The AAMC has now released MCAT testing dates for 2026. MCAT test centers and dates are known to fill up rapidly, so it is essential to register as soon as possible.
Beginning on October 21, 2025, you will be able to sign up for a date and location to take the MCAT in 2026. The MCAT registration system opens on October 1, 2025, but you’ll only be able to fill out preliminary paperwork for the first few weeks, not register for an exam date/location.
Selecting your MCAT test date is more than a logistical decision: It’s a strategic one. Ensure that your score release date aligns seamlessly with your medical school application timeline to optimize your chances for success.
For each application cycle, we recommend taking the MCAT by April (if possible) and no later than the end of May.
Once your test date is secured, focus on your MCAT study. MedSchoolCoach offers two exceptional preparation paths: our one-on-one MCAT tutoring for individualized attention or our comprehensive self-study tools, empowering you to excel at the MCAT at your own pace.
Did you take the AAMC’s free MCAT sample test? Use this MCAT score calculator to enter your raw score (the number of correct answers you got) and convert it to a scaled simulated MCAT score and what percentile it falls into.
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All 2026 MCAT test dates, score release dates, and suggested test prep dates are provided below. Registration for all dates is open as of October 1, 2025. You can register for the exam here.
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.
| 2026 Test Date | Score Release Date | Start Test Prep by: |
|---|---|---|
| January 9 | Feb. 10 | Oct 9, 2025 |
| January 10 | Feb. 10 | Oct 10, 2025 |
| January 15 | Feb. 17 | Oct 15, 2025 |
| January 23 | Feb. 24 | Oct 23, 2025 |
| February 13 | March 17 | Nov 13, 2025 |
| March 7 | Apr. 7 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| March 20 | Apr. 21 | Dec 20, 2025 |
| April 10 | May. 12 | Jan 10, 2026 |
| April 11 | May. 12 | Jan 11, 2026 |
| April 24 | May. 27 | Jan 24, 2026 |
| April 25 | May. 27 | Jan 25, 2026 |
| May 2 | Jun. 2 | Feb 2, 2026 |
| May 8 | Jun. 9 | Feb 8, 2026 |
| May 9 | Jun. 9 | Feb 9, 2026 |
| May 14 | Jun. 16 | Feb 14, 2026 |
| May 22 | Jun. 23 | Feb 22, 2026 |
| May 30 | Jun. 30 | Feb 28, 2026 |
| June 12 | Jul. 14 | Mar 12, 2026 |
| June 13 | Jul. 14 | Mar 13, 2026 |
| June 26 | Jul. 28 | Mar 26, 2026 |
| June 27 | Jul. 28 | Mar 27, 2026 |
| July 11 | Aug. 11 | Apr 11, 2026 |
| July 24 | Aug. 25 | Apr 24, 2026 |
| July 31 | Sept. 2 | Apr 30, 2026 |
| August 15 | Sept. 15 | May 15, 2026 |
| August 21 | Sept. 22 | May 21, 2026 |
| August 22 | Sept. 22 | May 22, 2026 |
| September 3 | Oct. 6 | Jun 3, 2026 |
| September 4 | Oct. 6 | Jun 4, 2026 |
| September 11 | Oct. 13 | Jun 11, 2026 |
| September 12 | Oct. 13 | Jun 12, 2026 |
You can register for the 2026 MCAT via the AAMC MCAT Registration Site. Be sure to register early since MCAT dates can fill up very fast, and unlike other exams, it is not offered year-round. We recommend that you start planning the process as early as possible.
No, you can only register for a single MCAT test. The AAMC requires that you are only registered for one date at a time. You will not be able to register for more than one test day until you release your registration. You can, however, re-register once you have taken the MCAT.
MCAT scores are released to students about a month after the test date. Take this into account when registering for the MCAT, as there is a point where it may not make sense to apply any longer that cycle.
Once the MCAT score is released, if you have applied your schools will automatically be updated with the score!
MCAT scores are released at 5 pm EST on the score release date.
The standard registration fee for the MCAT is $355. This is reduced to $145 if you are part of the Fee Assistance Program.
There is also a cost to reschedule your exam of $55 to $210, depending on how far out you reschedule it.
If you are an international student, there is an additional $130 fee.
The best month to take the MCAT is any month before May (and no later than May) of your application cycle year.
Thinking through MCAT timing, especially which month to take the MCAT, is an important consideration for most pre-medical students.
The MCAT is offered at various times throughout the year, and students should plan ahead to best understand when to take it. If you are taking the MCAT within the calendar year of your application, then you should aim to take the MCAT the Winter or Spring before. That means that August may be too late to put in a good, early application to medical school.
Conversely, if you are taking a gap year before you apply, then August may be a fine month to take it, and it would also allow plenty of extra time to potentially retake it in later months.
To find out the best time for the MCAT for you, it’s best to discuss with a knowledgeable admissions coach about your individual situation.
Once you have an MCAT test date set (or an estimated test date), it’s time to start your study process. Usually, we recommend at least 3 months of dedicated MCAT study time. AAMC, the body that puts out the MCAT, actually recommends studying for roughly 300 hours in total.
This dedicated study time allows you to review MCAT content, like an MCAT Audio Course and to do MCAT practice tests to test your knowledge.
Many students practice much more, up to 6+ months to get ready for the MCAT. You can study on your own, or even with a tutor, to help maximize your score. Overall, you want to make sure you have ample time to do content review (especially for high-yield topics), practice questions, flashcards and more before you dive into your actual MCAT test.
Learn More: The 4 MCAT Sections: A Detailed Breakdown + How to Prepare
A good MCAT score will give you a competitive edge over applicants. A score of 511 will put you in the 82nd percentile or higher, making you a stronger candidate.
It’s possible to be accepted into medical school with a score under 511, so there are no hard rules on what a good score is. For reference, in 2024, the average MCAT score of matriculants was 511.8.
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