Although you should never walk into your MCAT exam expecting to void your score, there can sometimes be a time and place for voiding MCAT scores at the end of your test. This option is often not covered much by the MCAT community because of the negative repercussions that voiding a score may have on your application.
Let’s learn more about voiding your MCAT score so that you can be prepared if you ever need to use this option.
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What is Voiding an MCAT Score?
After completing the MCAT, you will have the option at the end of the test to void or submit your MCAT score. If you choose to void your MCAT score, this means that medical schools will not have a record of you taking the exam, nor will they have any access to a system that shows you voided this test.
Similarly, if you did not show up for your exam, medical schools will have no access to a report of you taking the exam. Only you will have a report of a voided or no-show exam through the MCAT score reporting system.
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Does Voiding Your MCAT Score Count as an Attempt?
Yes. Voiding an MCAT score or not showing up to take an MCAT test (no-show) will count as an attempt (even if the medical schools do not see this).
Why does this matter?
According to the AAMC retake policies, you can only attempt the MCAT a total of 3 times in a calendar year. Over 2 calendar years, you can only attempt the MCAT 4 times. In total, you get 7 attempts throughout your lifetime to attempt the MCAT. See more on how many times you can take the MCAT.
Not showing up to an MCAT you signed up for counts as an attempt, since you will be designated a “no show.” If you get sick the day of your MCAT, you should submit a request using the Emergency Refund Request Form located in the Service Requests section of the MCAT Registration System. See more about the Emergency Refund Request in the AAMC’s MCAT Essentials.
Does Voiding Your MCAT Score Look Bad to Medical Schools
In the case that you do have to void your MCAT score, rest assured that medical schools will not be able to see any record that you took the MCAT.
That said, you will not get any of the money back that you spent on registration for the MCAT and this will count as one of your limited “attempts.”
So, What’s the Problem with Voiding MCAT Scores?
One of the most common feedback I hear from students is that they all feel like they bombed the MCAT after taking it. If everyone that felt like they did poorly on the MCAT voided their scores, then we’d never have anyone submit their scores!
The trick to doing well on the MCAT is anticipating doing well on the MCAT. How? By putting in your dues, preparing for the test, and knowing that you are going in with all the preparation that is possible. You should be regularly taking and reviewing official MCAT practice tests – if you get closer to your MCAT test date and your AAMC practice test scores are in the score range that you hope for, then chances are that you are ready for the test.
If, however, you’re getting close to the test date and don’t think you’ll be ready, then you can always reschedule your MCAT test date (for a fee) and avoid losing an attempt on the test.
See more on how to reschedule the MCAT.
Again, it’s completely common to feel anxious both before and after taking the MCAT, and everyone finishes the test unsure if they answered all of the questions correctly. Voiding your MCAT score, however, should not be a decision that you take lightly. Although there are no consequences in terms of admissions seeing your scores, you will definitely be out the fees for your test as well as the entire day you spent in a room taking a test on the computer.
When to Void Your Score
Overall, voiding your MCAT score should only be an option due to extreme circumstances. These circumstances may include:
- You are sick on test day and you feel like it had a negative impact on your ability to perform well on the test.
- You were ill-prepared for the test and did not have enough time to answer the questions.
Getting sick on test day is pretty much out of your control. However, not being adequately prepared to take a test is 100% in your control and should be addressed before going into the exam. Remember, if you do not feel prepared for the exam, you still may have time to cancel your registration if you are more than 10 days out, and, depending on when you registered, possibly receive a refund. You can see this list of the MCAT test dates.
Apart from these two extreme situations that would have an impact on your score, you need to walk into test day confident of your abilities and a fair score you will receive. Remember, very few people walk out of the MCAT thinking they aced it, and feeling a little unsure about answering all the questions correctly is both a common and normal feeling to have.
Voiding MCAT Scores FAQ
What should I do if I’m unsure if I should void my MCAT score?
If you completed the MCAT and felt prepared going into the exam, then you should probably not void the MCAT. This is for extreme circumstances for those who are ill or severely underprepared.
How can I avoid the need to void my MCAT score?
You should be practicing on full-length MCAT practice tests as part of your MCAT study schedule. By doing these run-throughs of simulated MCAT tests, you will be ready come test day and avoid choking the day of the test.
If I’m sick, should I even come to the MCAT?
This is up to you, as you know your body the best. But if you are very sick, running a fever, or feel like you may be infectious to others, then it’s probably best to sit out the MCAT.
Should I Void My MCAT Score? Bottomline
Voiding your MCAT score is only for extreme circumstances which fit the following:
- You are extremely ill the day of the test and were not able to perform as well as a health-you would have performed
- You were severely underprepared for the test and did not finish due to lack of knowledge or foundation in concepts.
Although there is only so much you can do to avoid getting sick the day of your exam, there is plenty that you can be doing now to prepare for the MCAT so that you do not even need to consider voiding your MCAT score after taking the test.
