2026 MCAT Test Dates and Score Release: The Definitive Guide

Last updated: July 2026.

MCAT Test Dates 2026: Full Calendar, Fees, and Registration Deadlines

The AAMC has officially released all MCAT test dates for 2026, along with score release dates and registration deadlines. For the 2026 testing year, there are 31 scheduled test dates running from January 9 through September 12. That is one more date than previous years, thanks to the addition of a brand-new February testing option. Registration for all 2026 MCAT dates opened on October 21, 22, and 23, 2025, with staggered access beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET each day. Unlike some prior years, the AAMC opened registration for the entire calendar (January through September) in a single consolidated window rather than releasing summer and fall dates later.

If you are still deciding when to sit for the exam, use the IMA Pathfinder medical school admissions calculator to see how your MCAT score, GPA, and experiences fit together before locking in a test date. Choosing the right date is not just about availability; it is about making sure your score release aligns with your application timeline.

The AAMC has scheduled 31 MCAT test dates for 2026. There are four MCAT test dates in January 2026 before the new February 13 date bridges the gap to March testing. Beginning on March 13, 2026, tests are administered frequently through mid-September, with the final MCAT test date being September 12, 2026. All MCAT tests are held once per day starting at 8 A.M. local time. Scores for each test date are typically released approximately 30 to 35 days after the exam, by 5:00 p.m. ET on the posted score release date.

Registration for all 2026 MCAT test dates opened on October 21, 22, and 23, 2025. Keep in mind that popular test dates and MCAT testing centers fill up quickly, so early registration is strongly recommended. There is a registration fee for the MCAT (see fee details below). After you have selected and registered for your test date, it is time to begin crafting your study plan and MCAT prep.

Of course, there is a science to picking the best MCAT test date for you. It is important to be mindful of your schedule, your study plan, and whether the MCAT score release dates will align with your medical school application deadlines. If you plan to apply in the first weeks of the AMCAS cycle (typically late May or early June), testing in March or April gives you the best shot at having your score in hand when you submit.

Once you have selected your preferred test date, it is time to solidify your MCAT prep and study plan to secure the highest score. No matter how you choose to prep for the MCAT, whether through online prep, one-on-one tutoring, or MCAT prep books, it is crucial to give yourself plenty of time to study and be as prepared for the test as possible. For a realistic look at how long the MCAT actually takes and what the testing experience feels like, review the format before you commit to a date.

2026 MCAT Test Dates and Score Release

Exams start at 8:00 a.m.; scores post by 5:00 p.m. ET. The MCAT is offered January through September 2026 (not October to December). Source: AAMC U.S. MCAT Calendar. The 2027 calendar has not been released yet.

What Is New About the 2026 MCAT Testing Calendar

Several notable changes distinguish the 2026 MCAT calendar from prior years. Understanding these updates will help you plan more effectively.

February Testing Date Added for the First Time

For the first time, the AAMC is offering an MCAT date in February. The February 13, 2026 slot fills the gap that previously existed between the late-January cluster and the mid-March resumption. This is particularly useful for students who need a few extra weeks of preparation after the holidays but do not want to wait until March, which pushes score release dates later into the spring.

Consolidated Registration Window

Unlike some prior years when registration opened in waves (fall for early dates, spring for summer dates), all 2026 test dates became available at once during the October 21-23, 2025 registration window. This means there is no longer a “TBA” period for summer and fall dates. Every date from January through September was open for scheduling starting in late October 2025.

Quebec Testing Restriction Continues

Due to Quebec’s Bill 96 language regulations, the AAMC will not administer the MCAT in Quebec for the 2026 testing year. Students based in Quebec will need to travel to another Canadian province or to a U.S. testing center. This restriction has been in place since 2024 and currently has no announced end date.

New AAMC Practice Materials

The AAMC released Practice Exam 6 for the 2026 cycle, a full 230-question practice exam drawn from previously administered MCAT questions. It is available for individual purchase at $35 or as part of the Online-Only Bundle ($323.70). In addition, Practice Exam 1 is now free through the AAMC’s MCAT Official Prep Hub, which lowers the cost barrier for students in early preparation stages. If you want to know what counts as a good MCAT score, working through these official practice exams gives you the most accurate preview of where you stand.

Updated Score Reporting System

The AAMC launched a new Testing Services Score Reporting System that allows examinees to access their MCAT and PREview exam score reports in one central location. This consolidation simplifies the process of reviewing and sending scores to medical schools.

How Much Does the MCAT Cost in 2026?

MCAT fees change periodically, so verifying the current schedule on the AAMC’s official scheduling fees page before registering is always a good idea. Based on the most widely cited figures for the 2026 testing year, here are the expected costs.

• Standard Registration: $355 (verify directly with AAMC, as some sources report $345)
• International Fee (testing outside the U.S., Canada, or U.S. territories): $130
• Fee Assistance Program (FAP) Registration: approximately $140 to $145 (verify with AAMC)

Rescheduling and cancellation fees depend on how far in advance you make the change:

• 60 or more days before the exam: $55 reschedule fee; $175 cancellation refund
• 30 to 59 days before the exam: $110 reschedule fee; $175 cancellation refund
• 10 to 29 days before the exam: $210 reschedule fee; no cancellation refund
• Fewer than 10 days before the exam: no changes permitted

If you are concerned about total costs, remember that the MCAT fee is just one part of the medical school application budget. Between primary and secondary applications, interview travel, and tuition once you matriculate, the numbers add up. Use the IMA Student Loan Repayment Calculator to start thinking realistically about long-term financial planning before you even begin medical school.

How to Choose the Right 2026 MCAT Test Date

Picking a test date is not just about finding an open seat. Your test date affects when your score arrives, which in turn affects how early you can submit a complete medical school application. Here are the key factors to weigh.

Application Timeline Alignment

The AMCAS application typically opens for submission in late May or early June. If you want your score in hand before you submit, testing in March or April is ideal. Testing in May is still workable if your score arrives before schools begin reviewing files, but testing in June or later means your application will be incomplete at first submission. Late-summer test dates (August and September) are generally best suited to students applying the following cycle.

Study Readiness, Not Calendar Pressure

Do not register for a date just because it sounds early. An underprepared early test is almost always worse than a well-prepared later one. Most students need 300 to 500 hours of focused preparation over three to six months. If your coursework is not yet complete in the prerequisite sciences, testing earlier does not give you an advantage. For a structured approach to planning your study timeline, read the MCAT prep timeline for busy students.

Personal Schedule Conflicts

Consider finals, research commitments, jobs, clinical volunteering hours, and any other obligations that could interrupt a consistent study schedule. The weeks immediately before your test date should be reserved primarily for focused review and full-length practice exams, not split between competing priorities.

Retake Buffer

If you are testing for the first time, it is smart to leave room in the calendar for a potential retake. Testing in January through April gives you the option to retake in June or July and still have your score ready for the current application cycle. If you test in August or September and need a retake, you are likely looking at the following year’s cycle.

What the MCAT Covers in 2026

The MCAT format has not changed for 2026. The exam consists of the same four timed sections, the same number of questions, and the same scoring scale as previous years. Total seated time is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including breaks and administrative procedures. Actual testing time is 6 hours and 15 minutes across 230 multiple-choice questions.

The four sections, in the order they appear on test day, are:

• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (59 questions, 95 minutes)
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (53 questions, 90 minutes)
• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (59 questions, 95 minutes)
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (59 questions, 95 minutes)

Each section is scored on a scale of 118 to 132, and the four section scores combine for a total score ranging from 472 to 528. If you are trying to figure out where your practice scores land relative to what medical schools expect, the MCAT score calculator guide walks you through conversions and percentile rankings.

During the exam, you will have two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute mid-exam break. You are allowed to leave the testing room during breaks, access food and drinks stored in your designated locker, and use the restroom. You may not access your phone or any study materials during breaks.

How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT?

All MCAT test takers should be aware of the attempt limits, especially if this is not their first time sitting for the exam.

• You can only register for one MCAT at a time
• You can take the test up to 3 times in one testing year
• You can take the test 4 times in a two-year period
• You can take the MCAT 7 times in your lifetime (starting with April 2015 administration)

These limits have not changed for 2026. While you can retake the MCAT, the number of times you can do so is limited, so be sure to follow a strong study plan and give yourself adequate preparation time before each attempt.

What to Do on MCAT Test Day in 2026

There are several things you can do to prepare and have the best experience on test day.

• Double-check your MCAT test date, location, and start time. The AAMC recommends arriving at your testing center at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start to complete check-in.
• You will need to go through security measures before entering the testing room, including a palm scan and test-day photograph. Bring a valid, unexpired ID with information that matches the details you provided when registering for the test.
• Make arrangements for your belongings beforehand. You will be assigned a locker for personal items; you cannot take your phone, watch, or study materials into the testing room.
• The exam takes approximately 7.5 hours including breaks. Bring drinks and snacks to store in your locker for use during your three scheduled breaks.
• Familiarize yourself with the testing center’s specific policies in advance. Each center may have slightly different procedures for check-in and break management.

What Is MCAT Pre-Registration?

MCAT pre-registration is the initial setup phase where test-takers create or update their AAMC user account, verify their personal identification details, and request accommodations or Fee Assistance Program (FAP) approval prior to the formal registration opening dates. Completing pre-registration early ensures you can move through the booking system quickly once scheduling opens for high-demand test dates.

Can I Change My MCAT Test Date?

The AAMC does allow test takers to reschedule their test date, but you will need to pay a rescheduling fee that increases as your exam date gets closer. As outlined above, the fee ranges from $55 (more than 60 days out) to $210 (10 to 29 days out). If you are within 10 days of your scheduled exam, you can no longer reschedule, cancel, or modify your registration. Plan accordingly, and if there is any chance you will need to move your date, make the decision as early as possible to minimize costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the MCAT changing in 2026?

No. The 2026 MCAT uses the same four sections, the same number of questions (230), the same scoring scale (472 to 528), and the same 7.5-hour seated format as recent years. The AAMC has not announced any structural changes to the exam for the 2026 testing year.

When did registration open for the 2026 MCAT?

Registration for all 2026 MCAT test dates opened on October 21, 22, and 23, 2025, with staggered access starting at 12:00 p.m. ET each day. Unlike some prior years, all January through September dates were released at once rather than in separate waves.

What is the MCAT registration fee for 2026?

The standard registration fee for the 2026 MCAT is $355, according to multiple widely cited sources. Some sources report $345. The international surcharge for testing outside the U.S., Canada, or U.S. territories is $130. Always confirm current fees on the AAMC’s official scheduling fees page before registering.

Why is there a February MCAT date in 2026?

The February 13, 2026 test date is a new addition to the MCAT calendar. The AAMC has not publicly stated the reason, but the date fills a gap between the late-January testing cluster and the mid-March resumption. It gives students a few extra weeks of preparation without pushing their score release deep into spring.

Can I take the MCAT in Quebec in 2026?

No. Due to Quebec’s Bill 96 language regulations, the AAMC is not administering the MCAT in Quebec for the 2026 testing year. Students in Quebec will need to travel to another Canadian province or to a U.S. testing center. This restriction has been in place since 2024.