How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT? Yearly + Lifetime Limits

You can take the MCAT more than once, but the AAMC limits how many times you can attempt the exam:

Time Period	MCAT Attempt Limit
Single testing year	3 times
Two consecutive testing years	4 times
Lifetime	7 times

Note: Failure to attend a scheduled examination or voiding your MCAT contributes to your lifetime limit.

While the AAMC allows up to seven lifetime attempts, most students should aim to take the MCAT far fewer times.

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How Many Times Should You Take the MCAT?

Ideally, you should take the MCAT once and earn a score that makes you competitive at your target medical schools. If you do need to retake it, I generally recommend limiting yourself to no more than three total attempts in most circumstances.

The number of times you should take the MCAT depends on various factors, including your initial score and your target score for your ideal medical school.

MCAT scores range from 472 to 528, but there isn’t one score that guarantees admission. In 2025, MD matriculants had an average MCAT score of 512.1, while students entering DO programs averaged 502.95.

For most pre-meds, we recommend aiming for a good MCAT score of at least 511, as this is above average for students accepted to medical school.

But rather than retaking the MCAT simply to chase a higher number, compare your score with ranges at the schools you’re considering. Our complete guide to the MCAT can help you set an appropriate target, and the MSC Score Tool can give you a more complete picture of your competitiveness.

Before deciding whether to take the MCAT again, here’s a breakdown of three key considerations:

1. Will a Retake Hurt My Chances of Getting Accepted to Med School?

Taking the MCAT more than once does not automatically hurt your chances of getting into medical school. The AAMC specifically notes that taking the exam more than once doesn’t put you at a disadvantage. However, med schools can see all of the MCAT exams you chose to have scored, and individual schools evaluate multiple scores differently.

Some schools consider all your scores, while others focus on your most recent score, your highest score, or an average of multiple attempts. Because policies vary, check the requirements and admissions policies for the schools on your list.

If you do retake the MCAT, aim to do so when you have a clear reason to expect meaningful improvement, such as after changing your study strategy, allowing yourself more preparation time, or addressing weaknesses from your previous attempt.

2. How Many MCAT Retakes Are Too Many?

There is no universal number of MCAT retakes that medical schools consider “too many.” However,
retaking the MCAT three or more times can raise questions for certain admissions committees. Ideally, you should aim to demonstrate significant score improvement with each retake.

Taking the MCAT four or more times in a short period (unless there are valid reasons like a gap year or a prior career in healthcare) can work against you.

If you have already taken the MCAT multiple times without meaningful improvement, consider reassessing your study strategy, target score, and school list before registering for another attempt. Our guide to retaking the MCAT can help you decide whether another test date makes sense.

3. How Many Times Do Most Students Take the MCAT?

Most students take the MCAT only once or twice. According to the AAMC repeat-testing data, just under 95% of examinees have taken the current MCAT no more than twice. About 5% have taken it three times, while only 1% have taken it more than three times.

In other words, taking the MCAT three or more times is relatively uncommon.

Preparing to Retake the MCAT

If you find yourself in a situation where an MCAT retake is necessary, proper test prep is paramount. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your retake:

Take practice tests: Full-length practice exams before test day can identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to focus your efforts effectively.
Focus on high-yield topics: Concentrate your study plan on the subjects and areas where you need improvement. Efficient study strategies can make a significant difference.
Review strategies for succeeding on the necessary calculations. You won't get a calculator, so study for the math on the MCAT to ensure you know the shortcuts and formulas you'll need.
Don't waste time on the wrong study resources: Ensure that your study materials align with the MCAT's content and format. Utilize reputable resources and consider seeking guidance from experienced mentors.
Use MCAT Go and the MCAT Prep app: These resources can provide valuable study aids and insights to help you prepare more efficiently.
Get tutoring from MedSchoolCoach: If you're struggling with the MCAT, don't hesitate to seek professional guidance. Our team at MedSchoolCoach offers expert tutoring services designed to help you maximize your MCAT performance.

FAQs

After you take the MCAT, there is a 24-hour waiting period before you can register for another exam. If you miss your exam, it typically takes about 24 hours for the registration system to update your account. After that, you can register for any available test date, as long as you remain within the AAMC’s testing limits.

Yes. You can take the MCAT up to three times in a single testing year. However, you can take it only four times across two consecutive testing years and 7 times over your lifetime.

Yes. If you take the exam and choose to void your score, it still counts toward your MCAT testing limits. Med schools will not see that you voided the exam, however. They only receive exams you chose to have scored.

Yes. A no-show counts toward your MCAT testing limits, even though med schools don’t see that you missed the exam. You also will not receive a refund for a missed appointment.

No. The AAMC allows you to hold only one MCAT appointment at a time. If you want to change your test date before taking the exam, you can reschedule to another available date as long as you do so before the scheduling deadline.

Yes. The AAMC may consider appeals, but approval is at its discretion. You may be asked to provide additional information or documentation to support your request, and the AAMC will consider no more than one testing-limit appeal per testing year.

The AAMC sets a lifetime limit of seven MCAT attempts, counting attempts beginning with the April 2015 test dates. The AAMC publishes this as a testing policy but doesn’t provide a specific explanation for why the lifetime maximum was set at seven.

You Can Improve Your MCAT Score by 12+ Points

One of the most significant benefits of professional tutoring is the potential for substantial score improvement.

If you’re going to retake the MCAT, you should do everything in your power to make that retake test count! At MedSchoolCoach, we've helped numerous students boost their MCAT scores by 12 or more points, making them more competitive applicants for medical school.

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