When Should I Take the MCAT?
You will need to complete all your science prerequisites prior to taking the exam. Our most successful students have the MCAT completed before they start writing their application materials in earnest, so aim for January before you intend to apply, at the latest.
Should I Take the MCAT Just for Practice or re-take the MCAT?
No. Your score, high or low, will be recorded and visible to medical school admissions committees. There is no problem with taking the test just once, but you should only retake the test if you feel that you have time to study and you can show real improvement. Practice tests are available to help prepare you and predict your score. Your Prehealth Advisor can help you decide if you should retake the MCAT based on your score and current circumstances.
What is a “good” MCAT score?
The MCAT is scored on a scale of 472-528. The average score of students who are going to medical school is around the 83rd percentile, or 512. However, the MCAT is only one aspect of the application. Each medical school publishes their average metrics for MCAT and GPA and can be helpful in deciding how competitive you are. This information, Medical School Admission Requirements™ (MSAR®) for Applicants | Students & Residents is available at a cost from the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) but may also be found on particular school’s websites.
What if I Did Not Do Well on the MCAT?
You should review your prior preparation for the test with your Prehealth advisor and be very honest with yourself and with them about what you did or did not do well (sleep, allowing time for study, review courses, taking practice tests, etc). They will help advise you how to better prepare and how you can change your approach prior to retaking the exam. Admissions committees understand that things can go wrong and are looking for improvement.
How Important is the MCAT?
The MCAT is one aspect of the student’s portfolio, but it is a major component. Along with the GPA, it is used as a screening tool by medical schools for offering interviews. When applying to a school, the student should be realistic with their competitiveness based on their MCAT and the school’s published metrics.