A 95th percentile score on the MCAT typically falls between 515 and 517 on the total score scale (472–528), depending on the exact test date and AAMC percentile ranks released each year.
As of the most recent 2024–2025 percentile ranks published by the AAMC (May 1, 2024 – April 30, 2025 testing cycle):
- 515 = ~93rd–95th percentile
- 516 = ~95th–96th percentile
- 517 = ~96th–97th percentile
This means that scoring 516 or higher reliably places you at or above the true 95th percentile in the current scoring cycle.
Historical trends (2021–2025):
- 2021–2022: 515 was solidly 95th percentile
- 2023: 514–515 hovered around 95th
- 2024–2025: Slight score inflation pushed the 95th percentile up to 516
Section breakdown for a typical 95th-percentile (516 total) performance:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations (CP): 129–130
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): 128–129
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations (BB): 129–130
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations (PS): 129–130
(Each section is scored 118–132; balanced 129–130 across all four sections usually yields 516–517.)
Key takeaway: If your goal is “top 5%” (95th percentile or better) for reaching most MD programs and strong DO consideration, aim for at least 516 on practice exams (FL1–FL4 or third-party tests that use current AAMC conversions). A 515 can sometimes fall just below 95th percentile in newer cycles, so 516+ gives a safer margin.
Percentile ranks are updated every May by the AAMC based on the previous year’s test-takers, so always check the latest official percentile table on the AAMC website for the most accurate conversion.