Average MCAT Score

Jane Nam
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Updated on June 25, 2025
Edited by
Fact-checked by Marley Rose
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The current average MCAT score of all test-takers is the lowest it’s been since 2018.
A group of medical school interns listen to a lecture by and unseen professor.Credit: Image Credit: SDI Productions / E+ / Getty Images

Data Summary

  • checkThe average MCAT score for all test-takers is 500.5.
  • checkThe average MCAT score for all medical school applicants in 2025-2026 is 506.1.
  • checkThe average MCAT score for all medical school enrollees was 511.8.
  • checkAs of 2025, the average score for the psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior section is 125.9, the highest of all sections.
  • checkThe critical analysis and reasoning skills section had the lowest average score at 124.6.
  • checkThe number of medical school enrollees has increased consistently over the past five years, jumping from 21,622 students in 2018-2019 to 23,156 in 2024-2025.
  • checkThe average overall GPA of applicants was 3.66, while those who enrolled had an average overall GPA of 3.79.
  • checkHalf of the MCAT section average scores have increased in the past six years, and half have decreased.

Introduction

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 require applicants to submit MCAT scores. Someone who graduates from either type of institution becomes a physician, but the focus of each path is different.

Keep reading to learn more about the national average MCAT score, national average MCAT scores broken down by section, and average scores from some of the top medical programs in the country. We also spoke to an expert about 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 500.5. 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, 2026, until the next update on May 1 of the following year. MCAT scores range from 472-528.

Between 2016-2017 and 2025-2026, the average MCAT score increased by around one point, going from 499.6 to 500.5. 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. The following scores refer to this new version.

Average Total MCAT Score (April 2015-April 2026)
Test YearAverage MCAT Score
April and May 2015500.0
May 2016-April 2017499.6
May 2017-April 2018500.2
May 2018-April 2019500.5
May 2019-April 2020500.9
May 2020-April 2021501.1
May 2021-April 2022501.5
May 2022-April 2023501.6
May 2023-April 2024501.3
May 2024-April 2025500.7
May 2025-April 2026500.5
Source: AAMC

MCAT sections have a score range of 118-132 possible points.

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 was 125.0, and it has more or less remained the same at 124.9 in 2025-2026.

Average MCAT Score for the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Section (April 2015-April 2026)
Test YearAverage MCAT Score
April and May 2015125.0
May 2016-April 2017124.9
May 2017-April 2018125.1
May 2018-April 2019125.1
May 2019-April 2020125.1
May 2020-April 2021125.2
May 2021-April 2022125.2
May 2022-April 2023125.2
May 2023-April 2024125.1
May 2024-April 2025124.9
May 2025-April 2026124.9
Source: AAMC

The average MCAT score for the critical analysis and reasoning skills (CARS) section decreased the most in the past 10 years, going from 124.9 in 2015 to 124.6 in 2025-2026.

Average MCAT Score for the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Section (April 2015-April 2026)
Test YearAverage MCAT Score
April and May 2015124.9
May 2016-April 2017124.6
May 2017-April 2018124.7
May 2018-April 2019124.8
May 2019-April 2020124.8
May 2020-April 2021124.8
May 2021-April 2022124.8
May 2022-April 2023124.8
May 2023-April 2024124.7
May 2024-April 2025124.6
May 2025-April 2026124.6
Source: AAMC

The average MCAT score for the biological and biochemical foundations of living systems (BBLS) section has increased by 0.1 points over the past 10 years, going from 125.0 in 2015 to 125.1 in 2025-2026.

Average MCAT Score for the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Section (April 2015-April 2026)
Test YearAverage MCAT Score
April and May 2015125.0
May 2016-April 2017125.0
May 2017-April 2018125.2
May 2018-April 2019125.3
May 2019-April 2020125.4
May 2020-April 2021125.4
May 2021-April 2022125.5
May 2022-April 2023125.5
May 2023-April 2024125.4
May 2024-April 2025125.2
May 2025-April 2026125.1
Source: AAMC

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 2025-2026, a 0.8-point increase.

Average MCAT Score for the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Section (April 2015-April 2026)
Test YearAverage MCAT Score
April and May 2015125.1
May 2016-April 2017125.0
May 2017-April 2018125.3
May 2018-April 2019125.4
May 2019-April 2020125.6
May 2020-April 2021125.8
May 2021-April 2022126.0
May 2022-April 2023126.1
May 2023-April 2024126.1
May 2024-April 2025125.9
May 2025-April 2026125.9
Source: AAMC

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 2024-2025. 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 506.1, those who ended up enrolling had an average MCAT score of 511.8. 
  • The average overall GPA of applicants was 3.66, while those who enrolled had an average overall GPA of 3.79.
  • The average science GPA of applicants was 3.56, while those who enrolled had an average science GPA of 3.73.
  • The average non-science GPA of applicants was 3.79, but the average non-science GPA of those who enrolled was 3.87.
Average MCAT Scores of Medical School Applicants vs. Enrollees
StatusAverage Total MCAT ScoreCPBS SectionCARS SectionBBLS SectionPSBB Section
Applicants506.1126.3125.8126.6127.4
Enrollees511.8127.9126.9128.1128.9
Source: AAMC
Average GPA of Medical School Applicants vs. Enrollees
StatusAverage Total GPAScience GPANon-Science GPA
Applicants3.663.563.79
Enrollees3.793.733.87
Source: AAMC

Enrollees’ overall GPA, science GPA, and non-science GPA have all steadily increased in the past five years, with record highs in 2024-2025. Enrollees’ average MCAT score also slightly increased in 2024-2025.

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 500.5 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 for Top Medical Schools for Research, 2024-2025
SchoolAverage MCAT ScoreAverage GPA
Harvard University520.423.9
New York University (Grossman)5233.98
Columbia University (Vagelos)508-5283.2-4.0
Johns Hopkins University5203.94
University of Pennsylvania (Perelman)5223.97
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine5213.94
University of California, Los Angeles514N/A

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 Top Medical Schools for Primary Care, 2024-2025
SchoolAverage MCAT ScoreAverage GPA
University of Minnesota (Twin Cities)512.63.78
Oregon Health and Science University5093.57
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill5123.79 Science GPA, 3.66 Non-Science GPA
University of Colorado (Anschutz)5153.9
University of California, Davis5093.73
Harvard University520.423.9
University of Kansas Medical Center5093.79

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.

Average MCAT Scores of Popular Medical Schools, 2024-2025
SchoolAverage MCAT ScoreAverage GPA
Cornell University (Weill)5193.91
Yale University5223.92
University of Chicago (Pritzker)505-5273.4-4.0
University of Pittsburgh5153.83
Texas A&M University5103.81

Frequently Asked Questions About the MCAT

The MCAT is roughly seven hours long and is multiple choice. The test also allots time for food and drink breaks.

There are 230 questions total, divided into four sections: chemical and physical foundations of biological systems; critical analysis and reasoning skills; biological and biochemical foundations of living systems; and psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior.

Ask an Expert: What Do Medical Schools Look for in an Applicant?

Be Authentic

Acting like someone you’re not, says Jimmy Chen, MD, who previously served as a member of the admissions committee, is one of the most common mistakes medical school candidates make on their applications.

Dr. Chen, who is currently an ophthalmology resident at the Shiley Eye Institute at the University of California, San Diego, adds that it’s not hard to see through an inauthentic person.

This might include not having patient or premedical experiences that support a candidate’s claims of what is important to them.

If you just shadowed to get the hours or pay your dues, it shows, notes Chen. Make sure you do things intentionally because it’s not hard to see through people who just did things to ‘check a box.’

You Don’t Have to Be a Superstar

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a renowned researcher to get into medical school. Instead, Chen says he privileges candidates who are self-reflective, intentional, prepared, and professional.

This means a well-put-together story that clearly shows why they want to be a doctor in an application essay, with the experience to back it up.

[The] people who I’ve rated highly were often normal people, not just D1 athletes or undergrads who did a bunch of research.

Chen explains that medicine is not just becoming a doctor. According to Chen, society expects doctors to act a certain way, and candidates should prepare for that.

It’s a profession where you’re [viewed] differently by society… and it’s not easy. An ability to reflect on yourself… is crucial.

Seek a Mentor, Maybe Take a Gap Year

Ask others who have made it in medicine to mentor you, says Chen, who has mentored several students who have successfully gone on to enroll in medical school. None of us got here on our own; we all stood on the shoulders of giants. Look for people who will go to bat for you. And start early.

Chen also says taking a year off before medical school can be a good idea: Don’t be afraid to take a gap year — it’s becoming more common, can be good for your mental health, and gives you a chance to try something new or really explore extracurriculars that may bolster your app.

Finally: Practice, Practice, Practice

There’s no reason you should show up to an interview without knowing your ‘tell me about yourself’ spiel cold, says Chen. And to be clear, this should not be a mere repetition of students’ personal statements.

This goes back to authenticity, for Chen, and how candidates should be clear on why they’re pursuing medicine.

Don’t do medicine if you’re not passionate about it. We can see it in the way you write and the way you speak. We want someone who truly loves helping people and understands what it means to be a doctor.

Sources

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