Good MCAT Scores

What Are Good MCAT Scores and How to Get Them

MCAT is a competitive exam. A higher grade in the test will ensure admission in a reputed medical school. The test has three multiple choice questions sections and one writing section. The three multiple choice questions sections are graded from 1 to 15 with 1 being the lowest and 15 being the highest. The writing section is graded from J to T alphabetically, J being the lowest and T the highest. Good scores would be those scores which can get you admission into a good medical school. Scores above 11 in each of the sections would be a good score but if you get 12+ you can be assured of a seat in the top 10 medical schools in the US. Students with balanced scores are given preference over students with lopsided scores. The written section scoring is less important than the other three sections. But a very high or a very low score in the writing section will have effect on the admission process.

The average scores are around 28 but this score will not help you get admission in a good medical school. Scores for admission into the top medical schools are around 31.These scores alone are not enough to get admission in a good medical school. There are other factors like your GPA, undergraduate institution you attended that will determine if you will get admission in a top medical school or not. All these, along with your MCAT score, will be considered by the institution that reviews your application.

Ways to Get Good MCAT Scores

Like in any test there are tips using which you can get good scores and join a top medical school

Preparation– Preparation is the most important factor to get a good score. If you are planning to prepare full-time for MCAT then you will require at least 3 months. If you are planning to prepare along with other things then 4-6 months will be required to prepare fully for the test. Without preparation, however intelligent you are, you will not get good scores. There are many options available for the preparation pattern. Weigh all the positives and negatives of the different options and choose the one that is best suited for you.

Study Schedule– Draft a study schedule that is best suited for you and follow it strictly. Try to study different sections on a day. This will help you to keep your mind focused.

Apply Early– Apply early for the MCAT test. Once the application process is finished you can concentrate fully on the preparation.

Practice the Tests– MCAT exam is a timed test. Thus take timed tests and analyze your answers and timing. Time is a crucial factor in any competitive exam. So time all your tests and prepare. Try to take at least 1 test per week for 12 weeks. Analyze all your answers the next day.

Answer the Easy Questions First- Since all questions carry equal points, try to answer the easy questions first and come back to the hard ones later.

Answer All Questions– Since there is no negative marking in the test, guess the answers for the questions you are unable to spend time on.

Relax– Do not get over stressed. This will not help you on the day of the test. Get a good night’s sleep before the test day. Relax your mind and be stress free. This will make your brain work sharper and help you achieve good scores. If you follow the above points you will definitely get a good scores and you can join a good medical school.