MCAT Score Percentiles 2026: What Score Do You Need for Med School?
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is one of the most important factors in medical school admissions. Understanding how your score translates to a percentile—and what that means for your target schools—is crucial for setting realistic goals.
Unlike many tests, MCAT scores are valid for 2-3 years (depending on the school), and medical schools typically consider your most recent score most heavily.
MCAT Score Structure
The MCAT consists of four sections, each scored from 118-132:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys)
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/Biochem)
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc)
Total Score Range: 472-528 (average of 500)
Total MCAT Score Percentiles (2026)
Percentile ranks below are the AAMC figures in effect May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2027, based on a combined sample of test-takers from the 2023–2025 testing years.
| Score | Percentile | Medical School Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|
| 528 | 100% | Perfect score - extremely rare |
| 524 | 100% | Elite - competitive for any program |
| 521 | 98% | Exceptional - strong for top 10 schools |
| 518 | 95% | Excellent - competitive for top 20 |
| 515 | 91% | Very strong - above most school medians |
| 512 | 84% | Good - competitive for most MD programs |
| 509 | 77% | Above average - solid for many programs |
| 506 | 68% | Above average - at the threshold for MD |
| 503 | 58% | DO matriculant median - challenging for MD |
| 500 | 49% | Median - primarily DO competitive |
| 497 | 39% | Below average - limited MD options |
| 494 | 31% | Low - primarily DO or Caribbean |
Many medical school admissions counselors view 510 (around the 79th percentile) as an informal threshold. Scoring below 510 can trigger a “screen out” at competitive programs, regardless of other application strengths.
Section Score Percentiles
Each section is scored 118-132, with 125 being the median:
| Section Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 132 | 99.9% |
| 131 | 99% |
| 130 | 97% |
| 129 | 93% |
| 128 | 85% |
| 127 | 75% |
| 126 | 63% |
| 125 | 50% (median) |
| 124 | 37% |
| 123 | 24% |
| 122 | 13% |
A single section score of 123 or below (24th percentile) is often a “red flag” for admissions committees, even if your total score is acceptable. Some schools explicitly screen out applicants with any section below 125.
What Score Do You Need for Medical School?
Top 10 MD Programs (Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, etc.)
- Target Score: 521+ (99th percentile)
- Median Range: 520-523
- Reality Check: These schools have median MCAT scores of 521+. A sub-517 score requires exceptional research, clinical experience, or underrepresented status.
Top 25 MD Programs
- Target Score: 515-520 (91st-98th percentile)
- Median Range: 515-519
- Reality Check: Highly competitive, but more room for holistic evaluation.
Average MD Programs (Rank 25-75)
- Target Score: 510-515 (79th-91st percentile)
- Median Range: 510-514
- Reality Check: Most state MD schools fall in this range.
Lower-Tier MD and DO Programs
- Target Score: 504-510 (56th-79th percentile)
- Median Range: 505-509
- Reality Check: Many DO schools have medians around 505-508. These are excellent programs with strong match rates.
MCAT Percentiles by Applicant Pool
Keep in mind that the overall MCAT percentiles include all test-takers, but you’re competing against applicants, not all test-takers.
Actual Matriculant Data (AAMC):
- MD Matriculant Median/Average: ~511 (about the 82nd percentile overall)
- DO Matriculant Median: ~503 (the 58th percentile overall)
- MD Applicant Average (all applicants): ~506
This means if you score at the “average” of 500 (around the 49th percentile), you’re well below the typical admitted MD student.
Score Improvement Potential
Based on data from AAMC and prep companies:
| Starting Score | Typical Improvement | Maximum Realistic |
|---|---|---|
| 490-499 | +10-15 points | +20 points |
| 500-509 | +8-12 points | +15 points |
| 510-515 | +5-8 points | +10 points |
| 516+ | +2-5 points | +8 points |
Study Time Required:
- 300-350 hours: Typical for a 10+ point improvement
- 400-500 hours: Common for top scores (520+)
- 3-6 months: Typical study period for most successful students
Should You Retake the MCAT?
Consider retaking if:
- Your score is below your target school’s 10th percentile
- You have a section score below 125
- Your test-day performance was significantly below your practice tests
- You know exactly what went wrong and have a plan to fix it
Retake Considerations:
- Most schools look at all scores, though they weight the most recent most heavily
- Score decreases on retakes can look worse than the original score
- Improvement of 5+ points requires significant additional preparation
CARS: The Canadian Obstacle
If you’re applying to Canadian medical schools, pay special attention to CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills):
- Many Canadian schools heavily weight CARS or have cutoffs (e.g., 127-128 minimum)
- CARS is notoriously difficult to improve quickly
- International applicants often struggle with culturally-specific passages
Best MCAT Prep Resources
- Blueprint MCAT - Best overall for visual learners
- Kaplan MCAT - Best for comprehensive content review
- UWorld MCAT - Best question bank with detailed explanations
Key Takeaways
- 510+ (79th percentile) is the threshold for competitive MD applications
- 515+ (91st percentile) opens doors to most top 25 programs
- 520+ (97th percentile) makes you competitive for top 10 schools
- Avoid any section score below 125 (50th percentile)
- Most students can improve 10-12 points with dedicated 3-4 month preparation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good MCAT score for medical school?
A good MCAT score depends on your target schools. For competitive MD programs, aim for 512+ (83rd+ percentile). For top 25 MD programs, target 515+ (91st+ percentile). For DO programs, 505+ (59th+ percentile) is typically competitive. Always check specific school data on MSAR.
What is the average MCAT score?
The average MCAT score is about 500, which represents roughly the 50th percentile. However, the median score for students who actually matriculate to MD programs is around 511, and for DO programs it's about 503. The average across all MD applicants is around 506.
What MCAT score do I need for Harvard Medical School?
Harvard Medical School's median MCAT score is typically 521 (99th percentile). While there's no official minimum, competitive applicants generally score 518 or higher. The accepted class typically ranges from about 515 to 528.
Is a 510 MCAT score good enough?
A 510 MCAT score (79th percentile) is competitive for many MD programs, especially state schools, and is well above average for DO programs. It may be limiting for top 20 research-heavy institutions, but with a strong overall application, it opens many doors.
How many times can I take the MCAT?
You can take the MCAT up to 3 times per year, 4 times over a consecutive two-year period, and 7 times total. Most schools consider all scores, so repeated attempts should be strategic and show improvement.
How long do MCAT scores last?
MCAT scores are valid for 2-3 years depending on the medical school. Most schools accept scores from within the past 3 years, but some top schools only accept 2-year-old scores. Check individual school requirements.
What's a good section score on the MCAT?
A good section score is 127+ (75th+ percentile) on each section. Aim for balanced scores, as a single section below 125 can be a red flag. For top schools, target 129+ (93rd+ percentile) across all sections.
How long should I study for the MCAT?
Most successful students study 3-6 months for the MCAT, dedicating 300-500 total hours. Full-time students often study 15-25 hours per week over 4-6 months, while those studying full-time in the summer may complete their preparation in 2-3 months.