Is a 492 a good MCAT score?

A 492 MCAT score is generally considered low, falling below the average of around 501 and placing you in the 25th percentile, making it challenging for most U.S. MD programs, but it's not impossible, especially with strong grades and experiences, or if aiming for DO/Caribbean schools; however, most experts recommend retaking it for better competitiveness, aiming for at least 500+.

Can you get into med school with a 492 MCAT?

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.

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.

What is a respectable MCAT score?

A good MCAT score is generally 511 or higher, aligning with the average for accepted MD students, but this varies by school, with top programs seeking 518+, while a score of 508+ is competitive for many MD/DO programs, and balanced section scores (127+ per section) are crucial.
 

Is a 497 a bad MCAT score?

* The current average MCAT score is near the 501 mark, and a 497 is 4 points away from that score. * A competitive score on the MCAT is 511+ on the MCAT, and a 497 is 14 points away from that score.

How I’d Score 515+ On The MCAT In 2026 (Step‑By‑Step Plan)

How bad is a 492 MCAT score?

Yes, a 492 is generally considered a low MCAT score, falling below the average (around 501) and placing you in the 23rd-26th percentile, but it's not impossible to get into some programs, especially if your other application components are strong or if you're applying to DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) or certain MD schools with lower cutoffs; however, a retake is often recommended for significantly improving your chances for most MD programs. 

What is a bad first MCAT score?

However, if you want to get accepted into a top medical school, you will probably need to aim for a score significantly higher than this. 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.

Is 490 a bad MCAT score?

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 490 on the MCAT® means you performed in the 20% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.

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.

Can I get into med school with a 499 MCAT?

MCAT and GPA are obviously top of the list because those are very easy things to weed someone out. I've seen lots of students get into medical school with a 499. The 3.9 in your SMP is awesome, the 3.2 college GPA, your stats GPA-wise are not holding you back.

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.

Is 491 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.

What is the lowest MCAT score accepted for Harvard?

While Harvard Medical School (HMS) doesn't publish a minimum MCAT score, accepted students typically have scores in the low 500s or higher, with averages around 520, but exceptional extracurriculars, research, and personal narratives can allow admission with lower scores, like a 515, especially with a high GPA, though even lower scores (like the 511 range for MD-PhD) are seen but are rare for MD-only. 

What is the average MCAT score 2025?

The average MCAT score for all medical school applicants in 2025-2026 is 506.1. The average MCAT score for all medical school enrollees was 511.8. As of 2025, the average score for the psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior section is 125.9, the highest of all sections.

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.

What is a realistic MCAT score?

The average MCAT score for all applicants is currently between a 506 and 507. The average MCAT score for matriculants (those who've been accepted and have registered to attend a med school) is between a 511 and a 512.

What is the average MCAT score for Albert Einstein?

Einstein Medical School Average MCAT

Accepted students at Einstein have an average MCAT score of 516. The 10th-90th percentile range is 511-520.

Is 479 a good MCAT score?

The max score on the MCAT is 528, which means earning a perfect 132 in each of the four sections. The MCAT score range is between 472 to 528, with the average falling right around 501. To put things in perspective, a 502 lands you just above the 50th percentile.

Can I get into med school with a 492?

Medical schools have different cutoffs for students based on being in-state, out-of-state, in particular programs, socioeconomic backgrounds, and more. Considering that a 492 is a below-average score, it is improbable to be competitive for med-school admission with that score.

What is a 492 score on the MCAT?

To have an MCAT score in the 50th percentile, you must score greater than 500. Scoring 492 or below means you are in the 25th percentile or below.

Is 495 a good MCAT diagnostic score?

A 495 on the MCAT is a below-average score. According to recent AAMC stats: A 495 is 30 percentile rank on the MCAT.

Is 480 a bad MCAT score?

Yes, a 480 is generally considered a low or below-average MCAT score, falling in the 3rd percentile, significantly below the average of around 501 and the competitive range (511+) for medical school admissions, making it challenging to get into most MD programs without a strong retake or exceptional other application components. However, your specific section scores and overall application (GPA, experiences) matter, and a balanced score (e.g., 120 in each section) is better than a skewed one, with DO or Caribbean schools potentially being more accessible. 

What is the lowest MCAT score to get into medical school?

The MCAT is scored between 472 and 528, with the average test-taker scoring around 501. Most competitive medical schools expect 510+, but there are programs with: Lower minimum cutoffs (498–502) Lower average accepted scores (500–505)

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.