You’ll need current MCAT test dates and release dates early in your MCAT prep to decide when you should take the MCAT and plan your study timeline. The MCAT is offered multiple times each year in the United States, Canada, and at international testing sites, with registration opening in phases throughout the year. Because test dates and locations fill quickly, early planning is strongly recommended. MCAT scores are typically released about one month after your test date, which can affect medical school application timing. This guide compiles all available MCAT test dates and score release information in one place.
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MCAT Test Dates and Release Dates
It's important to note that testing dates fill up quite quickly after registration opens, so try your best to register as early in the period as possible. The standard start time is 8:00 a.m. each day unless otherwise noted below. Scores are released by 5:00 p.m. ET on the scheduled score release date.
All scheduling deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. local test center time on the day of the deadline. Unless otherwise noted, dates are in 2026.
January Test Dates — Start Studying July-October
January 9
Last day to reschedule: December 30, 2025 · Score release date: February 10
January 10
Last day to reschedule: December 31, 2025 · Score release date: February 10
January 15
Last day to reschedule: January 5 · Score release date: February 17
January 23
Last day to reschedule: January 13 · Score release date: February 24
February Test Dates — Start Studying August–November
February 13
Last day to reschedule: February 3 · Score release date: March 17
March Test Dates — Start Studying September–December
March 7
Last day to reschedule: February 25 · Score release date: April 7
March 20
Last day to reschedule: March 10 · Score release date: April 21
April Test Dates — Start Studying October–January
April 10
Last day to reschedule: March 31 · Score release date: May 12
April 11
Last day to reschedule: April 1 · Score release date: May 12
April 24
Last day to reschedule: April 14 · Score release date: May 27
April 25
Last day to reschedule: April 15 · Score release date: May 27
May Test Dates — Start Studying November–February
May 2
Last day to reschedule: April 22 · Score release date: June 2
May 8
Last day to reschedule: April 28 · Score release date: June 9
May 9
Last day to reschedule: April 29 · Score release date: June 9
May 14
Last day to reschedule: May 4 · Score release date: June 16
May 22
Last day to reschedule: May 12 · Score release date: June 23
May 30
Last day to reschedule: May 20 · Score release date: June 30
June Test Dates — Start Studying December–March
June 12
Last day to reschedule: June 2 · Score release date: July 14
June 13
Last day to reschedule: June 3 · Score release date: July 14
June 26
Last day to reschedule: June 16 · Score release date: July 28
June 27
Last day to reschedule: June 17 · Score release date: July 28
July Test Dates — Start Studying January–April
July 11
Last day to reschedule: July 1 · Score release date: August 11
July 24
Last day to reschedule: July 14 · Score release date: August 25
July 31
Last day to reschedule: July 21 · Score release date: September 2
August Test Dates — Start Studying February–May
August 15
Last day to reschedule: August 5 · Score release date: September 15
August 21
Last day to reschedule: August 11 · Score release date: September 22
August 22
Last day to reschedule: August 12 · Score release date: September 22
September Test Dates — Start Studying March–June
September 3
Last day to reschedule: August 24 · Score release date: October 6
September 4
Last day to reschedule: August 25 · Score release date: October 6
September 11
Last day to reschedule: September 1 · Score release date: October 13
September 12
Last day to reschedule: September 2 · Score release date: October 13
MCAT Test Dates and Release Dates in Canada
January Test Dates – Start Studying July–October
January 9
Last day to reschedule: December 30, 2025 · Score release date: February 10
January 15
Last day to reschedule: January 5 · Score release date: February 17
January 23
Last day to reschedule: January 13 · Score release date: February 24
February Test Dates – Start Studying August–November
February 13
Last day to reschedule: February 3 · Score release date: March 17
March Test Dates – Start Studying September–December
March 7
Last day to reschedule: February 25 · Score release date: April 7
April Test Dates – Start Studying October–January
April 10
Last day to reschedule: March 31 · Score release date: May 12
April 24
Last day to reschedule: April 14 · Score release date: May 27
May Test Dates – Start Studying November–February
May 8
Last day to reschedule: April 28 · Score release date: June 9
May 14
Last day to reschedule: May 4 · Score release date: June 16
May 30
Last day to reschedule: May 20 · Score release date: June 30
June Test Dates – Start Studying December–March
June 12
Last day to reschedule: June 2 · Score release date: July 14
June 13
Last day to reschedule: June 3 · Score release date: July 14
June 26
Last day to reschedule: June 16 · Score release date: July 28
June 27
Last day to reschedule: June 17 · Score release date: July 28
July Test Dates – Start Studying January–April
July 11
Last day to reschedule: July 1 · Score release date: August 11
July 24
Last day to reschedule: July 14 · Score release date: August 25
July 25
Last day to reschedule: July 15 · Score release date: August 25
July 31
Last day to reschedule: July 21 · Score release date: September 2
August Test Dates – Start Studying February–May
August 1
Last day to reschedule: July 22 · Score release date: September 2
August 7
Last day to reschedule: July 28 · Score release date: September 8
August 8
Last day to reschedule: July 29 · Score release date: September 8
August 14
Last day to reschedule: August 4 · Score release date: September 15
August 15
Last day to reschedule: August 5 · Score release date: September 15
August 20
Last day to reschedule: August 10 · Score release date: September 22
August 21
Last day to reschedule: August 11 · Score release date: September 22
August 22
Last day to reschedule: August 12 · Score release date: September 22
August 28
Last day to reschedule: August 18 · Score release date: September 29
September Test Dates – Start Studying March–June
September 3
Last day to reschedule: August 24 · Score release date: October 6
September 4
Last day to reschedule: August 25 · Score release date: October 6
September 5
Last day to reschedule: August 26 · Score release date: October 6
September 11
Last day to reschedule: September 1 · Score release date: October 13
September 12
Last day to reschedule: September 2 · Score release date: October 13
When Should You Take the MCAT?
You should take the MCAT only when your practice test scores are consistently where you want them to be. Many students aim to score in or near their target percentile across multiple full-length practice exams before testing. Consistency matters more than a single strong result.
International MCAT Test Dates
MCAT Test Dates in the United Kingdom (UK)
The MCAT is offered on the following test dates in the United Kingdom:
January 9, January 10, February 13, March 20, April 10, April 11, May 8, June 12, July 24, August 21, August 22, September 11
Want to increase your MCAT score? Watch this video!
MCAT Test Dates in Australia
The MCAT is offered on the following test dates in Australia:
January 9, February 13, March 20, April 10, May 8, June 12, July 24, August 21, September 3
Before You Register for your MCAT Test Date
Even though there are many options in the US and Canada for MCAT test dates and locations, it is best to start planning as early as possible!
According to the latest AAMC report, the average number of MCAT examinees per year is around 85,000. This means that those test centers and test dates fill up quickly once the registration opens.
Do not procrastinate. Choosing the optimal test date and location can ease your anxiety and help with scheduling your preparatory activities like MCAT diagnostic tests.
Additionally, your MCAT test date will determine your MCAT score release date. If you are planning to write the exam during the medical school application process, make sure you choose a test date that would allow your scores to be released on time for the schools’ deadlines. Here’s what you need to do before you register:
1. Find Out When Registration Opens
Right now, AAMC offers three registration dates taking place in October, February, and May. Keep checking the AAMC website for updates about registration and dates. If you need MCAT accommodations, apply for these as soon as possible.
2. Research MCAT Test Dates and Release Dates
Determine which dates work for you and your medical school application timeline. Ensure you have a minimum of 3 months to study and prep for your MCAT. You should also try to choose a test date far enough in advance that once you receive your score, you'll still have time to retake the MCAT if you choose to. Scores are released around one month after your test date.
You can also schedule your test first as a way of motivating yourself to study with a firm date in mind. One of our experts, Dr. Tony Huynh, explains how he prepared for the MCAT:
"I chose my MCAT date first and built in practice MCAT dates into my study schedule. I paid close attention to my study progress and kept the option of postponing the date if need be. Fortunately, my diagnostics reflected an upwards trend that I was satisfied with. Had they not, I would've delayed my test until I was ready." - Dr. Tony Huynh, DO
3. Choose a Nearby Testing Center
Research which testing centers are available near you and choose the most convenient one. Remember that procrastinating your choice of test date may result in filled-up centers near you. To stick to your application plans, you might have to travel to take the MCAT. This is an unnecessary expenditure that can be easily avoided if you research your test dates and locations on time.
4. Other Factors to Consider
If you’re planning on writing your MCAT after taking all the necessary medical school prerequisites in the second or third year of your undergrad, consider what other academic, professional, and personal commitments you have when you are planning your prep schedule and test date.
If you are planning on taking the MCAT in the year of your application cycle, we strongly advise you to take the MCAT before you begin working on and acquiring other application materials. While it is possible to combine MCAT prep with the application process, it would be much easier to concentrate on the quality of your application components after you finish the MCAT test.
Want us to summarize some key points? Take a look at this infographic:
What to Do on Test Day
If you're nervous about what to do on test day or what to bring with you, make a quick checklist of all materials you'll need to bring, and follow these tips!
- Double check the date, time, and location of your test. Confirm the test start time, your test date and the address of your testing site. Plan to arrive early and give yourself a lot of time. If you're traveling, account for traffic or travel time if your test site is some distance away.
- Bring your valid government-issued ID with you. You will have to go through security measures onsite, including a palm scan and photo before being allowed inside. You'll also need to sign in before being allowed into the test room.
- Bring plenty of water and snacks with you. It will be a long day!
- Check ahead of time that you'll have somewhere to safely store your personal belongings because you won't be able to take them with you. Your test will be taken on a computer that will be provided.
- If you need to take a break or you've finished your exam, stay in your seat and raise your hand.
FAQs
1. Which MCAT test date should I pick?
Your choice will depend on many factors. Primarily, your circumstances and your level of preparedness based on diagnostic testing will determine your test date. Other factors that will affect your test date choice are application timelines, availability of test centers and test dates, and other professional and academic commitments.
2. When should I take the MCAT?
Take the MCAT when you are feeling 100% ready, typically when you are consistently score in the 90th percentile during your practice tests at least three times in a row. 3 to 6 months is the recommended timeline to adequately prepare for your MCAT. Taking diagnostic tests early will help you determine whether you need more time.
3. When does registration for the MCAT test dates open?
In October, registration for January and March MCAT dates opens. In February registration for April, May, and June dates opens. In May registration for July, August, and September dates opens.
4. Can I reschedule or cancel my MCAT test date?
Yes, you can, but the reschedule must be done before a certain deadline and will incur a fee. Please check AAMC's website to see cancellation timeframes and fees.
5. Can I retake the MCAT?
Yes, you may retake the MCAT up to 7 times in your lifetime. However, taking the test multiple times will cost a lot of time and money, and some schools will consider all your MCAT scores.
6. How long does it take to get MCAT scores after test day?
MCAT scores are typically released about 30 days after your test date, usually by 5:00 p.m. ET on the scheduled score release date. Exact release dates depend on when you test, so it’s important to choose an MCAT date that aligns with your medical school application deadlines and allows enough time for score review or a potential retake if needed.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
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