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What do you need to score on the MCAT
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Mary Jane’s Answer
The average score for all examinees in the nation is 500. For applicants who were admitted last year, the average was 511.5. It's important to remember that people who get into medical school score both above and below the average. Medical schools review applicants holistically, which means that they look at everything from grades and test scores to activities, employment, healthcare experience, family and high school background, challenges overcome, empathy and service orientation, leadership, and communication. For students with lower GPAs, they might like to see slightly higher test scores (the reverse is also true). If the rest of the application is strong and the applicant does a good job communicating their passion for medicine and what they learned from their experiences, a score of 504-506 is still competitive. A score below 500 is going to be challenging to overcome without additional study and retaking the test because schools will have concerns about whether the applicant has the academic skills to pass the first- and second-year medical school courses.
Many students get really anxious about the MCAT, but remember you will be "studying" for several years as you complete your science prerequisites. Save your notes and textbooks for the courses that the MCAT tests so you will have your own study materials when you are ready to take the exam. There is also a lot of free information on the AAMC MCAT site to help you prepare for the exam.
Read about holistic review: https://students-residents.aamc.org/choosing-medical-career/holistic-review-medical-school-admissions
Many students get really anxious about the MCAT, but remember you will be "studying" for several years as you complete your science prerequisites. Save your notes and textbooks for the courses that the MCAT tests so you will have your own study materials when you are ready to take the exam. There is also a lot of free information on the AAMC MCAT site to help you prepare for the exam.
Mary Jane recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Yasemin’s Answer
Hi Raeshell! In addition to other answers provided here, remember to take a good amount of practice exams, usually 7 practice exams is helpful. With practice exams you see how you will do overall on the actual MCAT as well as get good practice and build stamina. I think taking practice exams really helps you in increasing your score, it helps build confidence and makes you more comfortable. Also remember the MCAT is just one part of the application, of course MCAT and GPA matter significantly but in my own personal research online I have also read where students obtain strong MCAT scores but still have to reapply to medical school. This most likely stems from the lack of extracurriculars therefore make sure to shadow, research, and volunteer both clinically and nonclinically. It is important to be an overall strong applicant and show dedication and commitment for this rewarding field!
Hope this helps!
I wish you the best!
Hope this helps!
I wish you the best!
Updated
Nathan’s Answer
Hi Raeshell,
Great answers above.
My response is super cliché, but I'll start with saying the MCAT is just one portion of the admission profile.
My wife is currently in a top medical school after scoring below average, but had great shadowing, work, and other clinical experience. She worked hard to showcase her story and demonstrate her commitment. She is a daughter of immigrants and grew up in a low-income, underserved area, but leveraged those experiences to improve as a candidate.
As for an exact score, here is a rough point of reference:
506 or above with solid experience, letters of recommendation, etc. will put you in great standing, but even if you score below that threshold you still have a chance.
Also, don't be afraid to take a few gap years. This can help build your personal story, allow you to gain additional experience, solidify your commitment, and more importantly, allow you to grow.
I know a current student that took two gap years to conduct research and also worked as a fish monger for a summer. The extra experience and unique personal story helped strengthen this student's candidacy.
Hope this helps!
Great answers above.
My response is super cliché, but I'll start with saying the MCAT is just one portion of the admission profile.
My wife is currently in a top medical school after scoring below average, but had great shadowing, work, and other clinical experience. She worked hard to showcase her story and demonstrate her commitment. She is a daughter of immigrants and grew up in a low-income, underserved area, but leveraged those experiences to improve as a candidate.
As for an exact score, here is a rough point of reference:
506 or above with solid experience, letters of recommendation, etc. will put you in great standing, but even if you score below that threshold you still have a chance.
Also, don't be afraid to take a few gap years. This can help build your personal story, allow you to gain additional experience, solidify your commitment, and more importantly, allow you to grow.
I know a current student that took two gap years to conduct research and also worked as a fish monger for a summer. The extra experience and unique personal story helped strengthen this student's candidacy.
Hope this helps!
Updated
Cameron’s Answer
There is no MCAT score that you "need" to get! Although each school will report a mean or median MCAT score for accepted and/or matriculated students, my recommendation is to study hard and try your absolute best. Remember, medical schools look at other components of your application as well, such as your GPA, personal statement, volunteer/research/work experiences, letters of recommendation, and overall maturity/growth.
Updated
Pleshette’s Answer
To get an excellent MCAT score means to score in the 90th percentile, which is a score of 514-517. Anything above the score of 517 is considered as outstanding. ... For example, applicants with a GPA greater than 3.79 have only a 2.5% chance of acceptance if their MCAT is lower than 486