How hard is it to get a 510 on the MCAT?
Asked by: scraper | Last update: September 8, 2026Score: 0/5 (0 votes)
Getting a 510 on the MCAT is very difficult. It places you in the 79th–80th percentile, meaning you must score in the top 20% of all test-takers. Reaching this benchmark typically requires 300 to 500 hours of study over 3 to 6 months.
What percent of people get 510 on MCAT?
A 510 on the MCAT places you in approximately the 78th to 80th percentile of test-takers, according to AAMC data and expert analyses. This means you scored higher than roughly 78–80% of all examinees, making it a strong score that is competitive for many MD programs, as it sits above the median for many matriculants.
Did Andy Chen take the MCAT 7 times?
Andy Chen took the MCAT seven times—the lifetime maximum limit—before achieving a score of 515 and ultimately being accepted into the Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. His journey serves as a widely recognized example of perseverance in the pre-med community.
What schools can you get into with a 510 MCAT?
An MCAT score of 510 puts you in the 80th percentile and makes you highly competitive for a mix of MD and DO programs. The following list highlights US medical schools where the median or average entering MCAT score is right around 510:
Is a 510 MCAT good enough for MD Reddit?
Yes, a 510 MCAT score is generally considered good enough for MD school admissions according to discussions on r/premed and r/Mcat. It is considered a competitive score for mid-to-low tier MD schools, putting you around the 77th–79th percentile 0.5.14, with many users suggesting that focus should be shifted to building a strong, comprehensive application rather than retaking the exam 0.5.2, 0.5.3.
SIMPLE MCAT Study Plan | How I scored a 520 (97th percentile) in less than 7 minutes
How hard is getting a 510 on MCAT?
Your MCAT score will fall between 472 and 528, with each of the four sections scored from 118 to 132. While 500 is the statistical average, competitive med schools usually look for scores in the 510 to 522+ range. A 510 places you well above average and gives you a real shot at top med schools.
Can I get into Harvard with a 512 MCAT?
Harvard MCAT Score Range
The vast majority of students admitted to Harvard Medical School achieve an MCAT score in the range of 512 to 528. A perfect score of 528 indicates exceptional aptitude and places the test taker at the top percentile.
DO I retake a 510 MCAT?
A 510 is a highly competitive MCAT score (around the 79th percentile) that grants you excellent odds for US MD and DO programs. Generally, you should only retake if you are targeting elite Top-20 programs, have a significantly unbalanced section score (like a low CARS), or severely underperformed your practice tests.
What score is 90% correct on MCAT?
A 90% correct rate on the MCAT roughly equates to a total score of 515 to 516. This score places you in the 90th to 92nd percentile of all test-takers nationwide.
Which female billionaire opens medical school?
Alice Walton, the Walmart heiress and recognized as the world’s richest woman, has opened the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) in Bentonville, Arkansas. The school welcomed its inaugural class of 48 students in July 2025, offering a unique, tuition-free model for the first five cohorts to promote "whole-health" training.
Is retaking MCAT a red flag?
Retaking the MCAT is not a red flag on its own. In fact, many students take it multiple times. However, it can become a red flag if your new score does not show a significant improvement.
What score is a 67% on MCAT?
On the MCAT, a 67% ranking corresponds to a total scaled score of 506.
Has anyone got a perfect MCAT?
Yes, it is possible. While extremely rare—achieved by fewer than 0.5% of test-takers—a perfect score of 528 on the MCAT is accomplished by a small handful of students every year.
How common is retaking the MCAT?
What are the odds that retaking the MCAT will result in a better score? According to the most recent AAMC data, 43 percent of people who took the MCAT between 2022 and 2024 were retesters. On the whole, retaking the exam tended to produce better scores for this group compared to their initial results.
Is 512 enough to get into med school?
A “good” MCAT score is relative and depends on the medical schools you are applying to. Generally, a score of 510 (78th percentile) or above is considered competitive for many medical schools. However, top-tier institutions often expect higher scores, typically in the range of 515- 520 (90th-97th percentile) or above.
What is a top 1% MCAT score?
A top 1% MCAT score is a 522 to 528. This places a student at or above the 99th percentile of all test-takers.
What's the lowest MCAT score accepted?
The absolute minimum, hard-cutoff score for most U.S. MD and DO programs is around 490 to 495. However, this is highly contextual, and a score below 500 will make you an extreme outlier at most schools.
Is the MCAT harder than the SAT?
Yes, the MCAT is widely considered to be significantly harder than the SAT. While both are standardized tests, the MCAT tests an incredibly vast amount of complex undergraduate science material and requires over double the preparation time.
How do med schools view a 516 MCAT score?
Medians usually fall between 515 and 520, roughly the 92nd to 97th percentiles. Typical 10th-percentile floor. At top 20 schools, admitted students at the 10th percentile sit in the 510 to 516 range.
What med schools accept 510 MCAT?
An MCAT score of 510 is right around the 80th percentile and sits perfectly in the 25th–75th applicant range for many competitive MD programs. Because the 510 serves as a "sweet spot" for mid-tier schools, your overall school list should be heavily balanced with your undergraduate GPA, clinical hours, and state residency.
Is getting a 510 on the MCAT hard?
Getting a 510 on the MCAT is very difficult. It places you in the 79th–80th percentile, meaning you must score in the top 20% of all test-takers. Reaching this benchmark typically requires 300 to 500 hours of study over 3 to 6 months.
Is 506 a good MCAT score?
A 506 is an above-average MCAT score, sitting in the 67th–73rd percentile. It is a strong and competitive score for DO (osteopathic) programs and mission-driven MD programs, but it falls slightly below the national average for successful MD matriculants.
Can you go to Harvard for free if your family makes under $200,000?
Yes, if your family earns up to $200,000, tuition is free. However, whether you pay nothing out-of-pocket for all expenses (like housing and food) depends on the exact income bracket and your overall family assets.
What is the lowest MCAT score to get into Harvard?
While Harvard Medical School Admissions at a Glance does not enforce a hard minimum cutoff, the lowest accepted MCAT scores typically fall in the 512–515 range. Scores this low are extremely rare outliers and require an exceptional academic or experiential profile.