How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT?

You can take the MCAT up to three times in a single testing year, up to four times across two consecutive testing years, and up to seven times in your lifetime. These limits are set by the AAMC, and voided exams and no-shows count toward them.

Knowing the limit is the easy part. The harder question is whether another attempt will actually move your score, and what needs to change before you sit for it.

Here's how the MCAT testing limits work, what counts as an attempt, how medical schools see multiple scores, and how to decide whether a retake makes sense for you.

What are the MCAT retake limits?

The AAMC sets three limits that apply at the same time:

A testing year follows the AAMC's annual testing calendar. For example, the January through September 2027 test dates make up the 2027 testing year.

The limits stack. If you test three times in 2027, you can test only once in 2028, because the two-year limit caps you at four attempts across both years. Confirm the current rules on the AAMC's testing attempt limits page before you plan around them.

If you reach the lifetime limit, you can submit a written appeal to the AAMC. Approval is at the AAMC's discretion, so treat the limit as firm when you plan.

What counts as an MCAT attempt?

An attempt counts toward your limits when you:

• Sit for the exam and receive a score.
• Sit for the exam and void your score.
• Don't show up for your appointment without canceling.

Canceling before the deadline does not use an attempt. For a standard appointment, the final day to cancel or reschedule is 10 days before your exam, at 11:59 p.m. in the test center's local time zone.

That makes your 10-day deadline one of the most important dates in your prep calendar. If a practice exam two weeks out shows you aren't ready, moving your date can protect an attempt. A no-show cannot.

Do medical schools see all of your MCAT scores?

Yes. Every scored attempt is reported to the schools you apply to through your application. You can't choose to send only your best score.

Schools don't all treat multiple scores the same way. Some focus on your most recent score, some look at your highest, and some consider every attempt together. Review each school's policy, use the AAMC's Medical School Admission Requirements database (MSAR), and ask your pre-health advisor how your school list tends to evaluate retakes.

Voided exams are different. A voided exam isn't scored, so there is no score to report. It still counts as one of your attempts. Read Should You Void Your MCAT Score? before test day so you know how that decision works.

Should you retake the MCAT?

Retake the MCAT when your score is below the goal you need for your application and you can identify specific, fixable reasons it fell short. A retake without a different plan usually produces a similar result.

At The Brem Method, we start by comparing three things.

Compare your score to your goal score

Your goal score is the score you would feel comfortable applying with, based on your school list and overall application. If your score already falls within range for your target schools, a retake may cost more time than it returns.

Look at your section scores too. A strong total with one low section may matter differently depending on your schools.

Compare your real score to your practice exams

If your official score landed near your recent practice-exam average, your exam reflected your preparation. The next step is more or better preparation.

If your official score landed well below your practice exams, something may have happened on test day: timing, fatigue, stress, sleep, or a section that went sideways. That calls for test-day strategy and mental fitness work, not only more content review.

Identify what will change this time

Write down why you missed points. Common causes include:

• Content gaps you didn't close before test day.
• CARS accuracy or timing that never stabilized.
• Too few full-length exams, or exams taken without real review.
• Anxiety or fatigue that affected later sections.
• A test date that came before your plan was finished.

If you can't name what will change, wait before you register again. Take a full-length practice exam, review it carefully, and use what you find to build the new plan.

How long should you wait before retaking the MCAT?

Give yourself enough time to close the gap between your score and your goal score. Ms. Brem uses 15 hours of quality studying per point of desired score improvement as a rough planning estimate.

For example, if you scored 501 and your goal score is 508:

• Desired improvement: 508 − 501 = 7 points.
• Estimated study time: 7 × 15 = 105 hours.
• At 15 hours per week, that's about 7 weeks of focused preparation.

Treat this as an estimate. Progress isn't linear, and your practice exams will tell you whether the plan is working. You can use our Exam Score vs. Study Time Calculator to run your own numbers.

Then check the calendar. Score release dates come several weeks after each exam, and your application timeline may affect which retake date makes sense. Review dates in the official U.S. MCAT calendar and talk with your advisor before booking.

How should you prepare for an MCAT retake?

A retake plan should look different from your first plan. Start here:

• Take a new diagnostic. Your official score tells you where you landed. A fresh practice exam tells you where you are now.
• Sort your missed points by cause. Separate content gaps from reasoning, timing, and test-day performance.
• Schedule practice-exam benchmarks first. Plan at least monthly full-length exams, and leave time to review each one.
• Keep a missed-question log. Record the topic, why you missed it, and what you'll do differently.
• Train for test day, not just content. Practice full-length timing, breaks, and your morning routine so the real exam feels familiar.

A setback is information. Many students who retake successfully do it because they used the first attempt to learn exactly what wasn't working. If you'd like a perspective on that, read When Failing Is the Best Thing You Can Do.

Frequently asked questions about MCAT retakes

How many times can you take the MCAT in one year?

You can take the MCAT up to three times in a single testing year. The two-year limit of four attempts and the lifetime limit of seven attempts also apply.

Does a voided MCAT count as an attempt?

Yes. A voided exam isn't scored or reported, but it counts toward your yearly, two-year, and lifetime limits.

Does a no-show count as an MCAT attempt?

Yes. If you miss your appointment without canceling by the deadline, it counts as an attempt. Cancel or reschedule by the 10-day deadline to avoid using one.

Is it bad to take the MCAT more than once?

Not necessarily. Many applicants retake the MCAT. What matters most is whether your score improves and how your target schools evaluate multiple attempts.

Can you retake the MCAT before your score is released?

You can register for a future date while you wait, subject to availability. Many students wait for their score so they can make the decision with full information. Account for rescheduling and cancellation fees if your plans change.

Get support building your retake plan

Your next step is to compare your score with your goal, review your practice-exam data, and name what needs to change before your next attempt.

If you'd like a coach to help you build that plan, explore 1:1 MCAT Coaching. Your coach reviews your past performance, finds where your points are disappearing, and builds a plan around your specific situation.

Happy studying!