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Understanding the MCAT and Its Impact
Why Students Retake the MCAT
Key Questions to Ask Yourself
How to Prepare for a Retake
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Next Steps

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The MCAT is one of the most challenging milestones for medical school. For many students, achieving their target score takes more than one attempt—and that’s okay. Deciding whether to retake the MCAT is a deeply personal choice that depends on your goals, circumstances, and MCAT score performance. Here’s a breakdown of key factors to consider when weighing this.

Understanding the MCAT and Its Impact

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam used by medical schools in the U.S. and beyond to evaluate applicants. It assesses your knowledge and critical thinking across four key sections:

• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
• Biological and Biochemical Foundations
• Chemical and Physical Foundations
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations

Your MCAT score is a critical part of your medical school application, but it’s not the only factor. Admissions committees also consider GPA, extracurriculars, and personal statements. Retaking the MCAT can boost your competitiveness, especially if your initial score is below the average for your target schools.

Why Students Retake the MCAT

Retaking the MCAT is common—about 41% of test-takers choose to retake the exam, according to the AAMC¹. Common reasons include:

• Meeting Target Scores: Many students aim for a score improvement to match the averages for their desired programs (510-515+ for MD programs or 505+ for DO programs).
• Test-Day Factors: Anxiety, time management, or unforeseen issues on the first test day can lead to underperformance.
• Preparation Gaps: Some students find that their study methods weren’t effective or that they didn’t allocate enough time for preparation.
  
  

If you’re considering retaking the MCAT, here’s some information to keep in mind: You can take the MCAT up to three times in a calendar year and a total of seven times in your life. Retaking the exam often leads to improved scores, with most students seeing a median increase of 1-3 points, though outcomes can vary. 

Remember, your MCAT score is just one part of your application. Admissions committees consider your GPA, coursework, and experiences alongside your score to get a complete picture of your academic readiness. A strong GPA can help balance a lower MCAT score, while a higher MCAT score can offset a more modest GPA. Once you’re in medical school, factors like the ;pcurriculum, support systems, and your circumstances will shape your success. Use the MCAT as a stepping stone, but remember it’s just one piece of the bigger picture in your journey to becoming a doctor.

Key Questions to Ask Yourself

Consider your goals

Before committing to a retake, it’s important to reflect on several factors. First, align your MCAT goals with the schools you’re applying to. Research the average scores for those programs—MD and DO schools may have slightly different expectations—and determine where you stand and how much you may need to improve to reach that goal. Did you need a couple more points or a larger jump in your score? That will then help you determine how much time you need to spend preparing. 

Consider your time

Second, assess whether you can realistically dedicate the necessary time to prepare. Does that preparation time align with when you need to retake the MCAT? Review any responsibilities you have between now and when you want to schedule your retake. If you are balancing school, job, or family, account for the extra time you may need to obtain adequate prep.

Before committing to a retake, reflect on these critical questions:

1. What Are My Target Schools’ Requirements? Research the average MCAT scores for your desired programs. Are you close, or do you need a significant score boost? Knowing this will help you set realistic goals for your retake.
2. What Went Wrong the First Time? Review your score report to identify strengths and weaknesses. Did you run out of time? Struggle with specific sections? Understanding what held you back will help you create a more effective study plan.
3. Do I Have the Time and Resources? Retaking the MCAT requires a significant time investment. Consider whether you can balance study time with other commitments like work or school. If not, reassess your timeline.
4. Am I Prepared to Adjust My Strategy? A successful retake often requires new strategies. This might include using different study materials, taking more full-length practice tests, or focusing on test-taking techniques.

Want an in-depth MCAT Reatker's Guide? Download now. You'll receive expert strategies and a step-by-step worksheet to help you make an informed decision and achieve a higher score.

How to Prepare for a Retake

If you’ve decided to retake the MCAT, here are some actionable steps to guide your preparation:

1. Set a Realistic Timeline: Determine how much time you need based on your target score increase. Smaller improvements (1-3 points) may only require 4-8 weeks, while larger jumps (5+ points) might need 2-3 months or more.
2. Focus on Weak Areas: Use your score report to identify the sections where you struggled. Tailor your study plan to address these gaps while maintaining strengths.
3. Leverage Practice Exams: Full-length practice tests are invaluable for building stamina and improving timing. Simulate test-day conditions to boost your confidence.
4. Manage Stress and Burnout: Consistency is key, but so is self-care. Schedule regular breaks, maintain a healthy routine, and use mindfulness techniques to stay focused and avoid burnout.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

• Balancing Work and Study: If you’re working, look for ways to integrate light review into your daily routine (e.g., flashcards during breaks) and dedicate weekends to longer study sessions.
• Test-Day Anxiety: Practice under test-like conditions to build familiarity. On exam day, use deep breathing techniques to stay calm and focused.
• Time Management: Struggling with pacing? Practice skipping tough questions and circling back later. This strategy can prevent you from getting stuck and ensure you finish each section.

Next Steps

Retaking the MCAT doesn’t define your journey; it strengthens it. Many successful medical school applicants improve their scores on a second attempt, turning a challenge into an opportunity for growth. By reflecting on your goals, analyzing past performance, and planning intentionally, you can make your retake a stepping stone toward success.

Still unsure? Download our free, detailed MCAT Retaker's Guide today!

^{1 "Using MCAT® Data in 2025 Medical Student Selection." Association of American Medical Colleges, 2024, https://www.aamc.org/media/77326/download.}