MCAT Score - MCAT Retake Calculator (2024)

FAQs

What is the average score increase for MCAT retake? ›

On the lowest end of the initial score spectrum, examinees with initial scores of 472-477 scored between 1 point lower and 6 points higher on their second attempt. Among those whose initial score was in the 472-489 or 514-517 ranges, the median scores were two points higher on the second attempt.

Some schools are going to filter out your application if your MCAT score is below 500. With a 504 MCAT score, you should get through the filters, but if you have a very low section score below 124 or 125, that could be more of a problem.

Unfortunately, the test is designed to have average MCAT score of about 500, which means at least half the test takers get 500 or below, a score too low to meet most medical school standards. This means that a large percentage of people will probably need to retake the test if they want to go to medical school.

If you want to maximize your chances of achieving medical school acceptance, and if your overall application is not strong, we recommend you retake the MCAT if your score is 502.

DATA ON RETAKING THE MCAT EXAM

Since this exam's introduction in 2015, the vast majority of examinees (just under 95%) have tested at most once or twice. About 5% have tested three times. Only about 1% of examinees have tested more than three times.

6. How Many MCAT Attempts Is Too Many? Retaking the MCAT isn't a red flag, and even three attempts may not impact your admissions decision, although we recommend performing your best on the first two tests.

Considering that a 508 is quite close to the average MCAT score of a 501, it's not very competitive for med-school admission. With a 508, you might make some med-school score cutoffs, but the rest of your application needs to be very competitive to make you a viable candidate for most med-schools.

On average, 38 percent of all MCAT test takers retake the MCAT. It should be noted that there is no shame in retaking the MCAT. There are thousands of doctors who took the MCAT two and even three times.

So, technically speaking, a bad MCAT score would be anything below 500. However, in order to be a competitive applicant, you should aim to score much higher than 500. A good MCAT score largely depends on the schools you are applying to.

Medical institutions in the U.S. and Canada that necessitate the MCAT typically accept scores ranging from 490-495 at the minimum. Scores below 490 are rarely if ever, accepted. Interestingly, a vast majority of individuals score above this range. Recent data suggests that the average score hovers around 506.5.

What MCAT score would you not retake? ›

Whether or not you should retake the MCAT really depends on multiple factors. If you scored a 127 on each section, definitely do not retake. Medical schools want to see that you can break a 508.

Attaining a score of 493 on the MCAT means you performed in the 29% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred. For example: 123 (C/P) 124 (CARS) 123 (B/B) 123 (P/S).

The lowest MCAT score accepted by most medical schools in the U.S. and Canada is typically in the range of 490-495. Scores below 490 are rarely, if ever, accepted. It's important to note that while 490-495 is the minimum score accepted, the vast majority of applicants score well above this range.

Very few medical schools have average accepted MCAT scores below 503, so if your score is below 502, consider retaking the MCAT to achieve a higher score. Otherwise, you can apply to medical schools that don't require the MCAT.

Chances of Being Accepted to Med School by MCAT Score

510 to 513: About 65% of applicants admitted‍

A score of 501 or lower is typically considered too low to be competitive, so you might want to retake the exam or apply to medical schools that do not require the MCAT. 2. What schools should I apply to with a low MCAT? Consider applying to schools with low MCAT requirements.

Should I Retake The MCAT If My Score Is 513? You should retake a 513 MCAT score if your score is not balanced among the 4 sections, or if your target med-school(s) require a higher score for you to be competitive.

Seeing how a 508 on the MCAT is very close to the average MCAT score, it will be in your best interest to improve your score, as most medical schools seek students with above-average credentials.