MCAT Score Range, Grading & Percentiles Guide (2026 Update)

The Complete Guide to MCAT Scores & Grading

Everything you need to know about the MCAT score range, percentiles, and what makes a competitive score.

Understanding the MCAT Score Range and Grading

If you are preparing for medical school, understanding your MCAT score is just as important as the material you study. The scoring of the MCAT can seem complex at first glance, but it is designed to accurately evaluate your readiness for medical education.

How MCAT Grading Works

The total MCAT score range spans from a 472 to a 528. This total is calculated by combining your MCAT marks from four distinct multiple-choice sections. Each of these four sections is graded on a scaled score ranging from 118 to 132:

  • 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 (CARS)

The AAMC uses a scaling system to account for slight variations in difficulty between different test dates, ensuring that a specific score means the exact same thing regardless of when you tested.

MCAT Score Percentiles Chart

Because medical school admissions are highly competitive, your MCAT score range percentile is often more important than your raw score. Your percentile indicates the percentage of test-takers you scored higher than. Use our interactive table below to find the exact percentile and competitiveness of any score.

Score (472-528) Percentile Rarity Competitive Tier
528Perfect Score100%1 in 10,000+Top Tier Elite
525100%1 in 2,500Top Tier Elite
52299%1 in 100Top Tier Elite
520Elite Benchmark97%1 in 33Highly Competitive
51895%1 in 20Highly Competitive
51590%1 in 10Highly Competitive
511Avg. MD Matriculant80%1 in 5Competitive MD
50873%1 in 3.7Strong DO / Good MD
50561%1 in 2.5Competitive DO
501Average Test Taker50%1 in 2Average
49528%1 in 1.4Low
4854%Bottom 5%Bottom
472<1%BottomBottom

MCAT Score FAQ

MCAT what is a good score?

Determining a good MCAT score depends entirely on your target medical school. For allopathic (MD) programs, a great MCAT score is typically anything above a 511, which represents the average score of accepted students. For osteopathic (DO) programs, a good MCAT score and solid benchmark for competitiveness usually begins around 505.

What is the highest MCAT score?

The highest MCAT score possible is a 528. This represents a flawless 132 on all four sections of the exam. Earning this high score for MCAT places a test-taker in the 100th percentile. While an absolute perfect score is incredibly rare, scoring anywhere between 524 and 528 is widely considered achieving the best MCAT score possible for admission into elite, top-tier medical programs.

What is the average MCAT score?

The average MCAT score for all individuals who take the exam is roughly 501.5. However, the average score for students who actually matriculate (get accepted and enroll) into MD medical schools is significantly higher, currently sitting around 511.9.

When are the MCAT dates and score release?

MCAT score release dates are set by the AAMC well in advance. Tests are administered between January and September. MCAT dates and score release timelines are very consistent: official scores are published to the AAMC portal approximately 30 to 35 days after your test date.

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