The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized exam that all applicants must take to get into medical school in the United States and Canada. It is designed to assess applicants’ knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. The MCAT consists of four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. Scores range from 472 to 528, with the average being around 500.
Stanford University School of Medicine, located in Stanford, CA, is one of the top medical schools in the United States. Stanford med school is extremely selective, accepting only about 2% of applicants each year. As such, Stanford has very high MCAT score expectations. The average MCAT score for students accepted to Stanford Medical School is 519, with most scores falling in the range of 517 to 522. However, what is the absolute minimum MCAT score needed to get into Stanford med school?
MCAT Scores Needed for Stanford Medical School
According to Stanford, there is no specific minimum MCAT score required for admission. However, given the ultra competitive nature of Stanford med school admissions, applicants should aim for at least a 512 to be considered a viable candidate. Here is a breakdown of the range of MCAT scores for students accepted to Stanford Medical School:
| MCAT Score Range | Percentage of Accepted Applicants |
| 522-528 | 18% |
| 517-521 | 56% |
| 512-516 | 24% |
| 508-511 | 2% |
As shown in the table, 74% of applicants accepted to Stanford med school scored between 517-528 on the MCAT. Only 2% of accepted students scored between 508-511, which can be considered the low end of accepted scores. No applicants with MCAT scores below 508 were accepted.
Therefore, while it may be possible to get into Stanford with an MCAT score as low as 508, that is an extreme outlier. Realistically, applicants should strive for at least a 512 to be a competitive candidate, with a 517+ giving you the best shot at admission.
Other Application Components
While an exceptional MCAT score is important for admission to Stanford Medical School, it is not the only factor considered. Stanford also holistically reviews the rest of the application, including:
GPA
The average GPA for Stanford med school matriculants is 3.88. Strong performance in undergraduate science prerequisites is expected.
Letters of Recommendation
Stanford requires 3 letters of recommendation – 2 science letters and 1 non-science letter. Letters should come from professors or mentors who know the applicant well.
Extracurricular Activities
Stanford wants applicants who are passionate, altruistic, and committed to service. Strong involvement in research, clinical experience, volunteer work, and leadership activities is highly regarded.
Essays
Stanford has several essay prompts to assess applicants’ interests, background, and fit with Stanford’s mission. Essays should be thoughtful and well-written.
Interview
By invitation only. The interview allows the admissions committee to further evaluate applicants. Performance will be considered alongside other components.
MCAT Retakes
If your MCAT score is below Stanford’s range, retaking the exam to score higher may significantly improve your chances of admission. Here are some things to consider:
– Review your practice exam performance to identify weak areas needing improvement. Focus your study plan on strengthening those topics.
– Be realistic about your target score. Aim to increase your overall score by at least 5-7 points. Significant score jumps are difficult to achieve.
– Plan for a test date at least 6 months out to allow sufficient study time. Don’t rush the retake.
– Limit retakes to 2 attempts total. Stanford is unlikely to overlook a third try.
– Have a gap of at least 6 months between retakes. This shows maturity in preparation.
With an MCAT retake, you will need to submit both the original and new score to Stanford as part of your application. Admissions will consider your scores within the full context of your credentials.
Conclusion
While Stanford does not publish a minimum MCAT score requirement, realistically you need at least a 512 to be competitive, with a 517+ highly recommended. This reflects the exceptionally high academic standards at one of the top medical schools in the country. However, Stanford also takes a holistic review approach, assessing applicants’ entire profiles. An outstanding MCAT score alone will not guarantee admission if other aspects of your application are lacking. With persistent preparation and well-rounded credentials, it is possible to get into Stanford Medical School with an MCAT score on the lower end of their range, but expect it to be an uphill battle.