Find out about the MCAT score conversion from the old to new MCAT, similarities & differences, and the benefits of using percentile ranks…

MCAT

Guide to the New MCAT Score Conversion – How Does Your Score Compare?

MCAT Score Conversion

Greet change with a smile.

The MCAT has taken a new shift. 

Is it for better or for worse? From the old MCAT to new MCAT, many would disagree with the new scoring system. 

The MCAT score range has changed. The inclusion of new sections and MCAT percentiles are the key takeaways in this new MCAT scoring. 

I think the old MCAT score range was simpler. It was easier to understand. And the range isn’t as extensive to the current MCAT score range. 

If you take a closer look, the range in the old MCAT score scale of 15 is the same in the new MCAT score scale. 

What’s the point then? Well, keep reading! 

Old MCAT vs. New MCAT

Whether or not you dislike the MCAT score percentiles system, it’s still useful to compare your performance to students and schools from all over. 

What does that mean? 

It means aiming for a higher MCAT score based on the new MCAT percentiles. 

Now, let’s break down the new MCAT scoring and the old vs. new MCAT scores. 

Old MCAT Score Chart

Length of exam: 5 hours

  • 1 writing section
  • 3 multiple-choice sections
  • Sections have a score range between 1 to 15, with a total score ranging between 3 to 45.

MCAT Sections: 

  • Verbal
  • Physical Science
  • Biological Science

New MCAT Score Chart

Length of exam: 7 hours

  • No writing section
  • 4 multiple-choice sections
  • Sections have a score range between 118 to 132, with a total score ranging between 472 to 528

MCAT Sections: 

  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
  • Psychological, Social, And Biological Foundations of Behavior

Old vs. New MCAT: Similarities 

The score range for both the old and new MCAT still have a range of 15. (1 – 15 on the old MCAT scale and 118 – 132 on the new MCAT scale) 

From the old MCAT to new MCAT, the scale in scoring for both the old and new MCAT is quite similar then. The new MCAT score is just the old MCAT score in disguise. 

Old vs. New MCAT: Differences

From the old MCAT to new MCAT, there are considerable differences.

Starting with the new MCAT without any writing section and a longer exam length. There are also now 4 MCAT sections.

The key differences, though, are the MCAT percentiles. The scoring system in the new MCAT is more intimidating than the old MCAT with a range of 1 – 15. 

What Does This Change Mean?

While the score range is practically the same, comparing these scores and converting your score from the new MCAT to old MCAT or vice versa should be taken with a grain of salt.  

What this means then is even with the recent changes, the MCAT is still like any other exam designed to measure how well you perform in the test academically, analytically, and in pacing/test strategy.

Old to New MCAT Conversion: Score & Percentiles

Old MCAT New MCAT MCAT Percentiles
45 528 >99
44 527 >99
43 527 >99
42 526 >99
41 525 >99
40 524 >99
39 523 >99
38 522 99
37 520 99
36 518 98
35 517 96
34 515 95
33 514 92
32 512 90
31 510 85
30 508 80
29 506 74
28 504 68
27 503 61
26 501 58
25 499 51
24 498 44
23 496 41
22 494 34
21 493 28
20 491 25
19 490 20
18 488 18
17 486 14
16 485 10
15 484 8
14 483 7
13 482 6
12 480 5
11 479 3
10 478 2
9 477 2
8 477 1
7 476 1
6 475 1
5 474 <1
4 473 <1
3 472 <1

Old MCAT to New MCAT Conversion: Scores and Percentiles for Sections/Individual Topics

Old MCAT New MCAT MCAT Percentiles
15 132 >99
14 131 >99
13 130 >99
12 129 >99
11 128 >99
10 127 >99
9 126 99
8 125 99
7 124 98
6 123 96
5 122 95
4 121 92
3 120 90
2 119 85
1 118 80

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

While the new changes to the MCAT may be unappealing to some, the percentile ranks are a great measure to help you in your medical school application. 

At the end of the day, don’t focus too much on scores and ranks. The MCAT is more than just about testing your knowledge.

To succeed in the MCAT, read about how others share their success stories in preparing for the exam. 

References

  1. https://students-residents.aamc.org/advisors/article/percentile-ranks-for-the-mcat-exam/
  2. https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/article/new-student-success-stories-how-i-prepared-mcat-ex/