Should I Void My MCAT Score?

If you’ve recently finished the MCAT—or are preparing for test day—and are wondering whether you should void your score, you’re not alone. The “post-test panic” is real. Many test-takers feel uncertain after completing the exam, but making the right decision requires strategy, not emotion.

In this guide, we cover exactly what voiding means, the specific screen prompts you will see, and how to decide if voiding is the right choice for your medical school application.

What Does Voiding the MCAT Mean?

At the end of the MCAT, the AAMC will present you with two options on your computer screen:

I wish to have my MCAT exam SCORED
I wish to VOID my MCAT exam

If you do not want your MCAT to be scored, you can pick the VOID option. This means that you will not receive a score for your MCAT and you will never know how you did. The voided exam will appear on your MCAT score reporting system, but only you will be able to see this (i.e. medical schools will not know that you have attempted to write the MCAT on that day).

Important Note:

No Refund: Voiding the MCAT does not entitle you to a refund.
Test Limits: A voided attempt still counts toward your testing limits, which cap the number of MCAT attempts per year and lifetime.

How to Void Your MCAT

Voiding is a decision you must make on the computer screen immediately after finishing the final section (Psych/Soc).

The Prompt: After the final section, a screen will appear asking: “Do you wish to have your exam scored?”
The Selection: To cancel your score, you must click “I wish to VOID my MCAT exam.”
Confirmation: You will be asked to confirm your choice. Once you confirm, the decision is irreversible.
The Time Limit: You typically have 5 minutes to make this decision.

Warning: If you do not select an option before the time expires, the exam may be automatically scored. Do not leave your station until you have clicked your choice.

Should I Void My MCAT?

For the vast majority of students, the answer is NO.

Many students decide to void because they “feel” they did poorly. However, post-test anxiety is unreliable. Most students feel terrible after finishing the MCAT but still end up with competitive scores consistent with their practice tests.

When You Should NOT Void

You found the test difficult (everyone finds it difficult).
You are unsure about a few specific questions.
You are basing the decision purely on anxiety.

When You SHOULD Void (Extenuating Circumstances)

You should consider voiding only if you can point to a specific, disastrous event that ruined your performance:

Acute Illness: You were violently ill during the exam (e.g., vomiting, migraine impacting vision).
Incomplete Sections: You completely missed a passage or left a significant number of questions blank due to poor time management.
Technical/Environmental Issues: The computer crashed repeatedly, or there was a fire alarm/loud construction that made concentration impossible.

Recommended reading: Should I retake the MCAT?

How Medical Schools View Multiple Attempts

If you are on the fence, consider the admissions policies of your target schools.

Canadian Medical Schools: Most Canadian schools look at your highest score or your most recent score. They generally do not penalize you for a previous lower score. Therefore, voiding is rarely necessary unless you know you failed catastrophically.
US Medical Schools: While many US schools prioritize your highest score, they will see all scored attempts. A distinct downward trend or a very low score can be a “red flag.” If you are applying to US MD programs and know for a fact that you bombed the exam, voiding might be strategically safer.

Key Takeaways

Voiding is private: Medical schools will not know you voided.
The process is digital: You must select “VOID” on the screen within the 5-minute window.
Trust your prep: Do not void just because the test felt hard. Only void if a specific event (illness, missed passages) occurred.

Recommended reading: What is a good MCAT score?

How We Can Help You

Countless books will present the MCAT topics. But when you want to learn and practice MCAT techniques, expert guidance can make a world of difference. Prep101 offers a comprehensive MCAT course meticulously designed to optimize your study process. From in-depth content review under the guidance of our expert instructors to practice resources and full-length exams to a personalized study plan developed by your very own MCAT Coach – Prep101’s MCAT course has got it all.

Our experienced instructors bring a practical perspective to your MCAT preparation, giving you unique insights and the best MCAT strategies to tackle this challenging exam. Whether you prefer the structure of a guided prep course or the flexibility of self-study, Prep101 provides the resources and support you need.

Book a free consultation with one of our MCAT experts and simplify your MCAT journey.

About the Author

Isabella R. is the Head MCAT Coach at Prep101, where she leads a team of expert coaches committed to helping students achieve their highest possible scores. With years of experience in MCAT prep and a passion for both medicine and mentorship, Isabella has helped hundreds of students navigate the complexities of the exam. She specializes in customizing MCAT prep to fit each student’s unique needs, and loves sharing the strategies and insights that helped her achieve a 517 on the MCAT. When she’s not coaching, you can find Isabella staying on top of the latest MCAT trends to ensure Prep101’s students always have the most effective tools at their fingertips.