can shape how admissions officers read your application. The MCAT isn't curved against other test takers, but it is scaled so that a given score means the same thing across different exam dates.

That scaling works the same way for the 2026-2027 cycle as in prior years, and the AAMC refreshes the percentile ranks attached to each score every May. Understanding how the scoring works helps you set a realistic target that reflects your actual goals rather than a number you saw quoted on Reddit. It keeps you from over-focusing on raw numbers and helps you see the bigger picture: how schools evaluate your score in context, how section imbalances may be viewed, and whether a retake is worth it. It also gives you clarity on how your MCAT fits into the holistic review process alongside your GPA, experiences, and story.

Read: MCAT Score Range & Average of the T50 Medical Schools

MCAT Score Breakdown

Before you can judge whether your score is competitive, it helps to know how the number is built. This section covers the score range, how raw answers become your final scaled total, and what recent averages tell you about where you stand.

What is the MCAT Score Range?

The total MCAT score combines four section scores, each scored on a scale of 118 to 132. The total ranges from 472 to 528, and 500 is the scale midpoint.

Total MCAT Score Range: 472–528 Section Score Range: 118–132 (for each of the four sections)

These scores help medical schools evaluate your readiness for medical education. A 528 is the highest possible score, and a 472 is the lowest.

Read: Average MCAT Scores of the Top 50 Medical Schools

How MCAT Scores Are Calculated

The MCAT is scored in two steps: raw score to scaled score, then the final total.

Raw Score: The number of questions you answer correctly in each section. Scaled Score: Your raw score is converted to a scaled score through a statistical process called equating, which adjusts for small differences in difficulty across test dates. Total Score: The sum of your four scaled section scores.

For example, a 514 might come from section scores of 127 (Chem/Phys), 128 (CARS), 130 (Bio/Biochem), and 129 (Psych/Soc).

What is a Good MCAT Score?

A "good" MCAT score depends on your goals and the schools you're targeting. Medical schools set different expectations based on their competitiveness, mission, and applicant pool.

Recent Average MCAT Scores

Based on the most recent AAMC data:

• All test takers: about 500.6, the mean across the 2023–2025 testing years
• MD applicants: about 506.3 (2025–2026 cycle)
• MD matriculants, meaning students who enrolled: 512.1 (2025–2026 cycle)
• DO matriculants: around 503

These averages show where you stand relative to other test takers and applicants. A score at or above the applicant average keeps you in the conversation, and the matriculant average is the more realistic target if your goal is admission.

What Counts as a Good Score by Range

• 500–505: around the national average and applicant range; viable for some MD programs and many DO programs, especially with a strong overall application
• 510–514: competitive for many MD programs
• 515–517: strong, at or above most school medians
• 518+: elite, and roughly the range the most selective MD programs (Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford) average

Note: A high MCAT score alone does not guarantee acceptance. Schools also weigh your GPA, clinical and research experience, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.

MCAT Section Breakdown: What Each Section Measures

Your total score comes from four sections, and each one measures something different. Knowing what each tests helps you read a score report accurately and spot where your prep time will pay off most.

Overview of MCAT Sections

The MCAT consists of four sections, each testing a different set of skills and knowledge:

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys): Tests your knowledge of chemistry, physics, and biochemistry as they apply to biological systems.

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): Assesses your ability to analyze and interpret complex texts from the humanities and social sciences.

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/Biochem): Focuses on core biology and biochemistry concepts.

Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc): Tests your understanding of psychological and sociological concepts and their impact on health and behavior.
Read: How Long Is the MCAT in 2026? Format, Timing, and Tips to Prepare

Competencies Tested in Each Section

What is a Good MCAT Score?

A "good" MCAT score can vary depending on your goals and the medical schools you are targeting. Medical schools have different score expectations based on their competitiveness, mission, and overall applicant pool. But here are general benchmarks for total MCAT scores:

• 500 = National average MCAT score
• 510–514 = Strong for mid-tier MD schools
• 515+ = Competitive for top MCAT programs

Average scores:

• All test takers: ~501.3
• MD applicants: ~506.5
• MD matriculants: ~511.9

Even a low MCAT score in one section can raise questions. We’ll cover how to handle that below.

Expert Tip: Use AAMC’s MSAR tool to check school-specific score ranges before you apply.

Understanding MCAT Percentiles: How Your Score Compares to Other Test Takers

Your total score tells you how you did. Your percentile tells you how that compares to everyone else who took the exam, which is often what admissions committees look at first. This section breaks down what percentile ranks mean and where common scores land on the current AAMC table.

What is a Percentile Rank?

Percentile ranks show how your score compares to all other MCAT test takers. For example, a score of 515 places you in the 91st percentile, meaning you scored higher than 91% of test takers. The AAMC updates these ranks every May, using results from the three most recent testing years.

Here is a breakdown of how different MCAT scores rank by percentile:

This ranking system helps medical schools interpret how well you performed relative to other test takers.

Raw Score vs. Scaled Score

The MCAT is scored in two steps: raw → scaled → total.

Raw Score - The number of questions you answered correctly in each section. There’s no penalty for wrong answers, so always guess if you're unsure.

Scaled Score - Your raw score is converted to a scaled MCAT score (ranging from 118 to 132 per section) using a statistical process called equating. This ensures fairness across different versions of the test, so scores mean the same thing regardless of when you test.

Total Score - Your total MCAT score is the sum of your four scaled section scores, ranging from 472 to 528.

This process avoids rewarding luck or penalizing test takers who receive slightly harder questions. It also prevents score inflation, keeping the test fair across thousands of test forms and exam dates.

What If You Score Low in One Section?

A lopsided score, like 130 / 130 / 124 / 131, can raise questions during the review process, especially if the low section is CARS (critical thinking) or Psych/Soc (behavioral science), which some schools weigh more heavily.

But it’s not an automatic rejection. Here’s how to think about it and what to do next:

How to Mitigate a Low Section Score

• Offset it with academic or experiential strength. A strong undergraduate GPA, upward academic trend, or research background in that content area (e.g., psychology for a low Psych/Soc) can signal readiness despite the dip.
• Use your personal statement (or secondaries) to provide context. If there were testing accommodations, illness, or major life events during prep, and the low section isn't consistent with your academic history, you can briefly explain this without making excuses.
• Tailor your school list. Some medical schools publish minimum section score cutoffs, often 124–125 per section. Prioritize schools that view the MCAT holistically and don’t have rigid section thresholds.
• Consider how the section aligns with your intended specialty. For example, a low Bio/Biochem score may matter more for research-heavy MD/PhD programs than for clinically-focused DO schools.

When to Retake the MCAT

A retake is worth considering if:

• Your total MCAT score is below 505 for MD (or below 500 for DO). You’re consistently scoring 4+ points higher on full-length practice tests
• Your low section score drops you below school cutoffs, or the confidence band overlap obscures your true potential
• You didn’t take full-length timed exams before test day, or had major prep gaps

When to Skip a Retake

A retake may not be necessary if:

• You’re applying to DO programs, post-baccs, or linkage programs with lower average MCAT requirements
• Your score is within your target schools’ 10th–90th percentile range
• You have a strong GPA, compelling personal story, and competitive extracurriculars or clinical exposure
• You’re unlikely to gain ≥ 3–4 points with additional prep (MCAT score increases after a retake are often modest)

Expert Tip: Many admissions officers care more about your overall readiness and academic consistency than one imperfect section. If the rest of your application is strong and you’re applying strategically, a single low section isn’t a dealbreaker.

Tips for MCAT Prep

Here’s how top scorers and the students who gain the most ground approach their prep strategically.

Start with Full-Length Practice Tests

If you’re not regularly taking full-length, timed exams under realistic conditions, you’re not preparing for the real MCAT. Period. Full-length practice tests (especially AAMC exams) simulate the mental fatigue, pacing, and passage complexity of test day better than any other tool. Aim for at least five, ideally spaced out across your final 6–8 weeks of prep. Use each one to fine-tune timing, identify consistent weak spots, and get comfortable sitting for a 7.5-hour exam.

Identify and Triage Your Weak Sections

Not all MCAT sections demand the same approach. Struggling with biological foundations might mean you need more active recall and pathway mapping. Falling behind in CARS or reasoning skills likely means you need to read differently, not just more. The key is to isolate section-specific weaknesses, not just overall content gaps. Diagnose what’s really holding you back: timing, comprehension, stamina, or conceptual understanding, and build your study plan around those needs, not generic advice.

Time Your Test Strategically

Your exam date should match your readiness, not just your application timeline. That usually means giving yourself 3–4 focused months of prep (longer if you’re balancing school or work), and choosing a date that ensures your score release falls before primary application deadlines. A rushed test date can sabotage months of prep. Be honest about your progress, especially if you’re plateauing below your target range.

Don’t Go It Alone, Work With an Expert

There’s a reason why many top scorers work with coaches. An experienced MCAT tutor doesn’t just explain content; they help you think like the test. They’ll analyze your raw scores, identify your blind spots, and build a study structure that’s realistic for your life. They’ll also hold you accountable on the days when motivation dips (and it will). If you’re aiming for a competitive jump, say from 501 to 510+, this kind of guidance can be the difference between a good plan and actual score movement.

Leland has dozens of coaches who’ve scored in the 98th–100th percentile and helped hundreds of students break through plateaus. Whether you’re just starting or deciding if you’re ready for test day, browse top MCAT coaches and find one who fits your goals, background, and schedule.

Making Sense of Your MCAT Score

Your MCAT score range spans from 472 to 528, with section scores between 118 and 132. They’re scaled using a process called equating, which ensures fairness across test dates and forms. That means your score reflects more than just how many questions you got right; it shows how you performed in context.

Percentile rank, not just the number, shapes how medical schools interpret your performance. And while one low section might raise questions, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you. What matters is how the rest of your application supports your readiness and how well you’ve matched your score to your school list.

Above all, remember this: a strong MCAT score is achievable—even if you're starting from behind. With the right timeline, strategy, and support, we've seen students jump 10+ points and land at top programs. You don’t have to do this alone.

Work With an MCAT Tutor Today

If you’re feeling stuck, second-guessing your prep strategy, or just trying to figure out how to hit your goal score, you’re not alone. The MCAT is tough, but with the right coach, it becomes strategic, focused, and actually doable.

Leland’s MCAT tutors include 520+ scorers, former admissions readers, and med students who’ve helped hundreds of students boost their scores, some by 10+ points. Whether you're aiming for a retake, targeting a 515+, or just starting to study, we’ll help you build the plan and momentum to get there.

• Browse top-rated MCAT tutors
• Book a free call with an advisor to get matched
• Read real student reviews
• Join a free MCAT strategy event

The sooner you get started, the more strategic your prep becomes and the faster your score starts to move.

See: Top 6 MCAT Tutors

Read these next:

• The Best 50+ Free Resources for the MCAT Exam
• MCAT Study Schedules: Comparing 1, 3, and 6-Month Plans
• MCAT High Yield Topics: Everything You Need to Know
• How Many Times You Can Take the MCAT – (& When to Take It)
• The Best MCAT Prep Course for Your Success

FAQs

What is a good score on the MCAT?

• A score of 511 or higher is generally considered good. That places you around the 82nd percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 82% of test takers. Aim for balanced sections, ideally 127 or above in each, to stay competitive for most medical schools.

Is a 520 MCAT score good?

• Yes, a 520 is excellent. It places you in the 97th percentile, indicating top-tier performance, and it's competitive for even the most selective medical schools.

What score is 70% correct on the MCAT?

• There's no fixed conversion, but answering roughly 70% of questions correctly typically translates to a total score in the low 500s, around 500 to 505. That puts you near the 48th to 64th percentile. The exact result varies by exam version and section difficulty because of equating.

How is the MCAT scored?

• The MCAT uses a scaled scoring system. Each of the four sections is scored between 118 and 132, and the total ranges from 472 to 528. Your raw score, the number of questions you answer correctly, is converted to a scaled score to account for variations in test difficulty across exam dates.

Is 470 a good MCAT score?

• 470 isn't an attainable MCAT score. The scale starts at 472, so that's the lowest total possible, and it falls below the 1st percentile. Any score in that range would need significant improvement to be competitive, since most medical schools' accepted students score in the 500s.