Are there stacks/tiers of MCAT scores?

[freelyjointed]

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I've been wondering what MCAT scores I should be aiming to get. I've heard that anything above a 36 on the MCAT doesn't matter, but also that 38+ is the benchmark. Are there similar "tiers" for all scores, such as, 31-32, 33-34 and 35-36 being categorized as separate tiers, where only differences between these tiers matter? More generally, what's the significance of a point in the lower 30's, and when does a point become insignificant?

Thanks!

 

[UrshumMurshum]

I've been wondering what MCAT scores I should be aiming to get. I've heard that anything above a 36 on the MCAT doesn't matter, but also that 38+ is the benchmark. Are there similar "tiers" for all scores, such as, 31-32, 33-34 and 35-36 being categorized as separate tiers, where only differences between these tiers matter? More generally, what's the significance of a point in the lower 30's, and when does a point become insignificant?

Thanks!

Generally the impression is that after a 35 you get significantly diminishing returns. Before that I don't really know about tiers as every point is rather significant.

 

[SN2ed]

To me there are only two tiers to MCAT scores:

1. Gets you into medical school
2. Doesn't get you into medical school

Some people focus on the MCAT as if it's the end goal when it is a means to an end.


Now since I know that answer will satisfy few... If you want a percentile breakdown of medical school acceptance rates per MCAT score, you can find that data on the AAMC's page.

 

[Jepstein30]

Based on your background/aspirations, I think the general goal is to:

1) Shoot for a 30 (not great grasp of material in pre-reqs)
2) Shoot for a 36 (good grasp of material in pre-reqs)

You really can't shoot for anything higher than a 36 because when you get up to that point, you're talking about getting 3-4 questions wrong per section meaning its going to be complete luck whether you can pull off >36 on the real thing.

I really do think anyone who gets a 36 repeatedly can hit a 40 if they take enough tests.. all about getting lucky and having those extra 3-4 questions that you usually get wrong being in a topic you're strong in.

 

[K M R]

Probably not officially. But if I had to guess...

<25: weak sauce

25 - 29: DO, low MD

29 - 33: high DO, mid MD

>33: high MD

 

[Temperature101]

Probably not officially. But if I had to guess...

<25: weak sauce

25 - 29: DO, low MD

29 - 33: high DO, mid MD

>33: high MD

The above sums it up well for the OP.

 

[jerg]

Yes.

>10 VR & >30 total score = have a shot at Ontario med schools
<10 VR (regardless of overall score) = no chance at Ontario med schools

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

Based on your background/aspirations, I think the general goal is to:

1) Shoot for a 30 (not great grasp of material in pre-reqs)
2) Shoot for a 36 (good grasp of material in pre-reqs)

You really can't shoot for anything higher than a 36 because when you get up to that point, you're talking about getting 3-4 questions wrong per section meaning its going to be complete luck whether you can pull off >36 on the real thing.

I really do think anyone who gets a 36 repeatedly can hit a 40 if they take enough tests.. all about getting lucky and having those extra 3-4 questions that you usually get wrong being in a topic you're strong in.

A 36 is 95th percentile, so unless you want to argue that only 5% of the people taking the MCAT have a good grasp on the pre-reqs I don't really think your description is very accurate. Even a 30 is still 75-80th percentile.

The MCAT is a ranking exam. It's not meant to determine if you know your stuff or not (it assumes you do), it's meant to determine how you stack up against other applicants.

 

[Jepstein30]

A 36 is 95th percentile, so unless you want to argue that only 5% of the people taking the MCAT have a good grasp on the pre-reqs I don't really think your description is very accurate. Even a 30 is still 75-80th percentile.

The MCAT is a ranking exam. It's not meant to determine if you know your stuff or not (it assumes you do), it's meant to determine how you stack up against other applicants.

"shoot for"

I think if you have a good grasp of the material, you should aim for a 36. Doesn't mean you'll hit it, but thats what I think you COULD get if you work hard enough and truly have a good grasp.

If you're poorer in your pre-reqs, I think most people aim to break a 30.

That wasn't "if you're smart, you'll get a 36." It was answering the OPs question in regards to what they should aim for.