What percentile is a 492?

A score of 492 on the MCAT generally places you in the low 20s percentile, around the 21st to 25th percentile, meaning you scored better than about one-fifth to one-fourth of test-takers, though exact figures vary slightly by testing year (e.g., ~21st percentile for 2022 data, ~23rd for 2024, and ~25th for 2025-2026 projections). It's considered below the average for medical school applicants, with the average being closer to 506-510, but your overall competitiveness depends heavily on individual section scores and target schools.

What percentile is a 492 on the MCAT?

492 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 492 on the MCAT® means you performed in the 26% percentile.

Can I get into med-school with a 492?

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. According to the AAMC, the median MCAT score for all applicants is 506.1, while the median for matriculants is 511.8.

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.
 

Is 477 a bad MCAT score?

The higher your MCAT percentile, the better.

Here is the full MCAT percentiles list from the latest MCAT percentile ranks released by AAMC. Our medical school admission experts recommend that you aim for a total score of 511 or above.

Percentiles (1.7)

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.

Why is 472 the lowest MCAT score?

The MCAT score of 472 is the lowest because it's the sum of the minimum possible score (118) in each of the four sections, creating a floor for the 472-528 total score range, which is designed around a 500 average to emphasize the middle performance, meaning 472 represents the bottom of the score distribution (less than 1st percentile), making scores much lower practically nonexistent or statistically irrelevant for medical school admissions. 

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 score is 80% right on MCAT?

If you were to get say a 510 on the mcat, you're about 80th percentile.

Is a 497 a bad MCAT score?

* The current average MCAT score is near the 501 mark, and a 497 is 4 points away from that score. * A competitive score on the MCAT is 511+ on the MCAT, and a 497 is 14 points away from that score.

How rare is a 522 MCAT?

Scores of 520 or higher are rare. An overall MCAT score of 520 equaled or surpassed the performance of 97% of test-takers who took the exam between 2022 and 2024, according to AAMC data.

What score is 70% on MCAT?

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).
 

Is a 490 on the MCAT good?

While a score of 490 on the MCAT is below the average for most medical school applicants, it is not impossible to gain acceptance into a medical program with this score. That being said, medical school admissions committees consider the entire application, not just the MCAT score.

Is a 495 a good MCAT score?

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.

Is 492 a bad MCAT score?

Yes, a 492 is generally considered a low MCAT score, falling below the average (around 501) and placing you in the 23rd-26th percentile, but it's not impossible to get into some programs, especially if your other application components are strong or if you're applying to DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) or certain MD schools with lower cutoffs; however, a retake is often recommended for significantly improving your chances for most MD programs. 

What is the average MCAT score for 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 479 a bad MCAT score?

Seeing how a 479 on the MCAT is significantly below the average MCAT score of 501, it will be in your best interest to improve your score, as most medical schools seek students with above-average credentials.

What is a respectable MCAT score?

A good MCAT score is generally considered 510 or above, making you competitive for many programs, while scores of 515+ are strong for top-tier schools, and anything above 518 is exceptional, but a score around 501-508 (50th percentile) is average, with scores varying by school selectivity. Aim for a score at or above the average of accepted students at your target schools, as a strong score opens doors but a holistic application (GPA, experiences) matters most. 

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.
 

Is it bad to take MCAT 3 times?

Retaking the MCAT multiple times isn't necessarily bad as long as your score improves each time. If your score worsens with each attempt or stays the same, it won't strengthen your med school application.

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 bad is a 482 MCAT score?

Is 482 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 482 on the MCAT® means you performed in the 5% percentile.

How do med schools view high MCAT scores?

A strong science GPA shows consistent classroom success, while a higher MCAT score demonstrates readiness for the demands of med school. In many medical school rubrics, GPA and MCAT are heavily weighted early in the review process.