Understanding MCAT Score Percentiles
A percentile on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) indicates the percentage of test takers who scored the same as or lower than a given score. For example, a score at the 80th percentile means you performed as well as or better than 80% of test takers, while 20% scored higher. Percentiles are calculated based on the three-year rolling mean of all exam administrations and are used by medical schools to compare applicants on a common scale. Because the MCAT is a criterion-referenced and norm-referenced assessment, percentiles help contextualize a raw or scaled score of 517 within the broader applicant pool.
Typical Percentile Range for a 517
Although exact year-to-year percentiles vary slightly, a scaled total score of 517 on the MCAT generally falls within a specific percentile band. Based on recent AAMC summary data, a 517 commonly corresponds to the mid- to upper-50th percentile range. This estimate reflects performance relative to all test takers, including those who may apply multiple times. It is important to confirm the precise percentile for the test year you took by checking the official AAMC score report and current summary files.
How Percentiles Are Determined
- AAMC collects anonymized, de-identified score data from all test takers.
- Percentiles are based on a three-year rolling average to smooth out minor fluctuations.
- Each exam date is equated to account for slight variations in form difficulty.
- The reported percentile reflects how your score compares to all others in the norm group.
What a 517 Means for Medical School Applications
A 517 is generally considered a competitive score for many allopathic (MD) medical schools, particularly for applicants with strong performance in other areas such as GPA, clinical experience, research, and personal attributes. Schools vary in their percentile expectations; some higher- and lower-selectivity programs may interpret a 517 differently depending on their applicant profile. While percentiles provide context, holistic review means no single number determines admission chances.
Percentile Context for MD Programs
| Category | Approximate Percentile | Typical MCAT Range (Total) | Source Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Applicants (Recent Years) | ~50th–60th percentile | 507–517 (example band) | AAMC summary data |
| Matriculants (MD Programs) | ~60th–85th percentile | 510–517+ (varies by school) | LCME/MSAR reports |
| Highly Competitive Programs | ~80th–95th+ percentile | 518+ (typical middle 50%) | Institutional matriculant data |
Comparing 517 to Average and Matriculant Scores
The AAMC reports average MCAT scores and matriculant averages annually. A 517 typically sits near or slightly above the combined average for test takers, depending on the year. For MD matriculants, many schools report middle 50% or average scores around 510–518, meaning a 517 can be at or near the upper end of that range. This positioning can strengthen an application when paired with a rigorous academic record and meaningful extracurricular engagement.
Score Segment Overview
- Below Average: Total scores noticeably below 500
- Average Range: Approximately 500–510
- Above Average: Approximately 511–520
- Highly Competitive: 521+ at many MD programs
Interpreting Your Percentile Position
Percentile rankings help contextualize a 517 but are only one part of your application profile. If your score aligns with or exceeds the typical matriculant percentile range for your target schools, it can support a competitive application. Consider the following when interpreting your percentile:
- Trends in AAMC data over the past several years.
- How your score compares to the middle 50% of recently matriculated students at specific programs.
- The strength of the rest of your application, including GPA, experiences, and personal statement.
Resources and Verification
For the most accurate percentile information for a 517 on the date you took the exam, refer to your official AAMC score report, which includes your exact percentile. You can also consult the latest AAMC MCAT summary statistics and LCME/MSAR data to compare your score with matriculant profiles. Because percentiles are periodically updated using rolling averages, always verify with the most recent official sources when planning your applications.
- AAMC MCAT Score Report and Percentile Information
- LCME Matriculant Matriculation Statistics
- MSAR School Profiles for GPA and MCAT Trends