Is the MCAT curved?

Asked by: Miss Jessica Heidenreich IV  |  Last update: December 21, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (59 votes)

Is the MCAT exam graded on a curve? One of the most important things to note about the scoring process is that the MCAT exam is NOT graded on a curve. Instead, the MCAT exam is scaled and equated so that scores have the same meaning no matter when you take your exam.

Is the actual MCAT curved?

There is no curve associated with the MCAT® exam. Instead, the MCAT exam is scaled and equated so that scores have the same meaning, no matter when you test. Learn more about how the exam is scored.

What is 70% correct on MCAT?

For instance, if we ask what score is a 70% on the MCAT? This means that your score is in the 70th percentile. In other words, you performed better than 70% of the test takers. In the current testing year, a 70th percentile score equals a scaled score somewhere between 507 and 508.

What is 80% correct on MCAT?

Note: A score of 80% correct for each of the 4 exam subsections translates to an MCAT scaled score of 127, which further underlines the fact that the relationship between percent correct and scaled scores is not straightforward and the changes are not consistent across exam sections (there is a correlation, but they ...

What is 90% correct on MCAT?

This score will put you right in line with the average MCAT score of students who have been accepted into medical school. However, if you're looking to be above average, a score of 515 or above will put you in the 90th percentile, which will look great on your application!

Is The MCAT Curved? -Jack Westin

15 related questions found

Is a 480 bad on the MCAT?

Is 480 a Bad MCAT Score? A 480 on the MCAT is a below-average score. According to recent AAMC stats: A 480 is 3 percentile rank on the MCAT.

How rare is a 528 MCAT?

0.021% of 273,860 students brings us to our final answer: 58 students. Since this method is not perfect, we'll leave you with a range; between 30 and 70 students every year achieve a perfect 528 MCAT. This is out of the nearly three hundred thousand students who take the exam.

Is a 502 a bad MCAT score?

What is the ideal MCAT score? Competitive: 511+, Good: 505-508; Below 502 is generally poor.

Can I get into med-school with a 495 MCAT?

The lowest MCAT score accepted by most medical schools in the U.S. and Canada is typically in the range of 490-495. Scores below 490 are rarely, if ever, accepted. It's important to note that while 490-495 is the minimum score accepted, the vast majority of applicants score well above this range.

Is 515 a bad MCAT score?

Earning a 515 or higher on the MCAT makes you a top applicant for medical school admissions. A score of 515 on the MCAT is an important score threshold because it means you've earned a 91st percentile score. According to the AAMC, earning a 514 or better on the MCAT results in a 68% acceptance rate.

Is 487 a bad MCAT score?

If you scored a 487 on the MCAT, this means you performed in the 11 percentile according to most recent AAMC statistics, and are 24 points away from a competitive 511.

Is 509 a bad MCAT score?

A 509 on the MCAT is an above-average MCAT score. According to recent AAMC stats: A 509 is 77 percentile rank on the MCAT.

How many questions can you miss on MCAT to get 520?

However, generally speaking, missing around five to seven questions out of the total number of questions on the MCAT would typically result in a score of 520.

What is the hardest section of the MCAT?

While the MCAT CARS is often considered the toughest MCAT section, the hardest MCAT subject will vary. One test-taker might find the biology subjects to be harder than chemistry, because of the huge amount of information covered. Or you might struggle more with physics and math than biology subjects.

Is MCAT King of the Curve free?

Access to the King of the Curve Site and App is free. The App offers in-app purchases which provides users with extra features after purchase.

Should I retake a 504 MCAT?

If you want to maximize your chances of achieving medical school acceptance, and if your overall application is not strong, we recommend you retake the MCAT if your score is 504.

Which Canadian medical school does not require MCAT?

Canadian Medical Schools that Don't Require MCAT
  • University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine.
  • Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
  • McGill University Faculty of Medicine.
  • Université Laval.
  • Université de Montréal.
  • Université de Sherbrooke.

Is a 510 MCAT good enough for MD?

Chances of Being Accepted to Med School by MCAT Score

510 to 513: About 65% of applicants admitted‍ 506 to 509: 50% of applicants admitted‍ 502 to 505: About 35% of applicants admitted‍ 498 to 501: Over 20% of applicants admitted‍

Has anyone ever gotten a 528 on the MCAT?

My name is Theo Bennett and I am one of the Head Tutors for MCAT Self Prep. I achieved a perfect score on the MCAT (528) and since then I've made it my mission to pass on my test-taking strategies to other pre-meds. Here are a few things that I wish I knew before I started my journey to a perfect MCAT score.

What is an Ivy League MCAT score?

Dedicate enough time to preparing for the MCAT: Though your MCAT score isn't the only stat considered, the average MCAT score of Ivy League med school matriculants is 519 or higher.

What is the hardest med-school to get into?

With an astonishingly low acceptance rate of about 1.4%, Stanford is the country's hardest medical school to get into. They admit students who not only boast impressive academic records but also showcase a deep passion for leadership, community involvement, and pushing the boundaries of medical knowledge.

Should I retake a 505 MCAT?

If you scored 499-505 your first time, you should probably retake the MCAT. If you scored 506-511, you may not need to retake the MCAT, but you could if you were certain you'd score much higher (especially if you have your sights set on the Ivy League).

What is a good MCAT score in Canada?

What is a competitive MCAT score for med school in Canada? An MCAT score of 515 or greater is within the 90th percentile, making it a competitive score for medical school in Canada. Anything above 517 on the MCAT would be considered an outstanding score at all med schools in Canada. 4.

How hard is it to get a 517 on MCAT?

According to recent AAMC stats, a 517 on the MCAT is not a bad score because it's an above-average MCAT score, and it is competitive for med-school admission: A 517 is 94 percentile rank on the MCAT. * The current average MCAT score is at the 501 mark, and a 517 is 16 points ahead of that score.