When should I take the MCAT? The best time is in the year before you apply to medical school, usually in the spring or early summer, once your practice scores are consistent and competitive. This timing gives you room to receive your scores and retake the exam if needed. Your decision comes down to your readiness, application timeline, and whether you want the option for a retake. If you are not sure when to begin, review when to start studying for the MCAT before planning your test date.
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When Should I Take the MCAT?
Plan to take the MCAT in the year before you apply to medical school. Testing in the spring or early summer typically ensures your scores are available when applications open, leaving time for a retake if needed.
“Ensuring you treat MCAT preparation as a consistent, focused commitment is key to performing well on test day.” — Dr. Neel Mistry, MD, Admissions Expert
This schedule, however, only works if you have completed the core science courses tested on the MCAT and your practice scores are stable. If your scores are inconsistent or if you are still brushing up on foundational content, start by following an MCAT study schedule to build a strong MCAT prep foundation before finalizing your test date.
Here’s how timing changes based on your situation:
Applying without a gap year
Schedule your MCAT for the spring or early summer before you apply, ideally by June, so your scores are available when applications open.
Taking a gap year
Plan your test date earlier to reduce pressure during your application year or leave time to strengthen other parts of your application.
Planning for a possible retake
Aim for a first attempt by early spring so you have time to retake without delaying your application and improve your MCAT score if needed, based on your target schools. If your score continues to fall below your target, you may need to adjust your school list or explore strategies for getting into medical school with a low MCAT.
Use this overview to confirm when to take the MCAT:
How to Decide When to Take the MCAT
The best time to take the MCAT comes down to three key factors: your readiness, application timeline, and opportunity for a retake.
You are ready to take the MCAT when:
- Your practice scores are consistent across multiple full-length exams
- Core science coursework has been completed
- Your test date fits within your application timeline
- You have enough time in your schedule for a second attempt
Are your practice scores stable?
Consistent performance across multiple full-length exams, with minimal score fluctuations, indicates readiness and builds the stamina required for test day. Unstable or below-target scores signal that you should delay your test date and opt to focus on improving your MCAT prep first rather than risking an early attempt.
“Practice tests build stamina and familiarity with question patterns, which are critical for success on test day.” — Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, Admissions Expert
Are your scores competitive for your target schools?
Your target score must align with the expectations of the medical schools you plan to apply to. Scores that fall below the typical range for a school’s matriculants will reduce your chances of admission. Use published class profiles or medical school acceptance rates to determine whether your current scores are competitive before setting your test date.
Have you completed the required coursework?
The MCAT tests content and skills drawn from introductory biology, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, psychology, sociology, and critical analysis and reasoning. Reviewing high-yield MCAT topics ensures you’ve covered the material most likely to appear on test day.
Does your test date align with the application cycle?
While you can submit your application before your score is released, many schools may wait to evaluate your file fully until your MCAT score is available, so a late score release may delay review. For this reason, testing too late in the application cycle delays when your application is reviewed.
Do you have time for a retake?
Your first attempt should ideally leave enough time for a second test before applications are submitted. If your timeline doesn’t allow for a retake before applications are submitted, adjusting your test date or application cycle is the better strategy.
MCAT Timeline Before Applying to Medical School
This timeline helps you map your MCAT preparation within the medical school application cycle. Please note that the following is a general MCAT timeline, so your test date should reflect your readiness and application goals.
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While this timeline reflects a common path, your ideal MCAT timing may vary based on your background and level of preparation.
Many traditional applicants choose to take the MCAT after their second year of university, once their prerequisite coursework is complete. Non-traditional applicants may adjust their timing based on their schedule and readiness.
Regardless of your path, preparing thoroughly before taking the MCAT reduces the likelihood of a retake. Because of the time, cost, and effort required, approach the exam with a clear plan based on a realistic assessment of your readiness.
When Should You NOT Take the MCAT?
If you’re unsure whether to take the MCAT, use the questions below to evaluate your readiness and timing. A “no” answer to any of these questions often signals that delaying your test date is the better decision.
Are you prepared to perform at your target score level?
Taking the MCAT without adequate preparation makes a lower score more likely and limits your chances of admission. An early attempt under these circumstances often leads to a retake, adding additional time and pressure to your application timeline. Before finalizing your test date, hone in on improving your MCAT prep first if you find yourself in this scenario.
Are you preparing for the MCAT during your application process?
Balancing MCAT preparation with your medical school application reduces the time available for both, which can affect the quality of each. A strong approach is to schedule your test date so you can focus on each stage independently.
Is your preparation timeline rushed?
The MCAT is demanding, as it requires sustained preparation across multiple subjects. Understanding how hard the MCAT is can help you set realistic expectations for your study timeline. A compressed study timeline or skipping full-length practice exams creates knowledge gaps and unnecessary errors. Testing before you’ve addressed your weak areas often leads to avoidable mistakes, even if your overall preparation feels strong.
Are you testing too late in the application cycle?
As mentioned earlier in this guide, taking the MCAT too late delays when your application is reviewed. If you are testing after early summer, this may push your file later in the review queue, depending on score release timing and school review practices.
Do you have time for a second attempt within the same cycle?
If your timeline doesn’t allow for a second attempt before your application is reviewed, taking the MCAT without being fully prepared limits your options. Retaking the MCAT requires additional time and preparation, which places pressure on your application timeline if not planned carefully. Adjusting your test date or application cycle, in this case, is the better approach.
FAQs
1. When should you take the MCAT before applying to medical school?
Most applicants take the MCAT in the year before applying, often in May or June. This timing ensures your score is available early in the application cycle and leaves room for a second attempt if your initial score does not meet your target.
2. Can you take the MCAT after submitting your application?
Yes, you can submit your application before your MCAT score is released. Most medical schools will not review your application until your score is available, which can delay evaluation and push your application later in the medical school application process.
3. Is it better to take the MCAT early or later?
An earlier test date in the application cycle is generally more advantageous. Earlier testing allows your application to be reviewed sooner, while later test dates may push your file further back in the review queue.
4. How many times should you take the MCAT?
You can take the MCAT multiple times, but each attempt requires significant time and preparation. Strong preparation before your first attempt reduces the likelihood of a retake and helps keep your application timeline on track.
5. When should you delay taking the MCAT?
Delaying the MCAT is the better decision when your practice scores are not stable, your preparation timeline is rushed, or your test date does not align with your application cycle. Testing before you are ready often leads to lower scores and additional attempts.
6. When should you start studying for the MCAT?
Many applicants set aside several months to study, depending on their schedule and familiarity with the material. A structured study plan helps ensure consistent progress and thorough coverage of tested topics.
7. Do medical schools accept multiple MCAT scores?
Medical schools vary in how they evaluate multiple MCAT scores. Reviewing how MCAT scores are evaluated helps you understand how multiple attempts may factor into your application.
8. What is the best year in college to take the MCAT?
Many students take the MCAT after their second or third year of university, once core science coursework is complete. The best timing depends on when you feel prepared and how your test date fits into your application timeline.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
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