How bad is a 485 MCAT score?

A 485 MCAT score is considered below average and generally not competitive for most US MD programs, falling around the 9th percentile, significantly below the average matriculant score (around 502-508 range) and the competitive score (511+). While it's low, its impact depends on your specific section scores and goals, as a balanced score (e.g., all ~121s) is better than a highly unbalanced one (e.g., 125, 120, 121, 119), and retaking is often an option, especially if it's a diagnostic score.

Is 485 a good MCAT score?

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 you get into medical school with a 485 MCAT score?

All medical schools require an MCAT score of 494 or higher. A 490 places you well below this minimum threshold for consideration. You should consider retaking the exam or applying to the few schools that don't require the MCAT at all.

What is considered a bad MCAT score?

A great score is 515 to 528 (the maximum possible score), while an average score is 502 to 508. In contrast, a poor score is 501 and below. This guide will go over what a good MCAT score is and how medical schools use your score to make their decision.

Is 480 a bad MCAT score?

Yes, a 480 is generally considered a low and below-average MCAT score, placing you in the 3rd percentile, far below the ~500 average and significantly below the 511+ competitive range for most MD programs, making a retake highly recommended to improve your chances for acceptance. While some DO schools or unique circumstances might accept it, it puts you at a major disadvantage against the typical applicant pool, with most scoring under 500 not even applying due to low odds. 

You Got a Bad MCAT, Now What?

Can I get into med-school with a 486?

Considering that a 486 is a below-average score, it is improbable to be competitive for med-school admission with that score. However, once you know which medical schools you aim to get into, you'll better understand whether a 486 will get you accepted.

Is 3 MCAT attempt bad?

Although you can take the MCAT up to seven times in your lifetime, that number certainly doesn't reflect how many times you should be taking the MCAT. Taking the MCAT twice is fine; even three times shouldn't impact your admissions too much. However, any more tries can begin to damage your application.

Can I get into med school with a 495 MCAT?

Scores between 490–500 fall on the lower end for both MD and DO schools. Below 490 is unlikely to be competitive at accredited U.S. or Canadian schools.

What's the hardest section of the MCAT?

The hardest MCAT section is subjective, but many test-takers find CARS (Critical Analysis and Reading Skills) the most difficult due to its non-scientific, logic-based nature and need for rapid comprehension, while others struggle with the dense content and complex problem-solving in the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys) section, especially physics and organic chemistry concepts, and some find the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc) section's nuanced theories challenging.
 

What is the lowest MCAT score accepted to MD?

What is the Lowest Score Accepted by Medical Schools? You'll need a minimum score in the 490-495 range to be accepted into any medical school that requires the MCAT. Anything lower than 490 is very unlikely to be acceptable. It should be noted, though, that very few test-takers score in this range.

How to bring up a 480 MCAT score?

If you're wondering how to increase your MCAT score, focus on practice exams, review weak areas, and build a structured study plan.

What is the average MCAT score for Mayo Clinic?

Applicants should aim for an MCAT around 521. A minimum of 508 is required for secondary application consideration.

Is the MCAT harder than the SAT?

Yes, the MCAT is widely considered significantly harder than the SAT, as it's much longer (nearly 8 hours vs. ~3 hours), requires extensive, specialized science knowledge (biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, sociology), and tests advanced critical thinking in complex, passage-based scientific contexts, unlike the SAT's high school-level content. The MCAT demands hundreds of hours of dedicated study, making it a formidable challenge even for high-achievers who did well on the SAT.
 

Can you get into med-school with a 485 MCAT?

Considering that a 485 is a below-average score, it is improbable to be competitive for med-school admission with that score.

What's the most common MCAT score?

There are four sections, and scores for each one fall between 118 and 132—so the total MCAT score range is 472 to 528. AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) data shows that the average accepted score in the U.S. is around 511–512.

What score is considered failing the MCAT?

There is no definitive pass or fail score for the MCAT; rather, each medical school sets its own criteria for acceptable scores. To determine the score needed for a particular medical school, it's best to consult the specific school's requirements or visit their website.

Which is harder, LSAT or MCAT?

Is the LSAT harder than the MCAT? Both tests can be tough, but they cover distinct topics and assess knowledge differently. The MCAT measures the science skills and knowledge required for medical school. The LSAT emphasizes logic, reasoning, and understanding skills, all of which are valued in law school.

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. 

Is a 480 bad on the MCAT?

Yes, a 480 is generally considered a low and below-average MCAT score, placing you in the 3rd percentile, far below the ~500 average and significantly below the 511+ competitive range for most MD programs, making a retake highly recommended to improve your chances for acceptance. While some DO schools or unique circumstances might accept it, it puts you at a major disadvantage against the typical applicant pool, with most scoring under 500 not even applying due to low odds. 

What is the average MCAT score for accepted medical students?

For acceptance at top medical schools in the U.S., MCAT scores typically fall within a highly competitive range. Accepted students often have MCAT scores between 510 and 528, with median scores usually around 518 to 520. These high scores reflect the rigorous standards and competitiveness of top institutions.

Should I retake the MCAT if I scored 499?

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.

Is a 485 MCAT bad?

The answer depends on several factors including what type of medical school (MD vs DO vs Canadian) you're interested in, and most importantly, your individual section scores. Attaining a score of 485 on the MCAT® means you performed in the 10% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.

What score is 50% correct on MCAT?

A 50% on the MCAT means you scored around the average (median) score, which is approximately a total score of 500-501, placing you at the 50th percentile (or slightly below, depending on the exact date) – better than half of test-takers but below average for successful medical school matriculants, who often score much higher. Each section (118-132) has its own 50th percentile around 125. 

Is retaking the MCAT a red flag?

Retaking the MCAT isn't an automatic red flag, but it warrants careful management; consistent improvement with each retake is positive, showing resilience, while stagnant or declining scores raise concerns, suggesting potential issues with preparation or readiness, requiring a strong explanation in your application. Most schools look at your highest score, but multiple attempts (especially 3+) can draw attention, so demonstrating significant growth, strengthening other application areas (GPA, experience), and having a solid narrative is crucial for success.