Is a 512 MCAT competitive?

Yes, a 512 MCAT score is generally considered competitive for M.D. programs, placing you around the 84th percentile and above the average for matriculants, but its strength depends on your target schools, with top-tier programs often requiring higher scores (518+) and a balanced score across sections (e.g., no section below 127) being crucial for overall competitiveness. A 512 is strong for DO programs and most general M.D. schools, but holistic review (GPA, ECs, essays) matters, so a lower score might need excellent other experiences.

Is 512 a good enough MCAT score?

A 512 is a good score and a retake is super risky and not worth it unless you're consistently scoring 520+ on FLs. You can confidently apply and know that your MCAT score won't be the reason they deny admission unless it's T15s and up.

Can you get into med-school with a 512 MCAT?

In general for MD (Doctor of Medicine) programs, the average accepted MCAT score in the U.S. tends to be higher, typically around 511-512. Acceptance rates for MD programs are generally lower, often ranging from 3-10%, depending on the institution's selectivity.

What percent of people get a 512 on the MCAT?

While the national average MCAT score is 500.5 for the 2025-2026 academic year, prospective students need to score 512 — closer to the 85th percentile — to have a real shot at getting into medical school.

Should I retake a 512 MCAT reddit?

Don't retake a 512 unless you're scoring 518s in practice tests. A 512 is not closing many doors at all. The average MCAT for allopathic matriculants is at a 512 and a 512 is enough to get into the majority of medical schools, both allopathic and osteopathic, in this country.

Why did my MCAT score drop from a 522 to a 512?

What is a respectable MCAT score?

A good MCAT score is generally considered 510 or above, making you competitive for many programs, while scores of 515+ are strong for top-tier schools, and anything above 518 is exceptional, but a score around 501-508 (50th percentile) is average, with scores varying by school selectivity. Aim for a score at or above the average of accepted students at your target schools, as a strong score opens doors but a holistic application (GPA, experiences) matters most. 

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.
 

Should I retake the MCAT with a 502?

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.

How do med schools view a 516 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. * The current average MCAT score is at the 501 mark, and a 516 is 15 points ahead of that score.

Is 512GB enough for medical school?

512GB is enough for school programs and files. If you wish to store personal videos, load video games, or lots of pictures and music you will need a larger hard drive. A solid-state drive (SSD) is important for the speed and performance of your software.

What is the average MCAT score for Albert Einstein?

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

What's a good MCAT score in 2025?

MCAT Score Tiers for 2025

506–510 (Competitive): Good chances across broad MD/DO school ranges. 511–513 (Strong): Highly competitive for most medical schools. 514–518 (Very Strong): Competitive for top-tier programs. 519+ (Elite): Exceptional scores, top 5% of all test takers; highly competitive for elite institutions.

Can I get into medical school with a 512 MCAT?

A "good" MCAT score is one that puts you near or above the average percentile for matriculants at your target medical schools. For comparison, the average MCAT score for students admitted to an MD program in the United States in 2022–2023 is between 511 and 512, with an average GPA of 3.75.

Should I retake the MCAT with a 520?

Assuming a strong GPA and extracurricular profile, scoring a 518 or above will help you be competitive for the highest-tier schools, even if their average matriculant MCAT score is a 520 or 521. With scores at this level, an MCAT retake is not necessary because schools will consider you to be academically elite.

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 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. 

What is a top 1% MCAT score?

A top 1% MCAT score generally starts around 517-518+, with the highest percentile being the perfect 528, but scores in the low 520s (like 521-522) already put you in the 98th percentile or above, meaning you're scoring better than nearly everyone else and firmly in that elite tier for top medical schools, though a 528 is statistically extremely rare.
 

Is it bad to take MCAT 3 times?

Retaking the MCAT multiple times isn't necessarily bad as long as your score improves each time. If your score worsens with each attempt or stays the same, it won't strengthen your med school application.

What is a realistic 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 average MCAT score for Mayo Clinic?

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

What is the lowest MCAT score accepted into medical school?

Yes, you can get into several medical schools with a 503 MCAT score. Many medical schools accept scores as low as 494, though students with a 503 will likely be more competitive at DO programs than MD programs.

What score is 50% correct on MCAT?

A 50% on the MCAT usually means a total score around 500-502, placing you at the 50th percentile (the average), meaning you scored better than roughly half of all test-takers, though this can fluctuate slightly with test years, with recent averages often being around 500.5. It's considered an average score, not necessarily competitive for top-tier schools but often meeting minimums for many programs, with scores above 508 being in the 75th percentile (good) and above 515 in the 90th percentile (excellent).
 

Can med schools see your previous MCAT scores?

Med Schools See All Your MCAT Scores

For those of you new to the medical school application process, the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) requires students to report all MCAT scores unless a score has been voided.

Do med schools average MCAT attempts?

Medical schools will see all of your MCAT scores via your AMCAS application. How they weigh those scores varies: Some schools use only your highest overall score. Others average all attempts.