Information about MCAT scores can be really hard to find anywhere on the internet. So, I’m putting together some of the information here for those that are interested.
Typically, on each section an 8 is average, and each 2 pts represent a standard deviation. This MCAT score distribution (score vs. # achieving that score) is a “bell or normal curve” which is roughly symmetrical. When you have a set of data (scores) that make a “normal curve,” approximately 67% of the test takers will have scored within one standard deviation of the mean. Thus, if the whole thing is symmetric, 33% scored outside the mean, with 16.5% more than one SD below the mean and 16.5% more than one SD above the mean.
Well, Princeton Review says that the average admitted student had 9.5 in verbal reasoning, 10.0 in physical sciences, and 10.1 in biological sciences. Basically, the average student was one standard deviation above the mean. As for the writing sample, O is average and Q is approximately the one standard deviation above the mean. Princeton Review reports, however, that the average admitted student received a score of P on the writing sample. So it appears that you should try to be above average but you don’t need to be a full standard deviation above the mean in the verbal reasoning and the writing.
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