What is a 484 MCAT score?

A 484 on the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a below-average score, placing you in approximately the 8th percentile, meaning it's lower than most test-takers, with the average score being closer to 501 and competitive scores starting around 511. While it's a difficult score for MD programs, it might be considered for some DO programs or international schools, especially if other section scores are strong, but generally, it indicates a need for significant improvement for US medical school competitiveness.

Is 484 a good MCAT score?

A 484 is the 7th percentile of MCAT scores (in 2022). There is really no getting around it... you need to improve that score.

Can I get into med-school with a 484?

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 percentile is a 484 on the MCAT?

If you scored a 484 on the MCAT, this means you performed in the 7 percentile according to most recent AAMC statistics, and are 27 points away from a competitive 511.

Is 480 a good 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 480 on the MCAT® means you performed in the 3% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.

How I Boosted My MCAT Score by 25 Points: Lessons from My Retake Journey!

Can I get into med school with a 495 MCAT?

In general: MCAT scores below 502 are considered below-average. 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.

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.

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 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. 

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.
 

What is the lowest MCAT to get into med-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 494 a good MCAT score?

Attaining a score of 494 on the MCAT® means you performed in the 32% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.

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 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 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 475 a bad MCAT score?

The current average MCAT score is near the 501 mark, and a 475 is 26 points away from that score. * A competitive score on the MCAT is 511+ on the MCAT, and a 475 is 36 points away from that score. *

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. 

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.
 

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 484 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 484 on the MCAT® means you performed in the 8% 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 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.

Are Kaplan tests harder than MCAT?

Yes, Kaplan practice tests are generally considered harder than the real MCAT, often focusing more on detailed content knowledge and lower-yield facts, leading to deflated scores that are typically 5-10 points below actual AAMC performance, making them great for identifying content gaps but poor predictors of your real score. The official AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) materials, in contrast, better reflect the real exam's emphasis on critical thinking and reasoning, so your score usually jumps significantly on official tests. 

What is the average MCAT score for admitted students?

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.

Has anyone taken the MCAT 7 times?

As someone who took the MCAT seven times, whose medical school application was rejected 129 times before finally earning an acceptance, I know firsthand how hard the road is to becoming a doctor. But through the difficult and frustrating times, I ask candidates to have faith in themselves.