Is 511 a bad MCAT score?

Asked by: Katrine Carter  |  Last update: November 27, 2023
Score: 4.8/5 (32 votes)

A good MCAT score is generally considered to be 511 or higher, with no section score below 127. The MCAT, also known as the Medical College Admission Test, is a computer-based standardized exam designed to assess your potential as a medical student and doctor.

What is considered a bad MCAT score?

A poor MCAT score is any score that doesn't get you into a medical school, but statistically this would be a score below the overall mean or average, so a score of 506 or less. A poor MCAT score could also be considered anything below the 50th percentile for recent test-takers, which is approximately 501.

Is a 512 MCAT good enough?

A "good" MCAT score is one that puts you near or above the average percentile for matriculants at your target medical schools. For comparison, the average MCAT score for students admitted to an MD program in the United States in 2021–2022 is between 511 and 512, with an average GPA of 3.74.

Can I get into med school with 512 MCAT?

What MCAT Score Do I Need For Med-School Admission? Based on the data as well as our experience with countless students we've helped get into medical school, the average MCAT Score required for most medical schools is at least 508-513 (25th percentile).

Should I retake MCAT with 510?

To be near or above this average, it's good to aim for a 510 or above. Scoring just a few points below this doesn't automatically mean you should retake the MCAT, but it might be helpful to consider whether a retake would improve your score.

How To PREVENT An MCAT Retake! [513 Scorer Tips]

20 related questions found

What is the lowest MCAT score for med school?

There are few medical schools who accept students with an MCAT of lower than 490. If your MCAT score is dangerously low, you may be better off retaking the test or applying to no-MCAT medical schools. To know if your MCAT score is good enough for your target medical schools, take our MCAT pop quiz!

What is the lowest MCAT score accepted at MD school?

What is the lowest MCAT score accepted to medical school? Generally speaking, the lowest acceptable score to be admitted to medical school is in the 490-495 range. Most medical schools do not list a minimum required MCAT score, but their average accepted MCAT score may be higher.

Should I retake a 516 MCAT?

While going from 515 to 517 looks good, going from 498 to 502 looks great. So statistically speaking, unless you're already in the very highest tier of test takers, chances are that retaking the MCAT will result in a better score and will ultimately benefit your application.

Is MCAT more important than GPA?

But, the easy answer is: MCAT. Some med schools believe that GPA is a better indicator of future success because it measures your work ethic and determination. However, your MCAT score is the only factor that is completely objective. It is the only factor that can compare all students evenly.

What is a 75% on the MCAT?

75th percentile – total score: 509/510; score for each section: between 126-128.

What is 50% correct on the MCAT?

Individual section scores will be reported in a range from 118-132 (both the mean and median are expected be ~125). This translates to a total range of achievable scores ranging from 472-528 with the mean centered near 500. Thus, a 500 on the MCAT will represent a score at the 50th percentile.

Does it look bad to retake MCAT 3 times?

That's not the message you want to send to medical schools that you keep making mistakes over and over again. Again, medical schools don't care if you have multiple MCAT tests on your application. Just make sure that if you screw up the first time, know why so you can prove the next time.

Do med schools see all MCAT scores?

Med Schools See All Your MCAT Scores

For those of you new to the medical school application process, the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) requires students to report all MCAT scores unless a score has been voided.

How many times can you fail the MCAT?

RETAKE POLICIES

MCAT examinees can test up to three times in one calendar year and four times across two calendar years. An examinee cannot take the exam more than seven times in their lifetime. Not showing up for an exam counts as an attempt toward the lifetime limit.

Can a high GPA make up for low MCAT?

If you have a high GPA but low MCAT score, you must strategize in order to give yourself a fighting chance. Think carefully about your options and make the decision that can provide you with the best results.

Is 491 a good MCAT score?

Attaining a score of 491 on the MCAT means you performed in the 23% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred. For example: 126 (C/P) 124 (CARS) 123 (B/B) 118 (P/S).

What is a good score for first practice MCAT?

A good MCAT score is generally considered to be 511 or higher, with no section score below 127. The MCAT, also known as the Medical College Admission Test, is a computer-based standardized exam designed to assess your potential as a medical student and doctor.

Can I get into an MD school with a 510 MCAT?

While 510 is generally a good score, your acceptance and admission to a particular med school would highly depend on other prospective students' scores and attributes. It is on the cusp of being a good score. But if you're aiming for a more competitive school or program, you will need a higher score.

What percentage of people get 510 on MCAT?

Attaining a score of 510 on the MCAT means you performed in the 84% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.

Is a 501 a good MCAT score?

With a score of 504–506 or lower, you are not going to be a very competitive candidate. But this score range does not mean you are out of the race! A score of 501 or lower is typically considered too low to be competitive, so you might want to retake the exam or apply to medical schools that do not require the MCAT.

Do med schools care if you retake MCAT?

No matter what, admissions committees will see all of your MCAT scores. While taking the test twice is unlikely to impact your admissions decision, if you end up taking the MCAT three or more times could make them question if you're prepared for the challenges of medical school.

What happens if you retake the MCAT and get a lower score?

Before committing to an MCAT retake, you must secure adequate amounts of all three elements to ensure you receive a higher score. Scoring lower when you retake the MCAT is a noticeable stain on your application and must be avoided at all costs.

Should I retake a 512?

If most of the schools you are applying for have an average MCAT of 511 and you scored a 512, there is no need to retake the exam. The only exception to this is if your GPA is considerably lower than the colleges' averages.

What does a 511 MCAT score mean?

Attaining a score of 511 on the MCAT means you performed in the 86% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred. For example: 127 (C/P) 131 (CARS) 124 (B/B) 129 (P/S).