Should I void my MCAT score?
If you’ve recently finished the MCAT and are wondering whether you should void your score, you’re not alone. Many test-takers feel uncertain after completing the exam, but making the right decision requires careful consideration. In this guide, we’ll cover what voiding means, when it makes sense to void your MCAT, and what circumstances justify doing so.
What Does Voiding the MCAT Mean?
At the end of the MCAT, the AAMC will present you with two options:
- 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.
Should I Void My MCAT?
The simple answer is NO.
Voiding should be reserved for extenuating circumstances only (see below). Many test writers decide to void the MCAT when they feel they did not perform well, but the reality is, most people feel really bad after finishing the MCAT but still end up with competitive scores. If you are considering voiding because you feel anxious or felt that you performed suboptimally, you probably should not be voiding.
That being said, it is important to look into how the medical schools you are applying to consider MCAT scores. Most schools will only look at your highest MCAT score, however, a minority may consider your most recent attempt. Most schools are not interested in the number of attempts made in writing the MCAT (in fact, most Canadian medical students wrote the MCAT more than once before getting into medical school).
Recommended reading: Should I retake the MCAT?
When Should You Void the MCAT?
You should only void your MCAT under the following extenuating circumstances:
- Acute Illness or Injury:
- If you or a loved one becomes seriously ill or injured immediately before or during the exam.
- Family Emergency:
- A sudden, unforeseen family emergency that impacts your ability to complete the test effectively.
How to Void Your MCAT for Extenuating Circumstances
If you experience one of these situations, contact the test center administrator immediately. They can help you void the exam and guide you through any additional steps, such as submitting a written report to finalize the process.
Key Takeaways
- Voiding the MCAT means your exam will not be scored, and medical schools will not know that you took the test on that date.
- Do not void your exam unless you experience a serious, unforeseen circumstance like acute illness or a family emergency.
- Most test-takers feel unsure about their performance, but this does not mean they performed poorly—think carefully before deciding to void.
Recommended reading: What is a good MCAT score?
Voiding your MCAT can be tempting when anxiety kicks in, but it’s important to trust your preparation. Unless you are facing a serious emergency, keeping your score is usually the better choice—even if you plan to retake the test. Many successful students have taken the MCAT more than once, so don’t let a single exam attempt define your journey.
And remember, if you’ve got any MCAT questions, we’re here for you! Simply, schedule a free consultation with one of our MCAT experts.
