The Average MCAT Score —
And What You Actually Need
The overall average MCAT score is about 501–502 — but students who get into MD programs average about 511.9. Here's what that means for you, and how to find out where you stand.
All figures approximate, based on AAMC published data.
Average MCAT Scores by Pathway
The "average" depends on who you count. Everyone who takes the test scores lower, on average, than the students who actually get into medical school.
How the scale works
- • Each of the four sections is scored from 118 to 132, averaging about 125.
- • The four section scores add to a total from 472 to 528, with 500 as the exact midpoint.
- • The overall mean total across all test takers is about 501–502 (roughly the 50th percentile).
- • Med-school averages are higher because admitted students score above the overall mean.
All figures approximate, based on AAMC published data.
Average MCAT and GPA Together
Medical schools admit on bothyour MCAT and your GPA — one rarely carries an application alone. Here's how the two averages line up across pathways.
| Group | Avg MCAT | Avg GPA |
|---|---|---|
| MD matriculants (admitted & enrolled) | ~511.9 | ~3.77 |
| MD applicants (admitted or not) | ~506 | ~3.65 |
| DO matriculants (admitted & enrolled) | ~504 | ~3.60 |
A strong GPA can partly offset a lower MCAT — and vice versa — but the most competitive applicants are at or above both averages. Aim to be near ~511.9 / ~3.77 for MD or ~504 / ~3.60 for DO.
All figures approximate, based on AAMC published data.
Average MCAT Score by Section
The MCAT has four sections, each scored from 118 to 132. Each section averages roughly 125 — the four combine to the 472–528 total, with 500 as the exact midpoint.
Because each section averages about 125, a "balanced" total sits near the 500 midpoint, and the overall test-taker mean lands around 501–502. CARS is the section where scores most often dip below 125, so a strong CARS performance can lift your total above the average.
All figures approximate, based on AAMC published data.
Average MCAT for Competitive & Top Schools
The matriculant average is the national picture — but at the most selective programs, the "average" admitted student scores meaningfully higher.
If your list includes top-20 MD programs, treat 518–521as the neighborhood you're competing in — not the ~511.9 national average. "Average for a competitive applicant" is a moving target that depends heavily on the schools you apply to.
All figures approximate, based on AAMC published data.
How Much Above Average Do You Need?
The short answer: hitting the matriculant average makes you competitive. Falling below it means the rest of your application has to work harder.
At the matriculant average (~512)
Being at or near ~512 makes you competitive on the MCAT side for MD programs. You meet the benchmark admitted students hit, so admissions can focus on the rest of your file.
Below the average
You lean more on a strong GPA, clinical and research hours, meaningful experiences, and smart school selection — including DO programs and MD-friendly schools whose matriculant averages sit closer to your score.
A focused retake can add points
A deliberate, targeted retake — fixing your weakest sections and pacing — can raise your total by several points and move you from below-average to competitive. Start with a scored full-length to find where the points are.
Guidance is approximate, based on AAMC published data. Your MCAT is one part of a broader application.
What Score Do You Need?
Averages tell you the landscape. Here's a rough guide to what different score bands mean for your medical-school chances.
Competitive for most MD programs
Well above the MD matriculant average (~511.9) and around the 92nd percentile or higher. Opens doors at a wide range of allopathic schools.
At or above the MD matriculant average
Meets the ~511.9 benchmark for students admitted to MD programs. A strong, competitive score for many allopathic and virtually all DO programs.
Many DO and some MD programs
Above the DO matriculant average (~504–505) and around the MD applicant average (~506). Competitive for osteopathic schools and some allopathic programs.
Near the overall average
Around the overall test-taker mean (~501–502) and the DO matriculant range. Workable for some DO programs, or a solid base to build on before a retake.
Bands are approximate, based on AAMC published data. Your MCAT is one part of a broader application.
See Where You Stand vs. the Average
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Average MCAT Score — FAQ
What is the average MCAT score?+
The mean total MCAT score across all test takers is about 501–502, which sits at roughly the 50th percentile. Each of the four sections averages about 125 on the 118–132 scale, and the total scale runs from 472 to 528 with 500 as the exact midpoint. (Approximate, based on AAMC published data.)
What's the average MCAT score for MD programs?+
The average total score among students who actually matriculate into MD (allopathic) medical programs is about 511.9 — well above the overall test-taker mean because admitted students score higher than average. The average among all MD applicants (not just those admitted) is about 506. (Approximate, based on AAMC published data.)
What's the average MCAT score for DO programs?+
The average total score among students who matriculate into DO (osteopathic) medical programs is about 504–505. That's lower than the MD matriculant average of ~511.9 but still above the overall test-taker mean of ~501–502. (Approximate, based on AAMC published data.)
Is 500 a good MCAT score?+
A 500 is right at the midpoint of the 472–528 scale and near the overall test-taker average of ~501–502 (about the 46th–50th percentile). It's below the average for both MD (~511.9) and DO (~504–505) matriculants, so while it's an average score overall, most competitive applicants aim higher. A 500 can still be workable for some DO programs or as a starting point before a focused retake.
What MCAT score do I need for medical school?+
It depends on the program. As a rough guide: 515+ is competitive for most MD programs, 511+ puts you at or above the MD matriculant average (~511.9), 505–510 is competitive for many DO and some MD programs, and 500–504 sits near the overall average and is more common for DO admissions. Your MCAT is only one part of the application — GPA, experiences, and essays matter too. (Approximate, based on AAMC published data.)
What's the difference between the applicant average and the matriculant average?+
The applicant average (~506 for MD) includes everyone who applied, regardless of whether they got in. The matriculant average (~511.9 for MD) counts only students who were admitted and enrolled. The matriculant number is higher because admitted students, on average, score above the full applicant pool — so it's the more useful benchmark for the score you'll actually need. (Approximate, based on AAMC published data.)
How do I raise my MCAT score above average?+
Start with a full-length, scored practice test to see exactly where you stand and which topics cost you the most points. Then study deliberately — targeted review of your weakest sections, timed practice to fix pacing, and reviewing every missed question until you understand the reasoning. On DoctorMCAT you can take a free full-length test, get a topic-by-topic breakdown, and drill the exact areas holding your score down.
What is the average MCAT score for MD programs?+
For MD (allopathic) programs, the average total score among matriculants — students who were admitted and enrolled — is about 511.9. That's well above the overall test-taker mean of ~501–502 because admitted students score higher than the general pool. (Approximate, based on AAMC published data.)
What is the average MCAT score for DO programs?+
For DO (osteopathic) programs, the average total score among matriculants is about 504. That's lower than the MD matriculant average of ~511.9 but still above the overall test-taker mean of ~501–502. (Approximate, based on AAMC published data.)
What is the average MCAT and GPA for medical school?+
Medical schools admit on MCAT and GPA together. MD matriculants average about 511.9 on the MCAT and about 3.77 GPA. DO matriculants average about 504 MCAT and about 3.60 GPA. MD applicants (admitted or not) average about 506 MCAT and about 3.65 GPA. Being strong on one metric can partly offset the other. (Approximate, based on AAMC published data.)
Is a 505, 508, or 510 a good MCAT score?+
A 505 is competitive for many DO and some MD programs — it's around the MD applicant average (~506) and above the DO matriculant average (~504). A 508 is a solid, near-competitive score that approaches the MD range. A 510 is right up against the MD matriculant average (~511.9), making it competitive for a wide range of allopathic schools. All three are above the overall test-taker mean of ~501–502. (Approximate, based on AAMC published data.)
What is the average first-time MCAT score?+
The overall mean total score across test takers is about 501–502, which sits at roughly the 50th percentile — near the exact 500 midpoint of the 472–528 scale. First-time test-taker averages are close to this overall mean. (Approximate, based on AAMC published data.)
How much higher than average do I need to score?+
Reaching the MD matriculant average of about 512 makes you competitive on the MCAT side of your application. Scoring at or above ~512 puts you in line with admitted students; below it, you lean more on GPA, clinical and research hours, and smart school selection (DO and MD-friendly programs). The rest of your application always matters — the MCAT is one part of the picture. (Approximate, based on AAMC published data.)
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