Does it matter how many times you take the MCAT?

Question

or is it like the ACT, where you can take it as many times until you are happy with your score?

Does it affect your chances of getting accepted into medical school if you take it a few times?

Answer 1

There should have already been a disclaimer on the test registration page that says you can only take the test 3 times. Any more than that, and you will need to file a petition with AAMC/AMCAS.

If you take the test repeatedly, don't do it in one year. For one thing, you'll burn out just prepping for the damned thing. Secondly, you'll blow your chances at taking it again when you really need it. MCAT scores are only good for two or three years. If your score FALLS on your next attempt, that'll look AWFUL on your part. BAD BAD BAD BAD BAD. Taking the MCAT again is a risk: You always have to do better.

Anyway, if you have ever taken the MCAT (which I'm guessing you haven't, otherwise you wouldn't be asknig this), you would know that it is excruciating and you would never want to do it again unless you absolutely had to.