MCAT Scores 2026 - How to Calculate, Range, Percentile & Good Score

MCAT Scores 2026 - How to Calculate, Range, Percentile & Good Score

Ipshita ghoshUpdated on 23 Sep 2025, 02:34 PM IST

The MCAT scores range from 472 to 528, and all the four sections are scored between 118 and 132. Normal distribution is used to convert raw scores into scaled scores. Students also get percentile ranks to measure their performance relative to other examinees. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) has released the MCAT test dates 2026 and their score releasing dates. The MCAT exam scores are released within 30-35 days of the test. Students will be getting the score of MCAT exam for the upcoming MCAT exam date of January 9, 2026, on February 10, 2026. They just need to sign in at the portal using the AAMC ID username and password to access their MCAT scores 2026 for all the four sections and a section-wise score. Students must ensure that the score release date is before the score submission deadline. The MCAT score report will include details such as score, confidence band, percentile rank of the score, and score profile. The AAMC also provides the test question challenge and restoring facilities under a given procedure. Read the complete article to know more about MCAT scores 2026, calculation methods, and many other details.

This Story also Contains

  1. How MCAT Scores are Determined?
  2. MCAT Score Dates 2026
  3. How and When to Access MCAT Scores?
  4. How to check the MCAT score?
  5. What is a Good MCAT Score?
  6. MCAT Score Range
  7. How are MCAT Scores Calculated?
  8. Why are raw scores converted to scaled scores?
  9. MCAT Score 2026 Calculator
  10. MCAT Score 2026 validity
  11. How to Report 2026 MCAT scores?
  12. Importance of MCAT Scores
MCAT Scores 2026 - How to Calculate, Range, Percentile & Good Score
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How MCAT Scores are Determined?

These are the ways by which MCAT scores are determined.

  • Scaled Scoring: The number of right answers in a section will be to a scaled score of 118-132 range.
  • Normal Distribution: With this, a normal curve for scores is created that accounts for difference in the level of test difficulty between two different exam dates.
  • Percentile Ranks: Students also get a percentile rank to understand how they have performed as compared to other examinees.

MCAT Score Dates 2026

MCAT exams are offered multiple times throughout the year. The specific dates vary depending on the calendar year. The MCAT exam score dates for 2026 is given in the table below.

MCAT Score Release Date Calendar for 2026:

Test Date60 Day Deadline30 Day Deadline10 Day DeadlineScore Release Date
January 9Nov. 10, 2025Dec. 10, 2025Dec. 30, 2025Feb. 10
January 10Nov. 11, 2025Dec. 11, 2025Dec. 31, 2025Feb. 10
January 15Nov. 16, 2025Dec. 16, 2025Jan. 5Feb. 17
January 23Nov. 24, 2025Dec. 24, 2025Jan. 13Feb. 24
February 13Dec. 15, 2025Jan. 14Feb. 3March 17
March 7Jan. 6Feb. 5Feb. 25April 7
March 20Jan. 19Feb. 18March 10April 21
April 10Feb. 9March 11March 31May 12
April 11Feb. 10March 12April 1May 12
April 24Feb. 23March 25April 14May 27
April 25Feb. 24March 26April 15May 27
May 2March 3April 2April 22June 2
May 8March 9April 8April 28June 9
May 9March 10April 9April 29June 9
May 14March 15April 14May 4June 16
May 22March 23April 22May 12June 23
May 30March 31April 30May 20June 30
June 12April 13May 13June 2July 14
June 13April 14May 14June 3July 14
June 26April 27May 27June 16July 28
June 27April 28May 28June 17July 28
July 11May 12June 11July 1Aug. 11
July 24May 25June 24July 14Aug. 25
July 31June 1July 1July 21Sept. 2
August 15June 16July 16Aug. 5Sept. 15
August 21June 22July 22Aug. 11Sept. 22
August 22June 23July 23Aug. 12Sept. 22
September 3July 5Aug. 4Aug. 24Oct. 6
September 4July 6Aug. 5Aug. 25Oct. 6
September 11July 13Aug. 12Sept. 1Oct. 13
September 12July 14Aug. 13Sept. 2Oct. 13

How and When to Access MCAT Scores?

AAMC MCAT scores are released around 30-35 days after the exam. The 2026 MCAT exam scores will be available for viewing by 5:00 pm ET on the day of the release. It must be noted that the MCAT score will not be provided over the phone or via email. However, candidates get an email notification from the AAMC once the scores for MCAT exam are available.

MCAT Complete Guide
Candidates can check MCAT exam's eligibility criteria, registration, syllabus, pattern, scores and dates here.
Download

The candidate must sign in to the MCAT Score Reporting System to view their respective MCAT scores. Candidates can log in to the MCAT Score Reporting System using the AAMC ID and password. On the official website, a detailed section wise 2026 MCAT score report will be reflected with percentiles for each section. Download and save the score report for future reference.

How to check the MCAT score?

MCAT scores are released on the official website of the AAMC around 30-35 days after the conduct of the exam. Aspiring students can follow the below-mentioned steps to Check MCAT scores 2026:

  • Step 1: Visit the official website of AAMC.

  • Step 2: Click on ‘students and residents’ from the top menu bar of the homepage

  • Step 3: Click on the link ‘Taking the MCAT exam’

  • Step 4: Click on the tab ‘get your test scores’.

  • Step 5: Sign in to the AAMC account using username and password.

  • Step 6: Click on ‘Print Score Report’ under ‘My Reports’

What is a Good MCAT Score?

A good MCAT score for 2026 depends on several factors, including the target schools, desired speciality, and overall application strength. For reference, some of the MCAT score statistics are provided for test takers:

  • Average MCAT score for test-takers and medical school applicants for the 2023–2024 academic year was 506.3.
  • Average MCAT score for applicants with successful admission to medical schools was 511.7.
  • Psychological, social, and biological foundations of behaviour section: average score was 125.9.
  • Critical analysis and reasoning skills section: average score was 124.6.

A score of 518 or higher puts the candidates in the 80th percentile, which is considered competitive for most medical schools. Students scoring the 90th percentile or 523 are considered among the “excellent” candidate group increasing their chances of acceptance at top-tier programmes.

Students are advised to research the average MCAT scores of accepted students at their target schools to fix their target scores for the MCAT 2026.

MCAT Score Range

MCAT comprises four sections. Each section of the MCAT exam 2026 is represented in a score range of 118(lowest) to 132marks (highest). The midpoint of these scores is 125 marks. The MCAT total score 2026 is the sum of scores from all sections and is represented in a score range of 472-528. The midpoint of the scores is 500. The MCAT max score is 528.

MCAT Score Range

MCAT Score Range

Description

472-499

Below the average score for top medical schools

500-508

Average score for top medical schools

509-519

Above the average for accepted medical institutions

520-528

This range is in the top 10% of MCAT scores

How are MCAT Scores Calculated?

To make an MCAT scores report, the raw score of the candidate is calculated for each section. The raw scores are simply the number of questions answered correctly by the candidate. No penalty will be applicable for incorrectly answered questions. Therefore, candidates are advised to attempt all the questions.

The raw score of each section is then converted to a score range of 118 (lowest) - 132 (highest). To convert the raw score of the MCAT into the score range, the process of equating is followed which considers several factors such as the small variations in difficulty between sets of questions. This ensures the fairness of the MCAT scores irrespective of the test dates.

The scaled scores from the four sections are added together to produce a total score ranging from 472 (lowest) to 528 (highest). MCAT scores are valid for three years for admission to medical schools after the test date.

Why are raw scores converted to scaled scores?

Conversion of MCAT raw scores ensures that the candidate’s result is accurately evaluated. It promotes fairness of the results. There are multiple reasons to convert raw scores to scaled scores. These are:

  • 1. Raw MCAT scores are not subjected to direct comparison.
  • 2. MCAT is conducted multiple times a year. Conversion can help to ensure fair comparisons across MCAT testing dates.
  • 3. Conversion scores can be used as standarised score range to understand a candidate’s performance.
  • 4. The impact of random guessing is reduced.
  • 5. Maintain Score Confidentiality.

MCAT Score 2026 Calculator

To convert these raw MCAT test scores into scale scores and percentile scores, the MCAT score calculator tool is available online. Candidate can simply insert their number of right answers for each section which then showcases the MCAT results in the form of MCAT scaled scores.

MCAT Scores - Voiding the MCAT Exam

After the exam, the candidate will have the option to avoid the MCAT exam. If the candidate does not want his/her test to be scored, he/she can click on the void option to cancel the test. In such cases, the score of the voided exam will not be reported to the medical colleges nor will the attempt be counted under testing limits. No refund will be issued to the student if the exam is being voided.

MCAT Score 2026 validity

MCAT scores are valid for 3 years from the date of the exam. Candidates can send their MCAT score report to various business schools for up to 3 years from the date of the exam. Students who wish to get admission to business schools after the 3-year duration might required to retake the exam by logging into their official MCAT account. Students are recommended to apply to their preferred business schools early to ensure their scores are valid throughout the entire cycle.

How to Report 2026 MCAT scores?

There are two methods of reporting the MCAT scores. The details of the two methods are mentioned below.

MCAT score report: American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)

If the candidate is applying under the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), the score will be reported automatically. No extra steps must be taken to add the scores to the application form.

However, it should be noted that AAMC follows a full disclosure policy which means all MCAT tests taken by the candidate from April 2003 will be made available to the medical colleges. The candidate cannot withhold the current or any prior score from the AMCAS application.

MCAT Scores Reporting System

To send the MCAT scores to medical schools not participating in the AMCAS services, candidates can use the MCAT Score Reporting System to send their MCAT scores. Further, the candidates can take the printout of the score, so they use it for reporting purposes. There are no additional fees for reporting the MCAT score.

MCAT Scores: The Rescoring Option

If the candidate believes there is some error in the MCAT scores, he/she can request rescoring the answers by hand. Candidates can request an MCAT rescore through the MCAT registration system within 30 days of the release of the MCAT scores. Students will need to pay 65 USD for making the rescore request.

AAMC responds to the MCAT rescore request within 3 weeks and updates the scores only if the request is genuine and correct. However, AAMC does not guarantee any score change. As per the latest reports, about 1% of rescored exams result in a change of 1 point or more.

How to request a rescore?

Candidates who want to apply for a rescoring option for 2026 MCAT scores, can apply for the same by following the below-mentioned steps:

  • STEP 1: Log in to the MCAT Registration System.

  • STEP 2: Go to the "MCAT Document Holder."

  • STEP 3: Click on "Request a Rescore."

  • STEP 4: Follow the instructions and pay the fee.

Importance of MCAT Scores

Why are MCAT scores important? It is because MCAT test scores ca be used for the following:

  • Medical School Admissions: Students who want admission in medical schools require to submit MCAT scores.
  • Competitive Admissions: A lot of medical schools worldwide release the average scores that they accept, and having good MCAT score can help increase the chances of admission.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a good score on an MCAT?
A:

The good MCAT scores depend on the personal goals of the candidates. However, candidates must score above 511 (average US matriculant score) for admission to most of the top medical schools. Students must research the specific course requirements for their preferred educational institutions. 

Q: What is the MCAT score for Harvard?
A:

The MCAT requirements for Harvard institutions boast a median MCAT score of 520. This score requirement is among the highest in the United States. However, apart from the MCAT scores, students must demonstrate a strong GPA, compelling essays, and relevant experiences to get selected for Harvard. 

Q: What is a 90% MCAT score?
A:

A 90% MCAT score is landing a score of 515 or higher. Students who score 90% are placed among the top 10% of test takers. They get the opportunity to get admission to top colleges and universities in the nation.

Q: Is a 512 a good MCAT score?
A:

Yes, 512 is a good MCAT score. Students who score 512 are placed among the top 88th percentile of test takers. This score places the students above the average and is considered competitive for most medical schools. 

Q: What is a good MCAT score?
A:

A good MCAT test score is 511 marks or above. Students with this score will be able to get accepted in most of the universities.

Q: How can I get a good MCAT score?
A:

You can get a good MCAT score if you start preparing for it early enough and use the study materials and MCAT sample papers  efficiently to achieve a good score.

Q: Do medical schools accept old MCAT scores?
A:

Yes, medical schools are willing to accept scores that are two to three years old. However, this is not applicable for all medical schools. You will have to check with the medical school on score validity details before you apply.

Q: What does the MCAT score report contain?
A:

The MCAT score report will contain five score, four scores for each of the four sections and a fifth score which will give you the total score of all the four sections.

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Questions related to MCAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to MCAT ?

Yes, you can appear for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test for U.S./Canada) even after B.Tech in Biotechnology from India. However, note:

MCAT is primarily for entry into medical schools abroad.

You’ll still need prerequisite coursework and apply through recognized medical schools.

To pursue medicine in India, you’ll need to appear for NEET instead.

Hi rachna

Pursuing medical studies or MBBS in the USA or Australia can be a bit complex, but I'll break down the steps for you:


USA:

1. *Undergraduate degree*: Complete a bachelor's degree in a science-related field (e.g., biology, chemistry, or physics) from an accredited US institution.

2. *MCAT*: Take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in areas like biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking.

3. *Medical school*: Apply to medical schools in the US that are accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME). Some popular medical schools include Harvard, Stanford, and Johns Hopkins.

4. *Clinical rotations*: Complete clinical rotations in various specialties during your final two years of medical school.

5. *Residency*: Apply for a residency program in your chosen specialty after graduating from medical school.

6. *Licensure*: Obtain a medical license by passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) series.


Australia:

1. *Undergraduate degree*: Complete a bachelor's degree in a science-related field (e.g., medicine, health sciences, or biomedical sciences) from an Australian institution.

2. *GAMSAT*: Take the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admissions Test (GAMSAT) to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in areas like biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking.

3. *Medical school*: Apply to medical schools in Australia that are accredited by the Australian Medical Council (AMC). Some popular medical schools include the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and Monash University.

4. *Clinical placements*: Complete clinical placements in various specialties during your final two years of medical school.

5. *Internship*: Complete a one-year internship after graduating from medical school.

6. *Residency*: Apply for a residency program in your chosen specialty after completing your internship.

7. *Registration*: Register with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to practice as a medical practitioner.


Additional Requirements:

1. *English language proficiency*: Demonstrate English language proficiency by taking exams like TOEFL or IELTS.

2. *Visa requirements*: Obtain a student visa for the US or Australia, depending on your country of origin.

3. *Financial support*: Demonstrate sufficient financial support to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs.


Challenges:

1. *Competition*: Admission to medical schools in the US and Australia is highly competitive.

2. *High tuition fees*: Tuition fees for medical schools in the US and Australia can be very high.

3. *Different accreditation systems*: Medical schools in the US and Australia have different accreditation systems, which can affect the recognition of your degree in other countries.


I hope this helps! If you have more specific questions or concerns, feel free to ask.

Thanks

The MCAT exam is not conducted in India. Indian students must travel to nearby countries like Thailand (Bangkok), Qatar (Doha), Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), or Singapore to take the test.

Yes, you can give the MCAT exam even if you have a Bachelor of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery (BHMS) degree. The MCAT is a standardized test used for admission to medical schools in the United States and Canada.

However, while a good MCAT score can be a significant factor in your application, it is not the only requirement. Medical schools also consider other factors such as your undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation, research experience, and personal statement.

To increase your chances of admission, it is important to:

  • Achieve a high MCAT score: Aim for a competitive MCAT score.
  • Maintain a strong undergraduate GPA: A high GPA demonstrates academic excellence.
  • Gain relevant experience: Seek opportunities for research experience, clinical volunteering, or shadowing healthcare professionals.
  • Write a compelling personal statement: Highlight your motivation for pursuing medicine and your unique qualities.
  • Obtain strong letters of recommendation: Ask professors and mentors to write letters that highlight your strengths and potential.

It's also advisable to research the specific requirements of the medical schools you are interested in, as they may have additional criteria or preferences. While a BHMS degree is not a traditional pre-med requirement, a strong academic record and relevant experience can help you stand out in the competitive admissions process.

Yes, with a B.E. in Biomedical Engineering, you are eligible to take the MCAT exam. The MCAT does not require a specific undergraduate degree, but it's important to ensure you have completed the prerequisite courses in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics. For tailored guidance on preparing for the MCAT and navigating the admissions process, Invicta Career Consultancy can provide valuable assistance and resources, While there are other options available, hence you can pay a visit to their website (icclearning.com) and get consult with them for better guidance. All the best to you.