Average MCAT Score | BestColleges (2024)

The average MCAT score of test-takers in the past three years is 500.7, the lowest score in the past five years.

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is a standardized test used by medical schools to evaluate test takers' readiness for graduate school. MCAT scores and GPAs are heavily weighed in the admissions process and judged to be strong indicators of how students will perform in medical school.

This article focuses on the scores of students pursuing a medical degree (M.D.) at medical school. However, osteopathic schools, which grant the doctor of osteopathic medicine (D.O.) degree, also use MCAT scores for admission. Someone who graduates from either type of institution becomes a physician, but the focuses of each path are different.

Keep reading to learn more about the national average MCAT score, national average MCAT scores broken down by section, average scores from some of the top medical programs in the country, and to learn from an expert on what medical schools look for in a candidate.

Average MCAT Scores

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the average MCAT score is 500.7. The AAMC bases rankings on MCAT results from the 2021, 2022, and 2023 testing years combined (most medical schools accept MCAT scores that are up to three years old). The AAMC will use these scores to calculate percentile rankings through April 30, 2025, until the next update on May 1 of the following year.^{Note Reference [1]} MCAT scores range from 472-528.

Between 2016-2017 and 2024-2025, the average MCAT score increased by around a point, going from 499.6 to 500.7. The average appears to be increasing overall, with 2022-2023 holding the record-high score of 501.6.

A new version of the MCAT was released in 2015 to reflect the advancements made in medicine.^{Note Reference [3]} The following scores refer to this new version.

MCAT sections have a score range of 118-132 possible points.^{Note Reference [4]}

Scores for the chemical and physical foundations of biological systems (CPBS) section appear to be consistent. Nine years ago, the average MCAT score for this section stood at 125.0, and it has more or less remained the same at 124.9 in 2024-2025.

The average MCAT score for the critical analysis and reasoning skills (CARS) section decreased the most in the past nine years, going from 124.9 in 2015 to 124.6 in 2024-2025.

The average MCAT score for the biological and biochemical foundations of living systems (BBLS) section has increased by 0.2 points over the past nine years, going from 125.0 in 2015 to 125.2 in 2024-2025.

The average MCAT score for the psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior (PSBB) section has gone up the most. The average jumped from 125.1 in 2015 to 125.9 in 2024-2025, a 0.8-point increase.

Average MCAT Scores and GPAs for Medical Schools

The tables below compare the average MCAT scores and GPAs of medical school applicants and medical school enrollees of 2023-2024. Comparing the numbers can give you a better sense of where your scores and GPA should be to have the best chance of gaining admission.

• While the average MCAT score of medical school applicants was 506.3, those who ended up enrolling had an average MCAT score of 511.7.
• The average overall GPA of applicants was 3.64, while those who enrolled had an average overall GPA of 3.77.
• The average science GPA of applicants was 3.54, while those who enrolled had an average science GPA of 3.71.
• The average non-science GPA of applicants was 3.78, but the average non-science GPA of those who enrolled was 3.85.

Enrollees' overall GPA, science GPA, and non-science GPA have all steadily increased in the past five years, with record highs in 2023-2024. The average MCAT score slightly decreased in 2023-2024 from its peak in 2022-2023, averaging 506.5.

Average MCAT Scores by School

Check out the average MCAT scores by school in the sections below. This report covers selective research schools and schools for primary care. Note that there will be some overlap between the two categories.

Average MCAT Scores of Top Medical Schools for Research

To gain admission to some of the top medical schools in the country for research, you must have an MCAT score well above the 500.7 national average. To get into Harvard Medical School, for example, you must score in the top 2% of test takers to be in the 50th percentile of their accepted students.

Average MCAT Scores of Top Medical Schools for Primary Care

The top medical schools for primary care also have competitive scores, well above the national average. Note that while MCAT scores and GPAs are weighted heavily in the admissions process, many programs also value clinical experience and other areas of the application.

Average MCAT Scores of Popular Medical Schools

Many of the popular medical schools listed have average MCAT scores and GPAs well above the national average. Keep in mind that the 50th percentile just refers to the middle, and many accepted students have scores and GPAs above and below the figures listed.

Frequently Asked Questions About the MCAT