MCAT Score Range & Percentiles – 2023

With the end of spring semester (and finals) quickly approaching, you may already be thinking about your next hurdle: studying for the Medical College Admission Test, more commonly known as the MCAT. This standardized, multiple-choice assessment is required by nearly all U.S. medical schools in order to apply. Specifically, it includes four sections that test the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills you’ll need to have as a future medical student. But before you start making an intensive, all-day study schedule to achieve the perfect score, it’s important to break down how exactly you’re going to be assessed through the MCAT score range and MCAT score percentiles.

Remember, if you’re in an undergraduate pre-med program, a BS/MD program or an early assurance medical program, you’re already inherently prepared knowledge-wise! The key is knowing the format of the exam before you take the real one. Most importantly, you must understand what the MCAT score range is and how it translates to MCAT score percentiles.

MCAT Total Score Percentiles

If you’ve already cracked open an MCAT practice test book, pay attention to what year it was published. Here’s a little history lesson for you: the scoring system (both MCAT score range and MCAT percentiles) was completely revamped in 2015! Previously, there were three multiple-choice sections, each with a possible raw score of 1-15. In addition, there was a fourth section dedicated to a writing sample, but a committee formed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which administers the MCAT, found the writing section to have a low value in medical school admissions.

Now, there are four multiple sections (no writing section required) with a total of 230 questions, and each section has a possible scaled score of 118-132. Logically, the total MCAT score range is 472-528. In the 2022-23 testing cycle, the average total score was 506.5. Your scaled score is then converted into a percentile rank, which theoretically ranges from less than one percent to 100 percent. You’ll notice that multiple scores sit on the extreme ends of the MCAT score percentiles – these really act as placeholders to understand the placement of your score amid the marker percentiles (e.g., 25th, 50th and 75th).

What is a “Good” MCAT Percentile?

This truly depends on where you’re applying to medical school. If you do your research, you’ll realize most programs (especially the top ones) don’t have a minimum MCAT score requirement. However, the average score typically falls around the 80th percentile, which equates to a scaled score around 511. It is important to note that MCAT score percentiles can change slightly from year to year, so the 80th percentile may be a different score in years past if you’re looking at historical trends. For more information on the MCAT score range, check out this extensive list of average MCAT scores and GPAs at top U.S. medical schools.

MCAT Section Score Percentiles

Now that you understand the overall MCAT score range, we can look at each of the four sections you’ll be tested on and how they compare with respect to scaled score and percentile. Overall, the exam contains 230 multiple-choice questions across four parts. Sections one, three and four have 59 questions each, while section two is just 53 questions. Wrong answers aren’t penalized, so the final score of each section is just the number of correct answers added up (which is then scaled to a score between 118 and 132).

Every section tests a different set of skills and knowledge, from straightforward biology to critical reading comprehension. It is designed to cover a wide range of topics that you need to know heading into medical school after you graduate. Since the scoring system was redesigned in 2015, the MCAT’s questions and passages are more relevant to what you’ve studied in school kas well as in preparation for the exam.

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

First, this section is 59 passage-based and discrete questions that you’ll have 95 minutes to answer. In the 2022-23 testing cycle, the average MCAT score for this section was 125.2, which translates to an MCAT percentile of 52. In particular, this section tests your retention of human body functions, including the mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions of tissues, organs, and organ systems. It covers introductory-level biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry and physics concepts.

MCAT Score Range (Continued)

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

Second, this section is 53 passage-based questions that you’ll have 90 minutes to answer. In the 2022-23 testing cycle, the average MCAT score for this section was 124.8, which is almost the 60th MCAT percentile. This section tests your comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills by presenting passages from a diverse range of topics including ethics, philosophy, studies of diverse cultures, population health, social sciences, and humanities disciplines. All of the information needed to answer the questions can be found in the passages and the questions themselves.

 Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

Third, this section is 59 passage-based and discrete questions that you’ll have 95 minutes to answer. In the 2022-23 testing cycle, the average MCAT score for this section was 125.5, which is between the 48th and 60th MCAT percentiles. Specifically, this section tests your knowledge of processes unique to living organisms, like growing and reproducing, maintaining a constant internal environment, acquiring materials and energy, sensing and responding to environmental changes, and adapting. It covers introductory-level biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as basic research methods and statistical concepts.

MCAT Score Range (Continued)

Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

Finally, this section is 59 passage-based and discrete questions that you’ll have 95 minutes to answer. In the 2022-23 testing cycle, the average MCAT score for this section was 126.1, which is the 52nd MCAT percentile. This section tests your understanding of the psychological, social, and biological factors that influence perceptions of and reactions to the world; behavior and behavior change; what people think about themselves and others; the cultural and social differences that impact well-being; and other topics. It covers psychology, sociology, and biology concepts, as well as basic research methods and statistical concepts.

Why are MCAT Score Percentiles Useful?

As you’re preparing for the exam over several months, referencing the MCAT score range for both total and section scores can help you uncover your weaknesses and track progress. If you’re consistently scoring below the 50th percentile for Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems but above the 75th percentile for the other three, then you know it’s time to devote extra time to reviewing your human biology functions facts.

It can also help you compare your progress nationally. Rather than just knowing your score, you can see how your MCAT test score compares to others who are applying to the same medical schools. However, make sure to use it as a positive motivation; negative comparison can distract you from focusing on your exam preparation – your primary goal!

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