MCAT Test Dates – 2026 – US
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MCAT Test Dates, Scheduling Deadlines & Score Releases
In 2026, you have 31 opportunities to take the MCAT in the US, as scheduled by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). To secure your preferred testing location, date, and time, it’s recommended to register promptly. Aim to create the best possible conditions for your test.
The AAMC‘s website states that the MCAT typically starts at 8:00 am, unless otherwise noted. Your results will be available at 5:00 pm Eastern Time on the specified score release dates.
For more details, see the Testing Calendar below. Don’t forget to review the Scheduling Fees and MCAT Essentials information before you register:
2026 Test Dates
| Test Date | 60 Day Deadline | 30 Day Deadline | 10 Day Deadline | Score Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 9 | November 10, 2025 | December 10, 2025 | December 30, 2025 | February 10 |
| January 10 | November 11, 2025 | December 11, 2025 | December 31, 2025 | February 10 |
| January 15 | November 16, 2025 | December 16, 2025 | January 5 | February 17 |
| January 23 | November 24, 2025 | December 24, 2025 | January 13 | February 24 |
| February 13 | December 15, 2025 | January 14 | February 3 | March 17 |
| March 7 | January 6 | February 5 | February 25 | April 7 |
| March 20 | January 19 | February 18 | March 10 | April 21 |
| April 10 | February 9 | March 11 | March 31 | May 12 |
| April 11 | February 10 | March 12 | April 1 | May 12 |
| April 24 | February 23 | March 25 | April 14 | May 27 |
| April 25 | February 24 | March 26 | April 15 | May 27 |
| May 2 | March 3 | April 2 | April 22 | June 2 |
| May 8 | March 9 | April 8 | April 28 | June 9 |
| May 9 | March 10 | April 9 | April 29 | June 9 |
| May 14 | March 15 | April 14 | May 4 | June 16 |
| May 22 | March 23 | April 22 | May 12 | June 23 |
| May 30 | March 31 | April 30 | May 20 | June 30 |
| June 12 | April 13 | May 13 | June 2 | July 14 |
| June 13 | April 14 | May 14 | June 3 | July 14 |
| June 26 | April 27 | May 27 | June 16 | July 28 |
| June 27 | April 28 | May 28 | June 17 | July 28 |
| July 11 | May 12 | June 11 | July 1 | August 11 |
| July 24 | May 25 | June 24 | July 14 | August 25 |
| July 31 | June 1 | July 1 | July 21 | September 2 |
| August 15 | June 16 | July 16 | August 5 | September 15 |
| August 21 | June 22 | July 22 | August 11 | September 22 |
| August 22 | June 23 | July 23 | August 12 | September 22 |
| September 3 | July 5 | August 4 | August 24 | October 6 |
| September 4 | July 6 | August 5 | August 25 | October 6 |
| September 11 | July 13 | August 12 | September 1 | October 13 |
| September 12 | July 14 | August 13 | September 2 | October 13 |
When Should I Write the MCAT?
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.
How Long Should I Study for the MCAT?
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.
When Should I Plan to Write the MCAT?
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.
US Medical School Application Deadlines
Medical schools in the US have different application deadlines. However, most of them start accepting applications in early June. The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) typically opens for applicants on May 1, with the earliest submission date being May 28. Verified applications are then transmitted to medical schools starting June 28?.
In the US, you’ll always want to apply at the beginning of rolling admissions. This means that you’ll be in competition with far fewer applicants initially, giving you a huge advantage over later applicants.
Are You Ready for the MCAT?
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?
Your Personal Schedule
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Once you’ve secured clinical experience, it’s important to make the most of it. Here are some tips to help you maximize your time:
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:
| Med School (West > East) | Multiple MCAT Scores |
|---|---|
| UBC | Highest |
| Calgary | Highest |
| Alberta | Highest |
| Saskatchewan | Highest |
| Manitoba | Highest |
| Western | Most recent |
| McMaster | Most recent |
| U of T | Most recent |
| Queen's | Highest |
| Ottawa | MCAT not required |
| Northern Ontario | MCAT not required |
| McGill | Highest |
| Memorial | All (improvements considered) |
| Dalhousie | Highest |
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.
MCAT Registration Dates: What You Need to Know
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 2026
- Standard Fee: $355
- Fee Assistance Program: $145 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 $130 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.
| MCAT Standard Test Change Fees | MCAT Reschedule Fees | MCAT Cancellation Refund (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 60+ days before MCAT | $55 | $175 |
| 30-59 days before MCAT | $110 | $175 |
| 10-29 days before MCAT | $210 | $0 |
| MCAT Fee Assistance Program Change Fees | MCAT Reschedule Fees | Cancellation Refund (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 60+ days before MCAT | $25 | $75 |
| 30-59 days before MCAT | $45 | $75 |
| 10-29 days before MCAT | $85 | $0 |
The MCAT Registration Process Step by Step
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.
When Will My MCAT Score Be Released?
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.
Start Your MCAT Prep on the Right Foot
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.
