The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam that is required for admission to medical schools in the United States and Canada. It is designed to assess problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. The MCAT is scored on a scale of 472-528, with the average score being around 500. A score of 481 falls slightly below the average, but whether it is considered a “good” score depends on the medical schools an applicant is interested in applying to.
What is a good MCAT score?
There is no definitive answer to what constitutes a good MCAT score, as it depends on the average scores of accepted students at particular medical schools. However, here are some general guidelines:
– 508-528: An exceptional or highly competitive score at nearly all medical schools. Applicants with these scores are very strong candidates wherever they apply.
– 500-507: A good or average score, applicants in this range are solid candidates for most medical schools as long as their GPA and other aspects of their application are also strong.
– 492-499: A below average score, qualifying an applicant for some but not all medical schools, especially more competitive programs. Should be balanced with a high GPA.
– 472-491: A low score, these applicants may struggle to get into US medical schools unless other areas of their application are stellar. Consider a retake.
So in summary, a 481 would be considered a below average MCAT score, but could still be competitive at least some allopathic and osteopathic medical schools when accompanied by a strong GPA, coursework, extracurriculars, and other application components.
MCAT score percentiles
Another way to evaluate an MCAT score is by looking at the percentile ranking. This shows what percentage of test takers received that score or lower. Here are the approximate percentiles for a 481 MCAT score:
| Percentile Ranking | Score |
|---|---|
| 80th-90th percentile | 508-528 |
| 60th-79th percentile | 500-507 |
| 40th-59th percentile | 492-499 |
| 20th-39th percentile | 472-491 |
A score of 481 falls around the 30th percentile, meaning about 70% of test takers scored better, and 30% scored the same or lower. Again this shows that a 481 is below the average score, but does not necessarily preclude an applicant from gaining admission to medical school.
Average MCAT scores by medical school type
It’s also useful to look at average MCAT scores by the type of medical school. Here are the typical averages:
| Medical School | Average MCAT |
|---|---|
| Top 20 US Medical Schools | 518 |
| Top 50 US Medical Schools | 513 |
| US MD Schools (Allopathic) | 510 |
| US DO Schools (Osteopathic) | 504 |
| International Medical Schools | 496 |
As shown, a 481 would be below average at top US MD and DO schools, but within the range of acceptance at some international programs. Applicants could aim for less competitive MD schools, osteopathic programs, and international options with this score.
Is a 481 MCAT score competitive for any medical schools?
While a 481 MCAT is lower than the average accepted score, there are still a number of medical schools where it would be competitive, including:
– Lower-tier MD schools, especially newer or developing programs.
– Many osteopathic medical schools. The average MCAT for DO matriculants is 504.
– International medical schools, particularly in the Caribbean. Average MCATs are often in the 490s.
– Specific schools with lower average MCATs for accepted students. For example, Lake Erie College of Medicine has an average of 501.
So while options are more limited with a 481 compared to a score over 500, admission to US and international medical schools is still possible with a strong overall application. Thorough school research based on average accepted stats is recommended.
Strategies to strengthen your application with a 481 MCAT
Applicants who score a 481 on the MCAT can take steps to offset this lower score and strengthen their overall competitiveness:
– Aim for a very high GPA – Shooting for above a 3.7 science GPA and 3.5 overall will help balance a lower MCAT.
– Take on leadership roles in extracurriculars and highlight these in your application.
– Obtain strong letters of recommendation from science faculty who can speak to your academic abilities.
– Apply broadly to numerous medical schools in the 20-50 MCAT range to increase your chances of an acceptance.
– Consider a special master’s program – These 1-year programs can demonstrate you can handle advanced science coursework.
– Apply to osteopathic medical schools, which place less emphasis on MCAT scores.
– Highlight unique experiences like research, publications, medical volunteering that make you stand out.
With the right approach, a 481 MCAT score can absolutely be overcome by other outstanding areas of your application.
Is it worth retaking the MCAT with a 481?
Scoring higher on the MCAT will always help your chances of admission by expanding the medical schools you can apply to. But retaking is a big commitment, so should be carefully considered based on your goals. Here are some factors to weigh:
– How much do you think you could improve your score? Any retake should aim for at least a 10 point increase.
– Do you have time for a proper study schedule before the application cycle? At least 3-6 months is recommended.
– Are there any areas of weakness you can focus on improving? Review your practice scores to identify these.
– Can you afford the cost and fees of registration, study materials, practice tests? Retaking isn’t cheap.
– How strong is the rest of your application? If your GPA is on the lower side, a retake may be necessary.
The answer depends on your specific situation. For some applicants, putting energy into boosting other areas of their application rather than a retake may be more beneficial. Talk to pre-med advisors to help decide if a retake aligns with your goals and timeline.
Conclusion
In summary, while a 481 MCAT score is below the average accepted at many medical schools, it does not preclude an applicant from gaining admission somewhere when paired with other strong components of an application. Focusing your school choices, highlighting unique experiences, and applying DO and internationally can help compensate for a lower test score. Each applicant should carefully weigh the costs and benefits of a retake compared to improving other aspects of their profile when applying with a score around 481. Thorough research and advice from experts is key when making these decisions.