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.

Tests are retaken by students at all ranks, but most test retakers are in the 66 ^th percentile or lower. Many schools don't just have a threshold, they consider MCAT scores based on other scores that year; they care as much about the percentile in a given cohort as they do the raw number.

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.

If necessary, retake the MCAT up to two to three times total—space out attempts with enough time to thoroughly review and improve your study strategy. More than three attempts can reflect poorly.

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.

How often do medical students retake the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) after failing it the first time? Roughly 70,000 first-timers take the MCAT every year. About 15,000 earn admission to MD-granting medical schools and roughly 5000 to DO-granting medical schools. About 30,000 re-take the MCAT.

While it's true that you can take the MCAT three times in the same year and seven times in a lifetime, medical schools can see how you scored on each attempt. If you score even lower on a second or third attempt, admissions committees will not see you as a worthwhile investment.

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 508.

A poor MCAT score is any score that doesn't get you into a medical school, but statistically this would be a score below the overall mean or average, so a score of 505 or less. A poor MCAT score could also be considered anything below the 50th percentile for recent test-takers, which is approximately 501.

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.

Is a 517 MCAT too low? ›

Attaining a score of 517 on the MCAT means you performed in the 96% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred. For example: 131 (C/P) 132 (CARS) 126 (B/B) 128 (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.

According to recent AAMC stats, a 511 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 511 is 82 percentile rank on the MCAT. * The current average MCAT score is at the 501 mark, and a 511 is 10 points ahead of that score.

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.

Andy took the MCAT exam seven times and applied to medical school twice before getting one interview and acceptance. He reminds premeds to have faith in themselves and that perseverance and grit are important for a career in medicine.

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.

Attaining a score of 493 on the MCAT means you performed in the 29% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.