• Updated on Aug 28, 2025 by Santana Banerjee
MCAT Cutoff 2025 ranges between 518 and 523, specifically for top medical schools such as Harvard, Yale, and Columbia. However, minimum MCAT requirements may vary significantly across institutions. For example, the University of Washington School of Medicine and the University of New Mexico School of Medicine accept an MCAT score of 494. In contrast, schools like the University of Kentucky College of Medicine and West Virginia University School of Medicine require a minimum of 506.
A good score on MCAT Exam 2025 is 518 or higher. However, a higher MCAT score alone does not guarantee acceptance all the time. Admission decisions are based on multiple factors, such as GPA scores of candidates in previous academic courses, essay writing skills, and internship experience. So, candidates need to focus on improving their GPA along with gaining professional experience in the medical field.
MCAT Cutoff 2025 In Top Medical Colleges
At the top medical colleges across the United States and its territories, the average MCAT score typically falls within the range of 518 to 523. Check the medical school-wise average MCAT scores below:
Also Read: MCAT Results 2025
MCAT Cutoff 2025: Minimum Score Requirements By Medical Schools
To secure admission in top medical schools of the United States and its territories and Canada, candidates must score at least 495. However, a score of 495 makes candidates rank at the 34th percentile, which is extremely low. It is suggested to achieve 515+ to rank at the 80th percentile. Check the table below to know the minimum MCAT score requirements by the medical schools.
Factors Affecting MCAT Cutoff 2025
Getting into the top medical schools depends on several factors, among which the first one is the candidates’ GPA. The academic history of applicants is considered to offer admission to MD programs. Next, extracurricular activities and essay writing are some other factors that help candidates secure admission in their desired medical schools. The factors are detailed below:
- GPA: Candidates’ GPA is a critical part of the application, and they should focus on boosting it as much as they can. Taking admission with a low GPA becomes very challenging.
- Essays: Many medical schools have an optional essay writing session in which candidates need to write their motive for taking admission with their MCAT score. Writing excellent medical school essays can significantly boost the chance of acceptance.
- Extracurricular activities: Candidates who have prior experience in internships and relevant fields get more consideration during a medical school application.
College-wise Average MCAT Scores
The MCAT score requirements vary significantly across institutions. Top-tier schools such as Stanford University School of Medicine and Washington University School of Medicine have some of the highest average MCAT scores, both at 519, and the minimum accepted score is around 510. Refer to the table below to check the medical school-wise average and minimum MCAT score requirements:
Acceptance Rates Of MCAT Scores In 2023-2024
In 2023-2024, most medical schools accepted a higher proportion of applicants with MCAT scores above 517. In contrast, acceptance rates for applicants scoring between 486 and 489 remained extremely low. Check the table below to know GPA and MCAT score-wise acceptance rates of students.
MCAT Cutoff 2025 FAQs
What is the scoring scale of the MCAT Exam 2025?
Each of the four sections of the MCAT is scored from 118 to 132. The total MCAT score ranges from 472 to 528, with the mean at 500.7.
Can I Get Into Med School With a 490 MCAT Score?
A 490 MCAT score is significantly below the average, and candidates may face challenges while gaining admission to medical school. In that case, candidates can retake the MCAT Exam to improve their scores.
Is It Possible to Get Into Med School With a Low MCAT Score?
It varies college-wise. Besides MCAT scores, some top medical schools also consider GPA, Extracurricular activities, essays, and professional experience. So, candidates must take these factors into consideration besides MCAT scores.
What is a good score for MCAT?
Candidates must score 515 or higher to get into the top medical schools in the United States and Canada. Most of the med schools set their cutoff score between 518 and 523. So, candidates must achieve between this range.
Can I get into MD with a score of 505 on the MCAT Exam?
Scoring 505 is quite close to the average MCAT score of 501. However, this score is not up to the mark as per previous years’ average MCAT score requirements. So, to get into schools like the University of California, Stanford, and Harvard, candidates must target 518+.
What is the minimum MCAT score requirement of Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine?
To get into these colleges, candidates must secure at least 500 marks, including a GPA between 3.0 and 3.19. Besides, they should have relevant work experience to boost the chances of admission to MD programs.
Should I retake if I scored 502 in MCAT?
If candidates score 498 or below, then retaking is recommended. However, if they score 499-505, then they might be selected by the med schools. But, they must have a good GPA.
What is a 90% on the MCAT?
MCAT percentile rank indicates the percentage of scores equal to or less than each score point. The 90th percentile means a total score of 515 in MCAT Exam 2025.
Which medical school has the lowest acceptance rate for MCAT scores?
Stanford University School of Medicine is the hardest medical school to get into. Its acceptance rate is 1.4% which is severely low. Candidates must have scored 520+ to secure their admission.
What are the average MCAT score requirements by the osteopathic schools?
The minimum score requirements by the osteopathic schools range between 500 and 510 or may be higher. So, it is safe for students if they target to achieve 518+ marks.