These Cities Are Home to the Highest MCAT Scorers, Inspira Advantage Study Finds

February 27, 2025 New York, NY – A new study by Inspira Advantage has revealed the top 10 U.S. cities with the highest median MCAT scores for the 2023–2024 admissions cycle. As national averages climb to 500.7, the leading cities report medians above 520, underscoring an expanding gap between regions with well-established medical ecosystems and those struggling to keep pace.

The Top 10 Cities With the Highest MCAT Medians

Below are the cities topping the MCAT charts, alongside their highest median scores:

(Source: Inspira Advantage)

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Why MCAT Performance Matters for Cities and Institutions

1. Attracts Top Talent: High-scoring students are more likely to attend institutions with robust reputations, drawing academic and professional prestige to the city.
2. Boosts Local Economies: Top-tier medical schools often receive significant research funding, fuel local job growth, and spur startups in biotech and healthcare.

For cities not on the list, low average scores can hamper both talent recruitment and funding opportunities.

What Drives MCAT Excellence?

While prestigious medical schools are a key factor, the study reveals that success is driven by a combination of resources, collaboration, and investment.

Prestigious Medical Ecosystems

Major urban centers often host teaching hospitals, renowned faculty, and cutting-edge research facilities.

• New York City, NY: Students benefit from NYSIM Center (NYU Langone/CUNY), training over 16,000 learners annually.
• Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins collaborates with institutions like the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) and NIH.
• Boston, MA: Harvard’s 15 affiliates, including Massachusetts General Hospital, offer world-class clinical experiences.

Students attending undergrad in cities with these resources are exposed to academic medical excellence at an earlier stage in their education, highlighting the importance of a high MCAT score as part of their medical school application,” said Dr. Aanika Warner, an admissions counselor at Inspira Advantage. “Additionally, these cities tend to have more access to tutors and personalized help specifically to score high on the MCAT.”

Strong Prep Infrastructure

A dense network of test prep centers, tutoring programs, and subsidized courses helps students excel.

• Phoenix, AZ: Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine runs a UPS Program providing free MCAT prep to underrepresented undergraduates.
• Boston, MA: Harvard and BU students often tutor through local prep centers, leveraging the city’s academic network.
• Chicago, IL:  MCAT coaches help countless students with hours of prep, an in-depth practice test, and endless support.

Collaborative Communities

Conferences, research symposiums, and networking events foster peer-to-peer learning and motivation.

• Boston, MA: The Biomedical Science Careers Student Conference draws 1,000+ pre-med students for mentorship and presentations.
• Nashville, TN: Vanderbilt’s Immersion Vanderbilt program requires experiential learning, linking undergrads with nonprofits and corporate partners.
• New York City, NY: The AMSNY Diversity in Medicine Programs offer MCAT prep and mentorship for underrepresented groups.

Such collaboration creates community support systems that increase student performance.

Economic and Cultural Factors

Cities with strong philanthropic traditions and corporate partnerships often fund scholarships, free test prep, and research opportunities.

• Baltimore, MD: Baltimore City Medical Society awards medical school scholarships to students with Baltimore City listed as their permanent address.
• St. Louis, MO: The Amgen Foundation sponsors a 10-week biomedical research program that includes MCAT prep.
• Philadelphia, PA: The Medical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania supports initiatives offering free UWorld MCAT access.

These investments attract high-achieving applicants, nurturing local talent pipelines.

Implications for Future Applicants

While the MCAT alone doesn’t guarantee acceptance to competitive programs, it remains a critical factor in admissions. Cities that invest in comprehensive prep resources—tutoring centers, research labs, and mentorship—improve their medical schools’ reputations and student outcomes.

“Having a renowned medical school isn’t enough,” said Arush Chandna, founder of Inspira Advantage. “Strong tutoring programs, high-quality practice resources, and structured guidance will attract motivated students ready to improve their MCAT scores and ultimately, get the best medical school education."

For students, the message is clear: seek out environments that provide the resources and mentorship needed to excel. Whether through online tutoring, research grants, or community-driven programs, aspiring doctors have more tools than ever to achieve their goals.

Conclusion

The concentration of high MCAT scorers in certain cities reflects the evolving landscape of medical education. For cities, investing in these ecosystems is a strategic move that pays dividends in talent, reputation, and economic growth. For students, achieving a competitive MCAT score is the first step toward a rewarding medical career.

As the competition intensifies, the question remains: will your city rise to the challenge?

For more information on our methodology or to access the full data set, readers can visit Inspira Advantage at: https://www.inspiraadvantage.com/blog/gpa-and-mcat-scores-for-all-medical-schools