MCAT Scores & Medical School Admissions — The 472-528 Scale
Understand how the MCAT is scored: the 472-528 total scale, four section scores (118-132 each), percentile ranks, and the average matriculant scores (~511-512) that shape MD and DO admissions in the US and Canada. Administered by the AAMC.
Quick Summary — MCAT Scores at a Glance
Here is what the MCAT scoring system looks like and how scores map to medical school admissions:
- Total score range: 472 to 528 — the sum of four section scores
- Section score range: 118 to 132 for each of the four sections
- Midpoint: about 500 — roughly the 50th percentile
- Average among all test takers: approximately 500
- Average MD matriculant: approximately 511-512
- Competitive for MD programs: roughly 511 and above
- Typical for many DO programs: high 490s to low 500s
- ~90th percentile: around 514
- ~95th percentile: around 518
- ~99th percentile: around 522 and above
- Number of scored questions: about 230 multiple-choice questions
- Total seated time: roughly 7.5 hours including breaks
- Sections: Bio/Biochem, Chem/Phys, Psych/Soc, and CARS
- Administered by: the AAMC, for US and Canada medical schools
- Standard registration fee: about $345 (fee assistance available)
Want to know where your practice score lands? See the percentile and how it fits MD and DO admissions instantly.
Open Score CalculatorMCAT Total Score, Percentile & Admissions Reference
Approximate percentile ranks and admissions context across the 472-528 scale. Scroll horizontally to see all columns. Percentiles are approximate and the AAMC updates them annually.
| Total Score | Percentile approx. |
Per Section avg of 4 |
Band scale position |
MD context competitiveness |
DO context competitiveness |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lower Range (472-499) — Below the midpoint | |||||
| 472 | ~1st | ~118 | Minimum possible | Below typical range | Below typical range |
| 478 | ~5th | ~119-120 | Lower band | Below typical range | Below typical range |
| 486 | ~18th | ~121-122 | Below midpoint | Below typical range | Reach for some |
| 494 | ~36th | ~123-124 | Approaching midpoint | Reach for most | Possible at some programs |
| 500 | ~50th | 125 | Midpoint of scale | Reach for most MD | Within range for some DO |
| Competitive Range (500-518) — At and above the average matriculant | |||||
| 505 | ~65th | ~126 | Above midpoint | Competitive for some MD | Competitive for many DO |
| 508 | ~75th | 127 | Above average test taker | Approaching MD average | Strong for DO |
| 511 | ~80th | ~128 | Near MD matriculant avg | Competitive for MD | Strong for DO |
| 512 | ~83rd | 128 | MD matriculant average | Competitive for MD | Very strong for DO |
| 514 | ~88th | ~128-129 | Upper band | Strong for MD | Very strong for DO |
| 518 | ~95th | ~129-130 | Top band | Strong for top MD | Very strong for DO |
| High Range (519-528) — Top percentiles | |||||
| 520 | ~97th | 130 | Top band | Highly competitive MD | Highly competitive DO |
| 522 | ~99th | ~130-131 | Top band | Highly competitive MD | Highly competitive DO |
| 528 | 100th | 132 | Maximum possible | Highly competitive MD | Highly competitive DO |
Calculate your section breakdown and total, and see the percentile it corresponds to.
Score CalculatorWhat MCAT Score Data Tells You
Three patterns are worth keeping in mind when you interpret your MCAT score against medical school admissions:
- 500 is the midpoint, not a target. A total of about 500 sits near the 50th percentile of all test takers, but the average student who actually matriculates into an MD program scores roughly 511-512 — well above the midpoint. Aim above the average test taker, not just at it.
- Balance across sections matters. Two applicants can both score 511, but a balanced profile (around 128 in every section) is often viewed more favorably than a lopsided one. CARS scores in particular are watched closely by many admissions committees because they reflect reasoning skills rather than memorized content.
- MD and DO ranges differ. Competitive MD applicants typically score 511 and above, while many DO programs admit applicants in the high 490s to low 500s. A score that is a reach for one pathway can be solidly competitive for another, so consider the full MD/DO landscape.
The Four MCAT Sections
The MCAT has four sections, each scored from 118 to 132. The content is organized around 10 AAMC Foundational Concepts and 31 content categories, plus CARS reasoning skills. Together the sections cover biology, biochemistry, general and organic chemistry, physics, psychology, sociology, and critical reasoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good MCAT score?
The MCAT is scored from 472 to 528, with about 500 as the midpoint (roughly the 50th percentile). A score around 511 or higher is generally considered competitive for MD programs, since the average matriculant scores roughly 511-512. Scores in the high 490s to low 500s are typical for many DO programs.
How is the MCAT scored?
Each of the four MCAT sections is scored from 118 to 132. The four section scores are added together to produce a total score from 472 to 528. Scores are based on the number of correct answers and are then scaled, so the same total reflects the same level of achievement across different test forms. Try our free MCAT score calculator.
What are the four sections of the MCAT?
The MCAT has four sections: Bio/Biochem (Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems), Chem/Phys (Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems), Psych/Soc (Psychological, Social & Biological Foundations of Behavior), and CARS (Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills). Each section is scored 118-132.
What MCAT score do I need for medical school?
There is no single cutoff. The average matriculant to US MD programs scores about 511-512, so a score in that range or higher strengthens an MD application. Many DO programs admit applicants with scores in the high 490s to low 500s. Admissions committees also weigh GPA, experiences, essays, and interviews alongside the MCAT.
What is the average MCAT score?
The average score among all test takers is approximately 500, which sits near the midpoint of the 472-528 scale and corresponds to roughly the 50th percentile. The average score among students who matriculate into MD programs is higher, at approximately 511-512.
What are MCAT percentiles?
A percentile rank tells you the percentage of test takers who scored at or below your score. For example, a total of about 500 is near the 50th percentile, a score around 511 is roughly the 80th percentile, and a score around 518 is roughly the 95th percentile. The AAMC publishes updated percentile tables each year.
How long is the MCAT and how many questions does it have?
The MCAT contains about 230 scored multiple-choice questions and has a total seated time of roughly 7.5 hours, including breaks and administrative time. The content is organized around 10 AAMC Foundational Concepts plus CARS reasoning skills.
Who administers the MCAT and how much does it cost?
The MCAT is administered by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) for students applying to medical (MD/DO) schools in the US and Canada. The standard registration fee is about $345, and fee assistance is available through the AAMC Fee Assistance Program.
Related MCAT 2026 Resources
How scores map to percentile ranks Free Score Calculator →
Instant total, percentile + MD/DO context Section Scoring Guide →
How the four 118-132 sections combine How to Score 515+ on the MCAT →
Strategy from top scorers MCAT 2026 Syllabus →
AAMC Foundational Concepts breakdown MCAT Practice Materials →
Section-by-section practice questions Free MCAT Practice Test →
Timed full mock with explanations