It is not unusual to retake the MCAT. Data from the AAMC shows that between 2019 and 2021, 38 percent of test-takers were “repeaters,” who had taken the test at least once before. And “repeaters” tended to achieve score improvements.
--Those with an initial score between 472 and 517 saw a median score increase between two to four points.
--Those with an initial score between 518 and 528 saw a median score increase of one point.
The analysis also found that the longer the period between your first and second exam, the bigger the point gain. Many factors likely play into this, one of them being as simple as completing helpful college or postgraduate coursework.
How many times can I take the MCAT?
You can take the MCAT up to three times in one calendar year and four times across two calendar years. There is a lifetime cap of seven times. We recommend taking the MCAT a maximum of three times—really, you should aim for two. Medical schools prefer it.
How do schools use updated MCAT scores? Will they use my best score?
Different schools use different strategies for multiple score submissions. In an AAMC admissions officer survey (2017), representatives mentioned the following methods:
What do I need to consider as I think about retaking the MCAT?
--First and foremost: is it necessary to retake the test?
Review the average MCAT scores for the schools that you are interested in. Are you within the average range of scores at your desired schools? Would you consider adding schools to your list that do match your performance?
If you fall below the average for your target schools and you do not want to reconsider your school list, you will likely need to retake the test. MCAT scores are often used as a preliminary filter for secondary applications.
--How are the other components of your application?
A low or borderline GPA creates a stronger case for retaking the MCAT. You want to be sure that your application demonstrates your ability to thrive in a rigorous academic environment, so if both scores are on the low end, you should consider how to bolster at least one of them by retaking the exam or taking additional classes.
Continue reading our blog on this topic here.
--Those with an initial score between 472 and 517 saw a median score increase between two to four points.
--Those with an initial score between 518 and 528 saw a median score increase of one point.
The analysis also found that the longer the period between your first and second exam, the bigger the point gain. Many factors likely play into this, one of them being as simple as completing helpful college or postgraduate coursework.
How many times can I take the MCAT?
You can take the MCAT up to three times in one calendar year and four times across two calendar years. There is a lifetime cap of seven times. We recommend taking the MCAT a maximum of three times—really, you should aim for two. Medical schools prefer it.
How do schools use updated MCAT scores? Will they use my best score?
Different schools use different strategies for multiple score submissions. In an AAMC admissions officer survey (2017), representatives mentioned the following methods:
- Review all submitted scores in conjunction with respondent’s explanation of the score change
- Use only the highest score
- Average all of the submitted scores
- Use only the most recent score
What do I need to consider as I think about retaking the MCAT?
--First and foremost: is it necessary to retake the test?
Review the average MCAT scores for the schools that you are interested in. Are you within the average range of scores at your desired schools? Would you consider adding schools to your list that do match your performance?
If you fall below the average for your target schools and you do not want to reconsider your school list, you will likely need to retake the test. MCAT scores are often used as a preliminary filter for secondary applications.
--How are the other components of your application?
A low or borderline GPA creates a stronger case for retaking the MCAT. You want to be sure that your application demonstrates your ability to thrive in a rigorous academic environment, so if both scores are on the low end, you should consider how to bolster at least one of them by retaking the exam or taking additional classes.
Continue reading our blog on this topic here.
