The lowest possible score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is 472.
Understanding the MCAT Scoring System
The MCAT is a standardized examination designed to assess problem-solving, critical thinking, written communication, and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. The total MCAT score is a scaled score that ranges from a minimum of 472 to a maximum of 528, with a midpoint of 500. This scaled score is derived from the scores obtained in four distinct sections of the exam.
Detailed MCAT Score Breakdown
The MCAT provides a comprehensive evaluation, with scores designed to reflect performance across various scientific and reasoning disciplines. Understanding the full score range is crucial for prospective medical students.
| Score Type | Lowest Score | Midpoint Score | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total MCAT Score | 472 | 500 | 528 |
| Section Score | 118 | 125 | 132 |
Each of the four sections contributes to the overall score, and individual section scores are also reported.
The Four MCAT Sections
The MCAT is divided into four sections, each scored individually from 118 to 132:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: Tests knowledge of general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry as they relate to biological systems.
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): Evaluates analysis and reasoning skills by asking questions about passages from the humanities and social sciences.
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: Focuses on general biology, organic chemistry, and biochemistry principles in biological contexts.
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior: Examines concepts from psychology, sociology, and biology that relate to behavior and human interactions.
How MCAT Scores are Calculated
The total MCAT score is the sum of the scaled scores from each of the four sections.
- Each of the four sections is scored independently on a scale of 118 to 132.
- The raw score (number of correct answers) for each section is converted to a scaled score.
- These four scaled section scores are then added together to produce the total MCAT score.
For example, if a test-taker were to achieve the lowest possible score of 118 on each of the four sections, their total MCAT score would be:
118 (Chem/Phys) + 118 (CARS) + 118 (Bio/Biochem) + 118 (Psych/Soc) = 472.
Interpreting Your MCAT Score
While 472 represents the lowest possible score, MCAT scores are often interpreted in the context of percentile ranks, which indicate how a score compares to those of other test-takers. For instance, a score of 500 represents the midpoint of the scaled score range and is roughly the average score among all test takers. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) provides detailed information on score interpretation and percentile ranks, which can be found on their official website: Understanding Your MCAT Scores.
