“I Got a 505… Should I Retake?”
If you’re staring at your MCAT score, wondering whether it’s enough and asking yourself if you should attempt a retake of the MCAT, you’re not alone.
Each year, thousands of students ask the same question:
“Should I retake the MCAT?”
The answer isn’t always obvious. A 505 might be fine for some schools — but for others, it could mean the difference between an interview and a rejection. This guide will help you make a strategic, data-driven decision about retaking the MCAT, based on your goals, your current score, and how medical schools interpret multiple test attempts.
Let’s break it down.
The Data on MCAT Retakes
According to the AAMC:
- Roughly 24% of test takers retake the MCAT
- The average score increase on a second attempt is about 2–3 points
- A small percentage of retakers actually score lower the second time
| Attempt | Mean Total Score |
|---|---|
| First | 500–502 |
| Second | 503–505 |
| Third+ | Slight net gain, more variable |
MCAT retake advice: Retaking the MCAT is not guaranteed to improve your score. But should you decide to retake it, consider preparation methods and the reasons for previous underperformance more than raw effort.
When Retaking the MCAT Makes Sense
You should consider a retake if:
You Scored Well Below Your Target School’s Median
Example: You scored a 506, but the median MCAT for your target MD programs is 512–514, leaving you wondering if you should retake the exam.
Your Score Is Unbalanced
Example: A 124 in CARS paired with 129+ in sciences may raise red flags. Therefore, reevaluate if a new attempt at the MCAT should be considered.
You Had Circumstantial Challenges
Test-day illness, severe anxiety, or other personal events that clearly affected your performance might be reasons to ponder if you should retake the MCAT.
You’re Applying to MD/PhD or Top 20 Programs
A 515+ is generally expected for competitive research-heavy programs, prompting some to ask themselves if retaking the MCAT is necessary to achieve that score.
Your Practice Exams Were Significantly Higher
If you consistently scored 510+ on AAMC FLs, but underperformed on test day, something went wrong with execution — not preparation. This leads you to question whether a new attempt at the MCAT is advisable.
When You Might Not Need to Retake
Not everyone with a “low-ish” score needs to retake. Consider skipping a retake if:
Your Score Is Within Your School List’s Range
If the median MCAT at your target schools is 505–508, and you scored a 506 or 507, you may already be competitive — especially if your GPA, clinical hours, and letters are strong. A retake may not be necessary.
You Have a Strong Upward GPA Trend
A solid academic recovery or 3.8+ BCPM GPA can offset a lower MCAT in many holistic review programs. This often negates the need to ponder the question: Should I retake?
You’re Targeting DO Programs
Many DO schools are happy to consider applicants with MCAT scores in the 498–503 range, especially with strong extracurriculars and clinical exposure. Retaking might not be necessary.
You’re at Risk of Plateauing or Dropping
If you’ve already taken the exam 2+ times, and haven’t improved despite different prep strategies, a third attempt may hurt more than help, leading to the conclusion that retaking the MCAT might not be the best choice.
How Medical Schools View MCAT Retakes
Here’s what the AAMC and admissions deans say:
| Concern | Reality |
|---|---|
| Will med schools judge multiple attempts? | Most take the highest score or the most recent. Very few average scores. |
| Will a retake look desperate? | Not if there’s improvement. Stagnant scores may raise concern. |
| Will it hurt my chances? | No — as long as it fits your upward trajectory and study story. |
Pro Tip: Schools care more about your overall trend and self-awareness than about whether you took the MCAT once or twice.
Should You Retake? Use This Checklist
Ask yourself the following:
| Question | Yes → Consider Retake |
|---|---|
| Is your score below the 25th percentile at your schools? | ✅ |
| Were your AAMC full-lengths 3+ points higher? | ✅ |
| Was your section balance significantly skewed? | ✅ |
| Do you have time to prep properly before deadlines? | ✅ |
| Can you identify exactly what went wrong? | ✅ |
If you answer “No” to most of these, you may not benefit from retaking the MCAT.
Retaking Strategy — A Brief Preview
If you decide to retake:
- Don’t just repeat your old study method — revise it
- Identify specific content weaknesses and logic errors
- Use AAMC-style logic drills, passage annotation, and spaced repetition
- Consider a 6–8 week focused review plan if you’re familiar with the material
- Wait to retake until your full-length scores are consistently 3–5 points above your target
We’ll break down how to create a MCAT retake study plan in next month’s post.
Retake With Strategy — Or Don’t Retake At All
Retaking the MCAT is not just a matter of trying again — it’s a strategic decision that must be data-driven, self-aware, and timed right.
If your current score doesn’t reflect your potential — and you have the time and tools to improve — retaking may be the best decision you make.
But if your score fits your school list and application story, sometimes the best move is forward.
Need Help Making the Decision?
We offer 1-on-1 MCAT advising to help you:
- Analyze your current score report
- Match it to target med school ranges
- Develop a personalized retake or “move forward” plan
Book a Free Strategy Session
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