What is an Average MCAT Score

What is an Average MCAT Score The concept of an average MCAT score has been somewhat nebulous since the AAMCs reformatting of the MCAT in 2015. Previously, the average MCAT score across medical school applicants was 25, and the average MCAT score of admitted applicants to medical school was around 31. Since the test was redone and a new scoring scale was constructed, the average MCAT score across medical school applicants is approximately 500. However, it is important to distinguish between the AAMCs average MCAT score and the average MCAT scores of students who matriculate at individual schools. Here are some things to know when thinking about average MCAT scores: What is the average MCAT score for admitted applicants to MD (allopathic) programs? According to the AAMC, the average overall MCAT score for matriculants into U.S. MD programs is 508.7over eight points higher than what the AAMC deems acceptable for admission. A 508 puts the test-taker in the 79th percentile of all fellow test-takers, meaning that admission into medical school may be contingent upon outperforming the majority of pre-med students taking the test alongside you. [RELATED: What is it Like to Attend Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine?] What are the average MCAT section breakdown scores of admitted applicants to MD programs? Each of the four sections has an average score of around 127 for admitted applicants. The lowest-scoring section tends to be Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (126.7 average), and the highest is a tie at 127.4 between: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Although the AAMC delineates a score of 125 in each section to demonstrate sufficient readiness for medical school, it is clear that medical schools use higher section scores for their admissions standards. What is the average MCAT score of DO (osteopathic) program applicants? According to AACOMAS, the average DO applicant in 2016 had an MCAT score of 499.3 (median 500). However, the average DO program matriculant had an MCAT score of 502.1 (around the 60% percentile of test-takers). Similar to their MD program counterparts, DO programs tend to accept applicants with higher MCAT scores than the benchmark of 500 set forth by the AAMC. What are the average MCAT section breakdown scores of admitted DO applicants? Admitted DO applicants have an average score of around 125-125 on all four subsections of the MCAT. The Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems and the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundation of Behavior sections tend to have higher scores, with averages around 125.7. The Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems has an average score of 125.5, and the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section has an average score of 125.1. So, what average MCAT score should you aim for? Admission into medical school is based upon much more than your MCAT score, but meeting the average benchmarks of programs in which you are interested may cause admissions committees to view your application more favorably. If you are applying to MD programs, striving for an MCAT score of 508 with a minimum score of 127 in each subsection is a reasonable goal. If you are considering DO programs, aiming for a 502 with a minimum score of 125 in each subsection is also reasonable. However, more selective programs may require higher-than-average scores of their admitted applicants, and it is important to consult sources like MSAR in order to gauge where your own testing goals should be. If your scores dont stack up against those of a schools recently admitted class, your chances of admission to that school may be reduced. Start incorporating MCAT prep into your daily routine and make it your goal to apply to medical school with a score that gets you noticed. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.