For pre-med students, each piece of the application process can start to feel more and more confusing, and the MCAT is no exception. The inner workings of the test can seem like a mystery from the surface. How is it scored? This x a good score? What about MCAT percentiles? How can you understand all of it in the context of your applications?
One of the MCAT questions I get asked frequently is “What do MCAT percentiles actually mean?” So, I’m here to break them down in a way that’s super easy to understand so you can put your best foot forward as you make decisions about your med school applications.
If you’ve ever wondered about percentiles and what your score means (or what to aim for), this is the blog for you!
This post is all about mcat percentiles.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
All About MCAT Percentiles
How Is the MCAT Scored?
The scoring process for the MCAT involves a few different steps. First, your raw scores for the 4 multiple choice sections will be calculated based on the number of questions you answered correctly. You won’t be penalized for answering questions wrong.
Then, that raw score will be converted into a scaled score. The range for scaled scores goes from 118 to 132. The purpose of scaled scores is to account for the differences in difficulty that can occur between versions of the exam. Scaled scores are designed to provide a more accurate assessment of a student’s ability.
For example, two students who prepared equally but took different versions of the test would be more likely to have an equivalent scaled score compared to their raw scores.
Is the MCAT Scored on a Curve?
The MCAT is not scored on a curve. Instead, the use of scaled scores attempts to make sure that, no matter when you take the test or who tests at the same time as you, you receive a fair and accurate score that reflects your abilities. All scaled scores have the same meaning regardless of the time of year.
What Do MCAT Percentiles Mean?
The MCAT percentiles show you how well you performed compared to all other MCAT test takers. This can give you a better idea of how competitive your score actually is. These percentile ranks are updated each year on May 1 based on the data from the last 3 years so that it is as relevant as possible to your own MCAT test score.
Here is a quick breakdown of the current MCAT percentile ranks and what they mean.
| Total Score | Percentile Rank |
| 472 – 485 | < 1 – 10 |
| 486 – 490 | 12 – 20 |
| 491 – 494 | 22 – 30 |
| 495 – 497 | 33 – 39 |
| 498 – 500 | 42 – 48 |
| 501 – 503 | 51 – 58 |
| 504 – 506 | 61 – 67 |
| 507 – 510 | 70 – 79 |
| 511 – 514 | 82 – 89 |
| 515 – 518 | 91 – 95 |
| 519 – 523 | 96 – 99 |
| 524 – 528 | 100 |
515 – 528: The Top 10%
If you score a 515 in your MCAT exam or higher, congratulations! You are among the best 10% of MCAT takers which gives you a high chance of acceptance. Such a score can also make it much easier to balance any weaknesses in other areas. If you plan to apply to one of the top medical schools, MCAT percentiles above 90 is a great start.
509 – 514: Competitive
In this MCAT score range, you are among the 25% of highest MCAT scorers. This places you in a great position to stand out.
502 – 508: Above Average
Although it might be more difficult for very competitive medical school programs, an MCAT percentile above 75 is still a solid score. Considering all other aspects in your control, this can help you make the dream of medical school a reality.
501 or Lower: Below Average
This puts you in the lower 50% of test takers and can reduce your chances of getting accepted. But there’s no need to worry – from retaking over to strengthening all other aspects of your application – you still have options!
We’ve seen RTA students get accepted to multiple medical schools with MCAT scores at 500 and below. How? By casting a wide net, writing stellar essays, applying early, building a rock solid school list and more. I’ll teach you the key strategies in my Free Premed Workshop, including lots of examples from my own application.
MCAT Section Percentiles
Percentiles can also be calculated for individual sections of the MCAT. On your score sheet, you will see your score for each section as well as your percentile rank for that section. At the bottom is where you’ll find your total score and percentile rank for the entire test.
When you look at your score sheet, you might notice that you have a much lower scaled score in one section of the exam even though your overall score is high. As long as that score is still above average, you should still be good to go! But, if you’re worried about it, there is always the option to schedule a retake . So you can focus your studying on that section a little more.
Check out my blog post How to Improve Your MCAT Score: 12 Tips From Someone Who Did It for lots of strategies to get closer to your target score!
MCAT Confidence Bands
In addition to your section percentiles, your score sheet will also show you something called “confidence bands.” The MCAT confidence bands are a way of compensating for the inherent flaws that come with standardized tests like the MCAT. Your scores will inevitably be influenced by factors that could be out of your control or the AAMC’s control. So, confidence bands highlight the range of scores in which your true score falls.
By adding confidence bands to exam results, the AAMC acknowledges that all test scores come with inaccuracies. This also helps discourage students and schools from making strong distinctions between scores that are quite close to each other.
How Do MCAT Scores Affect Acceptance Rates?
Different schools will have different expectations for your MCAT score. So it’s best to check the websites of schools on your list for the most accurate and up-to-date information. However, the AAMC also compiles data about the relationship between MCAT scores and med school acceptance rates. Here’s a breakdown of the most recent data from 2021-2024.
| MCAT Score | Acceptance Rate |
| < 486 | 0.7% |
| 486 – 489 | 1.3% |
| 490 – 493 | 3.6% |
| 494 – 497 | 11.6% |
| 498 – 501 | 20.9% |
| 502 – 505 | 31.9% |
| 506 – 509 | 41.7% |
| 510 – 513 | 57.1% |
| 514 – 517 | 68.0% |
| > 517 | 78.1% |
If you haven’t taken the MCAT yet and you want to get an idea of what your score might look like when you do, you can use the MCAT Score Calculator to check yours based on your AAMC sample practice tests.
Remember, You’re More Than Your MCAT Score!
It’s easy to get discouraged when your MCAT score comes back lower than you expected. But, even if you end up with a score that’s lower than your goal, you still have a shot at getting accepted to med school! You and your application are made up of way more than just stats and numbers. You just have to find the right ways to showcase your skills and talents throughout the rest of your application.
One of the most powerful strategies are a personal statement that truly makes you stand out. Another one is a school list that perfectly fits your personal stats. I created my courses Build a Rock Solid School List and Ultimate Guide to Personal Statements for moments like this when hopeful students might start feeling down or discouraged and be tempted to give up on their dream because of a low test score. With the right resources and preparation, you can put together an amazing application that will get you accepted, even without retaking the MCAT.
Becoming a doctor is still within your reach, so don’t give up now!
Final Thoughts on MCAT Percentiles
I hope this little breakdown of MCAT percentiles and what they mean helps you understand your MCAT score better. So you can make the best possible plan for yourself and your future as you start working on your med school applications. Best of luck and happy applying!
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