Is there a difference between high [emoji2393]20 ([emoji2393]24+) and low [emoji2393]20?

[DonPetohmi]

I’m currently scoring at 520 and testing 5/31. I’ve heard people say that there is no real difference between a 520 and 524+ in how they are looked at by admissions. I’m curious if this is accurate. I know many top schools have averages above a 520 (for example NYU’s average is a 523) so my intuition would tell me that scoring above their average would be helpful, but people say otherwise. I’m still going to continue studying until my test date, of course. But in my last month of May, after classes end, I’m wondering if it would be worth it to start working full time or hold off until June in order to continue studying and ensure a high 520.

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[Mr.Smile12]

520 is 97th percentile. If you look at the current histogram, 100th percentile starts at 524. The difference between 520 to 528 may literally be around 10-15 correct answers (but I don't know this as fact, but it's likely).

In other words, it's more than your MCAT, and do not base your self-worth on getting 1 question correct on an exam. We have seen many high metrics candidates get no offers.

 

[purpledoc1]

I’m currently scoring at 520 and testing 5/31. I’ve heard people say that there is no real difference between a 520 and 524+ in how they are looked at by admissions. I’m curious if this is accurate. I know many top schools have averages above a 520 (for example NYU’s average is a 523) so my intuition would tell me that scoring above their average would be helpful, but people say otherwise. I’m still going to continue studying until my test date, of course. But in my last month of May, after classes end, I’m wondering if it would be worth it to start working full time or hold off until June in order to continue studying and ensure a high 520.

The current MCAT is scored in a way that makes deviation around the mean at a maximum, in order to differentiate between scores more easily.

Step 1 (P/F) used to be like this too.

Don't worry about average MCAT scores for your target schools. Just do the very best that you can.
Good luck 🙂