You studied for months. You gave it your best. You sat through the grueling seven and a half hours of the MCAT… and then, the score wasn't what you hoped for.
If you're in this boat or worried you might be it's completely normal to ask:
Can I take the MCAT again? And if so, should I?
First off, take a deep breath. Retaking the MCAT isn't uncommon. Many successful med school applicants didn't hit their dream score on the first try. In fact, some took it two or even three times before getting that acceptance letter.
In this guide, we'll break down everything you need to know about retaking the MCAT from official policies to smart prep strategies. And we'll talk about how MCAT prep classes in NY and personalized MCAT tutoring can help you bounce back stronger than ever.
Let's dive in.
Why Retaking the MCAT Is Not the End of the World
It's easy to feel discouraged when your score isn't where you want it to be. But let's be real: the MCAT is tough. Really tough. It's not just about knowing science it's about applying knowledge under pressure, managing time, and maintaining focus across four long sections.
The truth is, many students don't reach their target score the first time. And you know what? That's okay.
What matters is how you respond. If you're willing to learn from the experience and rework your strategy, you absolutely can come back stronger.
AAMC Rules: How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT?
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) the body that runs the MCAT has clear guidelines on how many times you can take the test:
- Up to 3 times in one calendar year
- Up to 4 times in a two-year period
- Up to 7 times in a lifetime
Yes, you read that right seven chances total. That's plenty of opportunity to get it right, as long as you approach each attempt with intention and preparation.
Also important: even if you void your score or miss the test day (a no-show), it still counts as one of your attempts. So be sure you're ready before signing up again.
Should You Retake the MCAT? Ask Yourself These 5 Questions
Before you rush into scheduling your next test, take a step back and reflect. A retake should be strategic, not reactionary. Ask yourself:
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Did your score truly reflect your ability?
Maybe you were sick, dealing with stress, or ran out of time on a section. If your performance doesn't reflect your actual prep, a retake might be justified.
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Were your practice test scores consistently higher?
If your Kaplan or AAMC full-length practice exams were showing 510+ but your real MCAT was 500, something went off on test day. That's a strong reason to consider a second shot.
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Does your score align with your target med schools?
Use AAMC's MSAR tool to compare your score to the median at your target programs. If you're significantly below the average, a retake might improve your chances.
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Can you dedicate time to do better next time?
A retake only makes sense if you can study differently and better. Don't retake just to “see what happens.”
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Will a retake strengthen your application overall?
If your GPA is strong, your ECs are solid, and your MCAT is the only weak point—then yes, retaking might make a big difference.
Pros and Cons of Retaking the MCAT
The Pros:
- Opportunity to improve your application
- Shows growth, resilience, and commitment
- You already know the exam format—there's no "first-time" anxiety
The Cons:
- Prep time can interfere with applications or coursework
- Emotional and mental toll if you're not in the right headspace
- Some med schools view multiple attempts cautiously (but context matters!)
Remember, one or two retakes are not dealbreakers. Many admissions committees focus on your highest score, especially if they see upward progress.
How to Prepare for a Retake (And Do It Right)
Now, here's the most important part: your study strategy needs to change. A repeat of your old routine won't bring new results. So here's how to prep smarter this time around:
Reflect Honestly
What held you back last time?
- Weak content knowledge?
- Poor time management?
- Test-day anxiety?
Be honest with yourself so you can tackle the real issues.
Target Weak Areas
Use your AAMC score report to pinpoint the sections and skills where you lost the most points. Then go deep on those.
For example:
- Struggled with CARS? Focus on reading comprehension drills and logic games.
- Missed a lot on Chem/Phys? Review Kaplan's subject review books, then practice, practice, practice.
Switch Up Your Study Tools
If your self-study plan didn't cut it, consider something more structured:
- MCAT prep classes in NY give you live instruction, a clear plan, and a community.
- MCAT tutoring offers customized support from experts who can break down concepts in ways that finally click.
These services aren't just for first-timers. They're powerful tools for retesters who need a fresh approach and a confidence boost.
How Do Medical Schools View Multiple MCAT Attempts?
It depends. Some schools take only your highest score. Others may look at all scores holistically. A few might average your attempts but this is less common. What schools really want to see is growth. If you retake the MCAT and improve your score, that shows hard work and persistence.
Tip: Use your personal statement or secondaries to briefly explain a low score if needed especially if external factors were at play. Keep it honest, humble, and focused on what you learned.
When Should You Retake the MCAT?
Timing is everything. You want to give yourself enough time to improve while still staying aligned with application cycles.
Here's how to think about it:
- Plan for at least 3–4 months of focused prep before a retake.
- If possible, aim for an early spring or summer retake to give you time for applications.
- Don't rush into the next available test date unless you're truly ready.
Use that time to rebuild your foundation and take full-length exams every 2–3 weeks leading up to the test.
Alternatives to Retaking: Is It Really Necessary?
Sometimes, the better option is to not retake especially if your score is borderline but not terrible (say, 505–508), and the rest of your application is strong.
Other ways to strengthen your app:
- Boost your GPA with a post-bacc or master's program
- Gain more clinical or volunteer experience
- Write compelling essays and get strong letters of recommendation
- Apply strategically to programs where your profile is competitive
Also consider DO schools, which are often more forgiving of lower MCAT scores and multiple attempts.
Final Advice: You've Got More in You
Here's what we want you to remember:
Retaking the MCAT isn't a failure it's a second chance. It's an opportunity to learn from your past, fine-tune your approach, and prove to yourself (and admissions committees) what you're capable of.
And you don't have to do it alone.
Whether it's signing up for MCAT prep classes in NY, working with a private MCAT tutor, or finding a new study group there's a path that fits your style, schedule, and goals.
You've already come so far. One test doesn't define your future. But the decision you make next just might.
Choose wisely. Prep intentionally. Believe deeply.
Your white coat journey is still very much alive.
