2026 MCAT Test Dates and FAQs for the MCAT

Sketchy here—if you didn’t drop your phone in the ocean while taking snorkel selfies on your last summer vacation hurrah (seriously who would do that), then you might have heard the news. No, we’re not talking about the new pizza oven in the basement of the science building, though that’s a game changer. We’re talking about the 2026 MCAT test dates. In case you’re scanning this super fast in the back of genetics lecture, we just said 2026 MCAT TEST DATES. Yeah, we know, it’s uh kinda terrifying. To help with the fears, we’ve put together all the need-to-know details. Scroll down for the top hits, and then you can get back to TikTok.

First, here are a couple of important links to bookmark: 

• Find all the important info about the MCAT test dates and registration
• To register you need an AAMC account
• A quick one-pager of the 2026 MCAT Schedule

➡️ ➡️ ➡️ ➡️ Jump to the Frequently Asked Questions.

 

2026 MCAT Test Dates

Test Date	Score Release Date	Register Begins	Prep Start Time (6 Month Study Plan)	Prep Start Time (3 Month Study Plan)
January 9	Nov. 10, 2025	Dec. 10, 2025	Dec. 30, 2025	Feb. 10
January 10	Nov. 11, 2025	Dec. 11, 2025	Dec. 31, 2025	Feb. 10
January 15	Nov. 16, 2025	Dec. 16, 2025	Jan. 5	Feb. 17
January 23	Nov. 24, 2025	Dec. 24, 2025	Jan. 13	Feb. 24
February 13	Dec. 15, 2025	Jan. 14	Feb. 3	March 17
March 7	Jan. 6	Feb. 5	Feb. 25	April 7
March 20	Jan. 19	Feb. 18	March 10	April 21
April 10	Feb. 9	March 11	March 31	May 12
April 11	Feb. 10	March 12	April 1	May 12
April 24	Feb. 23	March 25	April 14	May 27
April 25	Feb. 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	Aug. 11
July 24	May 25	June 24	July 14	Aug. 25
July 31	June 1	July 1	July 21	Sept. 2
August 15	June 16	July 16	Aug. 5	Sept. 15
August 21	June 22	July 22	Aug. 11	Sept. 22
August 22	June 23	July 23	Aug. 12	Sept. 22
September 3	July 5	Aug. 4	Aug. 24	Oct. 6
September 4	July 6	Aug. 5	Aug. 25	Oct. 6
September 11	July 13	Aug. 12	Sept. 1	Oct. 13
September 12	July 14	Aug. 13	Sept. 2	Oct. 13

What is the MCAT?

The Medical College Admission Test (i.e. the MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice, computer-based test administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). It’s about 7.5 hours long and designed to test future medical students on the key prerequisites required for success in medical school and clinical practice. An MCAT score is required to apply to nearly all medical schools in the United States and Canada. According to the testmaker, over 85,000 students take the exam every year.

How long is the MCAT?

The total testing time is 6 hours and 15 minutes, but with breaks, the full exam day lasts about 7 hours and 30 minutes.

How is the MCAT scored?

Each of the four sections is scored between 118 and 132, with a total score range of 472 to 528. A competitive score for top medical schools is typically 510+.

When should I take the MCAT?

Most students take the MCAT in the spring or early summer of the year before they plan to apply to medical school. Ideal timing is when you've completed Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry, and Psychology/Sociology.

What are the four MCAT sections?

• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (95 minutes, 59 questions)
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) (90 minutes, 53 questions)
• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (95 minutes, 59 questions)
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (95 minutes, 59 questions)

What are the recommended study resources?

For dedicated content review, get Sketchy MCAT to study and retain high-yield topics & sub-topics on the MCAT. Sketchy uses research-proven memorization techniques that turn MCAT material into unforgettable stories to make learning more effective and fun! We’ve got both a Science Review Course that covers all your science-related topics and a Prep Essentials Bundle that includes everything in the Science Review plus our CARS course and the AAMC bundle. 

How long should I study for the MCAT?

Most students allot 3-6 months of dedicated time for MCAT prep, though students with heavier school or work schedules should leave more time (up to a year or more). To make your study schedule, work backward from your test date, make a weekly schedule, and start your prep with enough lead time to study 250-300 hours total.

When should I take the MCAT?

Think about your medical school admission deadlines and MCAT score release dates to make sure you’ll have your scores before applications are due. Typically, the May/June test dates are popular MCAT taking times because you’ll have results in for med school applications due in the Fall-Winter. Read more here!

When should I register for the MCAT?

MCAT registration for 2026 test dates will open on October 21-23, 2025 at 12PM ET (depending on your state/country). On registration day, anyone who is logged in prior to 11:50am ET will be randomly put in a queue to register at 11am so be sure to log in early! You can read more here!

If you plan to take the test in that time frame, register as soon as your registration date opens. Seats fill up fast, so if you want a local testing center you will want to reserve the seat right away. You can always change your test date later if necessary (albeit with a fee, depending on how far out from the test date you are rescheduling).

How much does the MCAT cost?

The MCAT registration fee is $345 this upcoming MCAT test season. With the Fee Assistance Program, registration fee is reduced to $140. Note: Students testing outside the US, Canada, or US Territories will be charged $120 International fee in addition to the initial registration fee. International fees are non-refundable upon registration cancellation. Learn more here.

What are the rescheduling or cancellation processes and fees?

Rescheduling fees can vary from $50 to $200 ($20-$80 with the Fee Assistance Program) depending on when you reschedule. The latest you can reschedule is 10 days prior to your test date. For cancellation, you can receive $170 ($70 with the Fee Assistance Program) up to 30 days prior to your exam. After 30 days, you won’t get a refund. 

How many times can I take the MCAT?

• Up to 3 times per year
• Up to 4 times in two years
• Up to 7 times in a lifetime

If you need to improve your MCAT score - check out this video.

What’s considered a good MCAT score?

A "good" score depends on the medical schools you're targeting:

• Average MCAT Score: ~500
• Competitive Score (Top 25% Schools): 510+
• Top Medical Schools (Harvard, Stanford, etc.): 520+

Learn how to understand your score here. 

When do MCAT scores come out?

Scores are released about 30-35 days after your test date on the AAMC website.

Do medical schools see all my MCAT attempts?

Yes, medical schools can see all of your MCAT scores, but some schools only consider your highest score or most recent attempt.

What is the hardest section of the MCAT?

The CARS section is often considered the hardest because it doesn’t rely on memorization and tests reading comprehension and critical thinking.

Can I study for the MCAT while in school?

Yes! Many students balance MCAT prep with coursework. Consider studying during breaks, weekends, and lighter semesters to avoid burnout.

What happens if I don’t do well on the MCAT?

If you get a low score:

• Consider retaking the exam (if time allows). Learn more about improving your score!
• Strengthen your application with clinical experience, research, and strong letters of recommendation.
• Look into medical schools with lower MCAT requirements or DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs.

When Will MCAT 2027 Test Dates be Released?

If you're planning ahead for the 2027 MCAT, you're not alone. Many students begin preparing more than a year in advance. While official 2027 test dates haven’t been released yet, the AAMC typically publishes the MCAT schedule in fall of the preceding year—so expect the 2027 dates to drop around October 2026.

Until then, you can use the 2026 MCAT schedule as a rough guide. Historically, test dates are offered from January through September, with multiple options each month. Just keep in mind that exact dates, registration windows, and score release timelines may shift slightly year to year.