Should You Retake the MCAT? Insights from 3 Attempts

Should You Retake the MCAT? What I Learned From 3 Retakes

The decision to retake the MCAT was straightforward for me: I simply did not score high enough. Despite having a strong GPA and solid extracurriculars, my initial scores weren’t competitive enough for the medical schools I wanted to apply to, which have strict MCAT section score cut-offs. I knew that without meeting these cut-offs, I wouldn’t receive interview invitations or acceptances.

Here's a quick guide to help you decide whether or not to retake the MCAT:

If You Scored Below 498

You should probably retest.

As data from the AAMC shows, a score below 498 corresponds to a 28.9% chance of acceptance, even with a fantastic GPA of 3.79 or higher. If your GPA is below that threshold, your chances nearly halve down to around 11%. Although your score may be weighted to accommodate racial and ethnic disparities in admissions (more on that in a moment), it’s a good general rule to approach a score below 498 as an automatic retest.

If You Scored Poorly in One Section

You should consider a retest.

It’s possible that you will achieve an overall good score on your test, certainly with a respectable enough number to theoretically get into most medical schools. But overall score is not the only thing that medical schools look at. Some medical schools will look at individual sections as well.

For example, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster University only considers CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills), and Cumming School of Medicine is also heavily weighted toward CARS. If you’re applying to one of those schools and achieve a high score overall, but a middling one on the CARS section, a retest might be in order.

Before deciding to retest, know the schools you are applying to and what they are looking for specifically from the MCAT. If they have a greater interest in certain sections, make sure you have a high score in those areas!

If You Scored 514 or Above

Going by the AAMC's data again, you can see that acceptance rates for students with scores of 514 or higher stand at nearly 56.0% of acceptance with a GPA in the 3.4–3.59 range. Additionally, scoring this highly two tests in a row is also a statistical rarity – it’s not a perfect score, but the closer to perfect you get, the more likely it becomes that a retest could result in a slightly lower score. 

If You Scored Somewhere in the Middle

Your GPA may be the deciding factor.

Let’s imagine a student with a 507 MCAT score and a 3.5 GPA. With a high GPA, this 507 would be fairly competitive, with a 33% likelihood of admission. However, the overall medical school acceptance rate for students with numbers in this range is somewhat troubling. If your letters of recommendation, medical school personal statement, and extracurriculars are really impressive, then you may have a shot at being among those who get admitted. For many students, however, this is prime retest territory.

There are other factors to be considered too, like program competitiveness. For example, that 507 is definitely too low for a school in which the median MCAT score is 520 and the low end of the 10th percentile is 514. In general, if your score falls significantly short of the median of previously accepted students for the programs that interest you, you should probably consider retesting. 

My First MCAT Attempt: A Lesson in MCAT Preparation

Unfortunately, I was not adequately prepared. I spent my summer working full-time and attending an MCAT prep course in the evenings. This schedule left me little time for self-study, and I often skipped the homework assignments. I thought I could balance it all, but the reality was different. I underestimated the amount of preparation needed, and my score reflected that.

My initial approach was flawed in several ways. First, I over-relied on the prep course, attending classes after a full day of work. The course provided a structured overview but didn't allow for in-depth understanding and practice. My energy and focus were depleted by the end of the day, making it difficult to absorb the material effectively. Second, I was inconsistent with self-study, often skipping homework assignments and relying too heavily on class lectures. Regular practice and reinforcement are crucial for mastering MCAT content, and my lack of consistent practice meant I wasn't engaging with the material outside of class. Lastly, I underestimated the exam's rigor, believing I could balance full-time work and study without compromising either. This split focus led to insufficient preparation.

After receiving my initial MCAT score, I analyzed the breakdown by section to identify my weakest areas. Full-length practice tests helped reveal consistent problem areas.

For my second attempt, I made significant adjustments. I created a dedicated study schedule that allowed ample time for each subject, ensuring I had sufficient energy and focus. I engaged in active learning techniques such as summarizing information, teaching concepts to a study group, and applying knowledge through practice questions. Consistent practice became a priority, with regular homework completion and additional practice problems reinforcing concepts and improving my problem-solving speed and accuracy.

I concentrated on my weakest areas using review books, online tutorials, and practice exams, revisiting topics periodically to ensure retention and understanding. Additionally, I adjusted my work commitments to devote adequate time to MCAT preparation, maintaining a healthier, more effective study routine. By reflecting on my initial approach and making these adjustments, I significantly improved my preparation for my second attempt at the MCAT. Recognizing what didn’t work and adapting my strategies ensured a comprehensive and effective preparation.

My First MCAT Retake: New Challenges

My second attempt at the MCAT was a significant step up in terms of preparation. I dedicated my entire summer to studying for the MCAT. I spent 3-4 months on intensive preparation, completing practice questions, and taking regular practice tests. Despite this effort, I scored below 500.

The test format was challenging, and my struggle with the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section persisted. I was doing well in practice tests but couldn’t replicate that success on the actual exam day. This experience was disheartening but also enlightening. It showed me that while I had the knowledge, I needed to refine my test-taking strategies. Reflecting on why I scored well in practice and struggled on test day, I believe it was primarily due to my stress levels. Having not done well the first time, and then facing a newly formatted, longer, and more daunting test, I could manage practice but felt extremely nervous on the actual test day.

Recognizing the impact of stress on my performance, I resolved to approach my preparation differently next time. First, I decided to incorporate stress management techniques into my routine, such as mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity to help reduce anxiety. Second, I aimed to simulate test-day conditions more accurately during practice tests, including timing, environment, and breaks, to better acclimate myself to the pressures of the actual exam. Third, I planned to work on building my confidence by gradually increasing the difficulty of practice questions and taking part in more challenging practice exams to better prepare for the unpredictability of the real test.

By addressing my stress levels and refining my test-taking strategies, I hoped to perform more consistently on the actual exam day and achieve a score that reflected my true potential.

Need to increase your MCAT score? Watch this:

My Second MCAT Retake: Strategic Study

By my third MCAT attempt, I had learned from my previous mistakes and adjusted my study strategy accordingly. I scored 510 on my MCAT. My goal was to achieve a 507+ score, which was in line with the average scores of accepted applicants at MD and DO schools I selected when I applied. Here’s what I did differently:

1. Regular Study Throughout the Semester: Instead of cramming during the summer, I studied regularly throughout the semester. While many people prefer summer study to dedicate full-time hours without the distraction of school, work, or extracurriculars, I found that a personalized study schedule worked best for me. Studying throughout the semester helped me retain information better and avoid burnout by spreading out the workload and maintaining a consistent pace.

2. Focused Practice: I used an MCAT prep course and AAMC practice materials, emphasizing practice questions over content review. This approach helped me improve my test-taking strategies. For instance, I learned to identify and approach different question types, manage my MCAT timing more effectively, and develop techniques for educated guessing when necessary. Focusing on practice allowed me to hone my skills in real test scenarios, which was crucial for translating knowledge into performance.

3. Breaking Down Passages: The CARS section had been particularly tough for me, so I dedicated most of my prep time to this section. I focused on breaking down MCAT CARS passages into main themes and summarizing each paragraph in my own words, which helped me understand the underlying concepts better. I also practiced the process of elimination to narrow down answer choices. By refining these CARS strategies throughout the semester, I significantly improved my CARS score.

4. Simulated Practice Tests: I took full-length practice tests regularly, starting every three weeks, then every two weeks, and finally every week during the last six weeks of my preparation. This incremental increase in frequency helped me build stamina, get used to the test format, and improve my time management. As a result, my practice scores showed significant improvement compared to my second attempt, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach.

5. Time Management: Time management was a critical focus area. I practiced pacing myself during practice tests to ensure I could complete each section within the allotted time. Taking practice tests under timed conditions helped reduce my anxiety and allowed me to remain calm and focused during the actual exam.

6. Healthy Routine: I maintained a healthy routine with regular exercise, balanced meals, and adequate sleep. This holistic approach ensured that I was physically and mentally prepared for the exam.

By focusing on practice and honing my test-taking strategies, I was able to significantly improve my performance. My final score was above my goal, and I received multiple interview invitations, eventually being accepted to my top choice.

Deciding to Retake: Key Considerations

Retaking the MCAT is not a decision to be taken lightly. Here are some scenarios where you might reconsider retaking the exam:

1. Lack of Dedicated Study Time

If you cannot commit sufficient time to study before the application season, retaking the MCAT might not lead to better results. Ensure you have a clear study plan and the time to execute it, with at least 3 months dedicated to preparation. If this isn't feasible, you might need to consider pushing back your application until the next cycle or deciding if your current score is sufficient to proceed without a retake.

2. Financial Constraints

Retaking the MCAT is costly, considering both the exam fee and the application costs. Make sure you are financially prepared for this commitment.

3. Application Timing

Check the MCAT score release dates and ensure they align with your application timeline. Applying with an older score might be better than rushing a retake and risking another low score. Additionally, MCAT test dates can fill up fast, so you may not be able to get a spot that aligns well with your study schedule and application deadlines. Plan ahead to avoid timing conflicts.

4. Score Plateau

Remember, you absolutely must score better on a retake. Retaking the test and getting a lower score signals a lot of negative things to admissions committees, not the least of which is the fundamental suggestion that you may not be learning from your mistakes. If you’ve already taken the MCAT multiple times and your scores are not improving despite thorough preparation, it might be beneficial to seek professional advice or consider alternative pathways, like applying to medical schools that don't require the MCAT. Retaking the exam would be beneficial only if you have a solid plan for improvement. Remember, there is a limited number of retries allowed, so consider getting professional help, such as a tutor or prep course, before committing to another attempt.

Strategies for a Successful Retake

Look at Percentile Scores to Know What to Aim for

Tests are retaken by students at all ranks, but most test retakers are in the 66th percentile or lower. Many schools don’t just have a threshold, they consider MCAT scores based on other scores that year; they care as much about the percentile in a given cohort as they do the raw number. This is what schools mean when they say they are looking for “competitive” scores. You can use that as a factor in deciding for or against a retest.

With that said, evaluating whether your score is sufficient is your first step, long before considering ways to improve your preparation strategy. There are three main components to evaluating your score, each of which is important. 

Check Out School-Specific Averages and Thresholds

Each school has their own average MCAT data based on the statistics of prior year’s matriculants. Additionally, most medical schools will provide an MCAT bottom threshold or “floor” for their matriculants to even be considered.

Take the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine in Minnesota. Among the most prestigious medical programs in the world, its median matriculant GPA was a whopping 3.94 and MCAT score a staggering 522 – not a small feat for any student, and keep in mind these are median numbers! A fair share of students admitted to the Mayo Medical School will exceed even these lofty achievements.

If you look at AAMC's chart of GPA/MCAT correlations, a student with a 514 MCAT and 3.7 GPA could, in a vacuum, appear to have a 65.4% chance of being admitted. However, the school-specific numbers for Mayo put this MCAT score decisively in the lower end of possibility and would almost assuredly initiate a retest if Mayo Medical School is the only school you are applying to. 

Cutoffs add another level of brutal clarity to these comparisons. Continuing with Mayo as our example, they note on their admissions page that their MCAT threshold for further consideration is the 75th percentile. So, our beleaguered imaginary student with a 507 is unlikely to receive a secondary application.

Keep in mind, not every school has an explicit, or at least public, MCAT threshold, so while you should seek these out by consulting their admissions materials as well as the AAMC’s MSAR database, it’s possible you’ll have somewhat limited matriculant numbers to work from. Ultimately, though, retesting in many senses is a drastic and very demanding measure. Unless your heart is set on only 1 or 2 schools where your MCAT and GPA are too low, you should instead consider finding other schools whose thresholds are more accommodating to your performance. 

Some things to keep in mind if you are considering retaking the MCAT:

If You Decide to Retake: My Dos and Don’ts

Dos:

1. Create an Improved Study Plan: If your original MCAT study schedule and practice program failed you, then you should be able to prove your adaptability by making changes that have a positive impact and consider aspects such as MCAT timing that are affecting your score. Adaptability and flexibility are vital qualities in both medical students and practicing physicians, and you don’t want to give the impression that you lack either. Some students will need to consider how to improve their MCAT reading comprehension, or a new CARS strategy for slow readers. It all depends on your results and what your weaknesses are.

2. Use High-Quality Study Materials: Invest in reputable MCAT prep resources, such as AAMC practice tests.

3. Practice Under Real Conditions: Simulate test day conditions to build stamina and familiarity with the test format.

4. Analyze Practice Tests: Review your practice tests to understand your weaknesses and work on them.

5. Stay Consistent: Regular study and practice are key to retaining information and improving your skills.

Don’ts:

1. Procrastinate: Avoid leaving your study until the last minute. Consistent effort over time is more effective than cramming.

2. Neglect Any Section: Give equal attention to all sections, even if you find some easier than others.

3. Ignore Mental Health: Ensure you take care of your mental and physical well-being. Burnout can negatively affect your performance.

4. Compare Yourself to Others: Focus on your own progress and don’t get discouraged by comparing yourself to others.

Should You Retake the MCAT? Final Thoughts

Retaking the MCAT was a challenging journey, but it taught me invaluable lessons about preparation, resilience, and strategic studying. If you find yourself in a position where retaking the MCAT seems necessary, remember that success is possible with the right approach. Assess your previous attempts, identify areas for improvement, and create a focused study plan. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve the score you need to reach your medical school dreams.

For those of you considering a retake, here’s a bit of encouragement: I know how disheartening it can be to fall short of your goal, especially after months of hard work. But don’t lose hope. Use each attempt as a learning opportunity. Adjust your strategies, take care of yourself, and keep pushing forward. Remember, the journey to becoming a doctor is a marathon, not a sprint. Each step, each lesson, and each bit of progress brings you closer to your goal. Keep your eyes on the prize, and trust that with persistence, you’ll get there.

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