MCAT Score Range & Average of the T50 Medical Schools (2026)
Discover the average MCAT scores of the top 50 medical schools and gain valuable insights into the academic requirements for aspiring medical students.
Posted October 21, 2025
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The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is one of the most scrutinized elements of the medical school admissions process. But if you're aiming for a top-tier program, you’ve likely asked: What MCAT score do I really need to get into a top 50 school?
In this comprehensive guide, we'll not only break down the average MCAT scores at leading medical schools but also help you understand what admissions committees are really looking for and how to build a smart application strategy around your MCAT score.
Read: How Long Is the MCAT in 2025? Format, Timing, and Tips to Prepare
Average MCAT Score Ranges at Top 50 Med Schools
Below is a curated list of the average MCAT scores at the top 50 MD programs in the U.S., based on the most recent data from the MSAR, medical school admissions officers, and public disclosures. This can help you identify your target medical schools and understand how your total MCAT score stacks up.
| Rank | Medical School | Average MCAT Score | MCAT Score Range (10th–90th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NYU Grossman School of Medicine | 523 | 516–527 |
| 2 | Columbia University (Vagelos) | 522 | 508-528 |
| 3 | Harvard Medical School | 520.48 | 516–526 |
| 4 | Johns Hopkins University | 521 | 516–526 |
| 5 | Mayo Clinic (Alix) | 521 | 516–526 |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania (Perelman) | 521 | 513 - 528 |
| 7 | Washington University in St. Louis | 521 | 515–525 |
| 8 | University of Chicago (Pritzker) | 521 | 505-527 |
| 9 | Vanderbilt University | 521 | 515–525 |
| 10 | Northwestern University (Feinberg) | 520 | 514–524 |
| 11 | Stanford University | 519 | 514–524 |
| 12 | Yale University | 519 | 513–523 |
| 13 | Weill Cornell Medical College | 519 | 514–523 |
| 14 | Mount Sinai (Icahn) | 519 | 513–523 |
| 15 | Duke University | 519 | 513–523 |
| 16 | Baylor College of Medicine | 518 | 512–522 |
| 17 | University of South Florida | 518 | 512–522 |
| 18 | UT Health San Antonio (Long) | 518 | 511–521 |
| 19 | Case Western Reserve University | 517 | 512–521 |
| 20 | University of Colorado | 517 | 511–521 |
| 21 | University of Virginia | 517 | 511–520 |
| 22 | Boston University | 517 | 512–520 |
| 23 | USC (Keck) | 517 | 511–520 |
| 24 | UCLA (David Geffen) | 516 | 510–520 |
| 25 | UCSF | 516 | 510–520 |
| 26 | UC San Diego | 516 | 511–520 |
| 27 | UC Irvine | 516 | 510–519 |
| 28 | UT Southwestern | 516 | 510–519 |
| 29 | University of Rochester | 516 | 510–519 |
| 30 | Brown University (Alpert) | 516 | 510–519 |
| 31 | University of Michigan–Ann Arbor | 515 | 510–519 |
| 32 | University of Pittsburgh | 514 | 509–518 |
| 33 | Emory University | 514 | 509–518 |
| 34 | University of Iowa (Carver) | 514 | 509–518 |
| 35 | Ohio State University | 514 | 508–518 |
| 36 | UMass Chan Medical School | 514 | 508–518 |
| 37 | University of Florida | 514 | 508–517 |
| 38 | University of Utah | 514 | 507–517 |
| 39 | University of Maryland | 513 | 506–517 |
| 40 | University of Minnesota | 513 | 508–517 |
| 41 | Albert Einstein College of Medicine | 513 | 506–516 |
| 42 | UNC–Chapel Hill | 512 | 506–516 |
| 43 | Georgetown University | 512 | 506–516 |
| 44 | Indiana University–Indianapolis | 512 | 505–516 |
| 45 | University of Washington | 511 | 504–515 |
| 46 | UC Davis | 511 | 505–515 |
| 47 | University of Cincinnati | 511 | 505–515 |
| 48 | University of Wisconsin–Madison | 511 | 504–514 |
| 49 | Oregon Health & Science University | 511 | 504–514 |
| 50 | University of Alabama–Birmingham | 509 | 502–513 |
What Is a Good MCAT Score?
A good score depends on your goals and the competitiveness of your chosen schools. Here's a general breakdown:
| Total MCAT Score Range | Competitiveness |
|---|---|
| 520–528 | Very high MCAT scores – Top 1–2% of test takers |
| 515–519 | Strong MCAT score – Competitive for most MD schools |
| 510–514 | Good MCAT score – Solid, but school selection matters |
| 505–509 | Borderline – May need a very strong application |
| Below 505 | Low MCAT score – Consider retaking or DO/osteopathic medicine programs |
Expert Tip: Your score falls into context. A 510 could be a great MCAT score if paired with a 3.9 GPA, stellar extracurricular activities, and a compelling personal statement.
Read: What's a Good MCAT Score? Breakdown by Medical School Tier
About the MCAT Exam Structure
The MCAT consists of four sections, each designed to test your scientific knowledge and critical thinking skills:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Each section is scored from 118 to 132, making the highest possible MCAT score 528. Your total score is the sum of these four section scores. These are scaled scores, not raw scores, meaning they're adjusted based on test difficulty across dates.
You’ll often see terms like:
- Scaled score: Adjusted for difficulty
- MCAT percentiles: How your score compares to other test takers
- Total and section scores: Evaluated individually and together
Expert Breakdown of the MCAT Sections
| Section | What It Tests | Core Subjects | Why It Matters | Strategy Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | This section evaluates your understanding of the biology and biochemistry of cells and organ systems. It also tests your ability to apply scientific inquiry and reasoning to biological processes. | Topics include cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, human physiology, and foundational biochemistry. | Mastery of this section is critical for understanding how the human body functions at the cellular and systemic level, which is foundational for coursework in anatomy, physiology, and pathology. | Focus on high-yield processes such as enzyme kinetics and metabolic pathways. Practice interpreting experimental data and reviewing AAMC-style passages. |
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | This section assesses your ability to apply physical principles and chemical concepts to the study of biological systems and the human body. | Subjects include general chemistry, organic chemistry, introductory physics, and biochemistry, as well as basic math such as algebra and unit conversions. | This section prepares you for understanding topics like drug mechanisms, fluid dynamics, and physiological reactions, all of which are essential for courses like pharmacology and medical diagnostics. | Focus on applying equations in real-world biological contexts. Always analyze units carefully, and practice solving problems that blend chemistry, physics, and biology. |
| Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior | This section tests your understanding of the interplay between psychological processes, social structures, and biology as they relate to behavior and health outcomes. | Key topics include psychology, sociology, biology, public health, and social determinants of health. | It reflects the growing emphasis in medicine on holistic patient care, cultural competence, mental health awareness, and health disparities. | Use active recall tools like Anki to master terminology. Focus on understanding research methods and experimental design, and connect theoretical concepts to healthcare settings. |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) | This section measures your ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate complex texts from the humanities and social sciences. | Although it has no specific subject content, it draws from disciplines such as philosophy, ethics, history, and literature. | CARS is designed to assess how well you can read critically, interpret arguments, and draw logical conclusions (skills that are essential for clinical reasoning and patient communication) | Practice reading dense, unfamiliar texts daily. Focus on understanding the author’s tone and purpose, and avoid using outside knowledge when answering questions. Learning to identify the structure of arguments is key. |
Need-to-Know MCAT Scoring Facts:
- Each section is scored on a scale from 118 to 132, with 125 being the median.
- The total MCAT score ranges from 472 to 528, calculated by adding the four section scores.
- All questions are multiple-choice, but the exam heavily emphasizes reasoning over memorization.
- Among students, CARS is often the most challenging section to improve, requiring consistent, long-term practice.
Read: How MCAT Scoring Works: Section Scores, Percentiles, and What They Mean
The Role of MCAT Scores in the Medical School Admissions Process
MCAT scores are a key filter for medical school admissions committees, but not the only one. Schools use them as a benchmark—but weigh them alongside:
- GPA (especially in science coursework)
- Research experience
- Shadowing & clinical hours
- Leadership & community involvement
- Personal statement and secondaries
- Letters of recommendation
- Interview performance
From the Reddit thread: One user notes, "Just because you have a 528 doesn’t mean you’ll get in. You need to be solid across the board." Another adds, "A 520 means nothing if your personal statement is weak or you have no research."
It is best to use your MCAT score as a strength, but never assume it guarantees admission
Average MCAT vs Median MCAT: What’s the Difference?
Many schools report either the average MCAT or the median score of their incoming class. These aren’t the same:
- Average scores reflect the mean across all accepted students.
- Median MCAT score is the midpoint. Half of the students scored above, half below.
Knowing both helps you understand how you stack up as an applicant, like how most medical school applicants do, especially since some schools publish only one.
Minimum MCAT Score Requirements (Do They Exist?)
Most medical schools don’t publish an official minimum MCAT score, but internal cutoffs often exist. A 500 may never get past the first screen at top MD programs, while a 510+ may be needed just to be competitive.
Some medical school admissions officers suggest students think in tiers:
- Top 20 schools - 518+ often needed
- Top 50 schools- 512–517 may be competitive
- Many medical schools (mid-tier) - 505–511 workable with strong GPA/ECs
- DO schools / osteopathic medicine - More holistic, sometimes accept 500–505
Strategic Advice Based on Your Score Range
| MCAT Score | Strategic Tips |
|---|---|
| 520–528 | Apply broadly to top-tier schools, but focus on telling a cohesive story (avoid being “numbers only”) |
| 515–519 | You’re competitive balance reaches and targets. Strengthen essays, interviews, and research stories. |
| 510–514 | Be selective. Consider a mix of the top 50 and mid-tier medical schools. Make sure your application shines. |
| 505–509 | Focus on DO programs, schools with a more holistic review, and MD schools with lower MCAT ranges. |
| Below 505 | Consider retaking. Focus on GPA, upward trends, strong ECs, and compelling personal narrative. |
Real-world insight: "Your MCAT doesn’t have to be perfect, but your narrative, growth, and alignment with each school’s mission really matter."
How to Improve Your MCAT Score (Expert Strategy That Works)
Improving your MCAT score isn’t just about studying harder; it’s about studying smarter. Success on this exam requires a mix of scientific content mastery, strategic practice, and mental stamina. Below is a structured, proven plan that mirrors what top scorers and expert MCAT coaches recommend.
Build a Personalized Study Plan That Reflects Your Strengths and Gaps
Start by diagnosing your baseline with a full-length diagnostic test. Use the results to identify your weakest sections, then build a study calendar that allocates more time to those areas while still reinforcing your strengths. The best plans aren’t one-size-fits-all; they evolve as you do. Review your plan every two to three weeks, adjust based on your progress, and set specific weekly goals. Balance content review with question-based learning, and include both section-specific practice and full-length exams to track endurance and pacing.
Read: MCAT Study Schedules: Comparing 1, 3, and 6-Month Plans
Use Only Trusted, High-Yield Resources
The quality of your prep materials matters as much as the quantity. Prioritize AAMC’s official resources, as they most closely mirror the real exam. Supplement with reputable third-party platforms like UWorld for detailed explanations, Blueprint or Kaplan for structure and strategy, and Jack Westin or Altius for CARS practice. Tap into MCAT study forums, Reddit threads, and peer-verified schedules to see how others have approached their prep, but always adapt based on your needs, not theirs.
Focus on Mastering the Most Tested Concepts
While the MCAT covers a wide range of science topics, certain areas consistently carry more weight. Make sure you fully understand biochemical pathways, physiological systems, and experimental design for the Biological and Biochemical Foundations section. For Chemical and Physical Foundations, sharpen your physics and chemistry calculations and understand how they apply to real biological systems. In the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations section, develop a strong grasp of terms, theories, and research methods. For CARS, commit to consistent daily practice, emphasizing passage mapping and inference-based reasoning. Deep understanding trumps memorization; always ask “why,” not just “what.”
Simulate the Real Testing Environment Often
Test-day performance is as much about mental endurance as academic preparation. Schedule at least four to six full-length practice exams under timed, no-distraction conditions. Mimic the exact format: same time of day, timed breaks, no music, no snacks outside of allotted windows. Review each exam thoroughly, not just your wrong answers, but your lucky guesses and timing issues. Treat these simulations as diagnostic tools to refine both your knowledge and strategy. The more familiar you are with the test environment, the more confident you'll be on exam day.
Invest in Support That Matches Your Goals
Studying for the MCAT can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. Join a small study group where members are equally committed and ideally at a similar level of preparation. Collaborating can keep you accountable, reinforce key concepts, and help fill blind spots. For a higher level of support, consider working with an expert MCAT coach. A great coach won’t just teach content; they’ll help you build a roadmap, troubleshoot plateaus, optimize your strategy, and build confidence over time. Especially if you’re aiming for a top-tier score or recovering from a low score, expert guidance can save you time and stress.
Read: The Best 50+ Free Resources for the MCAT
The Bottom Line
The MCAT is a vital component of the medical school application process, and achieving a high score can significantly improve your chances of acceptance into top medical schools. With scores typically ranging from 120 to 180, the average MCAT score for accepted students at prestigious institutions generally falls between 510 and 515. To succeed, aspiring medical students should focus on comprehensive preparation, including content review, practice exams, and refining test-taking strategies.
A well-rounded application, including strong grades, experience, and personal statements, complements a good MCAT score and can further enhance your competitiveness.
Ready to Boost Your MCAT Score?
If you're looking to maximize your MCAT score and strengthen your medical school application, consider working with an expert coach. MCAT prep coaches can help you refine your study plan, tackle challenging sections, and develop strategies for effective test-taking. With personalized guidance and proven techniques, you'll be better equipped to achieve your target score and increase your chances of admission to your dream medical school. Schedule a consultation today and take the first step toward your medical career!
Read these next:
- How to Choose the Right MCAT Date Based on Your Prep and Application Goals
- How to Get Into Medical School With a Low MCAT Score
- What GPA Do You Need to Get Into Medical School?
- How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT – and When Should You Take It?
- MCAT High Yield Topics: Everything You Need to Know
- The Best MCAT Prep Course for Your Success
- How Many Times You Can Take the MCAT – (& When to Take It)
FAQs
What’s the highest MCAT score?
- The highest total MCAT score is 528, which is 132 in each of the four sections. Only ~0.1% of test takers achieve this.
What’s the minimum MCAT score for med school?
- There’s rarely a published minimum MCAT, but most medical schools unofficially expect at least a 500. Minimum MCAT score requirements vary widely by school.
Is a 510 a good MCAT score?
- Yes, a 510 is a good score and competitive for many medical schools, especially with a strong GPA and overall application.
What is the average MCAT score for accepted students?
- The average MCAT for accepted students across all MD schools is around 511.9, according to AAMC data.
How many test takers score above 520?
- Only about 2% of MCAT test takers earn very high MCAT scores of 520+, making it a standout achievement.
