What is the minimum MCAT score for HPSP scholarship?

The minimum MCAT score for the Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) is generally a 500 total score with at least a 124 in each of the four subsections, paired with a minimum 3.2 undergraduate GPA, though some branches or specific situations (like USU) may vary, and waivers are possible for strong applicants. Achieving higher scores, like an MCAT of 504 (with 124s) or 507+, significantly boosts competitiveness, with the Air Force offering automatic selection for scores of 504+ and higher GPAs.

What is the minimum MCAT score for HPSP?

Selection Criteria

* Applicants must have a minimum 3.2 undergraduate GPA and 500 MCAT with a minimum score of 124 on each of the MCAT subsections.

What MCAT score is needed for scholarships?

Eligibility: Applicants must be U.S. citizens committed to military service. Academically, applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.2 and meet all other requirements. Additionally, the average MCAT score for scholarship recipients is 509, so you should aim for a score of 509 or higher.

What is the average MCAT score for military medical school?

The Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USU) allows graduates to serve on active duty as a medical student rather than in the reserves. USU adds a 7-year active duty commitment. The USU averages are a 3.7 GPA and MCAT of 509. Get more information from USU on the F.

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.

Is The HPSP Route For You? How Should I Study For My MCAT as a Nontrad? | Ask Dr. Gray Ep. 184

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. 

Is a 495 MCAT score good?

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.

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 match rate for HPSP?

Army Medicine offers 99% residency match rate for HPSP students.

Will the HPSP stipend increase in 2025?

Effective July 1, 2025, the monthly stipend for AFHPSP/FAP participants will increase from $2,870 per month to $2,999 per month. The annual grant for FAP participants will remain at the ceiling of $45,000. Stipend and bonus/grants are taxable by both the federal and state government.

What GPA will get you a full-ride scholarship?

To get a full-ride scholarship, you generally need an exceptional GPA, often 3.8 or higher, but it varies, with some requiring a perfect 4.0, alongside strong test scores, rigorous coursework (AP/IB), leadership, community involvement, and sometimes financial need, as colleges look for well-rounded students, not just high grades, to secure these highly competitive awards. 

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 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. 

How hard is it to get into the HPSP?

Getting into the HPSP is competitive, varying by branch, but generally requires strong academics (3.2+ GPA, 500+ MCAT), good health, and a strong application package including essays and interviews, with the Army often having more spots and the Air Force being the most competitive due to fewer scholarships. While strong scores (like 3.6+ GPA, 506-509 MCAT) are competitive, meeting minimums (around 3.2 GPA, 500 MCAT) and applying early can get you considered, especially for the Army, though spots are limited and fill on a rolling basis. 

Is a 503 MCAT score good?

A 503 MCAT score is slightly above average (around the 58th percentile for 2022-2024 test-takers) and can be competitive for some medical school tracks, especially Osteopathic (DO) programs, but is generally below the average for highly selective MD programs, which often see averages above 510-512. A 503 can be a decent starting point, particularly with a strong GPA and compelling experiences, but many applicants consider retaking it for MD schools to improve chances, as averages for successful MD applicants are higher. 

What are the HPSP scholarship requirements?

HPSP and USU require all applicants to have baccalaureate degrees from accredited programs in the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico. For the HPSP application to be final, applicants must be accepted to, or enrolled, in an accredited physician of medicine (M.D.) or physician of osteopathic medicine (D.O.)

What is the hardest fellowship to get into?

The hardest fellowships to match into, particularly within Internal Medicine, consistently include Gastroenterology, Cardiovascular Disease (Cardiology), and Pulmonary/Critical Care, often followed by Hematology/Oncology, due to high application numbers, strong US MD graduate fill rates, and a perception of better lifestyle/pay. Other competitive areas often cited are Gynecologic Oncology, Addiction Medicine, and specialties with fewer spots like Allergy/Immunology, while Surgical fellowships like Pediatric Surgery and Orthopedic Trauma are also extremely tough.
 

How many people get the HPSP scholarship?

The number of Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) scholarships awarded varies by year and military branch, but generally ranges from around 600 to 900+ total annually, with the Army awarding the most (300-450), Navy slightly less (around 200-300), and Air Force the fewest (around 200), covering tuition and living expenses for future healthcare professionals in exchange for service. 

What rank do you get after HPSP?

Upon graduation, the students are promoted to the grade of O3, corresponding to the rank of captain in the Army and Air Force or lieutenant in the Navy; medical school graduates may be placed on active duty if matched for residency at a military facility.

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. 

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.

Should I retake a 502 MCAT?

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.

Can I get into medical school with a 505 MCAT?

Here's my quick personal algorithm for determining which option may be better when considering low testing scores: An MCAT score of 505 is the minimum viable score when applying to MD programs. Below 505, you should begin considering DO schools as the more realistic option.

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.