MCAT Test Dates & Registration Schedule (2026)
Plan your medical school journey with our comprehensive guide to 2026 MCAT test dates, registration deadlines, and score release schedules for the United States and Canada.
Quick Overview
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) multiple times a year from January through September. Selecting the right test date is crucial for your medical school applications. Ensure you review the official AAMC calendar as dates and policies can occasionally shift.
- Testing Window: January to September 2026
- Registration: Opens October (for Jan-June dates) and February (for July-Sept dates)
- Score Release: Approximately 30-35 days post-exam
2026 Testing Calendar
Note: This schedule details the exact deadlines for the 2026 testing cycle. Verify all dates with the official AAMC portal before booking your appointment.
| Test Date | 60 Day Deadline | 30 Day Deadline | 10 Day Deadline | Score Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Key Deadlines and Important Dates to Remember
Registration Deadlines
The AAMC utilizes a tiered deadline system (60-day, 30-day, and 10-day deadlines) for scheduling, rescheduling, or canceling your exam.
- 60-Day Deadline: Best for standard registration. Changes carry the lowest fees.
- 30-Day Deadline: Intermediate deadline; higher fees apply to reschedule.
- 10-Day Deadline: The absolute final deadline to make changes. Registration is closed after this point.
Score Release Dates
Scores are not available immediately. You must wait approximately 30 to 35 days after taking your exam. Scores are typically released by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the designated release date.
Medical schools you have authorized will receive these scores automatically through the AMCAS system as soon as they are published.
How to Read and Use the MCAT Timetable
Choosing your test date is about working backward from your application goals. Follow these steps to optimize your testing schedule:
- Identify Your Target Application Cycle: If you aim to matriculate in Fall 2027, you should apply during the Summer 2026 cycle. You'll want an MCAT score by June or July of 2026.
- Factor in the 30-Day Score Delay: Since scores take a month to process, testing in May means you won’t have results until late June. Plan accordingly to ensure your AMCAS application is complete early.
- Leave Room for a Retake: If you are unsure of your target score, taking the MCAT in January or March gives you a buffer to review your scores and retake the exam in May or June if necessary.
- Track Registration Opening Days: Seats in popular testing centers (especially in major US and Canadian cities) fill up within hours. Mark your calendar for the October and February AAMC registration opening days.
Planning & Preparation Tips for Exam Day
- Start Studying 3-6 Months Prior: The MCAT is a marathon, not a sprint. The earlier you secure your test date, the better you can structure a rigorous 300+ hour study plan.
- Align with Prerequisite Courses: Try to schedule your exam shortly after you complete core subjects like Biochemistry, Physics, and Organic Chemistry so the material is fresh in your mind.
- Simulate Exam Conditions: As your test date approaches, take full-length practice exams starting at 8:00 AM to align your circadian rhythm with actual test day conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does MCAT registration open for 2026?
The AAMC typically opens registration in October for exam dates between January and June, and in February for exam dates between July and September. Always verify exact dates on the official AAMC website.
What time of day is the MCAT administered?
The MCAT is generally administered starting at 8:00 AM local time. Test takers are advised to arrive at the testing center at least 30 minutes early to complete check-in procedures.
How long does it take to get MCAT scores?
Scores are typically released about 30 to 35 days after your test date. You can usually access them via the AAMC portal by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on the scheduled release date.
Related Resources
Preparing your medical school application requires more than just scheduling your MCAT. Explore these tools to ensure your academic profile is ready: