Average MCAT Score and Scores for Top Medical Schools

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is a standardized test used by medical schools to evaluate test takers' readiness for graduate school. MCAT scores and GPAs are heavily weighed in the admissions process and judged to be strong indicators of how students will perform in medical school.

This article focuses on the scores of students pursuing a medical degree (M.D.) at medical school. However, osteopathic schools, which grant the doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree, also use MCAT scores for admission. Someone who graduates from either type of institution becomes a physician, but the focuses of each path are different.

Keep reading to learn more about the national average MCAT score, national average MCAT scores broken down by section, and average scores from some of the top medical programs in the country.

Average MCAT Scores

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the average MCAT score is 501.3. Percentile rankings are based on MCAT results from the 2020, 2021, and 2022 testing years combined. The AAMC will use these scores to calculate percentile rankings through April 30, 2024, until the next update on May 1 of the following year.^{Note Reference [1]} MCAT scores range from 472-528.

Between 2016-2017 and 2023-2024, the average MCAT score jumped over 1.5 points, from 499.6 to 501.3. The average appears to be increasing overall, with 2022-2023 holding the record-high score of 501.6.

A new version of the MCAT was released in 2015 to reflect the advancements made in medicine.^[3] The following scores refer to this new version.

MCAT sections have a score range of 118-132 possible points.^[4]

Scores for the chemical and physical foundations of biological systems (CPBS) section appear to be steadily increasing. Eight years ago, the average MCAT score for this section was 125.0, but has since increased to 125.1 in 2023-2024.

The average MCAT score for the critical analysis and reasoning skills (CARS) section is the only average section score to have gone down in the past eight years, going from 124.9 in 2015 to 124.7 in 2023-2024.

The average MCAT score for the biological and biochemical foundations of living systems (BBLS) section has increased by 0.4 points over the past eight years, going from 125.0 in 2015 to 125.4 in 2021-2022.

The average MCAT score for the psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior (PSBB) section has gone up the most. The average jumped from 125.1 in 2015 to 126.1 in 2023-2024, a one-point increase.

Average MCAT Scores and GPAs for Applicants and Matriculants of MD-Granting Medical Schools

The tables below compare the average MCAT scores and GPAs of medical school applicants and medical school enrollees. Comparing the numbers can give you a better sense of where your scores and GPA should be to have the best chance at gaining admission.

• While the average MCAT score of medical school applicants was 506.5, those who ended up enrolling had an average MCAT score of 511.9.
• The average overall GPA of applicants was 3.62, while those who enrolled had an average overall GPA of 3.75.
• The average science GPA of applicants was 3.52, while those who enrolled had an average science GPA of 3.68.
• The average non-science GPA of applicants was 3.76, but the average non-science GPA of those who enrolled was 3.84.

Enrollees' average MCAT score, overall GPA, science GPA, and non-science GPA have all steadily increased in the past five years, with record highs in 2022-2023.

Average MCAT Scores by School

Check out the average MCAT scores by school in the sections below. This report covers selective research schools and schools for primary care. Note that there will be some overlap between the two categories.

Average MCAT Scores of Top Medical Schools for Research

To gain admission to some of the top medical schools in the country for research, you must have an MCAT score well above the 501.3 national average. To get into Harvard Medical School, for example, you must score in the top 2% of test takers to be in the 50th percentile of their accepted students.

Average MCAT Scores of Top Medical Schools for Primary Care

The top medical schools for primary care also have competitive scores, well above the national average. Note that while MCAT scores and GPAs are weighted heavily in the admissions process, many programs value clinical experience and other areas of the application as well.

Average MCAT Scores of Popular Medical Schools

Many of the popular medical schools listed have average MCAT scores and GPAs well above the national average. Keep in mind that the 50th percentile just refers to the middle, and many accepted students have scores and GPAs above and below the figures listed.

Frequently Asked Questions About the MCAT

How long is the MCAT?

The MCAT is roughly seven hours long and is all multiple choice. There is also time for food and drink breaks.

There are 230 questions total, divided into four sections: chemical and physical foundations of biological systems; critical analysis and reasoning skills; biological and biochemical foundations of living systems; and psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior.^[5]

When is the MCAT offered?

The MCAT is only offered during certain months of the year. Test dates include various dates in January, March-June, August, and September.^[6] June and August have the most test dates, with six and five dates, respectively.^{Note Reference [6]}

According to the AAMC:^{Note Reference [6]}

• There is a 60-day, 30-day, and 10-day deadline to sign up, reschedule, or cancel a reservation for the MCAT. The 10-day deadline is the absolute latest.
• Scores are released about a month after the test date. For example, if you take the test June 16, 2023, you will get your score back around July 18, 2023.
• All tests begin at 8:00 a.m. and scores are released by 5:00 p.m. ET on the scheduled release date.

How long does it take to study for the MCAT?

You should first take a practice test to gauge your starting point, but in general, you can expect to study for the MCAT for around 300 hours.

One way to prepare is to take an MCAT prep course. The AAMC also provides a list of prep sources, including a free study plan, sample tests, and study tools.^{Note Reference [5]} It also includes official low-cost products, such as the AAMC MCAT Official Prep Complete Bundle or AAMC MCAT Official Practice Exams.^{Note Reference [5]}