You can take the exam up to three times in a single testing year, up to four times in a two consecutive-year period, and up to seven times in a lifetime. Obviously, you want to minimize the number of times you need to take such a rigorous exam, and that is clearly the value of good MCAT prep. Furthermore, medical schools will not review your application until they receive all your scores from the AAMC.
Period |
Number of Times Permitted to Take the MCAT |
Single testing year |
Up to 3 times |
Two consecutive-year period |
Up to 4 times |
Lifetime |
Up to 7 times |
Note: A voided exam and a 'no show' are counted as attempts in taking the exam. There is no required waiting period before you can retake the MCAT. But you may be able to register for a new MCAT date 48 hours after your exam day.
To determine if you should retake the MCAT, know the average MCAT score required by the medical school of your choice as well as their acceptance rates. If your score is competitive, the focus might not be on the need to retake the MCAT. You may need to evaluate your medical school interview, or autobiographical materials, or possibly your GPA. If your GPA is low, you may benefit from additional undergraduate or graduate studies (consult your premed advisor for additional insight), or you may benefit from a higher MCAT score.
If you feel that retaking the MCAT is the way to go, we have assembled MCAT prep courses and MCAT practice tests that would help you prepare better. Consider reading Finding the Courage to Retake the MCAT.
How are the multiple MCAT scores evaluated?
Some schools consider only your most recent score, whereas others will accept your highest score for each section.
In other cases, medical schools may rely solely on percentile rank when comparing your multiple scores.
Just keep in mind that medical schools will see all your MCAT attempts during their review of your application.
For guidance on how the MCAT is scored and to calculate your chances of getting accepted to medical school, click here: MCAT Scores.