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When Should You Take the MCAT?

The right MCAT date is the one where you're ready, your score comes back before you apply, and you still have room to retake. Here's how to find it.

Check My Readiness Free Am I ready?

You're Ready to Take the MCAT When…

Four signals matter far more than which month is “best.”

You're scoring at your goal on full-lengths

The best predictor of your real score is your recent full-length average under real timing. Book (or keep) your date when you're consistently within a couple of points of your target — not when you hope to be.

Core coursework is done

The MCAT draws on general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, psychology and sociology. Testing after you've covered these — at least at an intro level — saves months of self-teaching.

You have a protected study block

Most students need a sustained stretch of focused prep — commonly around 3 months of full-time-style study, longer alongside classes or work. Pick a date at the end of a block you can actually protect.

There's room for a retake

Scores take about a month to come back. Testing early enough that a second 2027 date is still open (and before you'd submit) means one bad day doesn't cost you a whole application cycle.

Choosing a Window in the 2027 Testing Year

The AAMC's 2027 testing year runs January 15 – September 11, 2027, with no exams October–December. Scores take about a month. Here's how each part of the year plays out.

January – April 2027

Applying in the cycle that opens in spring 2027

Why it works: Scores in hand well before applications open; time to retake by summer if needed; the strongest option if you can prep over winter.

Watch out: Prep overlaps fall/winter coursework and holidays.

May – June 2027

Students finishing spring semester

Why it works: Study right after finals; scores arrive by mid/late summer.

Watch out: Scores may arrive after your primary application is submitted; little time for a same-year retake.

July – September 2027

Students applying in a later cycle (e.g. gap year)

Why it works: A full summer to study; scores in hand long before that later cycle opens.

Watch out: Risky if you're applying this cycle — scores land late and a retake may slip into the next testing year.

See every 2027 date and score release

All 35 U.S. test dates with 60/30/10-day deadlines, as published by the AAMC. Registration opens Oct 20–22, 2026.

2027 test dates

Work Backwards From Your Application

  1. 1

    Decide when you'll submit

    Many schools review applications on a rolling basis, so earlier submission generally helps. Fix your target submission month first.

  2. 2

    Subtract about a month for scores

    Per the AAMC calendar, scores post roughly 30–35 days after each test date. Your test date should release before you submit — or at least before schools review your file.

  3. 3

    Leave a retake buffer

    If a retake is possible, keep at least one later test date open. You can take the MCAT up to 3 times in one testing year, 4 times in two consecutive years and 7 times in your lifetime.

  4. 4

    Subtract your study block

    Count back your prep time from that test date, starting with a diagnostic full-length so the plan targets your real weaknesses.

More on limits: how many times you can take the MCAT · Build the plan: MCAT study schedule

Let Your Practice Scores Pick the Date

The most reliable way to know you're ready is a realistic, scored full-length. Take one now as a baseline, then again as test day approaches — when your scores hold steady at your goal, you're ready.

Free full-length with real section timing
Scaled 472–528 score + percentile
Topic breakdown of every point lost
Take a Free Full-Length What score should I aim for?

When to Take the MCAT — FAQ

When should you take the MCAT?+

Take the MCAT when you have finished the core prerequisite coursework, completed a focused study block, and are consistently scoring at your goal on full-length practice tests — and early enough that your score is released before you plan to apply, with room for a retake. For most applicants that means testing between January and spring of the year they apply.

What is the best month to take the MCAT?+

There's no single best month, but for students applying in a given cycle, January through April is usually the strongest window: scores come back about a month later, well before applications open, and you still have later dates in the same testing year if you need to retake. Summer test dates work well if you're applying in a later cycle.

How long does it take to get MCAT scores back?+

According to the AAMC's published calendar, scores are released roughly 30 to 35 days after each test date, by 5:00 p.m. ET on the assigned release day. For example, a January 15, 2027 test date releases scores on February 16, 2027.

Can I take the MCAT before finishing my prerequisites?+

You can, but it's usually harder. The exam assumes intro-level general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, psychology and sociology. If a course is missing, plan extra self-study time for that content before your test date.

How early should I book my MCAT date?+

Register as soon as you know your target window. For the 2027 testing year, AAMC scheduling opens October 20–22, 2026 by region, and popular dates and test centers fill quickly. Rescheduling is possible but gets more expensive the closer you are to test day.

How long is an MCAT score valid?+

Each medical school sets the oldest MCAT test date it will accept, commonly two to three years before the application year. Check the policies of the schools on your list (the AAMC publishes these in its school admission-policy resources) before you test very early.

Should I take the MCAT in the same year I apply?+

Many applicants do, testing in the first half of the year they submit applications. If your practice scores aren't where they need to be by spring, it's usually better to push your test — and possibly your application — than to apply with a score that doesn't reflect your ability.

Find Out If You're Ready

A free, full-length, scored MCAT practice test tells you more about your test date than any calendar. No credit card required.

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