Score Analysis
Is 522 a Good MCAT Score?
A 520+ scoring MCAT tutor breaks down what a 522 means for MD and DO admissions, which schools match your score, and whether retaking makes sense.
522 is the 99th percentile, matching the matriculant median at the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford.
What 522 means in the applicant pool
521 to 524 sits in the 98th to 99th percentile. At this range, the entire MD landscape including the top 10 is numerically in play. Schools at this level select heavily on the non-score dimensions: research depth, clinical insight, specific mission fit, essays, and interview. The MCAT becomes effectively irrelevant to selection differentiation among the candidates who make it to secondaries at top programs.
MD acceptance odds at this score
AAMC Table A-23 aggregates three application cycles of real MD applicant data to map MCAT and GPA combinations to acceptance rates. At 522, the realistic range is roughly Around 85 percent with a 3.8+ GPA, though top 10 admit rates remain lower due to yield management. 522 with a 3.8+ GPA is at the admissions ceiling for T10 programs from a score perspective. Non-score factors drive the outcome.
For DO programs, the acceptance picture is different because the DO matriculant average is 503 and the applicant pool is smaller. Expect roughly Unnecessary to consider unless there is a specific osteopathic fit.
MD schools to consider with a 522
Top 10 programs become realistic applications. The strategic question is not which schools are in range but which schools are the right fit for your story and research interests.
Schools are grouped by how a 522 compares to their matriculant interquartile range. Target schools place your score inside the middle 50% of admitted students (roughly 25th-75th percentile). Reach and safety are sorted by the gap. The 25th/75th MCAT values are estimated from published medians using typical published IQR spreads; most schools do not publish their exact percentile figures.
Target schools (17)
Your 522 sits within the 25th-75th MCAT range of these programs.
+ 2 more MD target schools.
Stats-positive MD programs (15)
Your 522 sits above the 75th-percentile MCAT at these programs.
DO schools to consider with a 522
DO applications at this score are almost always driven by a specific narrative reason rather than backup strategy.
Canadian MD programs
All Canadian MD programs are numerically realistic. The subsection balance matters more than the total at this level. A 522 with a 127 in CARS is still not competitive for McMaster; a 522 with a 131 in CARS is an ideal McMaster application. Alberta, Calgary, UBC, Toronto, Queen's, Western, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Dalhousie are all fully in range. McGill, Laval, Sherbrooke, Montreal, and Ottawa do not require the MCAT.
How the 522 realistic school list compares
The section-split edge cases
The MCAT total tells only part of the story. Adcoms also look at section balance, and two applicants with the same 522 total can have meaningfully different realistic school lists depending on how that score was distributed.
Low CARS with a 522 total
Low CARS at this total is almost unheard of. If present (122 or below), it might still interview at most T10 programs because the rest of the application is usually so strong, but it will absolutely close McMaster and hurt at CARS-weighted US schools.
Almost always balanced at this level. A split 522 is a curiosity but not a barrier.
Low C/P with a 522 total
Low C/P at this range is rare. MD-PhD committees may flag it if it is the only section weakness.
Balanced vs. split profile
Most scores in this range are naturally balanced because the ceiling flattens. A truly split 521 (132/123/132/134) is rare enough to get noticed but is rarely disqualifying.
Should you retake a 522?
At 522, the retake discussion is moot. Gains above this score level do not meaningfully change admissions outcomes.
Never retake in this range. The median gain is under 1 point, and 1 in 4 retakers score lower. A 521 to 524 is as high as admissions meaningfully distinguishes, and energy is better spent on essays, research, and interview prep.
Before registering for a retake, run the numbers. Our MCAT Retake Calculator uses AAMC retake score-change data to estimate your realistic retake outcome based on your current score, practice average, and study time. It is free and takes under two minutes.
For a deeper framework on the retake decision, see the full Should You Retake the MCAT guide, and if your score is below your practice average, the MCAT Score Not Improving guide walks through the four error types that drive most plateaus.
Frequently asked questions
Is 522 a good MCAT score?
522 is the 99th percentile. It is in the 98th to 99th percentile. The full MD landscape including the top 10 is numerically in play. 522 is the 99th percentile, matching the matriculant median at the University of Pennsylvania and Stanford.
What medical schools can I get into with a 522 MCAT?
For MD, Top 10 programs become realistic applications. The strategic question is not which schools are in range but which schools are the right fit for your story and research interests.. For DO, DO applications at this score are almost always driven by a specific narrative reason rather than backup strategy.. Full named school lists for your score are in the guide above.
Should I retake the MCAT if I scored 522?
Do not retake. At 522, the retake discussion is moot. Gains above this score level do not meaningfully change admissions outcomes.
What percentile is 522 on the MCAT?
522 is the 99th percentile according to AAMC data in effect May 1, 2025 to April 30, 2026.
Related scores
See all score-by-score guides in the full MCAT Score Guide, or check the complete MCAT percentile chart.