Retaking the MCAT

Retaking the MCAT is not a decision to make lightly. For one, it means going back to the drawing board to prep for the exam again. On the other hand, your new MCAT score could make all the difference in your med school application—even a score increase of just a few points can boost your chances of admission by 10% or more!

If you're considering retaking the MCAT or not sure where to start, the Blueprint Guide to Retaking the MCAT will break it all down for you!

FAQs about retaking the MCAT

Who should retake the MCAT?

There are several reasons you might consider retaking the MCAT. The top reasons for a retake are: 

• If you scored lower than average for your target school
• If your score was inconsistent with your recent full length performance
• Something went wrong in your test administration, preventing you from performing at your peak (illness, tech issues, etc.)
• You had one section with a significantly lower score than the others

Is it bad to retake the MCAT?

This can depend on how a school evaluates your scores and interprets your performance, but bottom line–each of your MCAT exam scores matter for your medical school application.

Your designated medical schools receive ALL of your MCAT scores. Most schools will take your highest MCAT score into account, but they may also take the score of your most recent exam. Showing notable score progression from test to test can count in your favor when the highest and/or most recent score matters most. However, a school may average the MCAT score of all your tests. Some schools may consider the highest section scores from each test. In these instances, retaking until you hit that goal MCAT score may be counterbalanced by averaging.

Regardless of score, multiple MCAT retakes can indicate to prospective medical schools that you struggle with the required prerequisites and can give schools the impression that you will also have trouble with your medical education and/or passing the medical boards.

That’s why it is important to be strategic with your prep and your testing so you can limit your retakes in achieving your best score.

How many times can I retake the MCAT?

The AAMC allows students to test up to three times a year. You can complete up to four exams in a two-year period and there is a lifetime limit of seven MCATs overall.

Do I have to pay to retake the MCAT?

Yes. An MCAT retake is the same cost and process as your initial registration. You'll need to register for the test administration by your chosen test's registration date and pay the registration fee—the current standard registration fee is $325—unless you were approved for the Fee Assistance Program.

Do I need to wait to get my retake score before applying to med school?

No, you can submit your med school application through AMCAS even if your MCAT score is still pending. However, most schools will not look at your application until your MCAT score has been reported. This can put you behind in the med school admissions process, which tends to favor early applicants. If you’re retaking the MCAT, you’ll want to carefully consider your retake date and how that impacts your application timeline.

Can I cancel my MCAT score?

No. Every score from every MCAT you take is reported to your designated med schools, unless you choose to VOID your MCAT on test day—which means the test is never even scored. So re-taking the MCAT won’t prevent that not-so-great score from being reported in your med school application.

How should I prep for retaking the MCAT?

Prepping to retake the MCAT is different than prepping to take it for the first time. On the up side, you’re not starting from Square One. On the down side, your initial prep approach didn’t result in the score you wanted, so you need to rethink your strategy as you re-prep for an MCAT retake. Perhaps an MCAT prep course or personal tutoring would help on test day. The first thing you should do when asking yourself, “How should I prep for retaking the MCAT?” is to download the Blueprint Guide to Retaking the MCAT. It includes a three-step re-prep process to help you make sure this retake is your final retake!