MCAT score for top 10-15 program?

[cerb3a]

---

Members don't see this ad.

For a top 10-15 program, what MCAT score do you need? Assuming everything else in the application is good, would anything above 35 be OK? Or do I need to aim higher?

 

[neuro500]

Looking on specific sites is probably your best bet, although some do not mention. Just offhand, I know UCSF average is 37, Penn 36, and WashU 36.

 

[Shifty B]

Specifics of this question is only really relevant if you've already taken the test. If you haven't, you want to study to get the highest score that's achievable to you, and you shouldn't be "shooting" for any particular score. If courses and additional prep time are available, then take it. The higher the score, the more opportunities are going to be available to you.

That being said, what kind of MCAT you need depends on the rest of your application, but you're in the right range. 35+ should keep the door open to you at many places. Things that can make up for a lower MCAT though:

- greater than normal research (several years, one or more publications)
- high GPA
- come from a prestigious undergrad

Either way, low 30s at a bare minimum. Lower deserves a retake with more preparation.

 

[FSAP]

FWIW, did not get in anywhere last year with a 33. Got in at a number of schools with a 36 this year.

 

[z31]

Found this, though the data seems to come from 2007
http://www.eduers.com/mcat/Average_MCAT_Scores.htm

Schools often give their averages as breakdowns between the three sections. You might take from this that schools want not just a decent total score, but also a decent score for each section. My feeling is that above 12 is highly competitive, but above 10 is safe...