MCAT hub Find Best Medical Schools, PA Schools, PA Programs: Acceptance Rate, Admissions Requirements, Tuition, MCAT scores, GPA, Ranking. In some cases, you might have got a good MCAT score but hadn’t applied for Medical schools for all kinds of reasons. Then, you should take attention to how long are MCAT scores valid.
When it comes to applying to medical school, the MCAT is one major milestone, as with GPA. It is a huge determinant of what medical schools you can get into.
As a professional website in MCAT related topics, We had published many articles about what is a good MCAT score, how to get a good MCAT score, and reviews of Medical schools.
Here, we will discuss how long are MCAT scores valid to prevent your MCAT score from expiring or invalidating.
What is the MCAT?
MCAT is the Medical College Admission Test, which aims to help the admissions office of the medical schools assess applicants’ problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles required for learning medicine.
In a word, the admissions office of the medical schools can select more excellent applicants through the MCAT score.
Therefore, the timeliness of MCAT is very important. Most of the admissions offices of the medical schools only accept the applicants whose MCAT got in recent few years. Through this method, the medical school can better assess the applicant’s ability and skill level in various aspects in recent years.
How long are MCAT scores valid?
On AAMC, the MCAT exam records will keep current for at least 15 years.
Although, your MCAT score kept valid on AAMC for years. However, most medical schools tend to accept MCAT got before 2-3 years. In other words, to some extent, your MCAT scores validation depends on the medical school you apply for.
So, when applying for medical schools, make sure your MCAT score meets the admission requirements of the medical school.
You can check how many years of MCAT score accepted by each medical school on our website.
If your MCAT score is unaccepted to the medical school you want to apply for, then you can consider retaking the MCAT.
However, the number of taking MCAT for each year is limited. And the number of taking MCAT in a lifetime is limited too.
How many times can you take the MCAT exam?
How many times can you take the MCAT in a single year?
According to the regulations, you can take the MCAT up to 3 times per year. Although it permitted to up to 3 times in a year, the total times are limited in a lifetime.
How many times can you take the MCAT in a lifetime?
In a lifetime, you can take the MCAT up to 7 times.
| Period | Number of Times Permitted to Take the MCAT |
|---|---|
| Single testing year | Up to 3 times |
| Two consecutive-year period | Up to 4 times |
| Lifetime | Up to 7 times |
The number of taking the MCAT test is limited and the MCAT is rather hard for most applicants. So, it’s natural to retake the MCAT.
However, in some cases, you should not take the MCAT instantly.
Further reading: How many times can you take the MCAT exam?
In what cases, you should not take the MCAT?
If you are in cases like the following, we recommend not take the MCAT until you made full preparation for the MCAT. It can avoid wasting exam opportunities.
- You haven’t studied a lot of MCAT exam questions at university, then you should study the subjects involved in the exam first.
- If you are not fully prepared for MCAT. You should find the best MCAT prep books to work for it.
- If you do not perform well in the AAMC practice exams, you need more time to study.
- When you are preparing for the MCAT, you are distracted by other matters, and you may need more time dedicated to the MCAT prep.
Final Thoughts
Now you have known how long are MCAT scores valid. Maybe you will ask when is the best time to take the MCAT? It depends on when you can fully prepare for the exam.
We have always advised applicants not to rush for success and risk lowering their scores. However, don’t spend too much time, so as not to miss the application time.
It is recommended to build your medical school application timeline around your MCAT test date.
