How much more favorably is a 512 viewed compared to a 510?

[dielsalder34]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I got a 510 on the MCAT (126, 127, 127, 130). I noticed that most schools on MSAR have accepted medians closer to 512. Is there a huge difference between 510 and 512? If a school's median is 512, am I still competitive with my 510? Thank you for any feedback.

 

[Seihai]

I got a 510 on the MCAT (126, 127, 127, 130). I noticed that most schools on MSAR have accepted medians closer to 512. Is there a huge difference between 510 and 512? If a school's median is 512, am I still competitive with my 510? Thank you for any feedback.

You should not be looking at medians. The median literally means 50% of applicants who got in had a score higher than that score, which means 50% of applicants who got in had scores lower than that score.

You should care most about the 25th percentile (and some would argue the 10th percentile) as if you exceed those, most would argue that your score won't be your limiting factor at those schools.

 

[I'mJustCurious]

Yes, you are still competitive with that score. Like the user above stated, 512 is the median score. Good luck!

 

[basophilic]

as if you exceed those, most would argue that your score won't be your limiting factor at those schools.

Wait is that actually true? If I apply with a say 512 to a 512 median school and if I get rejected, then it's not because of my score but some other factor?

 

[Seihai]

Wait is that actually true? If I apply with a say 512 to a 512 median school and if I get rejected, then it's not because of my score but some other factor?

Considering that a school with a median of 512 has accepted people both above and below a 512, then yes, it's likely not because of your score. That is, you didn't receive an interview because of some other factor. That other factor could be literally anything.

If you get rejected post-interview, then it's DEFINITELY not because of your score (schools don't interview people they wouldn't accept otherwise). You could interview poorly or just get plain unlucky compared to the other students who interview.