LAU Student Achieves 100th Percentile on the MCAT
The School of Arts and Sciences (SoAS) is proud to announce that Biology student Issam Mahfoud has achieved an extraordinary milestone by scoring in the 100th percentile on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
The MCAT, prepared by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), is one of the most competitive standardized exams worldwide. It is a mandatory requirement for admission into all American medical schools, whether in the United States or abroad. The test rigorously evaluates knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology and critical analysis to ensure that candidates are fully prepared for the intellectual challenges of medical education.
Ranking in the 100th percentile means obtaining a score that is higher than nearly all other test-takers globally in the same testing year.
This remarkable success reflects not only Issam’s academic dedication but also the rigor and high standards of the Biology program at LAU, whose faculty consistently strive to equip students with the knowledge, skills and discipline required to excel in the most demanding academic and professional environments.
Chairperson of the Department of Biological Sciences Sama Sleiman stressed the department’s mission in challenging, inspiring, and preparing students to reach their full potential. “This accomplishment, along with the very competitive scores our students continue to achieve, reflects the rigor of the program and highlights both the caliber of our students and the excellence of education at LAU,” she said.
In preparation for the exam, Mahfoud focused on understanding the logic and structure of the MCAT rather than memorizing content by prioritizing depth over volume in order to “master select study resources and cultivate a mindset of deliberate practice,” he noted. This was done by “treating every mistake as feedback and refining my approach with each lesson learned.”
Reflecting on LAU’s role in his success, Mahfoud also highlighted how the emphasis on critical thinking, scientific reasoning and integration of knowledge in his academic experience directly mirrored the skills tested on the MCAT.
Professors, he added, did not merely teach content but trained students to “think scientifically,” while research experiences, such as his work with Professor and SoAS Associate Dean Sandra Rizk-Jamati at the lab, fostered curiosity, discipline and analytical precision. “LAU to me is an environment that balanced challenge with support and offered me the structure and mentorship necessary to thrive.”
Motivated by a lifelong fascination with the human body and a determination to heal, Mahfoud aspires to become a surgeon who bridges clinical practice and research. For him, the MCAT score represents, in addition to academic excellence, a tangible reflection of years of perseverance, curiosity and purpose.
Heartfelt congratulations are extended to Issam on this exceptional achievement, which marks yet another example of LAU’s commitment to fostering excellence and preparing future leaders in medicine and beyond.