What is the lowest score someone has gotten on the MCAT?

The absolute lowest possible MCAT score is 472, achieved by scoring the minimum of 118 on each of the four sections, but this is purely theoretical; realistically, the lowest accepted scores into MD programs are generally in the high 480s or low 490s, with some rarer instances of acceptance around 477 (often with exceptional circumstances like being a URM or BS/MD program).

What's the lowest possible MCAT score?

Test takers will receive scores for each of the four sections. Total Score: Scores for the four sections are combined to create a total score. The total score ranges from 472 to 528.

Is a 500 a bad MCAT score?

A 500 MCAT score is average (50th percentile) but generally considered low for competitive MD programs, where accepted averages are closer to 511+, but it can be acceptable for DO or lower-ranked MD programs, especially with a strong GPA and experiences, though many advisors suggest aiming higher or retaking for better chances at most schools.
 

Is a 505 a bad MCAT score?

Attaining a score of 505 on the MCAT® means you performed in the 70% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.

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.
 

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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. 

Should I retake the MCAT if I got a 500?

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.

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.

Should I retake a 518 MCAT?

You scored a 518 or higher.

With scores at this level, an MCAT retake is not necessary because schools will consider you to be academically elite.

Can I get into an MD school with a 500 MCAT?

What is the lowest MCAT score accepted into medical school? The lowest MCAT scores accepted by medical schools can vary, but generally, MD programs accept scores starting around the lower 500s, with 500-503 being on the lower end.

Who took the MCAT 7 times?

Andy took the MCAT exam seven times and applied to medical school twice before getting one interview and acceptance. He reminds premeds to have faith in themselves and that perseverance and grit are important for a career in medicine.

How rare is a 520 MCAT score?

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. 

What's the lowest MCAT score accepted by Harvard?

Although HMS does not set a minimum grade point average or minimum MCAT scores, academic excellence is expected. Applicants must post their scores to their AMCAS application in order to be considered in the current application cycle no later than October 22, 2025.

How many fail the MCAT?

Technically, you cannot "fail" the MCAT since it is a scaled test scored between 472 and 528.

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.
 

DO schools accept low MCAT?

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)

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. 

Does MCAT outweigh GPA?

For some applicants, a higher MCAT score can help balance out a lower GPA—especially when that GPA reflects earlier academic struggles. In medical school admissions, a strong MCAT shows that you're academically ready for the demands of med school, even if your transcript is less than perfect.

Can I get into Harvard with a 519 MCAT?

For top-tier MD programs like Harvard, Stanford, and NYU Grossman, you're looking at an average MCAT between 519 and 523. That means scoring in the 97th–99th percentile. But don't stop at the number. Those schools expect everything: academic excellence, leadership, service, and a clear sense of purpose.

Is retaking 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.
 

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. 

Can I get into med school with a 501?

Considering that a 501 is the average MCAT score, it's not competitive for med-school admission. With a 501, you might make some med-school score cutoffs, but the rest of your application needs to be very competitive to make you a viable candidate for most med-schools.

Is 2 months enough to study for MCAT retake?

If you're going to retake the MCAT, you'll need to allocate anywhere from 10 to 30 hours a week of prep time for two to four months. Plan your MCAT test date and study schedule accordingly.

Is getting a 510 on the MCAT hard?

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.