Methods, systems, and devices for wireless communications are described. A user equipment (UE) may transmit a first random access channel (RACH) message multiple times over corresponding RACH occasions until a second RACH message is received from a base station in a random access response (RAR) window. The multiple times the first RACH message is transmitted may include preamble sequences that are selected from a subset of preamble sequences configured for this repetitive first RACH message transmission scheme. Additionally, a subset of UEs may use this repetitive first RACH message transmission scheme based on a condition of a link between the UE and the base station, an exposure condition of the UE, other measurements, etc. In some cases, a shortened RAR window length may be configured for this repetitive first RACH message transmission scheme.