How is the MCAT scored?
Each section of the MCAT is scored between 118 to 132. The addition of the scores from each of the four sections gives the final score range of 472 to 528. Given that 125 is the mean and median score for each section, the mean and median of the final score is 500.
Instead of being graded on a curve, the MCAT is scaled and equated before being administered. Scaling and equating the scores allows the AAMC to ensure scores from different MCAT forms can be adequately compared even if the forms have different difficulty levels. For example, let's say that getting a 125 on an "easy" form would require the student to get 51 questions correct. Meanwhile, getting a 125 on a "hard" form would require the student to get 46 questions correct. Overall, standardizations allow for the assumption that the student who got 51 questions right on the "easy" form would only get 46 questions right on the "hard" form.
Since the test is standardized, there is no "best time" to take the MCAT. Instead, students should take the MCAT when ready based on their practice exam scores.
Instead of being graded on a curve, the MCAT is scaled and equated before being administered. Scaling and equating the scores allows the AAMC to ensure scores from different MCAT forms can be adequately compared even if the forms have different difficulty levels. For example, let's say that getting a 125 on an "easy" form would require the student to get 51 questions correct. Meanwhile, getting a 125 on a "hard" form would require the student to get 46 questions correct. Overall, standardizations allow for the assumption that the student who got 51 questions right on the "easy" form would only get 46 questions right on the "hard" form.
Since the test is standardized, there is no "best time" to take the MCAT. Instead, students should take the MCAT when ready based on their practice exam scores.
What is a good MCAT score?
A "good" MCAT score is a score that will make you a competitive applicant to get into medical school. Those with lower GPAs and fewer extracurricular activities should aim for a higher MCAT score to overcome their shortcomings. To determine what score you should aim for, first take a look at the AAMC data for the median:
Test-taker MCAT score: 500
Applicant MCAT score: 505
Acceptance MCAT score: 511
By using the AAMC data on MCAT percentiles, test-takers can be subdivided into four groups based on their scores:
Extremely Competitive
90th Percentile and Above
MCAT Score: 515 to 528
Each Section: 129 to 132
Test-takers in this group are the most competitive to get a medical school acceptance. Based on their MCAT alone, they have around a 70% chance of acceptance. Those with a well-rounded application would also be competitive for the highest-ranked medical schools.
Highly Competitive
70th to 89th Percentile
MCAT Score: 507 to 514
Each Section: 127 to 128
Test-takers in this group are highly competitive to get a medical school acceptance. Based on their MCAT alone, they have around a 40% chance of acceptance.
Less Competitive
50th to 69th Percentile
MCAT Score: 500 to 506
Each Section: 125 to 126
Test-takers in this group are less competitive to get a medical school acceptance. Based on their MCAT alone, they have a 30% chance of acceptance. Therefore, students in this group must have a high GPA, extracurricular involvement, strong letters of recommendation, and a well-written personal statement.
Not Competitive
49th Percentile and Below
MCAT Score: 472 to 499
Each Section: 118 to 124
Test-takers in this group are not competitive to get a medical school acceptance. Based on their MCAT alone, they have less than a 10% chance of getting accepted. Those who score below average should consider counseling with an advisor and potentially retesting.
By using the AAMC data on MCAT percentiles, test-takers can be subdivided into four groups based on their scores:
Extremely Competitive
90th Percentile and Above
MCAT Score: 515 to 528
Each Section: 129 to 132
Test-takers in this group are the most competitive to get a medical school acceptance. Based on their MCAT alone, they have around a 70% chance of acceptance. Those with a well-rounded application would also be competitive for the highest-ranked medical schools.
Highly Competitive
70th to 89th Percentile
MCAT Score: 507 to 514
Each Section: 127 to 128
Test-takers in this group are highly competitive to get a medical school acceptance. Based on their MCAT alone, they have around a 40% chance of acceptance.
Less Competitive
50th to 69th Percentile
MCAT Score: 500 to 506
Each Section: 125 to 126
Test-takers in this group are less competitive to get a medical school acceptance. Based on their MCAT alone, they have a 30% chance of acceptance. Therefore, students in this group must have a high GPA, extracurricular involvement, strong letters of recommendation, and a well-written personal statement.
Not Competitive
49th Percentile and Below
MCAT Score: 472 to 499
Each Section: 118 to 124
Test-takers in this group are not competitive to get a medical school acceptance. Based on their MCAT alone, they have less than a 10% chance of getting accepted. Those who score below average should consider counseling with an advisor and potentially retesting.