How is the MCAT® Scored?

FAQ - Everything You Need to Know

MCAT® Scores

Click on the relevant link below to learn more about your MCAT® scores.

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MCAT Score Report

You will receive five scores from the AAMC: one for each of the four sections and one combined total score.

Section Scores:

Test takers will receive scores for each of the four sections from a low of 118 to 132, with a midpoint of 125.

Total Score: Scores for the four sections are combined to create a total score. The total score ranges from 472 to 528. The midpoint is 500.

Your MCAT® score report provides great information designed to highlight your strengths and weaknesses. Understanding the components of your score report is important because this is the same information that admissions committees will use to evaluate your readiness for success in the medical school curricula.

Percentile Ranks

Percentile ranks show how your scores compare to other examinees who took the new version of the MCAT® as you. You will receive percentile ranks for each section and overall total score.

Confidence Bands

Confidence bands show the accuracy of your section and total scores. Similar to the past version of the MCAT® exam and other standardized tests, scores from the MCAT® exam will not be precise. Scores can be affected or influenced by many factors. Confidence bands mark the ranges where your "true scores" likely lie. Confidence bands help signal the inaccuracy of test scores and are intended to discourage distinctions between applicants with similar scores.

Score Profiles

Score profiles are included to show you your strengths and weaknesses across all four exam sections. This section of the score report can help you determine areas to focus on should you retake the exam.

How long does it take to receive scores?

Scores are released approximately 30-35 days after each test day. 5 p.m. ET releases scores on release days.

How are multiple MCAT scores used?

According to a survey of medical school admissions officers, schools use multiple sets of MCAT® scores in several ways:

  • Some schools weigh all sets of scores equally and note improvements.
  • Other schools consider only the most recent set of scores.
  • Still others take an average of all sets of scores.
  • Some schools use only the highest set of scores or the highest individual sections scores.

How you score on the MCAT® exam does not reflect the particular exam you took—including the time of day, the test date, or the time of year—since any difference in difficulty level is accounted for when calculating your scale scores.

How often can I take the MCAT® Exam?

Starting in April 2015, there will be new limits on how many attempts you have to take the MCAT® exam. Remember that you can only be registered for one seat at a time and that no-shows and voids count as attempts.

Single testing year:
  • The MCAT® exam can be taking up to 3 times.
Two consecutive-year period:
  • The MCAT® exam can be taken up to 4 times.
Lifetime:
  • The MCAT® exam can be taken up to 7 times in a lifetime.

How long are MCAT score valid?

Medical schools usually accept scores dating back two or three years. If you have taken the exam previously, we recommend that you consult the AAMC to check the application policies of each school to which you intend to apply.

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