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Every med school wants to admit students who are academically intelligent. Having a high GPA in undergrad and a strong MCAT score show med schools that you can handle their academic rigor. But every school is different in what they consider is a “strong” score. The top schools will have higher MCAT averages and thresholds than the lower ranked med schools. For example, Harvard and Stanford (the #1 and #2 ranked med schools) MCAT scores average at 518 and 519, respectively. They won’t necessarily only admit students with these high of scores, but they will expect their applicants to be academically impressive.
Some schools have actual score cutoffs. If your MCAT score does not reach the school’s minimum, they will not read the rest of your application. But again, this is on a school-by-school basis. For example, UCSF, which is ranked the #4 med school, reads every student's application, no matter the MCAT score. That being said, UCSF’s average MCAT score is still around the 93rd percentile. So while this school will read your application regardless of your score, a strong MCAT performance is still a key piece of getting accepted.
Strive for the highest score you can get. Generally aim for being in or above the 90th percentile, which is a 513. But even getting a great score does not guarantee an interview offer. Every component of your application matters! Focusing on building your medical experience and making your extracurriculars and activities count is crucial to standing out and being a successful med school applicant. Your MCAT is score is what will get your foot in the door. Your experiences, background, unique perspective, and motivations for becoming a doctor are what will help you close the door behind you!
Some schools have actual score cutoffs. If your MCAT score does not reach the school’s minimum, they will not read the rest of your application. But again, this is on a school-by-school basis. For example, UCSF, which is ranked the #4 med school, reads every student's application, no matter the MCAT score. That being said, UCSF’s average MCAT score is still around the 93rd percentile. So while this school will read your application regardless of your score, a strong MCAT performance is still a key piece of getting accepted.
Strive for the highest score you can get. Generally aim for being in or above the 90th percentile, which is a 513. But even getting a great score does not guarantee an interview offer. Every component of your application matters! Focusing on building your medical experience and making your extracurriculars and activities count is crucial to standing out and being a successful med school applicant. Your MCAT is score is what will get your foot in the door. Your experiences, background, unique perspective, and motivations for becoming a doctor are what will help you close the door behind you!
