MCAT Test Dates – 2025 – Canada

For 2025, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers the MCAT on 31 different dates in Canada. It’s wise to register early to get your preferred test location, date, and time. Seats can fill up quickly! Try to make your testing conditions as optimal as possible.

According to the AAMC‘s website, the MCAT begins at 8:00 am, unless a different time is specifically mentioned. Your MCAT scores will be available by 5:00 pm Eastern Time on the announced score release dates.

Check out the Testing Calendar below and make sure you read through their Scheduling Fees and MCAT Essentials information before you register:

Note that due to Bill 96, the AAMC will not administer the MCAT exam in Quebec in 2025.

Choosing the right MCAT test date is a crucial step in the medical school application process. It’s not just about picking a date. It’s about aligning your preparation, application timeline, and personal commitments.

This is a very common question. Most students spend three to six months studying – this roughly translates to 300 to 450 hours of studying. If you’re juggling other responsibilities, like school or work, you might need more time to maintain, not just learn, your skills. Having a well-defined study plan can often make or break your MCAT score.

We recommend taking the MCAT in the summer after completing your second year of undergraduate studies. A large percentage of first-time test-takers retake the MCAT. So if you need to, you can retake it after completing your third year and still apply that year. Your MCAT scores will be valid in either scenario.

Canadian medical schools’ application deadlines range from August 30th (Memorial) to November 1st (McGill). All Ontario medical schools have a deadline of October 2nd. However, changes can always occur, so it’s best to check the specific deadlines for each medical school.

For example, the Ontario Medical School Application Service (OMSAS) usually has a deadline in early October for most of its associated medical schools, including universities such as the University of Toronto, Queen’s University, and McMaster University (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre). Similarly, other institutions like Dalhousie University have specific components of their application due by early September, followed by other deadlines in October (Dalhousie University).

Consider if you are truly prepared:

• Have you completed the necessary science courses? If not, it may be wise to take them before doing dedicated MCAT studying. We generally ensure that you have taken at least:
  • Two semesters of biology and general chemistry
  • One semester of biochemistry and organic chemistry
• We find that most students are fine to begin MCAT-specific studying even if they have not taken:
  • Psychology
  • Physics
  • Sociology
• Are the required courses still fresh in your head? If they won’t be, consider tutoring/volunteer teaching. This is a good way to stay fresh, and it’s also good for other parts of medical school application.
• Have you allocated enough time for a comprehensive study plan?

Consider whether there are any events or commitments that could interfere with your test preparation or test day. If so, choose a test date that avoids these potential conflicts.

In the end, the best MCAT test date is the one that gives you enough time to prepare, aligns with your application timeline, and fits into your personal schedule.

How Do I Know When I’m Truly Ready for the MCAT?

To know if you’re ready for the MCAT, you should write regular practice tests in the form of Full Length Exams (FLEs) and evaluate your scores. Aim for consistent scores that meet or exceed the average scores of accepted students at your target schools. Don’t be afraid to reschedule your MCAT exam if you’re not ready, but build in a buffer to avoid missing application deadlines.

Recommended reading: What is a good MCAT score?

How Many Times Can I Take the MCAT?

You can take the MCAT up to three times in one year, four times in two consecutive years, and seven times in a lifetime. In many American medical schools, repeated attempts with limited improvement can raise concerns among admissions committees. Canadian medical schools tend to be more systematic:

How Long are MCAT Scores Valid?

According to the AAMC: forever. But medical schools vary in their views. Typically, they consider MCAT scores to be valid for two to three years, but it depends on which school. It’s important to familiarize yourself with each school’s admission requirements, just in case life doesn’t go as planned.

The MCAT is offered multiple times a year, typically from January to September. Registration for the MCAT opens in two blocks: one in the fall (October) and one in the spring (February). Follow the AAMC’s Twitter/X account to stay up to date on the day registrations open – often there are system shutdowns/delays that AAMC will tweet about.

We suggest registering as early as possible. Seats can fill up quickly, especially for popular dates and locations.

Registration Deadlines

Be aware of deadlines for registering, rescheduling, or canceling your test date. Understanding these can help you avoid additional fees and ensure you meet all necessary timelines.

The AAMC provides a list of MCAT registration dates and deadlines on their website. Here are some key points to remember:

• Standard registration ends approximately one month before the test date.
• Late registration, available for an additional fee, ends approximately two weeks before the test date.
• Rescheduling and Cancellations are covered below.

It’s important to note that the MCAT registration dates and deadlines are strictly enforced. Missing a deadline can result in additional fees or even the inability to take the test on your preferred date.

MCAT Registration Fees in 2025

• Standard Fee: $335
• Fee Assistance Program: $140 for eligible students
• Rescheduling Fees: Vary based on the time before the test date

Note that if you’re testing outside of Canada, the US or US Territories, you’ll be charged an additional $120 international fee.

Rescheduling and Cancellations Fees

You can reschedule and cancel your MCAT for an additional fee. These fees increase the closer you get to the test date, so make sure to take action  early if you choose to take this route.

Registering for the MCAT is a straightforward process, but it requires careful attention to detail. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the MCAT registration process.

The first step is to create an account on the AAMC website. This is where you’ll register for the MCAT, access your scores, and manage your registration details. Make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date personal information.

Once you have an AAMC account, you can start the MCAT registration process. Log in to your account and navigate to the MCAT section. Here, you’ll find a link to the MCAT registration system.

In the MCAT registration system, you’ll be able to select your preferred test date and location. Remember, test dates can fill up quickly, especially in popular locations. So, it’s best to register as early as possible to secure your preferred date and location.

After selecting your test date and location, you’ll be prompted to pay the registration fee. You can pay the fee using a credit or debit card. Once your payment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email with your registration details.

Finally, make sure to review your registration details carefully. Check the test date, location, and your personal information. If you notice any errors, contact AAMC as soon as possible to correct them.

MCAT scores are typically released by the AAMC about one month after the test date. This consistent schedule means that no matter when you take the exam, from January through September, you can expect your scores approximately 30-35 days later.

For each MCAT test date, the AAMC provides a specific score release date. The exact dates are listed here for American sites and here for Canadian sites.

This information is can be found on the official AAMC website under the MCAT section. On the day of the release, scores are generally made available by 5:00 PM ET.

It’s important to note that you will not receive an email notification that your score report is accessible in your AAMC account. You will have to log in to view your score report.

As you embark on one of the most important journeys of your life, the journey to medical school, beginning your MCAT prep the right way is crucial. At Prep101, we understand the importance of a strong start, which is why we offer a range of resources designed to optimize your study plan from day one.

Join our MCAT and medical school admission pre-med webinars to gain insights into effective study strategies, updates on the latest exam content, and tips from successful test-takers. These webinars are tailored to help you understand the breadth of the MCAT and how to approach each step of your journey. Whether you are just starting out or are looking to refine your strategies, our expert-led sessions provide valuable guidance tailored to your needs.

Additionally, we believe in a students-first approach. That’s why we offer a free consultation to all aspiring medical school students. During this consultation, you can discuss your specific goals, challenges, and timelines with one of our experienced MCAT specialists.

Getting a good start on your MCAT prep can set the tone for your entire medical school journey. With Prep101’s resources and dedicated support, you can step into your MCAT prep with confidence, fully equipped to tackle the challenges ahead and succeed. Sign up today and take the first step towards achieving your medical school dreams.