Is 508 a Good MCAT Score? Percentile, Medical Schools, and Whether to Retake

A 508 is an above-average MCAT score that places you in approximately the 74th percentile of all test-takers, meaning you scored equal to or higher than 74% of everyone who took the exam. It is a solid score that makes you competitive at many MD and DO medical schools, but it falls below the average matriculant score of approximately 512 at MD-granting programs. Whether 508 is "good enough" depends on the rest of your application — particularly your GPA, target school list, and extracurricular profile.

Key takeaways

• A 508 MCAT score is in the 74th percentile based on current AAMC data.
• The average MCAT score of matriculants at US MD-granting medical schools is 512.1 (2025-2026 cycle).
• A 508 with a strong GPA (3.7+) gives you a reasonable chance at many MD programs and strong odds at DO programs.
• An even section score distribution (e.g., 127/127/127/127) is more attractive to admissions committees than a lopsided distribution.
• Whether to retake depends on your target schools, GPA, and whether you can realistically score significantly higher.

What Percentile Is a 508 MCAT Score?

According to AAMC percentile data currently in effect (May 2025 – April 2026), a total MCAT score of 508 corresponds to the 74th percentile. This means 74% of all test-takers scored at or below 508.

For context, here is how 508 compares to key benchmark scores:

Section Score Breakdown for 508

An even distribution of 127 in each section is the ideal breakdown for a 508. Here is what a 127 means in each section based on current AAMC percentile data:

Notice that a 127 in CARS places you higher (83rd percentile) than a 127 in Psych/Soc (65th percentile). This is because CARS has a tighter score distribution — more students score lower. An even distribution of 127 across all four sections is generally viewed positively by admissions committees because it shows no major weaknesses.

Is a 508 Good Enough for Medical School?

A 508 can get you into medical school, but your chances depend heavily on the type of program and the strength of the rest of your application.

Average Matriculant MCAT Score

According to AAMC FACTS Table A-16 for the 2025-2026 academic year, the average total MCAT score of matriculants at US MD-granting medical schools is 512.1 (SD 6.5). A 508 is within one standard deviation below this average.

How GPA Affects Your Chances With a 508

Medical schools evaluate your MCAT and GPA together. The AAMC publishes an MCAT and GPA grid that shows acceptance rates at different MCAT/GPA combinations. Based on recent cycles, approximate acceptance rates for a 508 MCAT at different GPA levels look like this:

These are approximate figures derived from AAMC grid data across recent admission cycles. Actual rates vary by year and applicant pool.

The takeaway: a 508 paired with a GPA of 3.7 or higher puts you in a reasonable position for many MD programs. With a GPA below 3.5, a 508 may not be enough for most MD schools, but DO programs remain accessible.

MD vs. DO Programs

For MD programs, a 508 places you below the average matriculant but within the range of accepted students at many schools — especially state schools, newer programs, and schools with mission-driven admissions (e.g., those focused on rural medicine or underserved populations).

For DO programs, a 508 is well above the average. The mean MCAT score for DO matriculants is typically around 504-505. A 508 makes you a strong applicant at most osteopathic medical schools.

What Medical Schools Can You Get Into With a 508?

No definitive list exists because admissions are holistic, but here are general guidelines:

In-state schools are your best bet. State medical schools often have lower average MCAT scores for in-state applicants and may prioritize residents. If your state has multiple medical schools, your chances increase.

Mission-aligned schools. Schools that emphasize primary care, rural medicine, or serving underserved communities may weigh your experiences and personal statement more heavily than an MCAT difference of a few points.

Newer MD programs. Recently established medical schools sometimes have slightly lower average matriculant MCAT scores as they build their applicant pools.

DO programs. With a 508, you are a competitive applicant at virtually all osteopathic medical schools.

A common recommendation from admissions advisors: with a 508, apply broadly. Aim for 15 to 25 schools including a mix of MD programs where your score falls within their matriculant range, your state school(s), and several DO programs as strong options.

Should You Retake the MCAT With a 508?

This is one of the most common questions from students who score in the 506-511 range. Here is a framework for deciding.

When to Keep Your 508

• Your sections are evenly distributed (e.g., 127/127/127/127 or close to it). An even distribution shows no glaring weaknesses.
• Your GPA is strong (3.6+). A high GPA compensates for a lower MCAT, and the combination still gives you solid acceptance odds.
• You are applying broadly including DO programs and mid-tier MD programs. A 508 is competitive at many of these schools.
• You scored at or near your practice test average. If your full-length practice tests consistently predicted 507-509, you likely performed near your current ceiling. Retaking without a fundamentally different study approach may not yield a meaningful improvement.
• You do not want to delay your application. Retaking adds months, and applying later in a cycle can hurt your chances more than a few MCAT points.

When to Consider Retaking

• Your sections are lopsided (e.g., 130/124/127/127). A section score below 125, particularly in CARS, can be a red flag for some schools. An uneven distribution suggests a specific weakness.
• You know you underperformed. If test-day anxiety, illness, or poor timing caused you to score significantly below your practice test average (which was 512+), a retake may be justified.
• You are targeting top-tier schools. If your school list includes programs where the average matriculant MCAT is 515+, a 508 will be below their typical range.
• You have a clear plan to improve your score. A retake only makes sense if you can identify what went wrong and change your study approach. Simply studying "harder" often does not move the needle.

Keep in mind that all MCAT scores are reported to medical schools — there is no option to cancel or hide a score. Most schools focus on your highest score, but a pattern of multiple attempts can raise questions. Only retake if you are confident you can score meaningfully higher (3+ points).

How a 508 Compares to Other Scores

To put 508 in context, here is how common MCAT scores compare across key metrics:

The MCAT scoring scale ranges from 472 to 528, with a designed mean of 500. Each point above 500 carries more weight than it might appear — the difference between 508 and 512 is the difference between the 74th and 84th percentile, which represents a meaningful shift in competitiveness.

How to Strengthen Your Application With a 508

If you decide to keep your 508 and apply, focus on the parts of your application you can still control:

Apply early. Most medical schools use rolling admissions. Submitting your AMCAS application when it opens (typically early June) and completing secondaries promptly gives you the best chance of being reviewed when the most seats are available.

Apply broadly. With a 508, casting a wider net (15-25 schools) significantly improves your odds. Include schools where your MCAT falls within or near the middle 50% of their matriculant range.

Prioritize your personal statement and experiences. A compelling narrative about why you want to pursue medicine — backed by meaningful clinical experience, volunteering, and research — can differentiate you from other applicants with similar scores.

Secure strong letters of recommendation. Letters from physicians you have worked with closely, or professors who can speak to your intellectual curiosity and character, carry significant weight.

Consider your state schools. In-state applicants often have acceptance rates 2-3 times higher than out-of-state applicants at public medical schools.

Is a 508 a Good MCAT Score for Canadian Schools?

Canadian medical schools evaluate MCAT scores differently than US schools, and many place heavy emphasis on the CARS section in particular.

A 508 can be competitive for Canadian medical schools if your CARS score is strong (127 or higher). A 508 distributed as 125/128/128/127 is more attractive to most Canadian programs than a 128/125/128/127 distribution.

Some Canadian schools have specific CARS cutoffs (commonly 127 or 128). Check the admissions requirements of each school on your list, as policies vary significantly between provinces and institutions.

FAQs About a 508 MCAT Score

What percentile is a 508 MCAT score?

A 508 is in the 74th percentile according to current AAMC percentile data (in effect May 2025 – April 2026). This means you scored equal to or higher than 74% of all test-takers.

Can I get into medical school with a 508 MCAT?

Yes. A 508 is within the range of accepted students at many MD programs, especially when paired with a strong GPA (3.6+) and well-rounded application. It is also well above average for DO programs. However, you are unlikely to be competitive at top-tier MD schools (where the average is 515+) with a 508 alone.

Is 508 above or below the average MCAT score?

A 508 is above the average test-taker score (approximately 500-501). However, it is below the average matriculant score at MD schools (512.1 for the 2025-2026 cycle). This distinction is important: the average person who takes the MCAT scores lower, but the average person who gets into medical school scores higher.

Should I retake a 508 MCAT?

It depends on your target schools, GPA, section score distribution, and whether you have a clear plan to score higher. If your 508 is evenly distributed, your GPA is 3.6+, and you are applying to a reasonable mix of schools, retaking may not be necessary. If you have a lopsided distribution (especially a low CARS score) or are targeting top-tier programs, a retake may be worthwhile — but only if you can realistically expect a 3+ point improvement.

What is the average MCAT score for medical school acceptance?

The average MCAT score of matriculants at US MD-granting medical schools is 512.1 (2025-2026 academic year). For DO programs, the average is typically around 504-505. These are averages — students are accepted with scores both above and below these numbers.

Is an even 127/127/127/127 distribution ideal for a 508?

Yes. An even distribution is preferred because it shows no section-level weaknesses. A 127 in each section places you between the 65th and 83rd percentile depending on the section, which is consistently above average across the board.

What happens if my 508 has a low CARS score?

A low CARS score (124 or below) can be a concern for some admissions committees, particularly at Canadian schools that heavily weight CARS. For US MD programs, a low CARS is not automatically disqualifying, but it may limit your competitiveness at schools that screen for minimum section scores. If your CARS score is significantly below 125, MCAT tutoring focused on CARS strategies may be worth considering.

How many schools should I apply to with a 508?

Most pre-med advisors recommend applying to 15 to 25 schools with a 508. Include a mix of: (1) MD programs where your score falls within the middle 50% of their matriculant range, (2) your in-state school(s), and (3) several DO programs where a 508 is well above average.

Is 508 good enough for DO schools?

Yes. A 508 is well above the average MCAT score for DO matriculants (typically 504-505). You would be a competitive applicant at virtually all osteopathic medical schools with a 508, assuming the rest of your application is solid.

How hard is it to get a 508 on the MCAT?

A 508 requires scoring better than approximately 74% of all test-takers on an exam that covers 8 subjects over 7.5 hours. Most students who score 508 or higher study 300 to 400+ hours over 3 to 6 months. It is an above-average score that requires serious preparation. See our guide on how hard the MCAT is for a detailed breakdown.

What is the lowest MCAT score accepted at any medical school?

There is no universal minimum, and it varies widely by school and cycle. Some MD programs have accepted students with scores in the low 490s, though this is rare and typically paired with other exceptional application factors. DO programs generally have lower score expectations than MD programs. Focus on finding schools where your score falls within their typical accepted range rather than chasing a minimum.

Can a high GPA make up for a 508 MCAT?

To some extent, yes. The AAMC data shows that applicants with a 508 MCAT and a GPA of 3.80+ have roughly a 45% acceptance rate. GPA and MCAT are weighed together, and a strong academic record demonstrates consistent performance that a slightly lower MCAT does not negate. However, no single factor fully "makes up" for another — admissions are holistic.

Should I apply to both MD and DO programs with a 508?

In most cases, yes. Applying to both MD and DO programs maximizes your chances of acceptance. A 508 places you in a gray zone for many MD programs (competitive but not guaranteed) while making you a strong candidate at DO programs. Unless you have a specific reason to only pursue one path, a dual approach is the most practical strategy.

How does a 508 compare to other scores people ask about?

Some commonly searched MCAT score benchmarks: a 505 is the 65th percentile, a 510 is the 79th percentile, a 515 is the 91st percentile, and a 520 is the 97th percentile. A 508 at the 74th percentile sits squarely in the "above average but below matriculant average" range. Use our MCAT score calculator to see how any score translates to a percentile rank.

How long should I study to score above 508?

Most students need 300 to 400+ hours of focused study spread across 3 to 6 months to score in the 508+ range. If you are aiming to improve from a 508 to a 512+, focus on your weakest sections, take more full-length practice tests under timed conditions, and consider whether an MCAT prep course could provide the structure you need.