MCAT Scores
MCAT Scores, Percentiles & Score Release: What You Need to Know
One of the most important components of your medical school application is your MCAT score. Medical schools use this number not just as a benchmark of academic readiness—but also to evaluate how you stack up against thousands of other applicants. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about MCAT scoring, percentile rankings, score release timelines, and how to make sure your scores are properly sent to medical schools.
MCAT Scores & Percentile Rankings
Each section is scored from 118 to 132, with a total score range of 472 to 528.
MCAT Total Score Percentiles (Based on AAMC Data)
| Total Score | Approximate Percentile |
|---|---|
| 500 | ~50th percentile |
| 505 | ~63rd percentile |
| 510 | ~79th percentile |
| 515 | ~91st percentile |
| 520 | ~97th percentile |
| 522–528 | ~99–100th percentile |
Percentiles are updated annually every May 1 by the AAMC using a three-year average. These updates ensure your performance is accurately compared to that of other recent test-takers.
Section Score Percentiles
Each MCAT section has its own percentile distribution. Here is a snapshot:
| Section Score | Approximate Percentile |
|---|---|
| 124 | ~30th percentile |
| 125 | ~40–50th percentile |
| 128 | ~85–90th percentile |
| 130 | ~97th percentile |
| 132 | 100th percentile |
What is a Good MCAT Score?
A ‘good’ score depends on where you’re applying, however There are some general benchmarks. Take a look at the following:
- 510+ Competitive for many MD programs
- 515+ Strong for top-tier medical schools
- 520+ Among the top 3% of test-takers
You should always compare your score against the average MCAT scores for accepted students at the schools you are targeting. At MCAT King we can help you determine which schools you are competitive for. Click here to schedule a session for application assistance.
Acceptance Rates by MCAT Score
Based on recent AAMC data, here is how MCAT scores correlate with medical school acceptance rates:
| MCAT Score Range | Approx. Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| < 486 | ~1% |
| 494–497 | ~11% |
| 498–501 | ~21% |
| 502–505 | ~32% |
| 506–509 | ~42% |
| 510–513 | ~57% |
| 514–517 | ~68% |
| 518–521+ | ~78%+ |
MCAT Score Release: What Happens After You Test
After taking the MCAT, your scores are released by the AAMC 30 to 35 days after your exam date by 5:00 PM ET.
Your Score Report Includes:
- Section scores and total score
- Percentile rank
- Confidence bands (reflecting score precision)
- Score profile (visual breakdown of your strengths and weaknesses)
How scores are sent to Medical Schools
For AMCAS (MD Programs):
Scores are automatically sent to all medical schools you designate in your AMCAS application. Medical schools will see all valid MCAT scores tied to your AAMC ID (unless a test was voided or canceled). If you take the MCAT again after submitting your application, the new score will automatically be added and shared with all schools you’ve selected.
For AACOMAS (DO Programs):
You must manually release your MCAT scores to AACOMAS through your AAMC account. Here’s how:
- Log into your AAMC MCAT Score Reporting System
- Click “Send Scores”
- Select AACOMAS as the recipient
- Confirm and submit
Scores are sent electronically and typically processed within a few days. As with AMCAS, all valid MCAT scores on record will be shared.
Important: If you do not manually release your scores to AACOMAS, your application to DO schools may be delayed or incomplete.
