MCAT Planning Guide: How to Score 515+

MCAT Overview

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized exam administered by the AAMC. It consists of four sections scored 118–132 each, for a total score of 472–528. The national average for all test-takers is approximately 500–501. According to AAMC data for the 2025 entering class, the mean MCAT for MD matriculants was 512.1.

When to Take the MCAT

The single most important MCAT decision is timing. Most students should take the MCAT after completing all core science prerequisites — typically the spring of junior year for students applying in the summer before senior year.

• ·Complete Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, and Psychology/Sociology first
• ·Do not take the MCAT before you are ready — a low score is harder to overcome than a delayed application
• ·MCAT scores are valid for 3 years — plan accordingly if you are taking a gap year
• ·January–April test dates are ideal for June AMCAS submission
• ·Register 2–3 months in advance — popular dates fill quickly

How Long to Study

The AAMC recommends 300–350 hours of preparation. Most students who score 515+ report 400–500 hours of focused study over 3–6 months. The key word is focused — passive reading does not move the needle.

Best Study Resources

The AAMC produces the MCAT — their official materials are the gold standard and should form the core of your preparation. Third-party resources are useful for content review but should not replace AAMC practice.

• ·AAMC Official Full-Length Practice Exams (1–4) — essential, do these last
• ·AAMC Question Packs and Section Banks — use throughout your prep
• ·Kaplan or Princeton Review for initial content review
• ·Anki flashcard decks (Cubene or similar) for biochemistry and psychology/sociology
• ·Khan Academy MCAT — free, comprehensive, and AAMC-partnered
• ·UWorld for additional practice questions (especially science sections)

Section-by-Section Strategy

Full-Length Practice Exams

Full-length practice exams are the single most important part of your MCAT prep. They build stamina, identify weak areas, and — when using AAMC materials — accurately predict your real score.

• ·Take at least 6–8 full-length exams under timed, test-day conditions
• ·Review every wrong answer — understanding why you missed it is more valuable than the practice itself
• ·Track your performance by section and content area to identify patterns
• ·Do not take a full-length within 3 days of your test date
• ·AAMC FL 1–4 are the most predictive — save them for the final 4–6 weeks

Should You Retake?

Retaking the MCAT is common and, when done strategically, can significantly strengthen your application. The key question is: do you have a realistic path to a meaningfully higher score?

• ·A 3+ point improvement is realistic with a structured, different approach
• ·Identify specifically what went wrong — content gaps, test anxiety, timing, or strategy
• ·Most schools average MCAT scores; some take the highest — research each school's policy
• ·A retake delays your application if you are applying in the same cycle
• ·Consider a gap year if a retake would meaningfully improve your competitiveness

6-Month Study Timeline

Next Steps with MedTrack Mentors

The MCAT is one piece of a larger application strategy. Dr. Tomei helps students understand how their MCAT score fits into their overall profile — and what to do next, whether that means applying now, retaking, or strengthening other parts of the application.