Hey all, I'm looking ahead to med school and wanted to get a sense of the average MCAT score for matriculants. What's a good score to aim for? Any tips or resources that helped you guys prepare for the MCAT?
The average MCAT score for matriculants at U.S. medical schools varies year by year, but it's generally around 511-512. This roughly translates to the 80th-85th percentile—and it's important to note that this is an average, meaning many successful applicants score above and below that range. However, depending on the competitiveness of the medical schools you're applying to, a higher score may be necessary.
To prepare for the MCAT, consider using official resources from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), as they provide the most accurate representation of the exam. Additionally, popular MCAT prep courses, such as those offered by Kaplan and Princeton Review, can be helpful. You might also want to join study groups and online forums to share tips, resources, and encouragement with others taking the exam.
Begin your prep by creating a study schedule around your strengths, weaknesses, and available time. Be sure to allocate enough time for content review and practice exams. A crucial element of your preparation is taking full-length practice tests, as they help you understand the test format, identify areas for improvement, and build stamina for the actual exam day.
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