What Is a Good MCAT Score? Scores & Retakes Explained

Understand how MCAT scores and percentiles work, what different scores may mean for medical school applications, and when retaking the MCAT could be worth considering.

If you are preparing for the MCAT, one of the first questions you may ask is:

What is a good MCAT score?

There is no single score that is considered “good” for every medical school.

A score can look strong when compared with the overall MCAT testing population but still be below the typical range for a particularly competitive programme. Conversely, a score that is below the average at one school may still satisfy the requirements of another.

The most useful way to interpret an MCAT score is therefore to consider three things together:

• your total score and section scores;
• your percentile rank; and
• the recent admissions profile and requirements of your target medical schools.

For Singapore students, this could mean comparing your score with programmes such as Duke-NUS Medical School, as well as any graduate-entry Medicine programmes overseas that accept the MCAT.

How Is the MCAT Scored?

You receive five scores after taking the MCAT:

• one score for each of the four sections; and
• one total score.

Each section is scored from 118 to 132, with a midpoint of 125.

The four section scores are then added together to produce a total score between: 472 and 528

with a midpoint of: 500.

For example, section scores of:

• 128
• 127
• 129
• 128

would produce a total MCAT score of 512.

Is the MCAT Scored on a Curve?

No.

The MCAT is not graded on a curve based on the other students taking the exam on the same day.

Instead, the AAMC uses a process called scaling and equating.

Your raw score is based on how many questions you answer correctly. That raw score is then converted into the 118–132 scale for each section.

Equating accounts for small differences in difficulty between different versions of the exam so that the same scaled score is intended to have the same meaning regardless of when you take the test.

There is also no penalty for guessing, so an incorrect answer is treated in the same way as an unanswered question.

What Does an MCAT Percentile Mean?

Your percentile shows how your performance compares with other MCAT examinees.

If your score is in the 90th percentile, for example, this means your score was equal to or higher than approximately 90% of the scores in the comparison group.

Percentiles are not permanent.

The AAMC updates them every 1 May using results from the most recent three testing years.

The current percentiles, effective from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2027, are based on candidates who tested in 2023, 2024 and 2025. These are also the percentile ranks being used for 2027 applicants.

Some useful reference points are:

These figures are useful for understanding your relative performance, but percentile alone does not determine whether a score is competitive for a particular medical school.

So, What Is a Good MCAT Score?

A useful starting point is to separate three different questions:

Is this a strong score compared with other MCAT candidates?

Does this score meet my university's minimum requirement?

Is this score competitive among applicants who are actually admitted?

These are not the same thing.

Around 500

A score of 500 currently sits around the 48th percentile, so it is close to the middle of the overall MCAT testing population.

That does not automatically make it a poor score.

However, it may be below the typical range among successful applicants to highly competitive medical programmes.

This is why comparing yourself only with all MCAT test takers can be misleading.

Around 510

A score of 510 currently falls around the 79th percentile.

This is clearly above the majority of MCAT test takers.

However, for context, the AAMC reported that the mean MCAT score among students matriculating to U.S. MD programmes in 2025 was 512.1, while the mean among all applicants was 506.3.

That does not mean you need 512.1 to enter a U.S. medical school.

It simply shows that the applicant population and the matriculating population are different reference groups.

Around 514–515

A score of 514 currently corresponds to approximately the 89th percentile, while 515 is around the 91st percentile.

These scores are therefore around the top 10% of recent MCAT results.

For Singapore applicants, there is also a useful Duke-NUS reference point.

For the 2026 entering class, Duke-NUS reports an:

Average MCAT score of 514

among its matriculating students.

However, Duke-NUS explicitly states that this figure is provided for reference and that it accepts a range of scores while reviewing applicants holistically.

A 514 is therefore not a Duke-NUS cutoff, and a 515 does not guarantee admission.

Around 520

A score of 520 currently falls around the 97th percentile.

This is an exceptionally strong result compared with the overall testing population.

However, even a 520 should not be interpreted as an admission guarantee.

Medical schools evaluate more than one number.

Depending on the programme, admissions committees may also consider:

• undergraduate academic performance;
• relevant experience;
• research;
• service and leadership;
• personal statements;
• recommendations; and
• interviews.

AAMC guidance similarly emphasises that there is no single “magic number” determining medical school admission.

Minimum MCAT Score vs Competitive MCAT Score

One of the most important distinctions when researching medical schools is the difference between a minimum requirement and the scores actually seen among successful candidates.

These figures should never be treated as interchangeable.

Consider the University of Queensland Doctor of Medicine.

For its current graduate-entry requirements, international applicants using the MCAT need a minimum overall score of: 504

However, UQ also publishes recent data for its international MD cohort from the 2023–2025 intakes.

Among those students, the:

• average MCAT score was 509.21;
• reported range was 504–522.

This is a useful example of how to interpret university data.

A score of 504 may satisfy the published MCAT requirement, but it does not mean that 504 automatically makes an applicant competitive or guarantees an interview.

UQ itself states that meeting the minimum entry requirements does not guarantee admission.

The same principle should be applied whenever you research a medical school.

Ask whether a number represents:

• a minimum eligibility requirement;
• an average;
• a median;
• an admitted-student range; or
• an actual selection cutoff.

What Is a Good MCAT Score for Duke-NUS?

Duke-NUS is particularly relevant for Singapore students because the school accepts the MCAT or GAMSAT as part of its graduate-entry Medicine admissions process.

For the 2026 entering MD class, Duke-NUS reports:

• 78 matriculating students
• average GPA of 3.71
• average MCAT score of 514.

It is tempting to interpret 514 as the score you “need”.

That would be misleading.

Duke-NUS specifically explains that the GPA and MCAT figures are provided for reference and that it accepts a range of scores while reviewing applicants holistically.

A more appropriate way to use the figure is:

A 514 gives you an idea of the recent class average, but your own target should depend on the rest of your academic profile and application.

For example, an applicant whose academic record is already particularly strong may approach score targeting differently from someone hoping for the MCAT to strengthen a weaker academic component.

This is why setting a target score is more useful than searching for one universal definition of a “good MCAT score”.

Does Your Section Score Matter?

Yes.

Your total MCAT score is important, but you should not ignore the four section scores that produce it.

Each section is scored from 118 to 132, with 125 as the midpoint.

Two students can therefore achieve the same total score with very different profiles.

For example:

Student A

• 128
• 128
• 128
• 128

Total: 512

Student B

• 132
• 122
• 129
• 129

Total: 512

Both students have the same total, but the second profile is much less balanced.

Whether that matters will depend on the programme.

Some schools focus mainly on total score, while others may also consider individual sections or apply their own minimum section requirements.

You should therefore check both the overall MCAT requirement and any section-level policies for every medical school on your shortlist.

What Is an MCAT Confidence Band?

Your score report provides more than just your scaled score and percentile.

It also includes a confidence band.

The purpose of the confidence band is to reflect the fact that exam scores are measurements and should not be treated as perfectly precise.

AAMC guidance specifically encourages admissions users not to overemphasise very small differences between scores.

This is useful when deciding whether a retake is worthwhile.

If you received a 511 but wanted a 512, for example, the difference of one point may be much less meaningful than it first appears.

A retake should therefore be based on a realistic expectation of meaningful improvement, not simply a desire to increase the number by one point.

Should You Retake the MCAT?

A lower-than-expected MCAT score does not automatically mean you should register for another sitting.

Before retaking, ask:

1. How does my current score compare with my target schools?
2. What caused my current score?
3. Do my recent practice tests suggest I can improve meaningfully?
4. Will I have enough time to prepare differently before the next attempt?
5. How will my target schools evaluate multiple MCAT scores?

A retake makes more sense when you can identify a clear reason why the next result could be different.

For example, perhaps:

• you sat the first exam before completing enough content review;
• one particular section was substantially weaker than expected;
• illness or another major issue affected your preparation;
• your recent full-length practice performance is consistently above your actual score; or
• your current result is materially below the range of your target programmes.

By contrast, simply repeating the exam with the same preparation strategy may not produce the improvement you expect.

How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT?

The AAMC currently limits MCAT attempts to:

• 3 times in one testing year
• 4 times across two consecutive testing years
• 7 times in your lifetime.

You can also hold only one MCAT appointment at a time.

An important detail is that voided exams and no-shows can still count toward your attempt limits.

This is another reason not to treat a retake casually.

Do Medical Schools See Your Previous MCAT Scores?

For applications through the AAMC system, medical schools can see your MCAT testing history.

The AAMC follows a full-disclosure policy for MCAT tests taken from April 2003 onwards, and schools may evaluate multiple scores according to their own policies.

AAMC guidance also notes that medical schools may approach repeated scores differently.

A programme might:

• consider the most recent score;
• consider the highest score;
• look at the entire testing history; or
• use another internal approach.

You should therefore check the policy of the schools you intend to apply to rather than assuming that a higher second score simply replaces your first result.

How Much Do MCAT Scores Usually Change on a Retake?

Score improvement is possible, but it is not guaranteed.

AAMC retesting data indicate that candidates who take the MCAT for a second time generally achieve a median improvement of approximately one to three points, depending on their initial score. However, individual outcomes vary considerably, and some candidates experience a decrease rather than an increase in their scores.

This highlights why retaking the examination should involve a clear preparation strategy and realistic expectations of improvement.

If your first score was 502 and your recent practice scores are consistently around 512, there may be a clear case for another attempt.

If you scored 515 and your practice performance remains around 514–516, retaking simply because you hoped for 518 may involve considerably more risk for a relatively small potential gain.

The decision should therefore be based on evidence from your preparation, not frustration with the number itself.

When Should You Not Retake the MCAT?

You may want to think carefully before retaking if:

• your current score already sits comfortably within the range of your target programmes;
• your practice scores do not show meaningful room for improvement;
• you cannot identify what you would change in your preparation;
• another attempt would interfere with application deadlines;
• you would have very limited time to prepare again; or
• you are focusing on the MCAT while neglecting other weak parts of your medical school application.

A stronger MCAT score can help an application, but it cannot compensate for every other admissions component.

For example, if your MCAT is already competitive but your interview preparation or application materials are weak, another test attempt may not be the most effective use of your time.

How Long Are MCAT Scores Valid?

There is no single score-validity rule used by every medical school.

The AAMC notes that schools generally accept MCAT scores from approximately the previous two to three years, but each institution sets its own policy.

Some programmes use different periods.

Duke-NUS, for example, currently accepts MCAT results taken within the previous four years from the application deadline.

This matters when choosing both your first test date and whether a retake is necessary.

Always check the oldest accepted MCAT test date for your intended application cycle.

How Should Students Set an MCAT Target Score?

Instead of choosing a target such as 515 simply because it “sounds competitive”, work backwards from your actual university shortlist.

A useful process is:

1. Identify Your Target Medical Schools

Separate them into:

• priority schools;
• realistic alternatives; and
• additional options.

2. Check Their Current MCAT Policies

Look for:

• minimum scores;
• recent class averages;
• score ranges;
• section requirements;
• score validity; and
• multiple-score policies.

3. Distinguish Minimums From Competitive Benchmarks

A minimum gets your application through an eligibility requirement.

It does not necessarily show what successful applicants typically achieve.

4. Look at Your Wider Academic Profile

Your MCAT does not exist in isolation.

For example, Duke-NUS reviews MCAT and GPA together with other applicant attributes, while U.S. medical schools similarly use academic measures alongside experiences and personal characteristics.

5. Build a Realistic Target

Your target should be ambitious enough to support your application but realistic enough to guide your preparation effectively.

It is often more useful to say:

“I want to move consistently into the 510–515 range on realistic full-length practice tests.”

than:

“I need a perfect score.”

Common Questions About MCAT Scores

Is 500 a good MCAT score?

A 500 is close to the centre of the MCAT score scale and currently sits around the 48th percentile.

Whether it is sufficient depends on the medical schools you are targeting. It may meet the requirements of some pathways but sit below the typical scores of matriculants at more competitive programmes.

Is 510 a good MCAT score?

A 510 is currently around the 79th percentile, meaning it is higher than the majority of recent MCAT scores.

However, the 2025 mean among U.S. MD matriculants was 512.1, showing why programme context remains important.

Is 515 a good MCAT score?

A 515 currently falls around the 91st percentile, putting it approximately within the top 10% of recent MCAT results.

It is a strong score, but medical school admission still depends on the entire application.

Is 520 a good MCAT score?

A 520 is currently around the 97th percentile and represents a very strong result relative to the overall testing population.

However, even a high MCAT score does not guarantee admission to a competitive medical programme.

What MCAT score do I need for Duke-NUS?

Duke-NUS does not publish one universal MCAT cutoff on its current class-profile page.

The 2026 entering class average was 514, but the school explicitly states that it accepts a range of scores and reviews applicants holistically.

The average should therefore be treated as a reference point rather than a guaranteed admissions threshold.

Should I retake a 510 MCAT?

Not automatically.

A 510 is around the 79th percentile, but whether a retake makes sense depends on your target schools, recent practice performance, other academic credentials and whether you have a clear plan for improving your score.

Do medical schools see all MCAT attempts?

Schools receiving your MCAT history through the AAMC system can see your scored attempts.

Individual schools determine how they evaluate multiple results, so check the policies of your target programmes before deciding to retake.

How Can Icon Help You Reach Your Target MCAT Score?

Knowing that you want a “good MCAT score” is not the same as knowing what score you should target or how to reach it.

Your preparation should begin by looking at your current performance, target universities and the gap between the two.

Icon Education's MCAT preparation currently includes diagnostic assessment, personalised coaching, strategic test preparation and progress tracking.

Diagnostic Assessment

A diagnostic test can establish your starting point before you build a preparation plan.

This helps distinguish between issues such as:

• weak foundational science;
• difficulty applying knowledge;
• CARS reasoning;
• timing;
• inconsistent section performance; or
• test-taking strategy.

Personalised Target Setting

Icon describes its one-to-one coaching as being tailored to the student's academic background, target score and preferred medical schools.

That is particularly relevant to MCAT scoring because a sensible target should be connected to the programmes you are actually applying to.

A Singapore student targeting Duke-NUS may use different benchmarks from a student applying broadly across U.S. medical schools or selected Australian graduate-entry programmes.

Strategic Preparation and Progress Tracking

Rather than focusing only on the final number, structured preparation can track whether individual sections are improving and whether practice scores are moving toward your target.

Icon's current MCAT support includes structured practice, personalised feedback and a preparation plan that can evolve as performance changes.

This can also help with the retake decision.

If a student has already sat the MCAT, the question is not simply:

“Was my score good enough?”

A more useful question is:

“How does this score compare with my target programmes, and is there evidence that I can improve it meaningfully with another attempt?”

That makes MCAT score planning part of the wider medical school admissions strategy rather than an isolated pursuit of the highest possible number.