What to bring and not bring to MCAT?

For the MCAT, bring your valid photo ID, locker items (snacks, water, medications, lunch), and a light jacket, but leave all electronics, study materials, bags (except for locker items), and unauthorized personal items at home, storing your phone in a sealed bag provided by the center; you'll use center-provided noteboards and markers, accessing food/drinks only during breaks.

What do I need to bring with me to the MCAT?

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.

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. 

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.
 

Can you bring chapstick to MCAT?

You can keep it in your locker and put it on in between breaks but can't take it into the exam room unfortunately. I'm in the same boat lol, I apply chapstick like every damn second. Although I'm hoping the mask will keep my lips pretty moisturized that I won't feel the need to put on chapstick so often.

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

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).
 

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.

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. 

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 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 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.
 

What should I do the day before my MCAT?

Last Minute MCAT Test Day Tips

It might seem counterintuitive at first, but you need to give your brain a break the day before the test. You'll feel much more refreshed and relaxed, and this can also help with test anxiety. You will be able to focus much better on MCAT test day.

What to bring to MCAT 2025?

Nothing is allowed in the test room apart from indoor clothes, photo ID, permitted comfort aids and approved access arrangements. There are exceptions permitted for religious, cultural and medical apparel. You will be asked to store personal belongings in a designated area before you enter the test room.

Can I drink water during MCAT?

Food and drink are not allowed in the room under standard test conditions; however, these items can be stored in your locker and accessed during breaks. No special approval is required to access food and drink during scheduled or additional approved break times.

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.

What is the most difficult section of the MCAT?

Most test-takers find the CARS (Critical Analysis and Reading Skills) section the hardest MCAT section due to its focus on reasoning, inference, and reading comprehension of dense, non-scientific texts, rather than pure knowledge recall. However, some struggle with the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys) section due to complex content like biochemistry pathways and physics concepts, while Behavioral Sciences (Bio/Psych) also presents unique challenges, making the "hardest" section highly individual.
 

What is an Ivy League MCAT score?

Dedicate enough time to preparing for the MCAT: Though your MCAT score isn't the only stat considered, the average MCAT score of Ivy League med school matriculants is 519 or higher.

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.

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 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.

Can you talk 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.

Can I chew gum during 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.