MCAT Retakes: How Many Times You Can Test and What Schools See

Thinking about retaking the MCAT? You’re not alone. The MCAT is long, high-stakes, and central to admissions, so many applicants plan for a retake window just in case. Below you’ll find exactly how often you’re allowed to test, smart guidelines on how many attempts you should use, timing advice, and how multiple scores are viewed by medical schools.

Official Limits: How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT?

• Per testing year: up to 3 times
• Across two consecutive years: up to 4 times
• Lifetime: up to 7 total attempts

Important fine print: AAMC policy indicates that voided exams and no-shows can count toward your attempt limits (see the MCAT Essentials; always confirm the current year’s rules before you register). 

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When Should You Take the MCAT?

Most premeds sit the exam late spring or early summer of the year before matriculation—after completing core prerequisites (bio, gen chem, orgo, physics, psych/soc, biochem). That timing keeps a cushion for one well-planned retake if needed.

How Many Times Should You Take It?

• Best case: Once. Prepare thoroughly and make the first attempt your strongest.
• Acceptable: Two attempts. Especially if you show a clear score increase.
• Upper bound: Three total attempts is the practical ceiling for most applicants. More than three can raise concerns unless there’s a strong upward trend with a final, clearly competitive score.

Between attempts, leave enough time (often 6–10+ weeks) to diagnose, retool your study plan, and practice under test-day conditions. don’t just re-sit quickly.

How Retakes Affect Your Application

I. Schools see multiple scores. 

MCAT scores you release to AMCAS are included in all future AMCAS applications; you can’t “un-release” them later. 

II. How committees use them varies. 

Some emphasize the most recent score, others the highest or the overall trend.

III. Upward trajectory helps. 

A consistent improvement offsets the fact that there are multiple attempts.

IV. Too many attempts can distract. 

If scores plateau or drop, it may hurt more than help.

Smart Prep Between Attempts

1. Audit your data. 

Sort misses by content vs. reasoning vs. timing.

2. Patch the holes. 

Target weak content, drill MCAT-style reasoning, and run timed sections to stabilize pacing.

3. Simulate test day. 

Full-lengths with breaks, start time, and conditions that match the real thing.

4. Recover deliberately. 

Sleep, nutrition, and stress control are part of score gains.

FAQs: MCAT Retakes

#1. Will retaking the MCAT look bad on my application?

One retake (even two) with improvement is common and usually fine. Multiple retakes without a higher final score can be a red flag.

#2. How many times can I sit the MCAT in one year?

Up to three times in a single testing year; four across two consecutive years; seven total in your lifetime. Always check the current AAMC policy before scheduling.

#3. Do voided or no-show exams count toward my limits?

Per the MCAT Essentials, voided exams and no-shows can count toward attempt limits. Verify the current year’s Essentials before you decide to void or skip. 

#4. Do schools see all of my scores?

Yes. Released MCAT scores are included in all future AMCAS applications and can’t be “un-released.” 

#5. Should I retake if I already have a 514?

Often no—unless your target schools report higher medians and you’re confident (with data from full-lengths) that you can improve without risking a drop.

#6. How long should I wait before a retake?

Long enough to show measurable gains—commonly 6–10+ weeks of focused prep with at least 2–3 new full-lengths and thorough review.

Bottom Line

Use your attempts strategically: aim to nail it once, allow for one data-driven retake if needed, and keep total attempts to no more than three. Build a plan that turns each score report into a roadmap: target weaknesses, practice like it’s game day, and retest only when your practice data support a higher outcome. With a strong final score and an upward trend, retakes can strengthen, not sink, your application.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 15, 2025