What not to bring to MCAT?

You should not bring electronics (phones, smartwatches), study materials (notes, books, flashcards), bags/purses, jewelry (except small studs), hats (non-religious), or outside food/drinks (only stored in locker) into the MCAT testing room, as the AAMC strictly prohibits them to ensure exam integrity, focusing on only your ID, approved medication/glasses, and center-provided materials.

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. 

Are water bottles allowed during MCAT?

You are permitted to bring your own food and drinks; however, these items must be stored outside the testing room in your assigned locker or other storage provided to you at the test center. You may access them on your breaks. There are no microwaves or refrigerators available in the test centers for your use.

What can you not wear to the MCAT?

An MCAT®-Accepted ID

Comfortable clothing, especially clothing that you have worn for your mock exams: sweats, long-sleeved tshirt, hoodie. No jewelry or watches. Nothing in your pockets.

Can I bring lip balm to MCAT?

Not into the exam room itself. You would have to use it during breaks.

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

Can I chew gum during my 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).
 

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 bring snacks to MCAT?

Bring food and drink to store in your locker.

You may not leave the test center to go to your car or have food delivered during any breaks.

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.
 

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%. 

What to bring on MCAT day?

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.

Does voiding an MCAT look bad?

Although voiding your MCAT is not a deal breaker, it does not look good, given that medical schools will have several challenging tests that you will not be able to void.

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 97th percentile top 3%?

A 97th percentile ranking means that you scored higher than 97 percent of test-takers in your chosen comparison group (usually peer group or national). In other words, if there were 100 test-takers, you would be in the top 3 highest scores. This is definitely an impressive achievement.

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.
 

What to eat in the morning of MCAT?

The MCAT is seven and a half hours long. So blood sugar and focus matter. Stick to slow digesting carbs and proteins. Think oatmeal with nut butter or eggs with whole grain toast.

What to do 3 days before MCAT?

3-5 days before the MCAT

If you haven't exhausted the AAMC question packs and section bank, use those now (and convert those questions into predicted AAMC scores using our Study Plan). The focus should be on memorizing high-yield details and understanding the foundational concepts.

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.

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. 

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.
 

How many questions can you miss on MCAT to get 520?

To get a 520 on the MCAT, you generally need to miss very few questions, often only a handful in total, aiming for around 128-130 per section (out of 132), which means getting maybe 1-3 wrong in some sections and a few more in others, as scoring is percentile-based and depends on test difficulty, but you must be in the top few percentiles overall. While a perfect score (528) might allow for a few missed questions, a 520 requires near perfection, potentially missing only 5-10 questions across the entire exam, or even just a couple per section on easier tests, say Reddit users. 

Are MCAT scores curved?

There is no curve associated with the MCAT® exam. Instead, the MCAT exam is scaled and equated so that scores have the same meaning, no matter when you test.

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.

What's the lowest MCAT score accepted?

What Is the Lowest MCAT Score Accepted By a Med School? The lowest MCAT score accepted by most medical schools in the US is 490-495. Scores below 490 are seldom accepted. That said, just meeting the minimum won't make you competitive.