2026 MCAT Test Dates, Registration Deadlines & Score Release Schedule
The complete 2026 MCAT test dates schedule — including registration deadlines, score release dates, and expert tips for choosing the right exam date.
2026 MCAT Testing Schedule
The AAMC offers the MCAT from mid-January through mid-September each year, with MCAT dates available on most Fridays and Saturdays during the testing window. Below is the full MCAT schedule for 2026 based on the AAMC MCAT test schedule. If you are looking for MCAT dates 2025, the 2025 MCAT testing cycle has concluded — the dates below reflect the current 2026 MCAT schedule. Whether you are exploring MCAT exam dates for a spring or summer sitting, this page covers every 2026 MCAT testing date along with registration deadlines and score release timelines.
MCAT Registration Dates & Deadlines
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 register for the MCAT, view your score release dates, and submit your AMCAS application to med school.
MCAT registration 2026 opened in early October 2025 for all MCAT exam dates in the 2026 testing cycle. Popular MCAT dates — especially those in March through June — fill up fast at testing centers across the country. 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.
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 at your chosen testing center.
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 Long Is the MCAT? Testing Time & Structure
Before you pick your MCAT date, it helps to know exactly what exam day looks like. The MCAT is one of the longest standardized tests in the world.
Total Testing Time: 6 Hours 15 Minutes
The MCAT takes 6 hours and 15 minutes of actual testing time. When you add the scheduled breaks, the total seat time is about 7 hours and 30 minutes. Plan to be at the testing center for the entire day.
230 Questions Across 4 Sections
The MCAT has 230 total questions. Each of the three science sections has 59 questions with 95 minutes of testing time. The CARS section has 53 questions with 90 minutes. All questions are multiple choice with four answer options.
Scheduled Breaks
You get three breaks during the MCAT 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 mentally.
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 throughout the testing window.
Choosing Your MCAT 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. Dr. Donnelly recommends 300 to 400 total hours of preparation. If you are still completing prerequisite coursework, consider waiting until those classes finish before beginning intensive prep.
Align with Your Application Cycle
If you plan to apply to med school 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 MCAT preparation without competing academic demands.
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.
MCAT Test Dates 2026 — FAQs
MCAT registration for the 2026 testing cycle opened in early October 2025. All 2026 MCAT test dates are available to register for the exam through the AAMC website at students-residents.aamc.org. Popular dates fill quickly, so sign up as early as possible to secure your preferred testing center and date.
The MCAT exam has 6 hours and 15 minutes of testing time. With scheduled breaks, the total time at the testing center is about 7 hours and 30 minutes. Each of the three science sections gives you 95 minutes for 59 questions. The CARS section gives you 90 minutes for 53 questions.
MCAT scores are released approximately 30 to 35 days after your test date. Scores become available at 5 PM ET on the release date. See the full table above for projected score release dates for every 2026 MCAT testing date. You can view your scores through your AAMC account once they are released.
Most students study for the MCAT for 3 to 6 months. Dr. Donnelly recommends 300 to 400 total hours of preparation, including content review, practice tests, and passage-based practice. Pick your MCAT exam date far enough in advance to allow a full study schedule. The right timeline depends on your starting point, prerequisite knowledge, and target score.
To register for the MCAT, create an AAMC ID at the AAMC registration page. Select your preferred exam date and Pearson VUE testing center. Pay the $335 registration fee. The AAMC also offers a Fee Assistance Program for eligible students that covers the MCAT registration cost and provides free practice materials.
Yes. The AAMC offers a free full-length MCAT practice exam through their website. Dr. Donnelly recommends taking 5 to 7 full-length practice tests during your preparation, starting with a diagnostic exam early in your study plan. The AAMC's own practice tests are the most accurate predictors of your real MCAT score.