What month has the highest MCAT score?

While scores can vary, data suggests January often sees the highest average MCAT scores, with August also showing a strong showing for very high scores, though scores are normalized and influenced by the specific test-taker group each month. The "best" month depends on your readiness, but early spring (April/May) allows time for retakes before applications, while January/August offer dedicated study periods.

Which MCAT month is hardest?

Our average examinee score is highest in January (515.5) and lowest in May (511.4). January has been our most popular month (28% of examinees) and August testers achieve the largest ratio of very high scores (28% achieved a 520+). Trying to manage MCAT during the semester is definitely challenging.

Is it better to take MCAT in March or April?

You should plan to take the MCAT for the final time between January and April of your application year. For instance, if you'd like to enroll in medical school in August 2026, you'll want to take your MCAT during the first four months of 2025—that is, no later than April 2025.

What month do most students take the MCAT?

Many pre-med students plan to take the MCAT by May of their junior year. However, sophomores who have already completed their prerequisite courses and feel well-prepared may confidently take the exam early. It's a good idea to talk to your pre-health advisor about your specific situation before deciding what to do.

What month is the easiest MCAT reddit?

Overall I'd recommend January or August (the year before) if you're gonna have a lot time in the summer, but given it's already February, I recommend a month after your classes/school exams end. You want to have time after the stress of college is over, so if college ends in May, take June and if in June, take July.

5 Tips to Achieve a 99.9th Percentile MCAT 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. 

Are May Mcats easier?

You want to make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare and study everything you've learned throughout your undergrad so you have a strong foundation for medical school. There's no magical time period where the MCAT is easier. It's a challenging exam no matter the month you choose.

What score is 95% on MCAT?

A 95th percentile score on the MCAT typically corresponds to a total score of 518, meaning you scored higher than 95% of test-takers, placing you in a highly competitive range for medical school admissions. This score reflects excellent performance, with higher percentiles like the 96th percentile often being a 519, and a perfect 528 representing the 100th percentile.
 

How bad is a 487 MCAT score?

A 487 MCAT score is generally considered below average and unlikely to be competitive for most U.S. MD programs, placing you around the 11th-14th percentile, well below the average matriculant score of ~501-510+. While some DO programs or specific circumstances might be possible, you'll need a very strong application (GPA, experiences) and should strongly consider a retake to achieve scores in the low 500s (e.g., 500+) for better chances. 

What are the most difficult MCAT topics?

Hardest MCAT Questions and How to Tackle Them

• Biology & Biochemistry: Mechanisms of Enzyme Action.
• Physics: Forces and Motion.
• Psychology/Sociology: Social Theories and Behavior.
• Chemistry: Equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Principle.
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

Is 491 a bad MCAT score?

Yes, a 491 on the MCAT is generally considered a low or below-average score, placing you in the lower percentiles (around the 20th percentile), far from the average score of 501 and the competitive range of 511+, making admission to most MD programs very difficult, though it might be considered for some DO programs or with extraordinary supporting qualifications like a high GPA or extensive research, and it's often a strong signal to retake the exam for most applicants.
 

What score is 75% on MCAT?

A 75th percentile MCAT score typically falls around a total score of 508-509, placing you above the average test-taker and considered competitive for many medical schools, often requiring roughly 127-128 points per section on the newer exam. While the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) uses precise percentile rankings based on test year, aiming for this range generally means you're in the top quarter of applicants, which is a solid foundation for admissions. 

Do MCAT scores ever drop early?

While there may have been occurrences of this in the past, MCAT scores are generally not released early, so don't count on it.

How rare is a 520 on the MCAT?

A 520 MCAT score is extremely rare and highly competitive, placing you in the top 3-4% of test-takers, generally the 97th percentile, meaning only a few thousand out of hundreds of thousands score that high annually. It's considered an elite score, excellent for highly selective medical schools, but achieving it requires exceptional performance across all sections, ideally with balanced scores.
 

What is the most heavily tested subject on the MCAT?

The biological and biochemical sciences are the most heavily tested subjects on the MCAT. While other subjects like chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology are also important, the biological and biochemical sciences remain consistently prominent and heavily tested on the MCAT.

Is the MCAT just memorization?

If acing the MCAT is your goal, you're well aware of the importance of memory. Beyond memorizing facts, the exam demands a deep understanding of complex concepts and the ability to recall and apply that knowledge under pressure.

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.
 

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.

Can I get into med school with a 495 MCAT?

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 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).
 

Is the 99th percentile the top 1%?

Yes, the 99th percentile is effectively the top 1% because it signifies you scored better than 99% of the population, placing you in the highest-scoring group, which is the top one percent. If 100 people are ranked, the person at the 99th percentile is above 99 of them, making them the top performer alongside those in that highest bracket. 

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.

What's the hardest section of the MCAT?

The hardest MCAT section is subjective, but many test-takers find CARS (Critical Analysis and Reading Skills) the most difficult due to its non-scientific, logic-based nature and need for rapid comprehension, while others struggle with the dense content and complex problem-solving in the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys) section, especially physics and organic chemistry concepts, and some find the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc) section's nuanced theories challenging.
 

What is the top 3 toughest exam in the world?

The top 3 toughest exams globally consistently include China's Gaokao (college entrance), India's IIT-JEE Advanced (engineering), and India's UPSC Civil Services Exam (government jobs), due to their extreme competition, vast syllabi, and life-altering consequences, though other candidates like the All Souls Prize or Master Sommelier Diploma are also noted for extreme difficulty. These exams demand immense knowledge, analytical skills, and endurance, with failure often meaning significant setbacks, making them notoriously difficult.
 

How is the MCAT changing in 2026?

Exam 6 is the first truly new AAMC full length in years. It confirms a shift away from pure recall and toward integrated, passage heavy reasoning. Here is what that actually means for how you study.