What if I don’t score well on the MCAT^® the first time? How many times can I take it?

Beginning in January 2007, you can take the MCAT up to three times per calendar year. If you aren’t satisfied with your MCAT scores, your prehealth advisor can help you decide if you should retake the exam.  Also consider contacting the student affairs office or minority/diversity affairs representatives at neighboring medical schools for their perspectives.

Legitimate reasons for retaking the MCAT include:

• If there is a significant discrepancy between your college grades and MCAT scores,
• If you took the test prematurely, that is, without adequate preparation or before finishing all relevant premedical coursework (Try to avoid this situation!),
• If you were seriously ill at the time of the exam, or
• If you get a recommendation from a medical school admissions officer or admissions committee member that the MCAT should be retaken.

For More Information:

• MCAT® Exam Registration 
  This site provides everything you need to register for an MCAT exam, including the dates when the MCAT will be administered in the current year.
  
  
• Preparing for the MCAT® - Free Resource!
  Created to replace the Student Manual, Preparing for the MCAT compiles updated FAQs as well as information on the test sections and the transition to the computerized exam.
  
  

• 2007 MCAT® Essentials (PDF, 24 pages) - Free Resource!
  Considered required reading for all MCAT exam candidates, the AAMC’s MCAT Essentials provides critical information regarding preparation and administration of the exam.
  
  

• MCAT® Testing History (THx) Report System 
  To send or check your scores, please use the new password-protected MCAT Testing History (THx) Report System, which also offers an explanation page of the scores from the most recently administered MCAT.