479 MCAT Score – Is 479 a Good MCAT Score?

Understanding your 479 MCAT Score is crucial for your medical school journey.

• MCAT scores can make or break your application.
• In this guide, we delve into the specifics of a 479 score.
• Learn its percentile, its impact, and how to improve it.

Let’s demystify the 479 MCAT Score together.

Understanding the MCAT Scoring Scale: From 472 to 528

When it comes to medical school applications, your MCAT score is often seen as the gateway to your dream program. But what does your score really mean? To truly understand a 479 MCAT Score, you need to grasp the entire MCAT scoring range.

The Basics of MCAT Scoring

• Minimum and Maximum Scores: The MCAT has a scoring range of 472 to 528.
• Sectional Scores: The MCAT is divided into four sections, each scored between 118 and 132.

Understanding the full scale can help contextualize your 479 MCAT Score and provide insights into what areas need improvement.

How is the MCAT Scored?

The MCAT contains four sections:

1. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
2. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
3. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
4. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

Each section is independently scored and then summed to create your total MCAT score. In other words, your performance in one section won’t negatively affect your scores in other sections.

What Does a 479 MCAT Score Mean?

A 479 MCAT Score puts you at the 2nd percentile. This means:

• Ranking: Only 2% of test-takers scored the same or lower than you.
• Comparison: About 98% scored higher than a 479.

Being in the 2nd percentile indicates significant room for improvement, especially if you’re aiming for a competitive program. Given the score’s percentile, a 479 is generally considered a low score by most medical schools’ standards.

Is 479 a Good MCAT Score?

When you’re faced with your 479 MCAT Score, one of the first questions that may cross your mind is: Is this a good score? Understanding the nuances of what makes an MCAT score “good” can be tricky, given that the answer often varies depending on several factors.

Context Matters

Before labeling your score as good or bad, it’s crucial to consider:

• Target Schools: Some medical schools have lower MCAT score requirements.
• Overall Application: A strong GPA, letters of recommendation, and experience can balance out a lower MCAT score.

Where Does 479 Stand?

According to data, a 479 MCAT Score places you in the 2nd percentile. This indicates:

• Competition: 98% of test-takers scored higher.
• Challenge: Many U.S. medical schools have average MCAT scores well above the 50th percentile.

In terms of most medical school admissions, a 479 is not considered a good score.

The Importance of Perspective

Your 479 MCAT Score isn’t the end-all-be-all of your medical journey. Here are some reasons to keep perspective:

• Improvement: The MCAT can be retaken, and many students improve their scores significantly upon a second try.
• Holistic Review: Some schools adopt a more holistic approach to admissions, considering other strengths you may bring.

Is 479 a Bad MCAT Score?

After asking if a 479 MCAT Score is good, the next logical question is whether it’s bad. The answer is nuanced but important, particularly if you’re serious about attending medical school in the U.S.

When is a 479 Considered Bad?

Let’s break down the scenarios where a 479 MCAT score might pose problems:

• Top-Tier Schools: If your goal is to attend a top-ranking medical school, a 479 will likely not meet the cut.
• Scholarships: Many scholarships require MCAT scores above a certain percentile.
• Competitive Specialties: Specialties like dermatology or surgery often demand high MCAT scores from applicants.

The Numbers Speak

With a 479 MCAT Score falling at the 2nd percentile, the statistics are clear:

• Fewer Options: You’ll have significantly fewer choices when it comes to selecting a medical school.
• Increased Scrutiny: The rest of your application will be under tighter scrutiny to compensate for a low MCAT score.

Alternative Paths

Despite its challenges, a 479 isn’t necessarily a one-way ticket out of a medical career. Here are some potential pathways:

• Retaking the MCAT: If you believe you can do significantly better, retaking the exam is an option.
• DO Programs: Osteopathic programs may offer more lenient MCAT requirements.
• International Options: Caribbean medical schools are often more forgiving when it comes to MCAT scores.

479 MCAT Score Percentile

One of the most crucial data points for assessing your 479 MCAT Score is the percentile ranking. Understanding what percentile you fall into can give you a clear picture of how you stack up against other test-takers and what your chances are for medical school admissions.

What is a Percentile?

A percentile is a measure used to indicate what percentage of test-takers scored lower than you. It’s a good metric for gauging how competitive your score is.

The Hard Numbers: 2nd Percentile

Your 479 MCAT Score falls into the 2nd percentile, meaning:

• Above: You’ve scored higher than 2% of test-takers.
• Below: A whopping 98% of test-takers have scored higher than you.

While these statistics might seem daunting, they serve as a reality check. A low percentile score suggests limited options in terms of medical school admissions.

What Do Schools Think?

Here’s how medical schools are likely to view a 2nd percentile score:

• Not Competitive: Most U.S. MD programs look for scores above the 50th percentile.
• Possible DO Acceptance: Some Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine programs may consider scores in lower percentiles, although it’s still a stretch.
• International Programs: Caribbean medical schools often accept students with lower MCAT scores, but be aware of the risks and benefits.

Can You Get into Medical School with a 479 MCAT Score?

Once you’ve digested the reality of your 479 MCAT Score, the next pressing question is whether or not medical school remains a viable path. While the score is a significant obstacle, it doesn’t completely shut the door on your medical aspirations.

The Odds are Not in Your Favor, But…

It’s critical to note that a 479 score puts you at a considerable disadvantage for most U.S. medical schools. However, there are some routes you can still consider:

• DO Programs: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine schools sometimes have less stringent MCAT requirements.
• Caribbean Medical Schools: These institutions are often more lenient when it comes to MCAT scores but consider the pros and cons carefully.
• Holistic Review: Some schools may look beyond your MCAT score if the rest of your application is exceptionally strong.

Boosting Your Application

While you can’t change your 479 MCAT Score without retaking the exam, you can improve other aspects of your application:

• Exceptional GPA: A high undergraduate GPA can partially offset a low MCAT score.
• Strong Recommendations: Letters from credible sources can make a difference.
• Relevant Experience: Research, volunteering, or clinical experience can strengthen your application.

Should You Try Again?

If you’re committed to attending a medical school in the U.S., retaking the MCAT may be your best option. Many students see a significant score improvement on their second or third try.

Should You Cancel a 479 MCAT Score?

You’ve taken the MCAT and received a 479 MCAT Score. Now, you’re faced with the decision of whether to keep this score or cancel it. This decision is significant and requires thoughtful consideration of your circumstances and future goals.

Why Would You Cancel?

There are specific reasons why you might contemplate canceling your MCAT score:

• Strategic Reapplication: If you’re sure you can do better, canceling might allow you a fresh start in the eyes of admissions.
• Damage Control: A low MCAT score can negatively impact how competitive your application appears.

479 MCAT Score:  The Risks of Canceling

Before hitting the cancel button, understand the potential downsides:

• Non-refundable Fees: You won’t get your registration fee back, which is a financial setback.
• Stress and Time: Preparing for the MCAT again will require more time and mental energy.

Keep or Cancel: Factors to Consider

When deciding to keep or cancel your 479 MCAT Score, weigh these points:

• Retake Preparedness: Do you have the resources and time to prepare for a retake adequately?
• Application Strength: How strong are other aspects of your application? Can they offset a low MCAT score?
• School Requirements: Have you researched the MCAT score ranges for the schools you’re interested in?

To Cancel or Not to Cancel?

The decision ultimately comes down to your specific situation and future plans. If you’re committed to retaking the MCAT and believe that your score will significantly improve, canceling may be worth considering. On the other hand, if this is your best attempt and you’re looking at programs that might still consider your application, keeping the score could be the better route.

Tips to Improve Your 479 MCAT Score

So you’ve gotten a 479 MCAT Score and you’re wondering what to do next. Whether you decide to retake the MCAT or not, there are several ways to improve your standing for medical school admissions.

Identify Your Weak Spots

The first step in improvement is recognizing where you went wrong:

• Sectional Scores: Analyze which sections of the MCAT were the most problematic for you.
• Time Management: Did you run out of time? Time management is often a significant factor in low scores.

Tailor Your Study Plan

A well-crafted study plan can make a huge difference:

• Focused Review: Zone in on your weak areas.
• Practice Exams: The more, the better. These help with both knowledge and test-taking strategy.

Additional Resources

It might be beneficial to invest in additional study aids:

• MCAT Prep Courses: Structured courses can give you the push you need.
• Tutoring: One-on-one sessions can offer targeted help where you need it the most.

Mindset and Lifestyle

Don’t underestimate the importance of mental and physical well-being:

• Healthy Diet: Good nutrition can have a positive impact on your study sessions.
• Regular Exercise: Physical activity can improve cognitive function and reduce stress.

479 MCAT Score:  When to Retake the MCAT

If you’ve made significant improvements and feel ready, you may consider retaking the MCAT:

• Improvement Expectation: Have a clear target score in mind. Incremental improvement may not be enough to make a difference.
• Readiness: Ensure you’re mentally and emotionally prepared for the stress of test day.

For more information to improve your MCAT score we recommend visiting AMMC.

MCAT Scores 472 to 528

472	473	474	475	476
477	478	479	480	481
482	483	484	485	486
487	488	489	490	491
492	493	494	495	496
497	498	499	500	501
502	503	504	505	506
507	508	509	510	511
512	513	514	515	516
517	518	519	520	521
522	523	524	525	526
527	528

Conclusion: Embracing Your MCAT Score & Planning Your Medical School Journey

You’ve made it through the rollercoaster that is the MCAT, and now you’re equipped with a 479 MCAT Score. Whether you decide to retake the exam or proceed with your existing score, the road ahead is laden with opportunities and challenges alike.

Reassessment and Realignment

Your MCAT score is an essential milestone, but it’s not the end-all-be-all:

• Holistic Review: Remember that admissions committees consider more than just your MCAT score. GPA, extracurricular activities, and letters of recommendation all play a role.
• Plan B: There are alternative paths within healthcare and sciences that can be equally rewarding.

The Importance of Adaptability

Being adaptable is crucial in both the application process and your future medical career:

• Course Correction: If your 479 MCAT Score is not compatible with your initial choice of schools, look for programs where your score might fit better.
• Self-improvement: View this as an opportunity for growth and self-assessment.

479 MCAT Score:  Moving Forward

As you proceed, keep these key points in mind:

• Resilience: One test doesn’t define you. Many successful doctors faced setbacks in their journey.
• Knowledge is Power: The more you know about the application process and your own abilities, the better you can navigate your path.

Final Thoughts

The medical school application journey is a marathon, not a sprint. Your 479 MCAT Score is merely one part of a much larger picture that comprises your skills, experiences, and potential. Whether you decide to improve that score or strategically apply with it, your pathway to a medical career is a tale still being written. And remember, even the most challenging hurdles are opportunities in disguise. Keep your eyes on the prize and continue pushing towards your ultimate goal of a career in medicine.