Last updated: July 2026.
The MCAT is one of the most important steps on the path to medical school, and understanding how to register for it can save you stress and help you plan your timeline effectively. In 2026, the AAMC offers MCAT testing from January through September. The exam is not offered in October, November, or December of 2026. Registration for all 2026 exam dates opened during a single regional window on October 21, 22, and 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET. After that initial window, the MCAT Registration System remains open on a rolling basis for scheduling, rescheduling, and cancellations, subject to seat availability and deadline restrictions.
This guide covers the complete list of 2026 test dates, score release dates, scheduling deadlines, and step-by-step registration instructions so you can choose the best date for your preparation and application cycle.
2026 MCAT Test Dates and Score Release
The table below lists every 2026 MCAT test date, the corresponding score release date, and the 10-day scheduling deadline. All exams start at 8:00 a.m., and scores are released by 5:00 p.m. ET on the score release date. Reproduce this table carefully when planning your study schedule and application timeline.
| MCAT Test Date 2026 | Score Release Date | Scheduling Deadline (10-Day) |
| Jan 9 | Feb 10 | Dec 30, 2025 |
| Jan 10 | Feb 10 | Dec 31, 2025 |
| Jan 15 | Feb 17 | Jan 5 |
| Jan 23 | Feb 24 | Jan 13 |
| Feb 13 | Mar 17 | Feb 3 |
| Mar 7 | Apr 7 | Feb 25 |
| Mar 20 | Apr 21 | Mar 10 |
| Apr 10 | May 12 | Mar 31 |
| Apr 11 | May 12 | Apr 1 |
| Apr 24 | May 27 | Apr 14 |
| Apr 25 | May 27 | Apr 15 |
| May 2 | Jun 2 | Apr 22 |
| May 8 | Jun 9 | Apr 28 |
| May 9 | Jun 9 | Apr 29 |
| May 14 | Jun 16 | May 4 |
| May 22 | Jun 23 | May 12 |
| May 30 | Jun 30 | May 20 |
| Jun 12 | Jul 14 | Jun 2 |
| Jun 13 | Jul 14 | Jun 3 |
| Jun 26 | Jul 28 | Jun 16 |
| Jun 27 | Jul 28 | Jun 17 |
| Jul 11 | Aug 11 | Jul 1 |
| Jul 24 | Aug 25 | Jul 14 |
| Jul 31 | Sep 2 | Jul 21 |
| Aug 15 | Sep 15 | Aug 5 |
| Aug 21 | Sep 22 | Aug 11 |
| Aug 22 | Sep 22 | Aug 12 |
| Sep 3 | Oct 6 | Aug 24 |
| Sep 4 | Oct 6 | Aug 25 |
| Sep 11 | Oct 13 | Sep 1 |
| Sep 12 | Oct 13 | Sep 2 |
How to Register for the 2026 MCAT
Follow these steps to register for a 2026 MCAT exam date:
- Create or sign in to your AAMC account. If you do not already have an AAMC ID, you will need to create one on the AAMC MCAT registration page. This is the same account you will use for AMCAS and other AAMC services.
- Access the MCAT Registration System. Once logged in, go to the MCAT Registration System in your AAMC account to begin scheduling.
- Select your preferred test date and testing center. Browse the available dates and locations. Popular dates and sites fill up quickly, so register as early as possible.
- Pay the registration fee. For the current exam fee and information about fee assistance, visit the official AAMC MCAT registration page. The AAMC offers a Fee Assistance Program for examinees who demonstrate financial need.
- Confirm your reservation. After payment, you will receive a confirmation email. Save this for your records.
If you are planning ahead for your medical school application cycle, the IMA Pathfinder admissions calculator can help you map out how your MCAT timeline fits into the broader application process.
Understanding the Scheduling Deadlines
The AAMC enforces three key deadlines based on how far in advance of your exam date you make changes. Understanding these deadlines is essential for avoiding unnecessary fees and missed opportunities:
- 60-Day Deadline: This is calculated from your exam date. Making changes before this deadline typically gives you the most flexibility and lowest fees for rescheduling or cancellation.
- 30-Day Deadline: Changes made between the 60-day and 30-day deadlines may incur higher fees.
- 10-Day Deadline: This is the final date by which you can schedule, reschedule, or cancel your reservation. After this deadline passes, no changes can be made. The specific 10-day deadlines for each 2026 exam date are listed in the table above.
Keep in mind that if you wait too long, your preferred test center may fill up even if you are within the scheduling window. Plan ahead and check seat availability regularly.
Choosing the Right 2026 MCAT Date
Selecting the right date depends on several factors, including your study schedule, when you plan to submit your primary application, and how soon you need your scores back. Here are some tips:
- Work backward from your application deadline. Most applicants aiming for early submission of their AMCAS application in late May or June choose spring test dates so scores are available in time.
- Give yourself enough study time. Most successful test-takers study for three to six months before the exam. Choose a date that allows you to complete your full preparation plan without rushing.
- Build in a buffer for retakes. If your first attempt does not go as planned, testing earlier in the year gives you the option to retake the exam over the summer and still have scores returned before applications are reviewed.
- Consider score release timing. Look at the score release column in the table above and make sure scores will arrive before any deadlines you need to meet.
The financial side of medical school is also worth considering early. Use the Student Loan Repayment Calculator to begin understanding the long-term cost of medical education and how loan repayment may factor into your planning.
A Note About the 2027 MCAT Calendar
As of this writing, the AAMC has not yet released the 2027 MCAT calendar. The AAMC typically publishes the next year’s test dates and registration information in the fall. If you are planning to take the MCAT in 2027, check the AAMC website directly for the most current information as it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did registration open for the 2026 MCAT?
Registration for all 2026 MCAT exam dates opened during a single regional window on October 21, 22, and 23, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. ET. After that initial opening, the MCAT Registration System stayed open on a rolling basis, allowing you to schedule, reschedule, or cancel reservations as long as seats are available and you are within the relevant deadlines.
What months is the MCAT offered in 2026?
The 2026 MCAT is offered from January through September. There are no exam dates in October, November, or December of 2026. Within that January-to-September window, there are 31 individual test dates spread across the months, with the highest concentration of dates in the spring and summer to align with the medical school application cycle.
What time does the MCAT start, and when are scores released?
All 2026 MCAT exams begin at 8:00 a.m. Scores are released by 5:00 p.m. ET on the designated score release date. Score release dates are typically about 30 to 35 days after the exam. You can find the exact score release date for each test date in the table above.
What is the 10-day scheduling deadline?
The 10-day scheduling deadline is the last date on which you can schedule, reschedule, or cancel your MCAT reservation for a given test date. After this deadline passes, no changes can be made to your registration. Each test date has its own 10-day deadline, which is listed in the date table in this article.
Has the 2027 MCAT schedule been released?
No, the 2027 MCAT calendar has not been released yet. The AAMC typically publishes the following year’s MCAT schedule and registration details in the fall. If you are considering a 2027 test date, monitor the official AAMC website for announcements about the new calendar and registration opening dates.
