What Is a Good MCAT Score And What Is the Minimum?

Wondering what a good MCAT score is? Let’s start from the beginning—the MCAT, also known as the Medical College Admission Test, is a key stepping stone for anyone planning to attend medical school in the U.S. and Canada.

It includes four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS). So, it’s a test that demands a broad understanding of various disciplines.

And while the MCAT is an important exam for medical school applicants, the USMLE plays an even bigger role in a future physician’s career. You can learn more about the differences between the USMLE and the MCAT on our website.

What Is a Good MCAT Score Range for Medical School?

Every point on the MCAT matters, so it’s no wonder that aspiring doctors spend just as much time researching scores as they do studying. A high MCAT score doesn’t just look good on paper—it helps you compete with top candidates and boosts your chances at elite schools.

There are four sections, and scores for each one fall between 118 and 132—so the total MCAT score range is 472 to 528.

AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) data shows that the average accepted score in the U.S. is around 511–512. Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• 510–513—above MCAT score average, giving you a solid shot.
• 514–518—very competitive at top-tier schools.
• 519+—outstanding, placing you in the uppermost of applicants.

While GPA, clinical experience, research, and recommendations all play a part in your application, it’s important to remember that a perfect MCAT score can be the game-changer that opens the doors to your dream med school.

What Is the Minimum MCAT Score for Med School?

The concept of a minimum MCAT score is flexible, as each medical school sets its own requirements.

But here’s a rough guideline:

• A score around 500–503 is usually considered the lower threshold for most schools. Applicants with scores in this range may face challenges in gaining admission unless their GPA or other achievements are exceptional.
• Scores below 500 significantly reduce your chances, although some less competitive schools may still consider applicants with strong other credentials.

It’s important to remember that the minimum MCAT score is not the only factor—many schools use a holistic approach, evaluating clinical experience, volunteer work, research, and interpersonal skills.

Highest and Perfect MCAT Score You Can Get: How Hard Is It?

The highest MCAT score you can get is 528, with 132 in each section. But hitting a perfect score is extremely rare and requires more than just knowledge—it demands:

• mastery of every topic in all four sections,
• top-notch analytical and critical thinking abilities,
• mental toughness, stress management, and smart test strategies.

It might seem like a random mix of topics and skills, but there’s a reason behind it — the MCAT is designed that way. We break it all down in our article, covering how long the MCAT lasts and when you should take it.

Most applicants would be thrilled with a 520+ score, which already sets you apart and makes you highly competitive, while the ultimate 528 remains incredibly rare, achieved by fewer than 1% of students.

CMU Does Not Require MCAT: Here’s What Matters Instead

If you’re wondering “What is a good MCAT score” to get into medical school, keep in mind that some universities may not consider it at all.

At Caribbean Medical University (CMUMED), we offer medical or health-related programs that don’t require the MCAT.

In these cases, admissions decisions are based on other factors:

• GPA—your academic record remains a key indicator of potential success.
• Hands-on experience—internships, volunteering at hospitals, labs, or clinics.
• Letters of recommendation—insights from professors or mentors highlighting your skills and dedication.
• Essays and interviews—evaluating motivation, interpersonal skills, and maturity.
• Research and additional projects—publications, involvement in research, or innovative initiatives.

Ready to discover more about our unique approach to medical school admissions? Dive into our articles to learn how we’re redefining the path to med school.

In “What Are the Qualifications to Get Into Med Schools That Don’t Require MCAT”, we share why we no longer rely on the average MCAT score. Then, in “Easiest Medical Schools to Get Into”, we dive into how this change actually helps students get ready for med school.

Ready to take your first step in a medical career? APPLY now and see you soon at Caribbean Medical University