MCAT Score Validity
MCAT scores do not expire with the AAMC — but individual medical schools decide how old is too old.
The AAMC keeps your MCAT score on file indefinitely, but each medical school sets its own maximum score age for applications. Most US MD programs accept scores from the last 2-3 years; some DO and international programs stretch to 5. Knowing your target schools' policies before retaking saves time and money.
- MCAT scores never expire at the AAMC — they stay in your permanent record.
- Most US MD programs require scores from the last 2-3 years at time of application.
- Some DO, Caribbean, and international programs accept scores up to 5 years old.
AAMC Policy
The AAMC keeps your MCAT score forever — schools decide the shelf life.
There is no expiration date attached to your MCAT score in the AAMC's system. What matters is each medical school's individual policy, which sets a maximum score age that they will consider valid for admissions.
- Scores are stored indefinitely in your AAMC record.
- Additional score reports can be ordered for scores 2+ years old (small fee).
- AMCAS automatically releases scores from the most recent testing years.
US MD Programs
The 2-3 year rule at US MD schools.
The vast majority of US allopathic (MD) medical schools require the MCAT to have been taken within the last 2-3 years at the time of application. A minority allow up to 4 years.
- 2 years: strictest — often top-tier research programs.
- 3 years: the most common policy across US MD schools.
- 4-5 years: rare at MD, more common at DO.
Always confirm the exact score-validity cutoff on each school's admissions page — it changes year to year.
DO & International
DO, Caribbean, and international programs are usually more flexible.
Osteopathic (DO) medical schools, Caribbean MD programs, and some international schools often accept older MCAT scores, sometimes up to 5 years. This can matter for career-changers and non-traditional applicants.
- AACOMAS (DO application): most schools accept 3-4 year old scores.
- Some Caribbean schools accept up to 5 years.
- International program policies vary widely — check each program.
When to Retake
Deciding whether to retake because of score age.
If your current score is aging out for your target schools, you have two options: retake before your scores expire, or restrict your school list to programs with longer validity windows. Neither is automatically wrong.
- Score is 2+ years old: check every target school's validity cutoff now.
- Score is still competitive: retaking mainly to reset the clock is risky.
- Score is weak: age concerns are secondary — improve the number first.
See our MCAT Retake Guide for how to decide if a retake is actually worth it.