You just got your MCAT score back and saw a 513. After months of studying and stress, the immediate question hits: is 513 a good MCAT score?
Understanding exactly what a 513 means for your chances requires looking at how it compares to other applicants, which schools typically accept students with this score, and how to build the rest of your application around it. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about applying to medical school with a 513 MCAT.
Understanding What a 513 MCAT Score Means
The MCAT uses a scale from 472 to 528, with each of the four sections scored between 118 and 132. A 513 total score means your combined section scores add up to 513.
In terms of percentiles, a 513 typically falls around the 85th to 90th percentile depending on the specific testing year. This means you scored higher than roughly 85 to 90 percent of all MCAT test takers. That’s a significant achievement considering how competitive and challenging the exam is.
The national average MCAT score hovers around 500 to 501. A 513 sits approximately 12 to 13 points above that average. Among actual medical school applicants (not just all test takers), the average is slightly higher, around 506 to 507. Your 513 still comfortably beats that applicant average by 6 to 7 points.
For context, the average MCAT score of students who actually matriculate into medical school is around 511 to 512 for all schools combined. Your 513 exceeds even that benchmark, placing you above the typical accepted student.
Is 513 a Good MCAT Score? The Clear Answer
Yes, 513 is a good MCAT score for most medical schools. This score demonstrates strong content knowledge across all MCAT subjects and solid test-taking skills. You’ve proven you can handle the academic rigor of medical school.
A 513 opens doors to the majority of medical schools in the United States. It gives you realistic chances at most MD programs and makes you a strong candidate at all DO programs. For the typical premed student targeting a mix of state schools and mid-tier private programs, a 513 is competitive.
However, “good” is relative to your goals. If you’re specifically targeting top 20 research institutions where average MCAT scores reach 518 to 521, a 513 places you below their typical range. In those cases, you’ll need to honestly assess whether 513 aligns with your aspirations or if a retake makes sense.
The question of whether 513 is a good MCAT score or not becomes clearer when you look at acceptance rates. Students with scores in the 510 to 514 range have significantly higher acceptance rates than those scoring below 510. You’ve crossed an important threshold where medical schools take your application seriously.
Medical school admissions committees know that MCAT scores don’t perfectly predict who will become the best doctors. A 513 shows you have the necessary academic foundation. Beyond that score, they’re looking at your clinical experience, personal qualities, and fit with their program.
Your Chances with a 513 MCAT Score
Your acceptance chances with a 513 depend on which types of programs you’re targeting and how strong the rest of your application is. But across the board, a 513 puts you in a competitive position for most schools.
MD (Allopathic) Programs
A 513 makes you competitive at most MD programs in the country. The average MCAT for students entering MD schools is around 511 to 512. Your 513 meets or exceeds that average, meaning you’re statistically similar to the typical accepted student.
Many solid MD programs have average MCAT scores in the 510 to 515 range. This includes respected state schools, established private programs, and newer medical schools building their reputation. At these schools, your 513 falls right in the middle of their accepted student range.
You have realistic chances at mid-tier MD programs where the average MCAT sits around 512 to 514. Schools in this category include many state flagships and well-regarded private institutions. Your score won’t be the highest in the applicant pool, but it won’t be the lowest either. You’re competitive.
For MD programs where the average MCAT is 509 to 511, your 513 makes you a strong candidate from a numbers perspective. Combined with good grades and experiences, you should expect serious consideration from these schools.
DO (Osteopathic) Programs
At DO schools, a 513 MCAT makes you an exceptionally strong candidate. The average MCAT for students entering DO programs typically ranges from 503 to 505. Your 513 sits roughly 8 to 10 points above that average.
DO schools will view you as having excellent academic credentials. Your MCAT score alone could make you one of the higher scorers in their applicant pool. This gives you leverage and likely increases your chances of merit scholarships.
Some students worry about being “overqualified” for DO schools with a 513. That’s generally not a concern. DO schools appreciate strong academic credentials and want students who will succeed. A 513 won’t hurt you at DO programs.
Top Tier and Highly Competitive Programs
Here’s where the picture becomes more challenging. Top 20 medical schools often have average MCAT scores ranging from 518 to 521. At these elite institutions, a 513 places you 5 to 8 points below their typical accepted student.
Schools like Harvard, Johns Hopkins, Stanford, and UCSF regularly see applicants with 520+ MCAT scores. While a 513 doesn’t automatically disqualify you from these programs, you’re starting at a notable disadvantage from a numbers perspective. The MCAT score matters significantly at this level, even though other factors also play important roles.
Yes, exceptional research, unique life experiences, or other standout qualities can help. But it’s important to be realistic: most students accepted to top-tier programs have both stellar MCAT scores and impressive accomplishments in other areas. A 513 puts you behind many other applicants competing for the same spots.
For highly competitive state schools like University of Michigan, University of Washington, or UCLA, a 513 sits at or slightly below their averages. You could certainly get accepted, but you’re not a shoo-in based on MCAT alone. The rest of your application becomes crucial.
Understanding where 513 falls in the landscape helps you build a realistic school list and decide if 513 is a good MCAT score or not for your specific goals. You’re competitive at most places but would be reaching at the very top programs.
What Makes 513 a Strong Score
A 513 MCAT demonstrates several important qualities that medical schools value.
First, it shows content mastery across all the subjects tested. You clearly understand biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology well enough to score in the top 10 to 15 percent of test takers. Medical schools know you can handle their curriculum.
Second, a 513 indicates strong critical thinking and reasoning skills. The MCAT isn’t just about memorizing facts. It tests your ability to analyze passages, apply concepts to new situations, and think through complex problems. Scoring 513 means you excel at these cognitive tasks.
Third, this score demonstrates you can perform under pressure. The MCAT is a high-stakes, seven-hour exam. Achieving a 513 shows mental endurance and the ability to maintain focus during a grueling test. These same qualities will serve you during medical school exams and eventually in clinical practice.
The score also signals efficient studying and preparation. Getting to 513 typically requires months of dedicated, strategic preparation. Medical schools recognize that students who can effectively prepare for the MCAT will likely approach their medical studies with similar discipline.
Maximizing Your Application with a 513
With a 513 MCAT, you’ve handled the standardized testing component of your application well for most medical schools. Now focus your energy on strengthening the other parts of your application.
GPA remains critically important. Medical schools look at MCAT and GPA together when evaluating academic preparation. A 513 MCAT paired with a 3.7+ GPA makes you very competitive. If your GPA is lower, around 3.4 to 3.6, your 513 MCAT helps balance that out, though you’d still want to address any grade concerns.
Clinical experience shows medical schools you understand what doctors actually do and have confirmed your interest in medicine through direct patient contact. Whether through medical assistant work, EMT experience, scribing, or volunteering in clinical settings, rack up meaningful hours. Quality matters more than quantity, but aim for at least 100 to 200 hours minimum.
Research experience isn’t required for all medical schools but strengthens your application, especially for research-focused institutions. If you’ve worked in a lab, contributed to publications, or presented at conferences, highlight this work. Even if you haven’t published, the experience of engaging in scientific inquiry matters.
Leadership and extracurricular activities round out your profile. Medical schools want to see you can balance multiple commitments, work with others, and contribute to your community. Whether through student organizations, volunteer work, or other activities, demonstrate these qualities.
Your personal statement and secondary essays become opportunities to show who you are beyond your numbers. A 513 gets your application read. Your writing needs to make admissions committees want to interview you. Be authentic, specific, and compelling in your essays.
Strong letters of recommendation from professors, physicians, or research mentors who know you well add credibility to your application. These letters should speak to your character, work ethic, and potential as a future physician.
Should You Retake with a 513?
Whether to retake the MCAT with a 513 depends entirely on your goals and circumstances. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
When Retaking Makes Sense
If attending a top 20 medical school is truly your dream and you genuinely believe you can score 518 or higher, a retake might be worth considering. The gap between 513 and 518+ is meaningful at elite programs. Moving into that higher range could shift you from a reach candidate to a competitive one.
Be honest with yourself about your retake potential. If you didn’t prepare optimally the first time, had test anxiety, or know you can improve specific weak areas, a higher score is achievable. Some students do jump from 513 to 518+ with better preparation.
If you have a severely unbalanced score, like a 513 total with one section at 124 or below, retaking to balance your sections could help. Some schools have section cutoffs, and a very low individual section score might screen you out despite a decent total.
The Risks of Retaking
Retaking carries real risks that you need to weigh carefully. There’s no guarantee you’ll score higher. You could score the same or even lower. Medical schools will see all your attempts, and while most consider only your highest score, they might question your judgment in retaking a 513.
The time and energy investment is substantial. Preparing for a retake means months of studying when you could be gaining clinical experience, doing research, or strengthening other application components. If you’re applying in the current cycle, a retake also delays your application timeline.
The potential gain needs to outweigh these costs. Moving from 513 to 515 or 516 doesn’t dramatically expand your options. You’d want to be confident you could reach 518+ to make the retake worthwhile for top-tier applications.
For Most Students, Move Forward
If you’re targeting a mix of state schools, mid-tier MD programs, and DO schools, retaking a 513 doesn’t make sense. You’re already competitive at these institutions. Your time is better spent on other application components.
If you’re not specifically committed to top 20 programs and would be happy at a solid medical school, accept your 513 and move forward. You’ve done well enough on the MCAT.
Building Your School List with a 513
Creating a balanced school list with a 513 means applying to a range of programs where you’re competitive while including some reaches and safeties.
Your target schools should be programs where the average MCAT falls between 510 and 515. At these schools, your 513 fits right in the middle of their range. Combined with a solid GPA and good experiences, you have realistic chances of acceptance. Apply to 10 to 15 schools in this category.
You can include some reach schools where the average MCAT is 516 to 518. These might be highly competitive state schools or lower-ranked research institutions. You’re below their average but not so far below that acceptance is impossible. Apply to 3 to 5 reach schools if you’re interested in them and understand they’re genuinely reaches.
Add safety schools where the average MCAT is 508 to 510 or where you have significant advantages like state residency. These schools should be places where your 513 makes you a strong candidate and acceptance is likely if the rest of your application is solid. Include 3 to 5 safety schools.
Consider your state schools carefully. Public medical schools often give strong preference to in-state residents. If your state school has an average MCAT of 512 and you’re a resident, your 513 makes you very competitive there.
DO schools can serve as additional safety options if you’re comfortable attending osteopathic programs. With a 513, you’d be a strong candidate at any DO school in the country.
Create a final list of 15 to 25 schools total. This gives you enough options without spending unnecessarily on application fees. Make sure you’d genuinely be happy attending any school on your list.
Moving Forward with Your Goals in Mind
So, is 513 a good MCAT score? For most medical schools, absolutely. You’ve achieved a score that demonstrates academic capability and opens doors to the majority of medical schools in the country.
For most applicants, your MCAT work is done, and that 513 will serve you well throughout the application process. Pour your energy into crafting compelling essays, gaining meaningful clinical experiences, maintaining or improving your GPA, and building relationships for strong letters of recommendation.
However, if top-tier programs are non-negotiable for you, honestly assess whether a retake makes sense. Look at your potential for improvement, weigh the risks and benefits, and make a strategic decision aligned with your goals. There’s no shame in retaking if it brings you closer to your dream school, just as there’s no shame in accepting a strong 513 and moving forward.
Apply strategically to schools where your 513 makes you competitive. Build a balanced list that includes realistic targets, some reaches, and solid safeties. Don’t undersell yourself. You belong at quality MD programs across the country.
Whether you decide to retake or move forward with your 513, approach the process with clear eyes about where you stand. A 513 is a strong score that proves your academic capabilities. Now show medical schools who you are as a person and why you’ll be an excellent physician. Your numbers have gotten you in the door. The rest of your application determines whether you get the acceptance.
