Should You Retake the MCAT? My 3 MCAT Tests & What I Learned

Why Did I Decide to Retake the MCAT?

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.

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.

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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.

When Should You NOT Retake the MCAT?

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.

What to Do Before You Decide to 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 3.93 and MCAT score a staggering 520 – 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, meaning a score of 508 at least. 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.

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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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Appendix: How Medical Schools Consider MCAT Scores

Albany Medical College – All lifetime scores visible; looks for upward trend

Albert Einstein College of Medicine – All lifetime scores visible

Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU – Minimum score 40th percentile

Baylor College of Medicine – No minimum score for consideration

Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine – All lifetime scores visible; Super score (average of best scores from each section of each test)

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University – All lifetime scores visible; Super score (average of best scores from each section of each test)

California Northstate University College of Medicine – Highest total; 497 minimum

California University of Science and Medicine-School of Medicine – Last 3 years of scores visible; 504 minimum preferred

Carle Illinois College of Medicine – Highest total. Last 3 years of scores visible; Minimum score 498

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine – All lifetime scores visible

Central Michigan University College of Medicine – All lifetime scores visible; minimum 500

Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University – Highest total; minimum 497

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science College of Medicine – Considers latest MCAT score but all lifetime scores are visible at time of application

Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science – Last 3 years of scores visible

Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons – Highest total

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University – All lifetime scores visible; 507 required for early decision

Creighton University School of Medicine – Latest score considered but all scores are visible; minimum 498

CUNY School of Medicine – No minimum score required

Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell – Highest total, all scores visible; minimum score 50th percentile

Drexel University College of Medicine – All scores are reviewed, special interest given to most recent

Duke University School of Medicine – Highest score from one specific test; minimum 500

East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine – Reviews all scores within last 2 years prior to application

Eastern Virginia Medical School – Looks at highest score and number of times taken; minimum 502

Elson. S Floyd College of Medicine at WSU – Highest total; MCAT in combination with GPA is considered for secondary application; If GPA is between 3.8 and 4.0, 27th percentile score is required. If GPA is between 3.4 and 3.79, 43rd percentile is required. If GPA is between 2.6 and 3.39, 61st percentile is required

Emory University School of Medicine – All scores visible. Will consider your first 3 MCATs only. If you have more and scores are within their mean, you can request an exception; minimum score 514

Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine – All scores visible, highest total

Florida State University College of Medicine – All scores visible, highest total; minimum 498

Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University – Highest total

Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine at the University of South Alabama – Most recent score

Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth – Last 3 years of scores visible; minimum 503

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine – Highest total; does not consider super scores or composite scores

George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences – All lifetime scores visible. Super score (best scores across all sections and tests)

Georgetown University School of Medicine – Last 3 years of scores visible

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine – Highest total

Harvard Medical School – Holistic review

Howard University College of Medicine – Minimum score 494

Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai – Highest total. Lifetime scores all visible. Uses Super score.

Indiana University School of Medicine – Last 3 years of scores visible

Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo  – Highest total

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine – Highest total. Last three years of scores visible

Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine – Last 3 years of scores visible

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California – A single strong score is best, but all scores are considered

Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV – Takes latest score as official score. Score must not be more than 3 years old. Taking the test more than 3 times is not recommended; minimum score 499

Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University – All scores visible, but only most recent score is considered

Loma Linda University School of Medicine – Lifetime scores are visible

Louisiana State University School of Medicine in New Orleans – Most recent score

Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport – Lifetime scores visible

Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine – Scores are considered holistically, lifetime scores are visible

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine – Last 3 years of scores visible; minimum 498 preferred, but if applicants are within 1 or 2 points, exceptions can be made if applicant’s submissions are strong

Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine – Highest total. Scores reported within 3 years of applicant’s matriculant year are considered   ; minimum 508

McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences – Highest total; 80th percentile is considered competitive typically

McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston – Highest total. Lifetime scores visible

Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University – Lifetime scores visible ; Less than 496 not considered competitive

Medical College of Wisconsin – All scores visible. If an applicant has multiple scores, the best scores from the two most recent exams are combined to create the best overall score

Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine – Highest score. All scores visible. Highest composite MCAT score is factored into applicant’s competitiveness; minimum 496

Meharry Medical College – Considers latest score but all are available

Mercer University School of Medicine – minimum score 25th percentile

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine – Emphasis on most recent score. Allows for consideration of multiple scores; trends and highest sectional sub-cores will be used for context

Morehouse School of Medicine – Highest total; minimum score 494

New York Medical College – Most recent

Northeast Ohio Medical University – Highest total; 498 or above preferred

Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine – Emphasis is on most recent score and trends

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine – Highest total

NYU Grossman School of Medicine – All lifetime scores visible

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine – Highest score. All scores are visible; minimum 495

Ohio State University College of Medicine – Holistic review

Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine – All scores are available but highest score is factored into admissions priority score; minimum 497

Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine – Last 3 years or scores are available, all will be reviewed

Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania – Most recent score

Ponce Health Sciences University School of Medicine – Highest total; minimum 494

Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University – Holistic review

Robert Larner, M.D., College of Medicine at the University of Vermont – Considers all scores, emphasis on highest score

Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center – Highest total. All scores visible                                        

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School – All scores visible

Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School – Most recent are reviewed, though trends and timing are considered; minimum score 498 with 123 in each section

Saint Louis University School of Medicine – All scores visible, highest taken into consideration

San Juan Bautista School of Medicine – Highest total. Scores have 30% weight in final admissions evaluation; minimum 495

Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University – MCAT considerations and requirements not listed.

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine – All scores are seen but most recent used; minimum 498

Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine at the University of Utah – Highest total; minimum 500

Stanford University School of Medicine – Highest total, all scores visible

SUNY Upstate Medical University Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine – Most recent

SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University College of Medicine – All scores visible

Texas A&M University School of Medicine – Highest total, all scores visible

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine  – Highest total

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine – Highest total; minimum 500

The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine – Best score from past 5 years from the year of application submission is used in the evaluation process; minimum 492

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine – Highest total, all scores visible

The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences – Highest total; minimum 496

The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University – Holistic review

Tufts University School of Medicine – Policy is to consider all lifestyle MCAT scores but note highest score total

Tulane University School of Medicine – Highest total

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine – All scores visible; minimum 496

Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine – Highest total; minimum 495

University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine – Most recent score; minimum 495

University of Arizona College of Medicine – Highest total. Last 3 years of scores visible; minimum 498

University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix – Highest total. All scores visible; minimum 500

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Medicine – Highest total. Last 3 years of scores visible

University of California, Davis, School of Medicine – Highest total

University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine – All lifetime scores visible

University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine – All scores visible

University of California, Riverside School of Medicine – Highest score written within the last 3 years

University of California, San Diego School of Medicine – All scores visible

University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine – Last 3 years of scores visible. Most recent score

University of Central Florida College of Medicine – Last 3 years of scores visible. Holistic review; minimum 500

University of Chicago Division of the Biological Sciences The Pritzker School of Medicine – Views all scores

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine – Highest total

University of Colorado School of Medicine – Highest total

University of Connecticut School of Medicine – All scores visible

University of Florida College of Medicine – Highest total; minimum 495

University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine – All scores visible

University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine – Highest total

University of Illinois College of Medicine – Non subsection thresholds, will consider all attempts

University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine – Last 3 years of scores visible; minimum 500 total and 123 in each section

University of Kansas School of Medicine – Highest total

University of Kentucky College of Medicine – Highest total

University of Louisville School of Medicine – Most recent score is primary consideration; minimum 494

University of Maryland School of Medicine – All scores visible. Holistic review; minimum 500

University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan School of Medicine – All scores visible

University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine – Highest total; minimum 504

University of Michigan Medical School – All scores visible. Highest total

University of Minnesota Medical School – Last 3 years of scores visible; minimum 495

University of Mississippi School of Medicine – Highest total. All scores visible

University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine – Highest total; minimum 494

University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine – Highest total; minimum 500

University of Nebraska College of Medicine – Highest total. All scores visible

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine – All scores visible; minimum 497 (500 for out-of-state applicants)

University of New Mexico School of Medicine – Highest total. All scores visible; minimum 494

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine – Most recent scores; minimum 500

University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences – Looks at most recent total score and breaks it down into each of the 4 areas

University of Oklahoma College of Medicine – Most recent score; minimum 492

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine – Highest total

University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine – Last 3 years of scores visible; minimum 490

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry – Highest total, in context with other materials

University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia – Highest total. All scores visible

University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville – Highest total. Last 3 years of scores visible

University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine – Highest total. All scores visible; minimum 496 composite score

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine – All scores visible                                        

University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School – Highest total

University of Texas Medical Branch John Sealy School of Medicine – Highest total

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine – Highest total. All scores visible

University of Texas Southwestern Medical School – No minimum score

University of Toronto Temerty Faculty of Medicine – Only most recent score considered; minimum 125 in each section, allowance of 124 in one section

University of Virginia School of Medicine – Most recent

University of Washington School of Medicine – Most recent. Minimum score varies each year

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health – All scores visible; minimum 500

USF Health Morsani College of Medicine – Last 3 years of scores visible

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine – Super score; minimum 70th percentile

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine – Average of all scores taken within 12 months

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine – MCAT requirements and considerations not listed

Wake Forest University School of Medicine – Highest total. Last 3 years of scores visible; minimum 502

Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine – Highest total; If undergraduate GPA is:

• 3.8–4.0, cutoff is 27th percentile
• 3.4–3.79, cutoff is 43rd percentile
• 2.6–3.39, cutoff is 61st percentile

Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine – Highest total

Wayne State University School of Medicine – Highest total. Last 3 years of scores visible

Weill Cornell Medicine – MCAT requirements not listed

West Virginia University School of Medicine – All scores visible; Scores above 50th percentile preferred

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine – Most recent score; minimum 497

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine – Considers scores within the last 3 years when making a decision; minimum 495

Yale School of Medicine – All scores visible

Canadian Medical Schools

University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine – MCAT is not a requirement

University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry – No MCAT minimum for Albertan applicants. Non-Albertan applicants must score at least 128 on CARS

Université de Montreal Faculty of Medicine – MCAT considerations and requirements not listed

Université de Sherbrooke Faculty of Medicine – MCAT is not used in admissions

The University of Western Ontario - Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry – Scores from most recent test are used; all sections are considered. Results accepted if the test was written no more than five years prior to current OMSAS application deadline

Queen’s University Faculty of Health Sciences – MCAT considerations and requirements not listed

Northern Ontario School of Medicine – MCAT is not admissions requirement

Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine – All scores visible

McMaster University Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine – Only uses CARS section score in two section formulae. Considers most recent score; Minimum CARS 123

Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba – Highest total

Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine – Minimum MCAT score is determined in relation to GPA. Refer to table.

University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine – minimum score 124 in each section

University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine – Most recent score; Minimum score set by admissions each year

Disclaimer: MCAT is a registered trademark of AAMC. BeMo and AAMC do not endorse or affiliate with one another.

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