This varies by school. Some medical schools take the average score. Some schools look at the most recent score. Others take the highest composite score. Nevertheless, it is important to know that if you have taken multiple exams, the schools you apply to will have access to all those scores. If you are taking the MCAT more than once, try to make sure that there is a large gap between your two scores. In the eyes of the admissions committee, a jump from 505 to 512 is more impressive than a jump from 510 to 512.

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Should I Retake the MCAT? Examples || Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Retake the MCAT

The answer to this question is different for each person. Here are some questions you should ask yourself before you retake the MCAT. Also, if you are considering retaking, here are some example situations that might be helpful. To receive an answer more specific to your situation, you can discuss your situation with a career or pre-med counselor, mentor, or other experienced pre-meds.

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Should I Retake the MCAT? Examples || Questions to Ask Yourself Before You Retake the MCAT

You should gently remind him/her via email or in person that you need the letter by a certain date. In general, you can thank your letter writers in advance for the letters that they are writing and this should remind them. If your letter writers are unresponsive, start thinking about other people who could write you a letter. You can store up to ten letters on AMCAS and you do not need to use every one of them. Generally, you cannot have too many letters so get as many strong letters as you can.

Is there anything else about letters of recommendation that I should know?
If you have any other questions, you can go directly to AAMC and look at the letter of recommendation FAQs.

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AAMC Letters of Recommendation

Unfortunately no. You will have to wait until after your exam is over before you sign up again.

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MCAT Facts

The AAMC has testing limits on how many times you can take the MCAT exam. Voids and no-shows count toward your lifetime limits. Remember that you can only be registered for one seat at a time.

  • Single testing year – The MCAT exam can be taken up to three times.
  • Two consecutive-year period – The MCAT exam can be taken up to four times.
  • Lifetime – The MCAT exam can be taken up to seven times in a lifetime.

We would not recommend taking the MCAT more than three times total. The fewer times you take the MCAT, the better.

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MCAT Facts

In 2020, regular MCAT registration is $320. Late registration costs an additional $55 ($375 total).

If you need to reschedule your date or change the location of your test center, you will have to pay an additional $95 for each service if 29 days in advance, and $160 if within 15 days prior to the exam.

If you need to cancel, you may do so with more than 15 days notice, but will only receive $160 back.

International fees are in incremental $115.

MCAT Facts

Your score does not expire on AAMC. However, schools typically do not accept scores that are older than two or three years old. Each school can vary so make sure you do your research before you apply.

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MCAT Facts

The answer to this question will be different for each person. There are two main ways to prepare:

1. Self review
This involves creating or using a pre-set study plan. You will have to buy review books and practice tests on your own. This option is generally for people who are good self-studiers. It is obviously the cheapest option because you do not have to spend money on a prep course. Nevertheless, people who lack the discipline and time management skills should avoid this route.

2. Commercial Prep Course
Most students use this option, enrolling in either a live or online class. The prep course provides you with all the material you will need to prepare including review books, their practice tests, AAMC practice tests and teachers for subjects. These courses are generally very well organized and have a set schedule for you to follow. This option is best if you successfully follow the schedule the course provides. The course keeps you focused and organized. Keep in mind just attending classes is not enough to ensure a good score. Students typically must study 3-6 hours outside of class in order to score well.

Prep courses typically cost $1600-$2000. Make sure you look for discounts online prior to enrolling. You can usually save $200-$300 by enrolling early or using a coupon code.

3. Tutoring
Personalized 1-on-1 coaching is the most effective means of preparation, but likely also the most expensive.

*Note: Prep courses have their own practice tests that are supposed to mimic the real MCAT. Nevertheless, they usually overestimate or underestimate your score. Take these tests with a grain of salt and trust the actual practice AAMC tests.

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What is the Best MCAT Prep Course?

Different companies have different strengths and weaknesses. Even within the same company, each location may vary in quality of teaching. In general, most prep companies are at least decent but make sure you do your research before enrolling in any class.

MedSchoolCoach provides virtual online tutoring. Their students each receive a personalized study plan from elite 99th percentile scoring MCAT tutors who have been through the most rigorous training in the country – all scoring between 130 and 132 on each section of the exam. Our students see incredible jumps in their MCAT score – up to 12 points – because our expert tutors craft and execute study plans personalized just for them.

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What is the Best MCAT Prep Course?

Each of the four sections is scored from 118 to 132 with 132 being the highest. Thus the lowest possible score is 472 and the highest possible score is 528. The average MCAT score is a 500. Your score is calculated based on the number of correct answers in each section and how you did relative to everyone else who took the exam (curve).

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