Understanding MCAT percentiles helps you set realistic goals and evaluate where you stand. Here's a clear breakdown of what scores mean for medical school admissions.
Your MCAT score is one number, but what it means depends entirely on context. A 510 might feel disappointing if you were aiming for 520, but it puts you in the 80th percentile — ahead of 4 out of 5 test-takers. Understanding percentiles helps you set realistic goals and make informed decisions about where to apply.
2026 MCAT Percentile Breakdown
| Score | Percentile | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 528 | 100th | Maximum score |
| 524 | 99th | Top 1% — competitive for any program |
| 519 | 97th | Highly competitive for top-20 schools |
| 515 | 92nd | Strong for most MD programs |
| 510 | 80th | Competitive for many MD programs |
| 505 | 66th | Average for matriculants at many schools |
| 500 | 50th | Average test-taker score |
| 495 | 35th | Below average for most MD programs |
| 490 | 22nd | May limit options significantly |
What Medical Schools Actually Look For
The median MCAT score for students who matriculate into U.S. MD programs is approximately 511–512. But this is a median — meaning half of accepted students scored below that number. Schools evaluate applications holistically, and a strong GPA, research experience, or compelling personal statement can offset a lower MCAT score.
That said, most competitive MD programs have a practical floor around 508–510. Below that, your application may not receive full consideration at research-focused institutions, though many excellent DO programs and some MD programs remain accessible.
Setting Your Target Score
Rather than fixating on a single number, think about your target in terms of the schools you're interested in:
- Top 20 research schools (Harvard, Johns Hopkins, UCSF): Aim for 518+
- Mid-tier MD programs: Aim for 510–517
- DO programs and less competitive MD programs: 500–509 can be competitive with strong applications
- Caribbean and international programs: Scores below 500 may still be considered
How to Improve Your Percentile
The most efficient way to improve your MCAT score is structured preparation that targets your specific weak areas. Adaptive study tools like Wizeprep [blocked] can identify gaps in your knowledge and adjust your study plan accordingly, which is more efficient than reviewing everything equally.
For a complete comparison of prep options, see our Best MCAT Prep Courses [blocked] rankings.