Table of Contents
Introduction
Scoring lower than you expected on the MCAT can feel like hitting a wall after months of grinding through prep books, practice exams, and late-night study sessions. For many future med students, that moment leads straight to one pressing question: should I schedule an MCAT retake? The weight of this decision isn’t lost on anyone applying to medical school. Your MCAT score is one of the most closely examined parts of your application, alongside your GPA, and plays a big role in how competitive you’ll be at your target schools.
Maybe your overall score didn’t clear the bar for the programs you’re eyeing. Or perhaps one section, like CARS, tanked while the others held steady. Some applicants feel torn when they realize their result is fine—but just not as strong as they’d hoped. Others wonder if a second or even third try will actually make a difference. That’s when questions start piling up fast: Will admissions committees care? Could retesting backfire? Will your prep this time around lead to real improvement?
In this guide, we’ll walk through the key factors behind deciding whether another attempt at the MCAT is worth it, helping you weigh the pros, cons, and the less obvious ripple effects that come with committing to a retake.
The Basics of Retaking the MCAT
When you’re staring at an MCAT score report that didn’t quite hit the mark, it’s normal to start digging into the details of how the retake process works. Before you rush into another round of studying, it helps to break down a few key things: how often you can sit for the test, how admissions teams look at multiple scores, and whether or not sitting for a second (or third) attempt might hurt your med school application. Let’s unpack these fundamentals so you can move forward with a clearer view.
Testing Limits
Before you commit to an MCAT retake, make sure you’re aware of the testing rules set by the AAMC. There’s a cap on how many times you can take the MCAT, and it’s not unlimited. You can sit for the exam up to three times within a single calendar year. Over a two-year period, you can attempt it a maximum of four times. The lifetime limit is seven.
Keep in mind that even if you void your score or don’t show up on test day, it still counts toward these totals. So if you have already tested once or twice this year, you need to factor that into your timeline when considering another retake. Spacing out your test dates might also be smart if you’re looking at a longer application window and want to keep some attempts available in case you need them later. Being strategic here can help you avoid running out of chances down the road.
How Schools View Multiple Scores
The next question most students have is: how do admissions committees evaluate multiple MCAT scores? The answer is—it varies. There isn’t a universal formula that every medical school follows, which can make this part feel a little murky.
Some schools will focus on your highest overall score and give little weight to earlier attempts. Others will look at the average of all your test dates. A few programs might “superscore,” pulling your best section scores from different sittings to create a combined total. On the flip side, certain committees will weigh your most recent score more heavily than your earlier tries, even if your first or second attempt was stronger.
Unfortunately, most med schools don’t publicly share which of these approaches they use. Some applicants will contact admissions offices directly to ask, but often they’ll be met with a reminder that the school uses a “holistic review process.”
Despite the uncertainty, it’s generally understood that your cumulative MCAT performance carries weight, especially if a pattern starts to emerge. A steady upward trend, where each retake shows a solid improvement, can reflect positively on your application. However, repeated scores with little movement—or even dips—could prompt committees to question your preparation or test-day readiness.
Another thing to keep in mind: while the total MCAT score tends to get most of the attention, some programs do have section-specific cutoffs. So even if your composite score looks good, a weak section could still raise concerns at certain schools. It’s worth looking at the admissions data for your target list to get a sense of how competitive you really are.
Does Retaking Hurt Your Application?
So, does retaking the MCAT raise any red flags with admissions officers? In most cases, an MCAT retake doesn’t automatically hurt you. It’s common for applicants to take the exam twice—and sometimes more—especially if they are aiming to boost their competitiveness. Retesting is usually accepted as a normal part of the process, especially if your second or third attempt leads to a noticeable improvement.
That said, there are limits to how forgiving med schools will be. If you retake the MCAT multiple times and your scores stay flat or drop, this can create doubts about your academic preparation and overall judgment. Committees might wonder if you’re rushing into retakes without addressing the underlying issues, such as poor study habits, ineffective test strategies, or scheduling the exam before you’re ready.
It’s also worth pointing out that a slight increase—say one or two points—might not carry much weight. While it won’t hurt your file outright, it may not move the needle enough to justify the additional attempt. Admissions teams want to see applicants who demonstrate thoughtful planning and resilience. If your retake results in a solid jump in points, that can help frame your decision as a smart, calculated move.
In short, while an MCAT retake is a common step for many applicants, the key is to show clear progress and readiness when you sit for the test again. A stronger score can show admissions teams that you’ve learned from your past experience and put in the work to improve.
Weighing the Odds: How Likely Is a Better Score?
Before signing up for an MCAT retake, it’s smart to ask yourself: how much can you realistically improve? While many students assume their next attempt will automatically lead to a higher score, the data shows the situation is a little more nuanced. Improvements are possible, but the level of progress depends on where you started, how you prep, and a few other factors worth breaking down.
AAMC Data on Score Changes
The AAMC’s research on repeat test-takers gives a helpful window into what usually happens when people sit for the exam again. Roughly 39% of students who took the MCAT between 2020 and 2022 were retesters. On average, most of them saw some improvement compared to their original score. However, the gains weren’t always dramatic—and they varied based on the initial score range.
For example, those who originally scored in the lowest range (472–477) tended to increase their score by as much as six points on their second try, though some also saw slight decreases. For students in the middle range (486–505), a typical bump was between three to nine points higher. On the other end, test-takers who scored in the top tier (518–528) saw much smaller shifts, with many improving by just one point, and some even dropping by up to four points.
This means that those starting with a lower score tend to have more room for growth, statistically speaking. If your original score is already high, say in the 515+ range, the likelihood of making a noticeable jump is lower—and the risk of plateauing or slipping increases. But if you’re sitting closer to a 490 or low 500, a second attempt might give you a stronger shot at pushing up into a more competitive range.
Score Variability
It’s important to keep in mind that the MCAT is designed to be a reliable and consistent measurement. The test structure aims to reduce large swings in scores between sittings. While you might expect a retake to automatically yield better results, score variability plays a role in limiting how much your performance changes from one test day to the next.
In practice, this means that some students walk away from an MCAT retake with only a minor shift—maybe one or two points higher or lower than their previous attempt. This is especially common for students whose baseline was already aligned with their true ability or preparation level. If your initial test score accurately reflects your readiness, retaking the exam without changing your prep strategy might leave you with a similar result.
There’s also the possibility of underperforming on your second attempt. Whether it’s because of test-day nerves, burnout from back-to-back study cycles, or an off day, scoring lower than your first try can happen. And when that occurs, admissions committees will be looking at both results and may wonder which version is a better reflection of your true potential.
Impact on Applications
So, what does this mean for your med school application? The way your score changes between attempts can shape how admissions committees view your file. A significant jump—say, increasing your MCAT score by five points or more—can show that you were able to identify weaknesses, put in meaningful work, and bounce back stronger.
On the other hand, retaking the MCAT and walking away with the same score or just a one- or two-point increase might not be enough to shift your competitiveness at your target programs. Some admissions teams will take that as confirmation that your original result was an accurate measure of your ability.
A lower second score could raise concerns, too. Even if your higher score is still valid and likely the one committees focus on, they’ll still see the dip, and it could raise questions about your consistency and test-taking skills.
Because of this, it’s key to approach an MCAT retake with a clear plan to improve—not just hope for a better outcome. Reviewing AAMC practice exams, adjusting your prep methods, and allowing enough time to target weaker areas will help stack the odds in your favor. While many applicants do see gains with a second or third attempt, taking a closer look at your previous prep and how you’ll change it going forward is crucial before locking in that next test date.
Hidden Costs of a Retake
It’s easy to focus just on your score when you’re weighing whether to sign up for an MCAT retake, but there are other factors at play. The hidden costs of a second or third attempt can add up fast and affect your time, wallet, and even your application timeline. It’s worth looking at these areas before making a final call on scheduling another exam.
Time Commitment
An MCAT retake isn’t just about sitting for the test again—it’s also about the weeks or months you’ll need to carve out for additional prep. For many students, this means dedicating at least two to three months of focused study time, often committing 20 or more hours a week. That’s time you could be spending on other key parts of your application like writing your personal statement, polishing your work and activities section, or prepping for interviews.
If you’re juggling school, work, or clinical responsibilities, prepping for a retake can put a strain on your schedule. It might mean giving up extracurricular activities, reducing work hours, or delaying other commitments. Some students also find that they sacrifice downtime or personal priorities in the push to improve their score, which can lead to stress or burnout.
The hours you invest into retaking the MCAT also have ripple effects. For applicants testing close to the medical school application cycle, this extra prep time might make it harder to finalize strong essays or research schools thoroughly. Balancing the heavy demands of MCAT study with your broader med school application workload is something worth thinking through.
Financial Costs
Let’s talk about the money side of an MCAT retake. First, there’s the exam fee itself—$345 for standard registration, or $130 if you qualify for the AAMC’s Fee Assistance Program. If you’re testing outside the U.S. or Canada, tack on an extra $120 for the international fee.
But registration isn’t the only expense. Study materials can rack up costs fast. Whether you’re buying official AAMC bundles, practice exams, or enrolling in a prep course, it’s not unusual for students to spend several hundred—or even thousands—of dollars trying to gear up for a stronger performance. If you plan on hiring a private tutor, that adds another layer of costs.
There’s also what some students forget to factor in: potential lost income. If you’re stepping back from a part-time job, clinical work, or research commitments to free up time for studying, you might be giving up steady earnings in the short term. For others, pushing back work or internship opportunities to make room for another MCAT study cycle could affect professional development outside of test scores.
These financial strains don’t always stand out at first glance, but they can impact how you approach the rest of your medical school application process, especially if money is tight. Being aware of these hidden expenses can help you plan ahead and figure out if the payoff from a retake justifies the added costs.
Application Timeline
Timing matters, especially when it comes to an MCAT retake. Many students face a crunch when they try to fit in a second or third attempt too close to the start of an application cycle. If you’re retaking the exam during the spring or summer, there’s a chance that studying will overlap with when you’re supposed to be submitting your primary application and secondary essays.
Some applicants delay submitting their applications while waiting for improved MCAT scores to be released. This can push you later in the admissions timeline, which might reduce your chances at certain schools that use rolling admissions. Getting your application in later than planned could mean competing for fewer spots.
There’s also the question of whether an MCAT retake will leave you short on time for interview prep or affect your ability to secure strong letters of recommendation. If you’re spending so much energy on test prep that other application pieces take a back seat, that can have unintended effects on how competitive your overall application looks to admissions committees.
A last-minute retake could also cut into time you’d planned to spend on other growth opportunities, like gaining more clinical or research experience. While improving your MCAT score is important, finding the right balance so you don’t neglect other parts of your med school application is just as critical.
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When a Retake Might Be the Right Call
Not everyone needs to jump into an MCAT retake, but there are some situations where it makes sense to seriously consider it. Below are common scenarios where sitting for the exam again could give you a stronger chance at your target med schools. Whether it’s score-related or due to factors on test day, here’s when scheduling another round might be the right move.
Non-Competitive Score for Target Schools
One of the clearest signs that a retake could help is when your current score isn’t cutting it for the schools on your list. If your MCAT score is noticeably below the average scores for the programs you’re aiming for, this is a reason to step back and reassess. Even if other parts of your application—like your GPA or extracurriculars—are solid, an MCAT that falls short of what your schools expect might block you from landing interviews.
Some schools publish median or average scores of admitted students. If your result is sitting a few points under those figures, you might find yourself on the outside looking in. And while admissions teams do look at applications holistically, there’s usually a baseline score range you’ll want to hit to stay competitive.
So, if you’re seeing gaps between your numbers and where your target programs expect you to be, an MCAT retake could give you the chance to close that gap and keep those schools within reach.
Score Imbalances
An uneven score breakdown across sections can also make an MCAT retake a smart choice. Some schools set minimum cutoffs for individual sections, even if your total score looks fine. It’s pretty common to see applicants crush three sections but underperform on one—CARS being a frequent trouble spot.
If you have one section that lags behind the others by five or more points, it could raise red flags with admissions committees, especially at programs that care about balanced performance. A solid retake plan can help you focus on that weaker section while maintaining or slightly improving your stronger areas.
For applicants aiming at schools that prioritize specific sections—like those that weigh CARS heavily—this section imbalance might be enough reason to schedule another MCAT attempt, even if the overall score looks reasonable.
Inadequate Prep or External Circumstances
Sometimes an MCAT retake isn’t about the numbers themselves but what was happening before or on test day. If your prep was rushed or you underestimated how much studying you really needed, that’s a factor to consider. Maybe you didn’t hit the recommended 20+ hours a week or only prepped for a few weeks before testing.
External challenges also play a role. Getting sick, dealing with personal issues, or managing stress from unrelated responsibilities around your exam date can easily throw off your performance. If you know you weren’t at your best due to things outside your control, retaking the exam with a proper plan—and without those distractions—could give you a much better shot at showing your real potential.
Mismatch with Practice Scores
Another common scenario where retaking makes sense is when your official test result doesn’t line up with how you performed on practice exams. If you were consistently scoring several points higher on AAMC practice tests but fell short on test day, that gap suggests you have the ability to do better.
This could point to issues like nerves, poor pacing, or not fully adjusting to test-day conditions. It’s also possible you made mistakes on one or two passages that caused a ripple effect across sections. If your practice scores were reliably higher, taking the exam again with an updated test strategy might help you hit numbers closer to what you’ve seen in practice.
Actionable Feedback
Lastly, feedback from trusted advisors or mentors can help push you toward an MCAT retake if they believe you’re capable of improvement. Sometimes it’s hard to see your own blind spots, and having an outside perspective—whether from a premed advisor, tutor, or mentor—can help identify weak areas you might’ve overlooked.
If you get clear, specific suggestions on how to boost your score—whether that’s a more structured study plan, fixing timing issues, or strengthening a weak section—that’s a solid sign that a retake could lead to better results. Having a plan that tackles what went wrong the first time gives you a more focused way to approach your next exam and can help you avoid repeating the same mistakes.
When You Should Probably Hold Off
While it’s tempting to want to boost your score with an MCAT retake, there are times when hitting the “pause” button might actually be the smarter move. Below are a few key situations where sticking with your current score could serve you better than diving into another round of prep and testing.
Already Strong Scores
If you’re sitting on a score of 518 or higher, it’s likely not worth the risk of retaking. At this level, you’re already well-positioned for most medical schools, including some of the top-tier programs. A high MCAT score signals strong academic ability, and admissions committees will generally see you as a competitive candidate from the numbers standpoint.
Additionally, statistics show that students who already scored in the top ranges tend to see little to no improvement on subsequent exams—and in some cases, they even drop a few points. With a ceiling effect in play, going from a 518 to a 520 might not significantly impact your application, and risking a score decrease could raise questions about test-day readiness.
If you’re already in that upper percentile, your energy might be better spent strengthening other parts of your application, like your clinical exposure, research work, or personal statement.
Score Fits Your School List
An MCAT retake might not be needed if your current score fits well with the average scores at the schools you’re targeting. For example, if most of the medical programs you’re applying to have an average MCAT around 511 and you’ve scored a 512, you’re likely in a good position.
You don’t necessarily need to aim higher just because you didn’t hit the numbers at some ultra-competitive schools. Being above or right in line with the averages at your chosen programs is often enough to clear the academic hurdle. Unless your GPA is significantly lower than the average at these schools, retesting just to squeeze out an extra point or two may not give you much of an advantage.
In these cases, putting your efforts into crafting a stronger narrative in your application essays or improving your extracurriculars could have a bigger payoff than aiming for a few more points on the MCAT.
Realistic Expectations
It’s also important to stay grounded about how much you can realistically improve. If you prepped thoroughly the first time, followed a structured study plan, and your official MCAT score came out close to where your AAMC practice test scores were landing, you might have already hit your ceiling.
In other words, retaking the exam without making significant changes to how you study could lead to the same result—or worse, a drop. If you can’t clearly identify why you underperformed (beyond minor test-day anxiety), you may want to hold off on scheduling another MCAT retake.
Admissions committees will notice if you’ve tested multiple times without notable score improvements, and while it’s not automatically a negative, repeated scores in the same range can raise concerns about whether you’re using your prep time effectively.
Limited Time or Unclear Plan
Doing well on a retake requires a serious time investment. If you’re stretched thin with other responsibilities—such as schoolwork, clinical duties, or application deadlines—you may not be able to dedicate the hours needed for meaningful improvement.
Additionally, if you don’t have a clear, revised study plan to tackle your weak spots, it’s easy to fall into the trap of repeating the same prep strategies and getting the same outcome. Without extra time and a focused approach, retaking the MCAT can just eat into valuable time you could spend elsewhere, like finalizing your application materials or getting involved in new research or community service opportunities.
Before you lock in another exam date, it’s worth asking yourself if you truly have the bandwidth and strategy to make a noticeable leap.
External Pressure vs. Personal Motivation
It’s common for students to feel nudged toward an MCAT retake because of outside voices—whether that’s from family, friends, or peers who are also in the med school application process. But if your main reason for considering a retake is external pressure, and you’re not personally convinced that you need one, it may not be the right call.
A retake should come from a place of confidence and a clear goal to improve, rather than a reaction to comparison or the fear of falling behind others. Admissions committees are more likely to be impressed by a candidate who knows when to push harder—and when to move forward with what they’ve already built.
If your current score aligns with your goals and you feel ready to focus on your broader application, it might make more sense to shift your attention to interviews, networking, or adding impactful clinical and volunteer work, rather than circling back to test prep.
Planning Ahead if You Do Retake
If you’ve decided that an MCAT retake is the right move, it’s important to approach it with a fresh game plan. Simply repeating your old prep strategy and hoping for better results probably won’t get you far. Here are key steps to take before you jump back into study mode.
Map Out Study Changes
The first step after committing to an MCAT retake is to honestly assess what didn’t work last time. Was your prep timeline too short? Did you ignore weak content areas? Were practice exams showing red flags that you overlooked? Pinpointing where things went off track is crucial.
Once you’ve identified gaps, revamp your study plan. This could mean switching up your prep resources, dedicating more time to practice questions, or focusing on a specific section that held you back. Maybe you didn’t do enough full-length exams under timed conditions, or you didn’t spend enough time reviewing your mistakes in-depth. Whatever the case, tweaking your approach is key. Without adjustments, you risk repeating the same patterns and landing a similar score.
For many students, this means treating your retake like a first-time attempt—with a structured study schedule, stronger review techniques, and fresh prep materials tailored to your weaknesses.
Time Management
Balancing your time effectively is just as important as the study plan itself. An MCAT retake can’t exist in a vacuum—you’ll likely be juggling other responsibilities like classes, part-time work, or extracurricular commitments.
Create a timeline that factors in all your obligations. Make sure you’re blocking off enough hours each week for focused MCAT prep without sacrificing your performance in other areas, such as coursework or volunteer roles. It’s easy to slip into a cycle where you overcommit to one area (test prep) and let other application components fall behind, but admissions committees are looking at the full picture.
Also, build in time for non-academic priorities like mental health and rest. Burnout is real, especially when studying for a retake on top of an already busy schedule. Spacing out your prep timeline to reduce stress could actually improve your retention and test-day performance.
Focus on Application-Wide Improvement
While you’re prepping for your MCAT retake, don’t lose sight of the bigger application. A stronger score is great—but med schools are also evaluating your clinical experience, leadership roles, research involvement, and community service. Make sure you’re continuing to grow in these areas as you study.
If you’ve already submitted your primary application and are waiting for secondary invitations, balancing secondary essay writing with MCAT prep becomes another juggling act. Likewise, if you’re in the middle of gathering letters of recommendation, make sure those relationships aren’t neglected while you focus on test prep.
Even applicants planning for the next cycle should treat this period as a chance to round out their overall profile. Schools want applicants who show academic strength and a consistent commitment to medicine outside of the classroom.
Avoiding Score Expiry
Lastly, it’s smart to factor in how long your MCAT scores will remain valid. Most U.S. medical schools accept scores that are up to three years old at the time of application. Canadian schools follow a similar pattern, though it varies by program. If you’re planning to take a gap year or apply more than a year out, you’ll want to map out when to retake the MCAT so your scores stay active.
You don’t want to end up in a situation where a solid score from a previous cycle expires just before you apply. Timing your retake to align with your application year is important, especially if you’re balancing a timeline for both U.S. and Canadian schools, where requirements may differ slightly.
When considering an MCAT retake, always keep your long-term application timeline in mind. Whether you’re applying this year or next, making sure your scores are still valid is one less thing you’ll have to worry about as you move through the admissions process.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to move forward with an MCAT retake isn’t always clear-cut. There’s a lot to weigh—how your score compares to your target schools, whether there’s room for meaningful improvement, and how the time and costs could impact the rest of your med school application process. In some cases, sitting for the exam again can be a smart step toward boosting your competitiveness. In others, it might pull focus away from strengthening your personal statement, work and activities section, or other important areas like research and clinical work.
Retaking the MCAT requires more than just hoping for a better result. It calls for a detailed plan, changes in how you study, and a realistic view of your timeline and capacity. You’ll want to be sure that any additional attempt is backed by clear reasons—whether it’s overcoming a section imbalance, responding to unexpected challenges during your first attempt, or adjusting to feedback you’ve received.
At the end of the day, your MCAT score is just one piece of the larger admissions process. Whether you commit to a retake or decide to move ahead with your current score, the focus should always be on building a strong, well-rounded application that reflects your readiness for medical school.
FAQ
1. How many times can I retake the MCAT?
You can attempt the MCAT up to three times in a single calendar year, up to four times over two consecutive years, and no more than seven times total in your lifetime. Even if you void your score or don’t show up on test day, it still counts as one of your attempts. Keeping track of these limits is key, especially if you’re planning long-term for medical school applications.
2. Do medical schools view multiple MCAT attempts negatively?
Retaking the MCAT is common and isn’t automatically seen as a negative by admissions committees. However, schools may interpret repeated attempts with minimal improvement as a sign that you didn’t adjust your preparation effectively. That said, if your score trends upward over several sittings, it can show persistence and growth, which admissions teams may view positively.
3. How much do scores typically improve after a retake?
Most students do see some improvement on a retake, but it depends on their starting score. Those who initially scored lower tend to see larger gains, while applicants already scoring in the 515+ range often experience smaller increases or even a slight drop. On average, gains of three to six points are common, but there’s no guarantee of a significant jump without changes to study habits.
4. Can retaking the MCAT delay my med school application?
Yes, scheduling a retake close to the application cycle can affect your timeline. Some students wait to submit their application until after receiving new scores, which could result in applying later than peers. This can be risky with rolling admissions, where applying early might boost your chances.
5. When is an MCAT retake generally recommended?
A retake makes sense if your score is below the average range of your target schools, or if you have one section that is much lower than the others. It’s also worth considering if external factors like illness, stress, or poor prep affected your first attempt. Another valid reason is if your official score is significantly lower than your AAMC practice exams.
6. When should I avoid retaking the MCAT?
If you already have a strong score—typically 518 or higher—retaking may not be worth the time or risk of scoring lower. Similarly, if your score aligns well with your target programs, you’re better off focusing on other areas of your application. It’s also a good idea to hold off if you don’t have enough time to commit to a new prep plan or if you’re feeling external pressure without strong personal motivation.
7. What should I focus on if I decide to retake the MCAT?
If you’re going for a retake, start by identifying what didn’t work during your last prep cycle. Make sure to adjust your study approach, address weak sections, and balance prep time with other parts of your application like personal statements and clinical activities. It’s also crucial to manage your timeline so that you don’t compromise other parts of your application in the process.