What Is the Average MCAT Score and Why It Matters More Than You Think

If you’ve been comparing your MCAT practice scores to the national average, you’re not alone. Most premeds do it — sometimes obsessively. After all, the MCAT isn’t just another test; it’s the number schools use to compare applicants from completely different academic backgrounds.
But here’s what often gets lost: the average MCAT score isn’t just a benchmark — it’s a moving target. Every admissions cycle, it shifts slightly based on competition, applicant pool size, and overall performance trends. If you’re stressing about how you stack up, it’s worth understanding what “average” really means before you start worrying about how to beat it.

What Is the Average MCAT Score Right Now?

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) reports that the average MCAT score for accepted students typically falls around 511–512, while the overall mean score for all test-takers hovers around 501.
That means:

• 501 = roughly the national average (50th percentile).
  
• 505–508 = competitive range for many DO programs and mid-tier MD schools.
  
• 511–515+ = top 20% of scores, more typical for upper-tier and highly selective medical schools.
  

Your percentile rank matters as much as your total score. For example, scoring a 510 might put you in the 78th percentile, while a 515 might push you closer to 91st — a difference that can make or break your competitiveness for certain programs.

How Med Schools Actually Use the Average MCAT Score

Admissions committees don’t view your MCAT in isolation. They use it to:

• Standardize applicants across varying GPAs and universities.
  
• Predict readiness for the academic rigor of med school.
  
• Benchmark you against their historical applicant pool.
  

So, while your GPA shows consistency over time, your MCAT shows your ability to perform under pressure. That’s why schools pay close attention to it — not because it defines you, but because it reflects how you’ll likely handle future exams like Step 1 and Step 2 CK.

What’s the Difference Between the Average and a “Good” MCAT Score?

A “good” MCAT score depends on where you want to go. Think of it this way:

• If your goal is any medical school, aim for 505+.
  
• If your goal is a competitive MD program, aim for 511+.
  
• If you’re targeting top-tier schools, you’ll likely need 515+ or higher.
  

But even then, there’s no universal cutoff. Some students with scores below 510 still get accepted — because of strong GPAs, impactful extracurriculars, or compelling personal statements. The MCAT opens the door, but the rest of your application determines if you walk through it.

How to Rise Above the Average MCAT Score

If your goal is to outperform the average, your strategy matters more than your study hours.
Here’s how top scorers set themselves apart:

1. Follow a Personalized Study Schedule
Don’t copy someone else’s plan. Your strengths and weaknesses dictate your timeline. Whether you have 8 weeks or 6 months, structure your prep around your own diagnostic results.

2. Use Integrated Resources
Instead of juggling random PDFs and disconnected videos, use prep tools that link concepts across biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology. Understanding how systems connect saves you hours of memorization.

3. Practice Like It’s the Real Exam
Full-length practice tests are your best predictor of success. They train your endurance, timing, and focus. Review why you missed each question — that’s where most learning happens.

4. Focus on Reasoning, Not Recall
The MCAT tests how you think, not how much you can memorize. Prioritize application-based studying, using active recall and spaced repetition to keep information fresh.

5. Protect Your Mental Stamina
 High scores come from consistency, not burnout. Schedule rest days, move your body, and use small study blocks when focus dips. Mental clarity is as crucial as content mastery.

What Happens If You Score Around the Average?

If you land near the 501–505 range, don’t panic. Admissions committees evaluate your entire application holistically. You can:

• Strengthen your extracurriculars (especially clinical hours and shadowing).
  
• Write a compelling personal statement that highlights growth and motivation.
  
• Apply strategically to schools whose accepted score ranges align with yours.
  

Remember, medical schools are looking for well-rounded candidates — not just high test-takers.

When Should You Retake the MCAT?

If your score doesn’t match your target school’s range, a retake might make sense — but only if you have time to improve significantly (at least 3–5 points). Before you decide, ask yourself:

• Did I truly master all content areas, or was it a timing issue?
  
• Do I have the bandwidth to study without sacrificing GPA or extracurriculars?
  
• Can I approach prep differently this time with structured guidance?
  

A thoughtful retake can strengthen your application, but only if you’ve fixed the root cause of your previous score gap.

Beat the Average with Med School Bro

Getting above the average MCAT score isn’t about cramming — it’s about clarity, focus, and strategy. Med School Bro’s Complete MCAT Bundle gives you everything you need to master high-yield concepts fast, from detailed illustrations to integrated practice tools.

Use the Complete MCAT Bundle to study smarter, not harder — and step confidently into your exam knowing you’re ready to rise above average. Explore the Complete MCAT Bundle Here and be prepared for your exam.