The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized exam that all applicants must take to get into medical school in the United States and Canada. The MCAT consists of 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. Scores on the MCAT range from 472 to 528, with the average score being around 500. A score of 495 places you in the 49th percentile, meaning you scored better than 49% of test takers. Whether a 495 is considered a good MCAT score depends on the medical schools you are interested in applying to.
What is a good MCAT score?
The answer to what is considered a good MCAT score varies depending on the medical schools you wish to apply to. Top-tier medical schools typically look for MCAT scores around 512 or higher. However, an average MCAT score for matriculants at U.S. medical schools is between 506-511. Here’s a general guideline for assessing MCAT scores:
| MCAT Score | Percentile Rank | Competitiveness |
|---|---|---|
| 518-528 | 90th -100th percentile | Very Competitive for top programs |
| 510-517 | 80th-90th percentile | Competitive for top programs |
| 500-509 | 50th-80th percentile | May be competitive for mid-tier programs |
| 490-499 | 30th-50th percentile | Less competitive |
| 472-489 | Below 30th percentile | Least competitive |
As you can see, a 495 MCAT places you just under the average matriculant score, so it can be considered on the lower end of competitive for mid-tier medical schools. However, it would be less competitive for top tier programs.
What MCAT score is required for medical school?
There is no explicit MCAT score cut-off that is an absolute requirement for getting into medical school. However, many medical schools screen applications and only consider applicants who score above a certain threshold. For example, the University of Washington School of Medicine screens for applicants with MCAT scores of 505 and higher.
The average MCAT score for students accepted to allopathic (MD) medical schools is between 506-511, while the average for osteopathic (DO) schools is slightly lower at 503-505. Therefore, to be reasonably competitive for most medical schools, you should aim for at least a 505 on the MCAT.
However, admission to medical school depends on many factors besides just your MCAT score. A very high GPA can sometimes make up for a lower MCAT score, while a strong overall application and good interview skills are also important.
How is the MCAT scored?
Each of the four sections of the MCAT is scored between 118-132, with the median at 125. Here’s how the scoring breaks down:
| Section | # of Questions | Score Range |
|---|---|---|
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 59 | 118-132 |
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 59 | 118-132 |
| Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior | 59 | 118-132 |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | 53 | 118-132 |
Your total score is calculated by adding up your scores on each section. Therefore, the total score ranges from 472 to 528, with the median at 500.
A 495 indicates your total score is slightly below the median. You would need to score higher in at least one or two sections to get your total score above 500.
How is a 495 MCAT score viewed by medical schools?
A 495 MCAT score places you in the 49th percentile, meaning you scored better than 49% of test takers. While not an overly impressive score, a 495 is also not so low as to eliminate you from consideration at many allopathic and osteopathic medical schools, provided the rest of your application is strong.
Here’s a breakdown of how competitive a 495 MCAT is for different tiers of med schools:
- Top-tier schools (e.g. Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Mayo Clinic): A 495 would be considered very low for these programs and likely lead to rejection, unless other aspects of your app are stellar.
- Mid-tier schools (e.g. Boston University, University of Maryland, Ohio State): You may get some interviews if you have a high GPA (3.7+) and strong experiences. But a 495 is below average for matriculants.
- Low-tier schools (e.g. Albany, Howard, Vermont): A 495 would be competitive for many lower-tier MD and DO programs, especially if your GPA is solid.
The further your MCAT score is below 500, the more it will count against you unless offset by other aspects of your application. With a 495 MCAT, you would be advised to apply broadly to increase your chances of admission. An exception is if you are part of an underrepresented minority in medicine, in which case a 495 may be more forgiven.
Should you retake a 495 MCAT?
Whether or not you should retake the MCAT depends on a few factors:
- Are you satisfied with only applying to less competitive medical schools? If yes, then a 495 may be sufficient.
- How is the rest of your application (GPA, experiences, letters)? A very strong app may offset a lower MCAT.
- Do you think you can significantly improve your score if you retook? At minimum, aim for 5+ point increase.
- Can you afford the cost and time required to prepare again?
Here are some general guidelines on whether to retake a 495 MCAT:
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Strong GPA (~3.7+) from reputable college | A retake may not be necessary |
| Borderline GPA (~3.4) from less competitive college | Retake advised |
| Already taken the exam multiple times | Focus on improving other parts of app |
| Not able to afford cost/time for a retake | Apply with 495 and explain situation |
| Took exam while ill or other extenuating circumstance | Retake may be warranted with improved prep |
Talking through your options with your pre-med advisor can help determine if retaking would be beneficial or not. But with a 495 MCAT, a retake should be seriously considered if you want to be competitive for mid-high tier medical schools.
How to improve a 495 MCAT score
If you do decide to retake the MCAT, here are some tips to improve your score:
- Analyze your score report to identify weak areas and focus your studying there.
- Use practice questions and full-length exams to improve timing and endurance.
- Review foundational concepts and content you are shaky on.
- Work with a tutor to refine your test-taking strategies.
- Strengthen your mental stamina through regular exercise and stress management.
- Start your prep early (6-12 months out) and stick to a consistent study schedule.
- Simulate testing conditions when practicing.
- Focus on understanding concepts rather than just memorizing facts.
With diligent preparation addressing your weak areas, it is very possible to increase your 495 MCAT score significantly. Be realistic about the time and work required, while maintaining motivation.
Conclusion
A 495 MCAT score is slightly below average for matriculants at U.S. medical schools. It can make you a competitive applicant at less competitive MD and DO programs, assuming other aspects of your application are strong. But for mid-high tier schools, a 495 would be considered low and likely necessitate a retake. Deciding if you should retake depends on your academic stats, experiences, capability to improve, and financial circumstances. With focused preparation addressing weaknesses, it is very feasible to achieve a sizable score increase on the MCAT.