How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT? (And What to Do If You Need a Retake)

You’re probably asking yourself how many times can you take the MCAT because you’re either not feeling ready, not happy with your score, or just trying to plan ahead. That’s smart.

The MCAT is one of the most high-stakes exams on your med school journey—and knowing the rules can save you time, stress, and missed opportunities.

You’re Not Alone (And You’re Not a Failure for Asking)

It’s easy to feel like everyone else nailed it on their first try. Truth? Plenty of future doctors take the MCAT more than once. So if you’re wondering how many times can you take the MCAT, don’t assume it’s a red flag. Med schools care more about your improvement and your strategy than your first score.

So, How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT?

Here’s the official breakdown from the AAMC:

• 3 times in a single testing year
  
• 4 times over two consecutive years
  
• 7 times total over your lifetime
  

That’s it—seven total chances. Every time you register, it counts, even if you don’t show up. So planning your timeline wisely matters.

Should You Retake the MCAT?

Before jumping to register again, ask yourself:

• Did you actually finish studying everything you needed?
  
• Did your score reflect your full potential—or were test day nerves a factor?
  
• Are your section scores holding you back, or was it just one weak area?
  

Retaking the MCAT isn’t about punishment—it’s about strategy. And sometimes, a second attempt can actually strengthen your application if it shows upward momentum.

What Happens If You Hit the Limit?

If you’re wondering how many times you can take the MCAT because you’re nearing the cap—pause and rethink your prep. You don’t want to burn attempts without leveling up your study approach.

The MCAT isn’t just about content; it’s about endurance, timing, and test-taking skill. So if you’ve hit a wall, the answer isn’t more hours. It's a better tool.

Study Smarter Before You Sign Up Again

Whether it’s your first try or your third, walking into the MCAT with a strategy matters. That’s exactly why we built high-yield tools for students who want efficient, focused prep—without burnout.

Explore our full MCAT Collection to get access to:

• Visual guides that actually stick
  
• Creative mnemonics that help you recall under pressure
  
• High-yield summaries that cut the noise
  

Don’t waste another retake. Study smarter from the start.

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