How To Handle Multiple MCAT Scores on your Medical School Application

You got your results back from your MCAT, and you’re disappointed. Maybe you prepared for months and feel like things didn’t go your way on test day- or, you had to take the exam as a full-time student, and feel like the exam didn’t get the attention it deserved. What does this mean for your upcoming medical school application? Should you consider a retake and multiple MCAT scores on your med school application?

The decision to take or retake the exam can weigh heavily on pre-med students. Navigating the consequences of multiple MCAT scores on your med school application requires strategic planning, and it’s essential to understand how medical schools view these attempts. Many assume multiple MCAT scores is inherently bad- but, retaking the MCAT can be an opportunity for you to show your resilience, dedication, and ability to learn from previous challenges- a great talking point for interviews! Here we’ll dive into how to handle multiple MCAT scores, including how many times you can take the MCAT, whether voiding your score looks bad, how medical schools perceive multiple attempts, and whether to apply with your current score.

How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT?

Before diving into strategies, it’s important to know the official guidelines on how many times you can sit for the MCAT. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), you can take the MCAT:

• Up to three times in a single calendar year
• Up to four times over two consecutive years
• Up to seven times in your lifetime

These limitations exist to ensure that students do not over-rely on repeated attempts and to encourage thoughtful preparation before each sitting. While these numbers allow for flexibility, it’s crucial to approach each attempt with the goal of improvement. 

Does Voiding the MCAT Look Bad?

Let’s talk about the option of voiding your score. After completing the MCAT, you have the choice to void the test right before submitting it, meaning your score won’t be recorded or released. But the question remains: does voiding look bad?

The good news is that medical schools will not see voided MCAT attempts, so if you void your score, it’s as though you never took the test. This gives you a safety net if you feel like your performance on test day was far below your expectations.

From a strategic standpoint, voiding is better than submitting a score that you know will weaken your application. Voiding should be a last-minute option if you feel test day went differently than you anticipated. Voiding the MCAT is not inherently bad, as medical schools won’t see voided attempts, but it should be used sparingly. While it protects you from submitting a poor score, frequent voiding can waste time and money, and delay your application, signaling a lack of preparation if done repeatedly.

Is It Better to Have a Low Score or Multiple Attempts?

A common concern among MCAT retakers is whether applying to med school with a low score or multiple attempts is better. The answer largely depends on your ability to improve between attempts and how medical schools view multiple scores.

Scenario 1: A Single Low Score

A single low MCAT score can be easier to explain than multiple attempts with little to no improvement. Medical school admissions committees understand that everyone has a bad day, and sometimes personal circumstances may affect performance. If your overall application is strong—think a high GPA, excellent extracurriculars and clinical experience, and strong letters of recommendation—you may be able to mitigate the impact of a single low score.

However, if your MCAT score is far below the average for your target schools, you may risk not being competitive. In this case, it’s important to weigh whether you have time to improve your score or if your application’s other components are compelling enough to offset the MCAT.

Scenario 2: Multiple MCAT Scores with Improvement on Med School Applications

Multiple MCAT attempts aren’t necessarily a red flag, especially if you can show significant improvement. Admissions committees are often impressed by applicants who demonstrate resilience, persistence, and the ability to learn from their mistakes. For example, if your first score was a 500 and your second was a 515, that upward trend could work to your advantage.

Conversely, taking the MCAT several times with little improvement can raise concerns. Schools may question whether you’ve hit a ceiling in terms of content mastery. If you’ve already taken the MCAT multiple times and your score isn’t improving, it might be time to reassess your preparation strategy and consider whether you should move forward with your current score. Consider working with an MCAT tutor to gain an outside perspective on how you can refine your preparation strategy.

Should You Apply to Med School with Your Current MCAT Score?

Deciding whether to apply with your current MCAT score or retake the test can be tricky. There are several factors to consider before making this decision.

1. Compare Your Score to Target Schools

The first step is to compare your MCAT score with the average scores at the schools you’re applying to. If your score is below the 10th percentile of accepted students at your target schools, it may be worth considering a retake. Medical schools tend to be holistic in their approach, but being too far below their average MCAT score can make it difficult to stand out.

2. Assess Your Overall Application

The MCAT is just one part of your application, so it’s important to take a step back and evaluate how strong your other components are. If you have a stellar GPA, a wealth of clinical and research experience, and outstanding letters of recommendation, your MCAT score may not carry as much weight. On the other hand, if your application is average or lacks depth in certain areas, retaking the MCAT could be the key to boosting your competitiveness.

3. Practice Scores as a Gauge

If you’re considering retaking the MCAT, look at your recent practice scores. Are you consistently scoring higher on practice exams compared to your official test score? If so, you may have a good chance of improving your score on a retake. However, if your practice scores haven’t improved since your last attempt, it might be better to move forward with your current score and focus on strengthening other areas of your application.

4. Timing and Application Cycles

Timing is another critical factor. If you’re considering retaking the MCAT, make sure you’re able to take it and still apply early enough in the application cycle. Submitting your application early can sometimes give you a competitive advantage, so you don’t want to risk delaying your application unnecessarily.

If your score is competitive enough, it may be worth applying with your current score rather than delaying for a potential retake.

Can Med Schools See All Your Past MCAT Scores?

Yes, medical schools can see all your past MCAT scores. There is no way to hide previous attempts, which is why it’s important to have a strategic plan for how you approach multiple scores. Each school handles multiple MCAT scores differently. Some schools only consider the highest score, while others might average all attempts or place more weight on recent scores.

Research School Policies

It’s important to research the specific policies of the schools you’re applying to. For example, some medical schools have a strict “highest score” policy, meaning they will only consider your best attempt. Other schools might be more interested in seeing an improvement over time, while some may average your scores or place heavier emphasis on the most recent attempt. Understanding these policies will help you make an informed decision about whether to retake the MCAT or apply with your current score.

Strategic Considerations for Retaking the MCAT for Med School Applications

If you’re thinking about retaking the MCAT, it’s important to have a clear strategy in place. Here are some tips to help guide your decision-making process:

1. Identify Weak Areas

Before retaking the MCAT, carefully review your score report to identify specific areas of weakness. Was your score low across all sections, or were certain areas disproportionately lower? Target these weak areas in your preparation to maximize the chances of improvement.

2. Use Different Study Techniques

If your previous study methods didn’t yield the results you wanted, try incorporating new resources or study techniques. Consider joining a prep course, using different review materials, or seeking help from an MCAT tutor. Practice tests are crucial for identifying weaknesses and improving time management.

3. Take Your Time

Don’t rush into another MCAT attempt without being fully prepared. Make sure you’ve taken the time to address the issues from your previous attempt. Take several practice tests under realistic conditions to ensure that you’re truly ready to retake the exam.

4. Evaluate the Timing of Your Retake

Plan your retake strategically in terms of the application cycle. Retaking the MCAT late in the application process could delay your application, which may decrease your chances of admission. Be sure to account for this in your timeline.

Handling multiple MCAT scores on your medical school application can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to derail your chances of getting into medical school. By taking a strategic approach to retaking the MCAT and understanding how schools view multiple scores, you can present yourself as a resilient and determined applicant. Remember, the MCAT is just one part of your overall application, and showing improvement and persistence can be just as important as achieving a single high score.

If you’re interested in MCAT tutoring, Elite Medical Prep is here to help! Purchase a trial session, or schedule a free consultation to learn more!