AAMC PREview test dates can affect your medical school application timeline, so it’s important to plan ahead. Below, you’ll find current testing windows, registration deadlines, score release dates, and advice on choosing the best exam date based on your application schedule and preparation timeline. If you still need an overview of the AAMC PREview exam, including how it works and which schools require it, you can read our full breakdown before booking your test date.
Disclaimer: BeMo is not affiliated with or endorsed by the AAMC and vice versa. The following provides our opinion about AAMC’s PREview test and its components. To take the tests provided by AAMC, contact AAMC directly.
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AAMC PREview Test Dates and Score Releases
Registration is currently open for all available AAMC PREview exam dates.
AAMC PREview test dates are typically released in late January or early February each year, with PREview scores generally released about 30 days after the exam. Earlier testing windows reduce the risk of scheduling conflicts later in the application cycle. Before registering, confirm current scheduling details directly through the AAMC testing calendar before registering.
The table below reflects the current PREview testing cycle.
How to Choose the Best AAMC PREview Test Date
Choosing an AAMC PREview test date requires balancing your medical school application timeline with the amount of preparation time you realistically need before the exam. Your ideal testing window should give you enough time to prepare comfortably while allowing your scores to be released before your target application deadlines.
When choosing your PREview test date, focus on the following scheduling considerations:
Align Your PREview Test Date With Application Deadlines
Your medical school application timeline should be the main factor guiding your PREview test date, especially if you plan to submit your applications early in the admissions cycle. If you’re planning to submit your AMCAS application in early August, for example, Test Windows 5, 6, 7, and 8 may not leave enough time for score reporting before your applications are reviewed. Before registering, compare your target deadlines against the above testing and score release schedule, as well as those listed on AAMC.
Leave Enough Time to Prepare Before Your Exam
After your application timeline, your overall workload is the next major factor to consider when choosing a PREview test date. If you’re balancing MCAT preparation, coursework, or secondary applications, an earlier PREview test date may leave you with less preparation time. Applicants looking for more structured preparation can review our guide on how to prepare for the AAMC PREview exam.
Consider How Much Scheduling Flexibility You Need
Registering for one of the final PREview testing windows can limit your rescheduling options later in the admissions cycle. Test Window 8, for instance, may leave few alternatives available once earlier registration periods close. Choosing an earlier test date may provide flexibility for applicants managing changing schedules or other application deadlines and commitments. Once you’ve selected your test date, choose an exam time that fits your usual schedule and energy levels on test day.
Want to learn more about the AAMC PREview? Watch this video:
How to Register for the AAMC PREview Exam
The AAMC PREview exam is scheduled through the PREview portal. Appointments are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning that earlier registration tends to provide the best selection of testing windows and exam times.
To register, log into your AAMC account and confirm that your account information matches the identification you plan to use on test day. Next, select the AAMC Professional Readiness Exam under the products tab, then choose your testing window and time zone, and finalize your appointment. You will also receive access to an exam tutorial that can be reviewed before test day. Save your appointment details in your calendar or scheduling app to avoid missing your exam.
Rescheduling Your AAMC PREview Exam
Your PREview exam can typically be cancelled or rescheduled up to 48 hours before your testing window through the AAMC PREview portal. Rescheduling fees may apply, and refund amounts may vary depending on when you cancel your appointment. For example, cancelling your exam may result in a partial refund, while missing your scheduled exam may require paying the full test fee again to book another testing date. In some circumstances, including medical or personal emergencies, applicants may qualify for a 50% emergency refund with supporting documentation.
Confirming Your AAMC PREview Test Date: Final Considerations
Before confirming your PREview test date, verify whether the medical schools you plan to apply to require or recommend the assessment as part of their admissions process. For a full list of schools that require PREview, review our guide on medical schools in the US.
Spend time reviewing the PREview exam’s situational judgment format before your testing window begins by working through timed sample scenarios. Completing official AAMC PREview practice tests can familiarize you with what responses to expect during the exam, while our guide on how the AAMC PREview is scored may clarify what evaluators look for in strong responses.
In the days leading up to your exam, confirm that your computer, internet connection, webcam, and testing setup meet AAMC’s test day requirements, so technical issues don’t interfere with your exam experience.
Making the Most of Your AAMC PREview Test Date
Selecting your AAMC PREview test date early makes it easier to coordinate your exam schedule with application deadlines and other admissions responsibilities. Giving yourself enough time to prepare, complete practice scenarios, and resolve potential scheduling conflicts creates a smoother testing experience overall. With a clear testing plan in place, applicants approach the PREview exam with clearer expectations before finalizing their test day.
FAQs
1. What is the AAMC PREview exam used for?
The AAMC PREview exam is a situational judgment test used by some medical schools as part of the admissions process. Similar to the CASPer test, PREview evaluates how applicants assess professional scenarios commonly encountered during medical training and clinical practice. Unlike the MCAT, which focuses on scientific knowledge, PREview is designed to assess AAMC core competencies, especially those related to professionalism and critical thinking.
2. Do all medical schools require the AAMC PREview exam?
No. Some medical schools require or recommend the AAMC PREview exam, while others do not use it as part of their admissions process. Before registering for the exam, applicants should review current requirements for the medical schools they plan to apply to.
3. When should I take the AAMC PREview exam
Most applicants benefit from taking the PREview exam early enough to receive their scores before secondary application deadlines and interview season. Applicants balancing multiple admissions requirements may also want to coordinate their PREview testing window alongside MCAT test and release dates when building their medical school application timeline.
4. Can I reschedule my AAMC PREview exam?
Yes. PREview appointments can generally be cancelled or rescheduled up to 48 hours before your testing window through the AAMC PREview portal. Rescheduling fees may apply, and available testing dates may become more limited later in the application cycle.
5. What happens if I miss my PREview exam?
Applicants who miss their scheduled PREview exam may need to pay the full registration fee again to select another testing date. Refund eligibility and rescheduling policies vary depending on the circumstances and timing of the missed appointment.
6. Can I take the AAMC PREview exam at home?
Yes. The AAMC PREview exam is administered remotely and requires a computer, webcam, microphone, and stable internet connection. Applicants should review the AAMC’s current technical requirements before test day to confirm their setup meets testing standards.
7. How long is the AAMC PREview exam?
The AAMC PREview exam takes approximately 75 minutes to complete, though total seat time may be longer due to check-in procedures, exam instructions, and post-exam steps.
8. How is the AAMC PREview exam scored?
The AAMC PREview exam is scored on a scale from 1 to 9 based on how closely an applicant’s responses align with the scoring framework used by the AAMC. Reviewing our guide to AAMC PREview questions and answers provides additional insight into how responses are scored during the assessment.
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