MCAT Dates 2026: Examination Dates, Score Release Dates & Registration
The complete 2026 MCAT test dates schedule — including MCAT registration deadlines, score release dates, and expert tips for choosing the right test date.
2026 Testing Windows & Schedule
The AAMC offers the MCAT from mid-January through mid-September each year. Exam dates are available on most Fridays and Saturdays during the 2026 testing window. Below is the full MCAT calendar for 2026 based on the AAMC schedule. If you are looking for MCAT dates 2025, the 2025 testing cycle has concluded — the dates below reflect the current 2026 cycle.
MCAT Registration Deadlines & Score Release
MCAT exam registration opens through your AAMC account at students-residents.aamc.org. You need to create an AAMC ID if you do not already have one. This is the same account you will use to sign up for the MCAT, view your MCAT score release dates, and submit your AMCAS application.
MCAT registration 2026 opened in early October 2025 for all MCAT exam dates in the 2026 testing cycle. Popular testing windows — especially March through June — fill up fast. Register as early as possible to secure your preferred MCAT test dates 2026 slot and testing location.
MCAT registration dates & deadlines: The standard deadline to register for the MCAT is about 4 weeks before each test date. Late registration (with an extra fee) is available until about 2 weeks before the test. After that, same-day registration may be possible if seats remain.
2026 MCAT Exam Dates, Deadlines & Score Release
The following table lists projected 2026 MCAT test dates along with approximate registration deadlines and score release dates. Always confirm exact dates on the official AAMC website.
| Test Date | Registration Deadline (approx.) | Score Release (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| January 16, 2026 (Fri) | December 19, 2025 | February 17, 2026 |
| January 17, 2026 (Sat) | December 19, 2025 | February 17, 2026 |
| January 23, 2026 (Fri) | December 26, 2025 | February 24, 2026 |
| March 13, 2026 (Fri) | February 13, 2026 | April 14, 2026 |
| March 14, 2026 (Sat) | February 13, 2026 | April 14, 2026 |
| March 27, 2026 (Fri) | February 27, 2026 | April 28, 2026 |
| April 17, 2026 (Fri) | March 20, 2026 | May 19, 2026 |
| April 24, 2026 (Fri) | March 27, 2026 | May 26, 2026 |
| April 25, 2026 (Sat) | March 27, 2026 | May 26, 2026 |
| May 8, 2026 (Fri) | April 10, 2026 | June 9, 2026 |
| May 15, 2026 (Fri) | April 17, 2026 | June 16, 2026 |
| May 16, 2026 (Sat) | April 17, 2026 | June 16, 2026 |
| May 29, 2026 (Fri) | May 1, 2026 | June 30, 2026 |
| June 5, 2026 (Fri) | May 8, 2026 | July 7, 2026 |
| June 19, 2026 (Fri) | May 22, 2026 | July 21, 2026 |
| June 20, 2026 (Sat) | May 22, 2026 | July 21, 2026 |
| July 10, 2026 (Fri) | June 12, 2026 | August 11, 2026 |
| July 17, 2026 (Fri) | June 19, 2026 | August 18, 2026 |
| July 18, 2026 (Sat) | June 19, 2026 | August 18, 2026 |
| August 7, 2026 (Fri) | July 10, 2026 | September 8, 2026 |
| August 8, 2026 (Sat) | July 10, 2026 | September 8, 2026 |
| August 21, 2026 (Fri) | July 24, 2026 | September 22, 2026 |
| September 4, 2026 (Fri) | August 7, 2026 | October 6, 2026 |
| September 11, 2026 (Fri) | August 14, 2026 | October 13, 2026 |
| September 12, 2026 (Sat) | August 14, 2026 | October 13, 2026 |
Disclaimer: The dates above are projected based on historical AAMC scheduling patterns and may not reflect the final 2026 schedule. Always verify test dates, registration deadlines, and score release dates on the official AAMC website.
How to Register for the MCAT
Registering for the MCAT is a straightforward process, but advance planning is critical to securing your preferred date and location.
Create Your AAMC ID
Visit the AAMC website and create an account if you do not already have one. You will use this account for MCAT registration, score access, and eventually your AMCAS application.
Select Your Date & Location
Browse available test dates and choose a Pearson VUE testing center near you. Popular dates in spring and early summer fill fastest, so register early for the best selection.
Pay the Registration Fee
The MCAT registration fee is approximately $335. Financial assistance is available through the AAMC Fee Assistance Program for eligible students, which covers the registration cost and provides free practice materials.
Confirm & Prepare
Review your registration details, save your confirmation, and begin your structured preparation. Dr. Donnelly recommends starting focused study 3 to 6 months before your test date.
Tips for Choosing Your MCAT Test Date
Your test date affects everything from your study timeline to your medical school application cycle. Here is how to make the right choice.
Allow 3 to 6 Months of Preparation
Most students need between three and six months of dedicated study to fully prepare for the MCAT. Count backward from your desired test date to determine when you need to start. If you are still completing prerequisite coursework, you may want to wait until after those classes finish before beginning intensive prep.
Align with Your Application Cycle
If you plan to apply in the current cycle, you generally want your MCAT score in hand before AMCAS opens (typically late May). Testing in March, April, or early May gives you a score before most schools begin reviewing applications. Testing later in summer is fine if you are applying for the following cycle.
Consider Your Academic Schedule
Avoid scheduling your MCAT during a semester when you have a heavy course load or other major commitments. Many students find that testing during summer break or shortly after spring finals allows them to devote full attention to their preparation.
Build in a Buffer for Retakes
While your goal should always be to achieve your target score on the first attempt, it is wise to choose a date that leaves room for a retake if needed. The AAMC requires you to wait at least 48 hours between scheduling a retake, and available seats fill up quickly during peak months.
How Early Should You Start Preparing?
Dr. Donnelly recommends the following general timelines based on your starting point and target score.
6+ Months Before
Ideal for students who are still completing prerequisite courses or have significant content gaps. This timeline allows thorough content review, extensive practice, and multiple full-length practice exams before test day.
3 to 5 Months Before
The most common preparation window. Suitable for students who have completed most prerequisites and can dedicate 15 to 25 hours per week to MCAT study. This is the timeline Dr. Donnelly uses for the majority of his tutoring programs.
6 to 10 Weeks Before
An intensive timeline for retakers or students with a strong content foundation. Dr. Donnelly offers accelerated programs for this timeframe that focus on strategy refinement, passage practice, and full-length exam simulations.
How Long Is the MCAT? Testing Time & Structure
Before you pick your MCAT date, it helps to know exactly what the exam day looks like. The MCAT is one of the longest standardised tests in the world.
Total Testing Time: 6 Hours and 15 Minutes
The MCAT takes 6 hours and 15 minutes of actual testing time. When you add the breaks, the total seat time is about 7 hours and 30 minutes. Plan to be at the testing centre for the entire day.
230 Questions Across 4 Sections
The MCAT has 230 total questions. Each science section has 59 questions. The CARS section has 53 questions. All questions are multiple choice with four answer options.
Scheduled Breaks
You get three breaks during the exam: a 10-minute break after section 1, a 30-minute lunch break after section 2, and a 10-minute break after section 3. Use these to eat, stretch, and reset.
When Is the MCAT Offered?
The MCAT is offered from January through September each year. The AAMC does not offer MCAT exam dates in October, November, or December. Most MCAT exam schedule dates fall on Fridays and Saturdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does MCAT registration open for 2026?
How long is the MCAT exam?
What are the MCAT score release dates for 2026?
How long should I study for the MCAT?
How do I sign up for the MCAT through the AAMC?
Are the MCAT dates for 2025 still available?
Where can I find the official AAMC MCAT dates?
Should I take practice tests before my MCAT date?
Start Your MCAT Preparation Today
No matter when your exam date falls, the sooner you begin structured preparation, the higher your score will be. Book a free consultation with Dr. Donnelly to build your personalized study plan.