What can I wear to the MCAT?

For the MCAT, wear comfortable, layered clothing (like sweatpants, soft shirts, zip-up hoodies/sweaters) and closed-toe shoes, prioritizing comfort over style, as you'll be there for hours; avoid jewelry, watches, and anything distracting, and always bring your required ID, water, snacks, and optionally earplugs/tissues for the long, unpredictable test day.

Can I wear anything to the MCAT?

There isn't a MCAT dress code. However, you should wear comfortable clothes for the MCAT because it's a long exam. Wearing comfortable clothes will keep your mind focused exclusively on the test, and not on what you're wearing.

Can I wear a hoodie to MCAT Reddit?

Yes. You just can't take it off and put it on the back of your chair. That's against AAMC rules.

What are you allowed to bring to the MCAT?

Bring a valid government-issued photo ID that meets the criteria set out by AAMC. Bring a snack, lunch, and water to maintain your energy and hydrate during your breaks, along with any medication you may need. Be aware of prohibited items and leave them at home, such as textbooks, study notes, and electronic devices.

Are you allowed to 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.

What To Bring to MCAT Test Day | MCAT Essentials and What Not To Bring to the MCAT

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. 

Can I chew gum during the 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.

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).
 

Can I use my phone during MCAT breaks?

You are allowed to access this locker during test breaks!

However, you can't use your phone or study materials at any point during the test day. So, leave your MCAT notes at home and keep your phone sealed away in the security bag provided!

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%. 

How to not freak out during MCAT?

5 Ways to Overcome Test-Taking Anxiety

1. Remember That Your Score Is Not The End All, Be All. Despite scoring in the 99th percentile on his MCAT, current M1 Harrison didn't get accepted to medical school the first time he applied. ...
2. Practice Your Test-Taking. Practice makes perfect. ...
3. Accept Help. ...
4. Prioritize Yourself.

Does the MCAT give you headphones?

Earplugs and/or headsets (available at the test center) to assist with noise reduction. Individual storage for medication, food, and drink (accessible during scheduled breaks)

How to get a 520+ on the MCAT?

To get a 520 on the MCAT, you need a strategic, high-volume approach focusing on intensive content mastery, massive practice question volume (UWorld, AAMC), rigorous review of mistakes, and dedicated AAMC material usage in the final weeks, combined with a disciplined schedule, strong self-awareness to target weak areas, and efficient use of tools like Anki. Success hinges on understanding why you miss questions and diligently fixing those gaps, not just taking tests. 

What is 90% correct on MCAT?

Getting 90% correct on the MCAT isn't a fixed score but roughly translates to a high 120s to low 130s per section, placing you in the 90th percentile (around 515 total score), making you a very strong candidate, though scores vary by section difficulty and question weighting, with 5-10 wrong often being a 128-130 range in practice tests. A 90% accuracy means around 5-10 wrong answers out of ~53 questions in a section, but precise conversions depend on the test's equating. 

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.
 

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 not to bring to MCAT?

Lastly, the AAMC has policies on specifically what NOT to bring:

• Notes, test prep materials, or review books.
• Tablet, laptop.
• Earbuds, headphones.
• Visitors.

How rare is a 520 on the MCAT?

A 520 MCAT score is extremely rare and highly competitive, placing you in the 97th percentile, meaning only about 3% of test-takers score that high or higher. It signifies an elite performance, often required for admission to the most selective medical schools, though success also depends on other application factors like GPA and experiences. 

Can I whisper to myself during MCAT?

You can move your lips to the words, which honestly helps a lot, but don't whisper- your neighbor won't like it and nor will the proctor.

Is 491 a bad MCAT score?

Yes, a 491 is generally considered a low MCAT score, placing you in the lower percentiles (around the 20th percentile) and significantly below the average (around 500-501) and competitive scores (511+) for most MD programs, making admission difficult but not impossible, especially for DO or Caribbean schools with lower averages, or if balanced with a stellar GPA/experiences, though a retake is often recommended for better MD chances.
 

How many people get 528 on MCAT?

How Rare is a Perfect Score on the MCAT? A score of 528 on the MCAT places you in the 100th percentile of individuals who have taken the test. Based on the AAMC's Summary of MCAT Total and Section Scores, we can approximate that 0.020% of individuals managed to achieve a perfect score on their MCAT.

How hard is it to get 510 on MCAT?

It is not hard to get a 510 as it is at the 80th percentile. That means 20 percent of test takers score 510 or better, which means it is a very reachable goal. However, it requires a lot of studying to get a high MCAT score. Fortunately, at 510 and up, you'll be a competitive candidate.

Is the MCAT always at 8am?

2026 MCAT Test Dates & Score Releases

* All MCAT exams begin at 8:00 a.m. local time.

What snacks should I bring to the MCAT?

Ideal foods include sandwiches, nuts, granola bars, bananas, and berries. Light, healthy foods are best, but at the same time, don't bring something you aren't used to or haven't tried before. MCAT test day is not the time to experiment.

Can you get extra time on the MCAT for ADHD?

If you've struggled with anxiety, ADHD, or other learning differences, you might have wondered whether you're eligible for extra time or other accommodations on high-stakes exams like the LSAT or MCAT. The short answer is: yes, it's possible—but only with thorough documentation.