Each MCAT section is scored from 118 to 132 (total score: 472–528). Enter your section scores or target scores below.
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Total MCAT Score
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📋 Percentile Note: MCAT percentiles are recalculated by AAMC annually using a rolling 3-year average of test takers. The percentiles in this calculator are based on the most recently published AAMC data. For official percentile verification, always check AAMC.org.
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Sources & Methodology
Percentile estimates based on published data from the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges). Medical school acceptance score ranges sourced from MSAR (Medical School Admissions Requirements) database. Percentile conversions use the AAMC 2022–2024 3-year rolling average cohort data.
MCAT Scoring Explained
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) consists of four sections, each scored from 118 to 132. The four scores are added together for a total score range of 472 to 528. A score of 500 represents the 50th percentile — exactly the median score for all test takers.
MCAT Score to Percentile Chart
| Total Score | Percentile (approx.) | Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| 523–528 | 99th–100th | Exceptional — Top 1% |
| 518–522 | 97th–98th | Outstanding — Top 3% |
| 514–517 | 91st–95th | Excellent — Top 9% |
| 510–513 | 80th–90th | Strong — Competitive for most MD programs |
| 505–509 | 70th–79th | Good — Competitive for many MD/DO programs |
| 500–504 | 50th–69th | Average — Median score range |
| 495–499 | 30th–49th | Below average — Consider retaking |
| 490–494 | 15th–29th | Significantly below average |
| Below 490 | Below 15th | Retake strongly advised |
Medical School Average MCAT Ranges
| School Tier | Avg MCAT Range | 10th–90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Top 10 MD Programs | 519–524 | 515–527 |
| Top 25 MD Programs | 515–520 | 510–524 |
| All MD Programs (avg) | 511–513 | 505–520 |
| DO Programs (avg) | 503–506 | 498–513 |
| Caribbean Programs | 495–502 | 490–508 |
💡 CARS Section Note: CARS is scored independently and is especially important for programs that heavily weight critical thinking skills. Many programs, including highly competitive MD and combined MD/PhD programs, specifically review CARS scores. A CARS score below 125 may be a red flag at top-tier programs even with a high total score.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your target programs. A score of 510+ (80th percentile) is generally considered competitive for most MD programs. For top-10 programs like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, or Stanford, you'll want 518+ (97th percentile). For DO programs, 503–506 is competitive. Remember: MCAT is just one factor — GPA, clinical experience, research, and letters of recommendation all matter significantly.
The MCAT has four sections, each scored 118–132 based on the number of correct answers converted to a scaled score. There's no penalty for wrong answers, so never leave a question blank. Your four section scores are summed for your total score (472–528). Raw scores are converted using AAMC's equating process to ensure fairness across different test versions. Section scores are also reported individually.
Consider retaking if: (1) Your score is below the 50th percentile of your target programs' matriculant averages, (2) You believe your score doesn't reflect your true ability, (3) Your GPA is strong and a higher MCAT would make your application more competitive, or (4) You scored significantly below your practice test average. A retake is generally not advised if you already scored above 515 or if your target programs' average is 510 and you already achieved that — the time may be better spent on other application components.
A 510 is approximately the 80th percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 80% of all test takers. Quick reference: 500 = 50th %ile, 505 = 70th %ile, 510 = 80th %ile, 514 = 91st %ile, 517 = 95th %ile, 520 = 98th %ile. These percentiles shift slightly each year as AAMC recalculates based on the 3-year rolling cohort of test takers.
Most successful applicants study 300–500 hours over 3–6 months. If you're starting from a strong science background, 3–4 months of focused study (10–15 hrs/week) may be enough. For a 515+ target, plan 4–6 months and at least 400+ hours, including 10+ full-length practice tests. CARS is the hardest section to improve quickly — start practicing it early and consistently throughout your prep.
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