2026 MCAT Test Dates
& Score Release Dates
You can register for the MCAT online via the Association of American Medical Colleges. Registration for 2026 MCAT exam dates will be held on October 21, 22, and 23 at 12 p.m. ET. The standard test starting time is 8 AM, unless specified otherwise. MCAT scores are released by 5 PM ET on the score release dates listed below. Register for the MCAT early to secure your first-choice testing location, date, and time.
2026 U.S. MCAT Test Dates and Score Release Dates
View the complete list of 2026 MCAT test dates for U.S. testing centers and their corresponding score release dates. For MCAT registration, scheduling, or test location questions, visit the AAMC’s MCAT resource center.
U.S. MCAT TEST DATE | 60-DAY DEADLINE | 30-DAY DEADLINE | 10-DAY DEADLINE | SCORE RELEASE DATE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
January 9, 2026 | November 10, 2025 | December 10, 2025 | December 30, 2025 | February 10, 2026 |
January 10, 2026 | November 11, 2025 | December 11, 2025 | December 31, 2025 | February 10, 2026 |
January 15, 2026 | November 16, 2025 | December 16, 2025 | January 5, 2026 | February 17, 2026 |
January 23, 2026 | November 24, 2025 | December 24, 2025 | January 13, 2026 | February 24, 2026 |
February 13, 2026 | December 15, 2025 | January 14, 2026 | February 3, 2026 | March 17, 2026 |
March 7, 2026 | January 6, 2026 | February 5, 2026 | February 25, 2026 | April 7, 2026 |
March 20, 2026 | January 19, 2026 | February 18, 2026 | March 10, 2026 | April 21, 2026 |
April 10, 2026 | February 9, 2026 | March 11, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | May 12, 2026 |
April 11, 2026 | February 10, 2026 | March 12, 2026 | April 1, 2026 | May 12, 2026 |
April 24, 2026 | February 23, 2026 | March 25, 2026 | April 14, 2026 | May 27, 2026 |
April 25, 2026 | February 24, 2026 | March 26, 2026 | April 15, 2026 | May 27, 2026 |
May 2, 2026 | March 3, 2026 | April 2, 2026 | April 22, 2026 | June 2, 2026 |
May 8, 2026 | March 9, 2026 | April 8, 2026 | April 28, 2026 | June 9, 2026 |
May 9, 2026 | March 10, 2026 | April 9, 2026 | April 29, 2026 | June 9, 2026 |
May 14, 2026 | March 15, 2026 | April 14, 2026 | May 4, 2026 | June 16, 2026 |
May 22, 2026 | March 23, 2026 | April 22, 2026 | May 12, 2026 | June 23, 2026 |
May 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | April 30, 2026 | May 20, 2026 | June 30, 2026 |
June 12, 2026 | April 13, 2026 | May 13, 2026 | June 2, 2026 | July 14, 2026 |
June 13, 2026 | April 14, 2026 | May 14, 2026 | June 3, 2026 | July 14, 2026 |
June 26, 2026 | April 27, 2026 | May 27, 2026 | June 16, 2026 | July 28, 2026 |
June 27, 2026 | April 28, 2026 | May 28, 2026 | June 17, 2026 | July 28, 2026 |
July 11, 2026 | May 12, 2026 | June 11, 2026 | July 1, 2026 | August 11, 2026 |
July 24, 2026 | May 25, 2026 | June 24, 2026 | July 14, 2026 | August 25, 2026 |
July 31, 2026 | June 1, 2026 | July 1, 2026 | July 21, 2026 | September 2, 2026 |
August 15, 2026 | June 16, 2026 | July 16, 2026 | August 5, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
August 21, 2026 | June 22, 2026 | July 22, 2026 | August 11, 2026 | September 22, 2026 |
August 22, 2026 | June 23, 2026 | July 23, 2026 | August 12, 2026 | September 22, 2026 |
September 3, 2026 | July 5, 2026 | August 4, 2026 | August 24, 2026 | October 6, 2026 |
September 4, 2026 | July 6, 2026 | August 5, 2026 | August 25, 2026 | October 6, 2026 |
September 11, 2026 | July 13, 2026 | August 12, 2026 | September 1, 2026 | October 13, 2026 |
September 12, 2026 | July 14, 2026 | August 13, 2026 | September 2, 2026 | October 13, 2026 |
MCAT Test Date Changes
When possible, we encourage you to reschedule or cancel an exam as soon as you know you do not want to test. Rescheduling and cancellation fees are in effect for the current testing year. Please review the MCAT rescheduling and cancellation fee deadlines before scheduling your exam.
2026 Canadian MCAT Test Dates and Score Release Dates
View the complete list of 2026 MCAT test dates for Canadian testing centers and their corresponding score release dates. Canadian MCAT test dates vary from the U.S. MCAT test dates, so refer to the calendar specific to your testing country. Due to Bill 96 regulations, the AAMC will not administer the MCAT in Quebec in 2026.
CANADIAN MCAT TEST DATE | 60-DAY DEADLINE | 30-DAY DEADLINE | 10-DAY DEADLINE | SCORE RELEASE DATE |
|---|---|---|---|---|
January 9, 2026 | November 10, 2025 | December 10, 2025 | December 30, 2025 | February 10, 2026 |
January 15, 2026 | November 16, 2025 | December 16, 2025 | January 5, 2026 | February 17, 2026 |
January 23, 2026 | November 24, 2025 | December 24, 2025 | January 13, 2026 | February 24, 2026 |
February 13, 2026 | December 15, 2025 | January 14, 2026 | February 3, 2026 | March 17, 2026 |
March 7, 2026 | January 6, 2026 | February 5, 2026 | February 25, 2026 | April 7, 2026 |
April 10, 2026 | February 9, 2026 | March 11, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | May 12, 2026 |
April 24, 2026 | February 23, 2026 | March 25, 2026 | April 14, 2026 | May 27, 2026 |
May 8, 2026 | March 9, 2026 | April 8, 2026 | April 28, 2026 | June 9, 2026 |
May 14, 2026 | March 15, 2026 | April 14, 2026 | May 4, 2026 | June 16, 2026 |
May 30, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | April 30, 2026 | May 20, 2026 | June 30, 2026 |
June 12, 2026 | April 13, 2026 | May 13, 2026 | June 2, 2026 | July 14, 2026 |
June 13, 2026 | April 14, 2026 | May 14, 2026 | June 3, 2026 | July 14, 2026 |
June 26, 2026 | April 27, 2026 | May 27, 2026 | June 16, 2026 | July 28, 2026 |
June 27, 2026 | April 28, 2026 | May 28, 2026 | June 17, 2026 | July 28, 2026 |
July 11, 2026 | May 12, 2026 | June 11, 2026 | July 1, 2026 | August 11, 2026 |
July 24, 2026 | May 25, 2026 | June 24, 2026 | July 14, 2026 | August 25, 2026 |
July 25, 2026 | May 26, 2026 | June 25, 2026 | July 15, 2026 | August 25, 2026 |
July 31, 2026 | June 1, 2026 | July 1, 2026 | July 21, 2026 | September 2, 2026 |
August 1, 2026 | June 2, 2026 | July 2, 2026 | July 22, 2026 | September 2, 2026 |
August 7, 2026 | June 8, 2026 | July 8, 2026 | July 28, 2026 | September 8, 2026 |
August 8, 2026 | June 9, 2026 | July 9, 2026 | July 29, 2026 | September 8, 2026 |
August 14, 2026 | June 15, 2026 | July 15, 2026 | August 4, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
August 15, 2026 | June 16, 2026 | July 16, 2026 | August 5, 2026 | September 15, 2026 |
August 20, 2026 | June 21, 2026 | July 21, 2026 | August 10, 2026 | September 22, 2026 |
August 21, 2026 | June 22, 2026 | July 22, 2026 | August 11, 2026 | September 22, 2026 |
August 22, 2026 | June 23, 2026 | July 23, 2026 | August 12, 2026 | September 22, 2026 |
August 28, 2026 | June 29, 2026 | July 29, 2026 | August 18, 2026 | September 29, 2026 |
September 3, 2026 | July 5, 2026 | August 4, 2026 | August 24, 2026 | October 6, 2026 |
September 4, 2026 | July 6, 2026 | August 5, 2026 | August 25, 2026 | October 6, 2026 |
September 5, 2026 | July 7, 2026 | August 6, 2026 | August 26, 2026 | October 6, 2026 |
September 11, 2026 | July 13, 2026 | August 12, 2026 | September 1, 2026 | October 13, 2026 |
September 12, 2026 | July 14, 2026 | August 13, 2026 | September 2, 2026 | October 13, 2026 |
Early MCAT Registration & How To Register
With so many MCAT test dates coming up, you may be tempted to put MCAT registration on the back burner, but don’t fall into that trap. Lots of longer-term decisions—like when to schedule your test prep—depend on your MCAT test date. So taking the time now to determine your test date and register for the MCAT can put you ahead of the game and help you develop a strong study plan.
In addition to exact instructions on how to register for the MCAT, the AAMC also offers some tips to help you make sure MCAT registration goes off without a hitch:
- Know when registration opens for your desired test dates.
- Determine your top three testing locations in advance.
- Have your government-issued ID available at the time of MCAT registration, make sure it is valid, and use the same one as your ID on MCAT Test Day.
When To Take the MCAT
Selecting the best date to take the MCAT is an important decision. You will want to make sure you give yourself adequate time to prepare for the exam, yet select a date that gives you the best advantage in the admissions cycle. Ideally, you will want to budget between 300 and 350 hours in total for your MCAT preparation, this includes your content review, lots of question practice, and of course time to take and review full-length exams. Depending on how much time you have to study each week, this will mean spending 3 to 5 months studying for the MCAT. If your class load or workload allows, testing in January is a good option, as you can complete the MCAT, and then shift focus to the other aspects of the medical school admissions application. But this will mean starting your preparation in the fall, and studying through the winter holidays.
If you want to spread your preparation out, then the spring test dates of March, April, and May are a good choice. These test dates still allow you to have your MCAT complete before submitting your primary application in June. However, it is perfectly acceptable to test in June and throughout the summer. Just remember, you will be balancing not only your MCAT preparation, but also your applications, so you will want to budget adequate time to do so. The most important thing to consider is that you want to take the MCAT when you will be the most prepared, do not rush into a test date just to get the test out of the way. Build a solid plan, and stick to it. Kaplan can help you map out your schedule for studying for the MCAT.
How To Register for the MCAT
Registration for the MCAT is available through aamc.org. Registration for the January through June test dates usually opens in October, with the summer test dates opening in February. Seats fill up quickly for the MCAT, so register early. But be sure to map out your study plan well in advance, so you can be ready for test day. When you register, you will not only need to select your date, but also the testing location. In some areas, these seats are limited, so early registration is very important. Also, the later you register, the higher the fees, as the AAMC has a tiered registration fee schedule that is dependent on how far out from the test date you are registering for.
2026 MCAT Registration Fees
Standard MCAT Registration Fee | MCAT Fee Assistance Program Registration Fee |
|---|---|
$355 | $145 |
Can you change your MCAT test date?
While the AAMC does allow you to change your test date, you will have to pay a rescheduling fee. But plans sometimes have to change, and you do have the option to switch to a new test date. The AAMC site has very specific instructions on how to go about changing your test date. From a preparation perspective, it’s a good idea to have a test date in mind, and to work towards that goal. Building a solid MCAT study plan is the first step in selecting the best test date for yourself, so you can avoid having to change your test date.
MCAT Test Change, Reschedule & Cancellation Fees
It’s important to know the 2026 MCAT test dates and score release dates so you can meet medical school admission deadlines. It is possible to cancel or reschedule your MCAT test date once you register; however, you want to make any test date changes as soon as possible to be eligible for cancellation refunds and to pay lower reschedule fees. The table below outlines the MCAT test change, reschedule, and cancellation fees so you know what to expect.
MCAT Standard Test Change Fees | MCAT Reschedule Fees | MCAT Cancellation Refund |
|---|---|---|
60+ days before MCAT | $55 | $175 |
30-59 days before MCAT | $110 | $175 |
10-29 days before MCAT | $210 | $0 |
MCAT Fee Assistance Program Change Fees | MCAT Reschedule Fees | Cancellation Refund |
|---|---|---|
60+ days before MCAT | $25 | $75 |
30-59 days before MCAT | $45 | $75 |
10-29 days before MCAT | $85 | $0 |
When To Start Preparing for the MCAT
Preparing for the MCAT can take anywhere from 3 to 5 months (though you could do it in a shorter amount of time if you study every day). Generally speaking you will want to make sure you have completed your prerequisite coursework:
- 1 year of General Chemistry
- 1 year of Organic Chemistry (everyone’s favorite:))
- 1 year of Physics
- 1 year of General Biology
- A semester of upper division Biochemistry
- Coursework in Psychology and Sociology
And while we recommend between 300 and 350 hours of MCAT preparation, in many ways, you started preparing for the MCAT as soon as you began your premedical coursework. Some students like to get a jump start (and work at a more manageable pace) in reviewing the content that is tested on the exam, but you also don’t want to start too early to avoid burnout. If you are planning to begin medical school immediately following completion of your undergraduate degree, then you will need to start studying for the MCAT in your junior year, because you will be taking the MCAT by the end of spring in your junior year and starting the application process over the summer before your senior year. Of course, everyone has different timelines, but your MCAT preparation should begin approximately 18 months before the date you plan on beginning medical school.
How To Prepare for the MCAT
Kaplan has a wide range of options for MCAT preparation from books that will review all of the content, to study packs for getting practice with questions and full-length exams, to our comprehensive course and tutoring options. But keep in mind that the MCAT rewards you for knowing content and being able to apply it to the passages and questions it presents. Therefore, it is imperative to get a solid review of the tested content, but also to follow that up with acquiring the critical reasoning skills and practice of the application of that content, and the ability to execute and demonstrate that mastery in the timed and marathon conditions of the MCAT.
MCAT Test Schedule Example
The MCAT is a six-hour and 15-minute computer-based (not including breaks), standardized exam featuring 230 questions broken up into four sections:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
The MCAT requires stamina and focus and is designed to measure whether or not test takers possess the skills necessary to succeed in medical school. It is likely the longest and most difficult test you’ll have taken. Including breaks and optional sections, the MCAT’s total seated time is approximately seven and a half hours. Below, we offer an example of a typical MCAT schedule so you can prepare for the exam.
MCAT Test Section | Time Allotted | Number of Questions |
|---|---|---|
Complete your agreement | 8 minutes | |
Optional MCAT tutorial | 10 minutes | |
Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 95 minutes | 59 |
Optional break | 10 minutes | |
Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills (CARS) | 90 minutes | 53 |
Optional mid-exam break | 30 minutes | |
Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 95 minutes | 59 |
Optional break | 10 minutes | |
Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior | 95 minutes | 59 |
Void question | 5 minutes | |
Optional satisfaction survey | 5 minutes | |
Total (not including breaks) | 6 hours, 15 minutes |
Frequently Asked Questions About MCAT Test Dates
Can you cancel your MCAT test date?
Yes, you can cancel your MCAT test date. If you cancel 30 or more days before your scheduled MCAT test date, you will receive a cancellation refund of $175 (USD). If you cancel less than 30 days before the exam, you will not receive a cancellation refund.
Can you change your MCAT test date?
Yes, you can change your MCAT test date. However, you will have to pay a date and/or test center reschedule fee (see the table above). Be sure to reschedule your MCAT test date at least 10 days before your scheduled exam. No changes are allowed less than ten days before the exam.
What month is the best month to take the MCAT exam?
Experts recommend that you take the MCAT exam as early in the year as possible to give yourself time to retake the exam if you are unsatisfied with your scores. Also, consider that you’ll need 3–6 months to study and that your MCAT scores need to be ready by the time medical school applications open in June. Read about upcoming MCAT test dates and learn more about when you should take the MCAT exam.
Are there any fees associated with the MCAT exam?
Yes, there are fees associated with registering for the MCAT exam. There is a standard registration fee of $355 (USD) for the MCAT exam. If you are using the Fee Assistance Program to register for the MCAT exam, the fee is $145 (USD). Please note, if you are an examinee testing outside the U.S., Canada, or U.S. territories, you will be charged a $130 (USD) international fee in addition to the registration fee.
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