The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a critical milestone for aspiring medical students, but understanding the validity period of your MCAT scores is just as important as achieving a high score. Since most medical schools have specific policies on how recent your MCAT scores must be, not knowing these details can derail your application plans.
As of 2025, most U.S. and Canadian medical schools accept MCAT scores that are 2 to 3 years old at the time of application. However, each school sets its own rules, which means there’s no universal expiration date. This makes it essential for applicants—especially those taking gap years or considering a delayed application—to carefully plan their timeline and verify individual school policies through resources like the AAMC Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR).
Key Takeaways
- MCAT scores are typically valid for 2 to 3 years, but exact policies vary by medical school.
- Some schools may accept scores up to 4 years old, while others require scores no older than 1 year.
- Checking each school’s admissions website or the MSAR database is crucial for accurate information.
- If your scores are expiring soon, you may need to retake the MCAT to remain eligible for future cycles.
- Strategic application planning can help avoid wasted effort and delays caused by expired scores.
This guide will provide a detailed look at MCAT score validity, explain differences among schools, and share actionable advice for students facing expiring scores.
How Long Are MCAT Scores Valid?
When it comes to MCAT score validity, there is no single rule that applies across all medical schools. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) does not set an expiration period for MCAT scores; instead, each medical school determines how recent your scores must be for consideration.
General Guidelines on MCAT Score Validity
Most medical schools in the United States and Canada accept MCAT scores that are no more than 2 or 3 years old at the time of application. This means:
- If you took the MCAT in 2022, your scores are typically valid for the 2024 or 2025 application cycle.
- If applying in 2026 or later, you may need to retake the test depending on the school’s requirements.
For example:
- Harvard Medical School accepts MCAT scores up to 3 years old.
- University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine requires MCAT scores no older than 5 years, offering more flexibility for Canadian applicants.
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine limits MCAT validity to 2 years, meaning earlier scores are ineligible.
These differences highlight the importance of checking each school’s admissions policies carefully before applying.
Why Do Schools Set Expiration Dates for MCAT Scores?
Medical schools want MCAT results to reflect an applicant’s current knowledge and readiness for the academic demands of medical education. A lot can change in a few years, and schools may view older scores as less relevant due to:
- Curriculum changes in undergraduate science courses.
- Advances in medical knowledge and evolving MCAT content.
- A gap in academic engagement, especially if applicants have not been involved in science-related work or study since taking the exam.
Variation in MCAT Score Validity Across Schools
While the 2-3 year validity is common, there are exceptions:
| Medical School | MCAT Validity Period |
|---|---|
| Harvard Medical School | 3 years |
| Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | 3 years |
| Stanford University School of Medicine | 3 years |
| Albert Einstein College of Medicine | 2 years |
| University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine | 5 years |
| McGill University Faculty of Medicine | 5 years |
You can verify each school’s policy using the AAMC Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database or by visiting the individual school websites.
Key Considerations for Applicants
- Planning Gap Years: If you’re planning one or more gap years, make sure your MCAT scores won’t expire before you submit applications.
- International Applicants: Policies may differ for international schools. For example, UK or Australian programs often have their own validity rules for MCAT scores.
- Combined Degree Programs: MD-PhD or other dual-degree programs may require more recent MCAT scores.
What Happens If Your MCAT Scores Expire?
An expired MCAT score can create a serious roadblock in your medical school journey. Even if you achieved an excellent score, most medical schools will not consider it if it falls outside their accepted validity window. Here’s what happens and how to handle it.
The Consequences of Expired MCAT Scores
- Automatic Application Ineligibility
When you apply with an expired MCAT score, many medical schools will reject your application outright without review. This is because admissions committees are required to evaluate candidates based on current and valid documentation, including MCAT results within their accepted timeframe. - Loss of Competitive Advantage
Even if a school doesn’t have a strict policy but “prefers” recent scores, using an older MCAT score could place you at a disadvantage. Admissions officers may question whether your academic skills and content knowledge are still sharp enough for medical school. - Impact on Rolling Admissions
Since many medical schools use rolling admissions, delaying your application to retake the MCAT could push you into a later application cycle when fewer seats are available. This often reduces acceptance rates significantly.
Options If Your MCAT Scores Are Expiring
1. Retake the MCAT
Retaking the MCAT is often the most straightforward solution if your scores are about to expire. However, it requires careful planning:
- Check MCAT test dates on the AAMC MCAT Schedule and register early to secure your preferred location and time.
- Allocate at least 3-6 months for preparation, especially if it’s been years since you last studied MCAT content.
- Use updated prep materials since the exam has evolved in recent years, particularly in the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations section added in 2015.
2. Apply to Schools with Longer Validity Periods
Some schools accept MCAT scores up to 4 or 5 years old. If your scores fall within this range, focus your applications on these institutions. For instance:
- McGill University (Canada): Accepts scores up to 5 years old.
- University of Toronto: Accepts scores within 5 years of application.
This strategy may be ideal for applicants considering international schools or specific programs in Canada.
3. Consider Postbaccalaureate or Special Master’s Programs
If retaking the MCAT isn’t immediately possible, consider enrolling in a postbac or special master’s program. These programs not only strengthen your academic credentials but also give you time to prepare for a new MCAT attempt.
Why Retaking May Be Advantageous
Even if your current MCAT score is still valid but nearing expiration, retaking it can strengthen your application:
- Improved Score Potential: Many students improve their score on a second attempt. According to the AAMC, 24% of retesters in 2023 increased their total score by 4 or more points1.
- Demonstrated Persistence: A higher score demonstrates your commitment and ability to perform under pressure.
How to Strategically Plan Around MCAT Score Expiration
The key to avoiding complications with MCAT score validity is proactive planning. Whether you’re considering a gap year, applying later than expected, or retaking the test, building a strategic timeline will ensure your MCAT scores align with your application goals.
Step 1: Map Out Your Medical School Application Timeline
A typical medical school application process is lengthy, often spanning 12 to 18 months from preparing your application to matriculation. This means your MCAT scores must still be valid at the time you submit your application and remain valid through:
- Primary application submission (AMCAS, AACOMAS, or TMDSAS)
- Secondary applications
- Interview invitations
- Final admissions decisions
Example:
If your MCAT test date was July 2022, and a school accepts scores that are 3 years old, your score will be valid through July 2025. If you plan to apply in June 2025, you’re within the safe window. But if you delay until June 2026, you will likely need to retake the MCAT.
Step 2: Factor in Gap Years Carefully
Gap years are increasingly common. A survey by the AAMC shows that over 60% of medical students took at least one gap year before matriculation. However, gap years can create issues if you don’t account for MCAT expiration:
- 1 Gap Year: Usually safe if you test in your junior year of college and apply in your senior year.
- 2+ Gap Years: Higher risk of score expiration, especially for schools with a 2-year limit.
Plan your gap years around your MCAT test date, or consider retaking the MCAT during your gap year if necessary.
Step 3: Check School-Specific Validity Policies Early
To avoid last-minute surprises, check the score validity requirements of each school you’re interested in. Use:
- The AAMC MSAR Database for U.S. and Canadian schools.
- Each medical school’s admissions website for international programs.
Some schools also specify the latest acceptable MCAT test date for each application cycle. For instance:
- University of Michigan Medical School accepts MCAT scores no older than three years and requires testing by September of the application year.
- University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) requires MCAT scores within two years of application submission.
Step 4: Decide Early if Retaking Is Necessary
If your scores are close to expiration, retake planning becomes critical:
- Review your previous MCAT score report: Did you achieve your target percentile? Are you confident your knowledge has remained current?
- Evaluate recent changes to the MCAT: For example, if you took the test before 2015, your score may no longer align with today’s format.
- Create a retake timeline: Ideally, register for an MCAT test date that allows you to receive scores before submitting applications.
Step 5: Strengthen Your Application to Offset Older Scores
If your MCAT score is still within the acceptable window but near its expiration, focus on making the rest of your application as strong as possible:
- Highlight recent academic achievements in science coursework.
- Gain clinical and research experience to demonstrate ongoing engagement in the field.
- Secure strong letters of recommendation that speak to your current abilities.
Tips for Retaking the MCAT If Your Scores Are Expiring
For many applicants, retaking the MCAT is unavoidable if their scores are nearing expiration or have already expired. While the idea of retesting can feel overwhelming, a thoughtful strategy can help you not only maintain your eligibility but potentially improve your application with a higher score.
Understand the AAMC Retake Policy
Before committing to a retake, familiarize yourself with the AAMC’s rules regarding multiple MCAT attempts:
- Up to 3 times in a single testing year
- Up to 4 times in two consecutive testing years
- Up to 7 times in a lifetime
Each attempt is recorded on your MCAT score report, and schools will see all of your scores. However, most schools consider only your highest score or the most recent score, though some may look at your average performance across attempts.
Evaluate If a Retake Is Necessary
Ask yourself:
- Was your previous score below the median MCAT score of your target schools? (Check their published class profiles for this data.)
- Do you feel you could significantly improve with more focused preparation?
- Has your academic or test-taking ability grown since your last attempt?
If the answer to any of these is yes, a retake could strengthen your candidacy.
Build a Retake Strategy
1. Start With a Diagnostic Test
Take a full-length practice MCAT under timed conditions to assess how much content you’ve retained and identify weak areas. Free diagnostic exams are available from:
- AAMC Official MCAT Prep
- Khan Academy MCAT Collection (free resources)
2. Focus on High-Yield Content
Concentrate on sections where you lost the most points previously. AAMC data shows that students often improve most in:
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
3. Commit to a Study Plan
Allocate at least 300-400 hours for MCAT prep if it’s been more than a year since your last test. For working students or gap-year applicants, aim for a 3-6 month schedule with consistent study blocks.
4. Consider Prep Courses or Tutoring
If self-study didn’t deliver the results you wanted before, a structured program might help. Top-rated options include:
- Blueprint MCAT (live online or self-paced courses)
- Kaplan MCAT (comprehensive prep with practice tests)
- Altius MCAT (1-on-1 mentoring focus)
5. Register Early for a Preferred Test Date
MCAT seats fill quickly, especially in spring and early summer. Check the AAMC MCAT Registration Dates and secure a slot that aligns with your application cycle.
Pros and Cons of Retaking the MCAT
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Opportunity to improve a low score | Time-intensive prep during application year |
| Stronger alignment with current content | Risk of a lower or similar score |
| Shows commitment to academic excellence | Additional testing fees ($335 per attempt) |
Financial Assistance for Retakers
Don’t forget about the AAMC Fee Assistance Program if cost is a barrier. Eligible applicants receive:
- Reduced MCAT registration fees
- Free MCAT Official Prep materials
- Free access to the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database
MCAT Score Validity Policies at Top Medical Schools (With Examples)
Because there’s no universal expiration period for MCAT scores, each medical school sets its own policy. Knowing these differences is crucial, especially if you plan to apply to a broad range of programs or are taking a gap year.
Below, we’ve compiled MCAT score validity periods for top U.S., Canadian, and international medical schools to help you plan effectively.
MCAT Validity in U.S. Medical Schools
| Medical School | MCAT Score Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard Medical School | 3 years | Scores from January 2022 onward accepted for 2025 entry. |
| Stanford University School of Medicine | 3 years | Must have taken MCAT between 2022–2025. |
| Albert Einstein College of Medicine | 2 years | MCAT scores before 2023 not accepted for 2025. |
| University of Michigan Medical School | 3 years | Latest acceptable MCAT date is September 2025 for 2026 entry. |
| Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine | 3 years | Earlier scores considered outdated. |
MCAT Validity in Canadian Medical Schools
| Medical School | MCAT Score Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine | 5 years | Offers one of the longest validity periods. |
| McGill University Faculty of Medicine | 5 years | Ideal for gap year students or late applicants. |
| University of British Columbia | 3 years | Requires MCAT no older than 3 years at application. |
| University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine | 5 years | Accepts MCAT scores within 5 years of application. |
MCAT Validity in International Medical Schools
| Medical School | MCAT Score Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| St. George’s University (Grenada) | 5 years | Flexible for non-traditional applicants. |
| American University of the Caribbean (AUC) | 5 years | MCAT required; scores within 5 years accepted. |
| University of Queensland (Australia) | 2–3 years | Depends on specific program requirements. |
| St. George’s University of London (UK) | 2 years | Prefers MCAT within 2 years of application. |
Why Policies Differ Between Schools
The variation in MCAT validity policies often reflects institutional priorities:
- Schools with shorter windows (2 years): Emphasize currency of knowledge and academic readiness.
- Schools with longer windows (5 years): Cater to non-traditional applicants or international students who may face logistical challenges.
Checking these details for every school on your list is critical to avoid ineligibility due to expired scores. The easiest way to verify is through:
- AAMC MSAR Database (for U.S. and Canadian schools)
- Direct school admissions websites (for international programs)
Common Questions About MCAT Score Expiration
Understanding how MCAT score validity works can feel complicated, especially with so much variation between schools. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to clear up confusion and help you plan effectively.
How long do MCAT Scores last? If you are thinking about taking a gap year, WATCH THIS VIDEO
1. How long are MCAT scores officially valid?
The AAMC itself does not set an expiration period for MCAT scores. Each medical school determines its own policy. Most U.S. schools accept scores from 2–3 years old, while some Canadian and Caribbean schools may accept scores up to 5 years old.
For example:
- Harvard Medical School: 3 years
- University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine: 5 years
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine: 2 years
Always verify with the AAMC MSAR Database or the school’s admissions site.
2. Do medical schools see all of my MCAT scores if I retake the test?
Yes. Medical schools receive your entire MCAT testing history, including all scores and test dates. However, how they use this information varies:
- Many schools consider only your highest score.
- Some may look at your most recent score.
- A few consider the average of all scores.
This means you shouldn’t fear retaking the MCAT if necessary, but plan carefully to ensure improvement.
3. What if my MCAT scores expire after I submit my application?
Your MCAT scores must be valid at the time of your application and throughout the admissions process. If they expire before interviews or admissions decisions, most schools will still honor them for that cycle, but some may require a more recent score. Check each school’s policy carefully to avoid surprises.
4. Can I use an MCAT score from before 2015?
No. MCAT scores from before April 2015 are no longer accepted anywhere because the MCAT format changed significantly that year to include new content areas like psychology and sociology.
5. Is retaking the MCAT bad for my application?
Not necessarily. Retaking the MCAT can strengthen your application if your original score was:
- Below the median of your target schools
- Near expiration
- Taken without full preparation, the first time
Admissions committees understand that applicants sometimes improve on retakes. According to AAMC data, nearly 1 in 4 retakers improved their score by 4 points or more.
6. Are there any exceptions to MCAT score expiration policies?
Some schools may grant exceptions for non-traditional applicants or those with significant professional experience in healthcare or research. However, these are rare and handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact admissions offices directly for clarification.
Conclusion: Plan Ahead to Keep Your MCAT Scores Valid
Your MCAT score is more than just a number—it’s your ticket into medical school. But even the highest score won’t help if it’s expired when you apply. Since most medical schools only accept scores from the past 2 to 3 years, careful planning is crucial.
If you’re considering gap years, delayed applications, or non-traditional pathways, make sure to:
- Check each school’s MCAT validity policy through the AAMC MSAR Database or their admissions websites.
- Factor expiration dates into your application timeline.
- Retake the MCAT early if necessary to avoid last-minute stress.
With proactive preparation, you can ensure your scores remain valid and your application remains competitive.
FAQs About MCAT Score Validity
1. Do all schools follow the same MCAT score expiration policy?
No. Policies vary widely. While most U.S. schools accept scores up to 3 years old, some require scores within 2 years, and certain Canadian or Caribbean schools allow scores up to 5 years old.
2. If my MCAT scores expire, do I need to retake all sections?
Yes. The MCAT is a single comprehensive test, so you’ll need to retake the entire exam. There is no option to retake only certain sections.
3. Will medical schools see my expired scores?
Yes. All MCAT attempts remain visible on your score report, even if they are past the validity period for admissions consideration. Schools will typically disregard them for eligibility, but may still view them.
4. How far in advance should I retake the MCAT if my scores are expiring?
Plan to retake at least 6–12 months before applying. This allows time for preparation, receiving your scores, and including them in your primary application.
5. Do international medical schools have different MCAT validity rules?
Yes. Many international schools, including some in Canada and the Caribbean, allow MCAT scores up to 5 years old. Always verify requirements directly with the schools you’re applying to.
