Can you wear glasses for MCAT?

Yes, you can wear glasses for the MCAT, and they are allowed in the testing room, but they will be subject to inspection by test administrators before and potentially after breaks to ensure no prohibited items are hidden. It's recommended to wear what you're comfortable with and practiced in, but be prepared for potential delays during check-in/out due to the visual check, and consider contacts if you anticipate issues with glasses and the noise-canceling headphones.

Can I wear glasses on a MCAT?

You may bring only the following personal items into the testing room: Eyeglasses, subject to visual and physical inspection by test administrators. MCAT-accepted ID.

Can you wear contacts or glasses for the MCAT?

Here are our recommendations for your test administration: If you need corrective lenses and can choose between contacts and glasses, wear contacts.

What can you not wear to the MCAT?

An MCAT®-Accepted ID

Comfortable clothing, especially clothing that you have worn for your mock exams: sweats, long-sleeved tshirt, hoodie. No jewelry or watches. Nothing in your pockets.

What would a 70% on the MCAT be?

A 70th percentile on the MCAT means you scored better than 70% of test-takers, which generally translates to a total score around 507-508, placing you in a competitive range for MD medical school admissions, though specific school averages vary. Your actual score might differ slightly as percentiles shift, but this score is strong, showing solid performance above the average (around 500).
 

MCAT Feels and New Glasses 🤓

Is a 499 a bad MCAT score?

Bottom line: If you scored 498 or below, I definitely recommend retaking the 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, but you could if you know you'd score much higher — especially if you're applying to Ivy League schools.

What is a top 1% MCAT score?

A top 1% MCAT score generally falls around the 515-520+ range, though the exact score shifts slightly with each testing year's percentiles, with scores like 475-477 often representing the 1st percentile on the total score chart, but a 99th percentile is closer to 520+, requiring near-perfect section scores (131-132) for the highest ranks, with 528 being perfect. 

Can I chew gum during MCAT?

Water, just like food and gum, will be stored in a locker in the waiting room, and none of these items can be brought into the actual testing room. Therefore, while you are taking an MCAT section, you will not be able to drink water.

How bad is a 487 MCAT score?

A 487 MCAT score is generally considered below average and not competitive for most US MD programs, falling around the 11th-14th percentile, well below the ~501 average and ~512 matriculant average; however, it might be considered for some DO programs or if coupled with exceptional other application components, though retaking is often recommended for better odds.
 

How rare is a 525 MCAT?

A 525 MCAT score is extremely rare and exceptional, placing you in the 100th percentile, meaning you scored better than 100% of test-takers in recent years (2022-2024) and are just 3 points shy of a perfect score (528). This score is considered a top-tier score for the most selective medical schools, putting you in a statistically tiny fraction of applicants, as scores above 520 represent the top 1-3%. 

Can I use the bathroom during the MCAT?

MCAT Bathroom Breaks

Go to the restroom right after your check-in and during all your breaks, even if you do not feel you have to. This way, you will not have to take time away from your actual testing to go to the restroom. If you do feel you have to go throughout a section, you can still do so.

What is the 3 1 1 rule for contacts?

The "3-1-1 rule" for contacts refers to TSA liquid regulations for contact lens solution: containers must be 3.4 oz (100ml) or less, fit in 1 quart-sized clear bag, with 1 bag per person; however, your contact lenses themselves (in their sealed blister packs) are not liquids and don't go in the bag, but the solution does, and you can declare medically necessary liquids like solution to the officer, though larger bottles must go in checked bags. 

Which is harder, MCAT or oat?

While both are tough, many say the OAT is more straightforward and formula-based, focusing on specific science content with less complex critical thinking than the MCAT, which features tougher reading passages (CARS) and trickier, application-based questions, making the MCAT generally considered harder overall, though the OAT's vast content can still be challenging. 

What is 90% correct on MCAT?

Getting 90% correct on the MCAT usually translates to a score in the 90th percentile (around 515+ total), meaning you scored better than 90% of test-takers, with scores of 128-130 per section, though exact raw scores vary by section difficulty and test date due to statistical equating. Achieving this means answering most questions correctly, often around 44-48 questions per section, placing you as a very competitive applicant for medical school. 

Can you talk to people during MCAT breaks?

17. You may not leave the test center or designated area during any breaks. You may not leave the building; access your vehicle; access study materials, phones, or other digital devices; or speak with anyone. You may not have outside food delivered.

What is a 78% on the MCAT?

A 78% on the MCAT generally translates to a total score of 510, placing you in the 78th percentile, meaning you scored better than 78% of test-takers, which is a strong, competitive score for many medical schools, often above average for MD programs. While not in the highest tiers (like 90th percentile+), it's a very solid score that makes you competitive, especially when combined with a strong GPA and experiences. 

What is the Harvard MCAT score?

For Harvard Medical School (HMS), the average MCAT score for admitted students is extremely high, typically around 520-521, with most successful applicants scoring well above 512, often in the 515-528 range, though Harvard doesn't have a minimum score but expects exceptional academic performance, making scores like 520+ highly competitive. 

Can I get into med-school with a 492?

The lowest MCAT score accepted by most medical schools in the US is 490-495. Scores below 490 are seldom accepted. That said, just meeting the minimum won't make you competitive. According to the AAMC, the median MCAT score for all applicants is 506.1, while the median for matriculants is 511.8.

Is 512 MCAT too low?

No, a 512 MCAT score is not bad; it's a strong, competitive score, generally around the 84th percentile, meaning you scored better than most test-takers and are competitive for many MD programs, with averages often around 511-512 for admitted students, though higher scores (515+) boost chances for top-tier schools. It's a solid score that allows for broad applications, but consider your overall profile (GPA, experiences) and target schools, as very selective programs may prefer scores above 515. 

How long is the MCAT if you start at 8am?

The MCAT exam is 7 hours and 30 minutes, this is the total seating time. For almost every student, the MCAT exam will be the longest test they have ever taken. The actual MCAT is over 6 hours long.

Can I wear jewelry during the MCAT?

You will be asked to remove jewelry and watches and to empty your pockets before entering the room. The testing center will provide storage for your personal items. You may bring in eyeglasses, hand sanitizer, and a photo ID. The testing center will provide earplugs, a fine-point marker, and a noteboard booklet.

Can I drink water during my MCAT?

Food and drink are not allowed in the room under standard test conditions; however, these items can be stored in your locker and accessed during breaks.

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.

Should I retake a 516 MCAT?

Is 516 a Bad MCAT Score? According to recent AAMC stats, a 516 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 516 is 93 percentile rank on the MCAT. *

What is the most difficult section of the MCAT?

Most test-takers find the CARS (Critical Analysis and Reading Skills) section the hardest MCAT section due to its focus on reasoning, inference, and reading comprehension of dense, non-scientific texts, rather than pure knowledge recall. However, some struggle with the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys) section due to complex content like biochemistry pathways and physics concepts, while Behavioral Sciences (Bio/Psych) also presents unique challenges, making the "hardest" section highly individual.