How Many Times Can You
Take the MCAT?
The short answer: up to 3 times in a testing year, 4 times across two consecutive years, and 7 times in a lifetime. Below, exactly what counts as an attempt — and how to make sure you only need one.
The MCAT Attempt Limits
The AAMC caps how often you can sit the exam across three windows. These limits are the same for every test taker.
| Time window | Maximum attempts |
|---|---|
| Single testing year (~Jan–Sept) | 3 |
| Two consecutive testing years | 4 |
| Lifetime (total) | 7 |
What Counts as an Attempt?
This is where students get caught out. Only exams you register for count toward the limits — but more counts than you might expect.
How Many Times Should You Take It?
Just because you can take the MCAT up to 7 times doesn't mean you should.
- • Most applicants take it once, and much of the rest take it twice — a single retake to raise a score is common and not a red flag on its own.
- • Taking it many times is uncommon, and schools can see your full attempt history, so each seat should be a planned, well-prepared attempt.
- • Retake only with a reason and a plan — a clear diagnosis of what went wrong and a concrete path to a higher score.
Make Each Attempt Count
The best way to stay well under the limits is to be fully prepared for a single strong sitting.
Get It Right the First Time
Prepare with everything you need to score high on one attempt with Pro — $29/month, cancel anytime. Most MCAT platforms charge $300–$2,000.
MCAT Attempt Limits — FAQ
How many times can you take the MCAT?+
Under the official AAMC attempt limits, you can take the MCAT up to 3 times in a single testing year, up to 4 times across two consecutive testing years, and up to 7 times in your lifetime. Only exams you register for count toward these limits.
How many times can you take the MCAT in one year?+
You can take the MCAT up to 3 times in a single testing year — one calendar year, roughly the January through September testing window. Each of those seats counts toward your two-year and lifetime limits as well.
Does a voided MCAT count as an attempt?+
Yes. Voiding your exam on test day still counts as an attempt against all three AAMC limits (the 3-per-year, 4-per-two-years, and 7-lifetime caps), even though you never receive a score. Any exam you register for counts.
Does a no-show count against your MCAT attempt limit?+
Yes. If you register for the MCAT but do not test — a no-show — it still counts as an attempt against the AAMC limits. Because only exams you register for count, it is worth being sure of your date before you book a seat.
How many times can you take the MCAT in a lifetime?+
You can take the MCAT a maximum of 7 times in your lifetime. That total includes every registered exam — scored exams, voided exams, and no-shows all count toward the 7-attempt lifetime cap.
Is it bad to take the MCAT multiple times?+
Taking the MCAT twice is common and not a red flag on its own — many strong applicants retake once to raise a score. Taking it many times is uncommon, and schools can see the full pattern of your attempts, so each seat should be a planned, well-prepared attempt rather than a gamble. See our MCAT retake guide to decide whether a retake makes sense for you.
How many times do most people take the MCAT?+
Most applicants take the MCAT once, and a large share of the rest take it twice. Taking it three or more times is relatively uncommon. The goal is to be fully prepared for a single strong attempt — and, if you retake, to have a clear reason and a plan to score higher.
Aim to Only Need One Attempt
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