After months of studying, 7 grueling hours of testing, and weeks of waiting for your results, it’s finally here: your MCAT score. But when you open the email, the number you see isn’t at or even above your target score. It’s lower. What happens now? I’ve been there and I know how overwhelming it can feel. Below I’ll talk through how to navigate that disappointment and make a game plan for your MCAT retake strategy.
First, if you’re reading this blog post, I want you to know that you are not alone in retaking the MCAT exam. Many of my medical school classmates sat for the MCAT more than once, and having multiple attempts does not make you a weak applicant. Second, if you decide to reattempt the MCAT, it’s important to have a clear and actionable plan moving forward.
The AAMC allows MCAT examinees to test up to three times in a calendar year, four times over two years, and seven times in a lifetime, with no-shows and voided scores counting toward the lifetime limit. While most students take the exam once or twice, retesting is quite common. Data shows that those who retake the MCAT generally see median score gains of 2–3 points, especially if more time passes between attempts. Admissions committees vary in how they evaluate multiple scores. Some look at the most recent and others at the highest or average score. It’s important to be strategic and prepared before retesting. Whenever possible, search for information on program’s websites to understand how the schools on your list assess multiple MCAT scores.
If you’re stuck trying to decide if retaking the MCAT is worth it for you, start by finding the average MCAT score for admitted students at each program on your list. If your score is 1-2 points below the average, it may not be worth the financial and time investment required to take the exam again, especially if your application has strengths in other areas that can help balance a slightly lower MCAT score. However, if your score is significantly lower than the averages, you might decide that retaking the exam is a worthwhile commitment. Much of this decision rests in your (realistic) estimate of how much you think you’ll be able to improve your score. Do you have time in your work or school schedule to dive back into studying intensely for another two months, or to space out your studying over a longer period? How much variation were you seeing in your practice exams leading up to the test – was your actual score much lower than your practice tests, or is your target score still a far reach?
The specific amount of time needed to study before retaking the MCAT will vary by individual based on work schedules, academics, family commitments, etc. Perhaps most important to consider in the timeline for retaking the MCAT is where you are in the year. If you’re planning to apply to medical schools in the upcoming cycle, it is advised to take the exam by the end of May at the latest. This ensures that your score will be available when applications are transmitted to programs in late June, avoiding any delays in programs reviewing your materials. While the AAMC offers MCAT test dates through September, taking the exam later may negatively impact your application given the rolling review process that most schools use to screen applicants.
If you’re gearing up for a second (or third) round with the MCAT, the key is to study differently, not just harder. Start by taking the time to reflect honestly on what didn’t go well the first time, was it timing, content gaps, or test anxiety? Once you identify your weaknesses, then you can more effectively adjust your approach. The goal is to focus more on practice exams and targeted review of weak areas instead of relearning everything.
One of the best pieces of advice that I was given was to not underestimate the power of a good study schedule and accountability. Write out a daily plan, including specific resources that you will use for content review and practice questions. Find a study buddy or someone who will help you stick to the schedule you created. Build in rest days, review mistakes immediately after practice exams, and lean into active learning (goodbye, passive note taking). Personally, I stopped trying to re-learn everything and focused instead on why I was missing certain questions—especially in CARS and Chem/Phys.
For resources, these were some of my go-to’s – and have worked great for other students that I’ve tutored in the past:
You’ve already done it once, you know what to expect. Now’s your chance to come back stronger and way more prepared. And remember: your MCAT score does not define your ability to provide phenomenal patient care. Good luck!
