If you have decided to apply for medical school, you will have to plan a timeline for one of the important requirements you will have to fulfill, which is getting an adequate score on the MCAT, which is administered by AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges). The AAMC is dedicated to lead and serve the academic medicine community. They provide all the necessary guidelines for you to take the MCAT.
All pre-medical students have to submit their MCAT scores along with other requirements including an excellent GPA, extracurricular activities, letters of recommendation, personal interview, and other factors depending on which medical schools for which they apply.
Students have many questions about the MCAT, one of the major ones is when should they take it.
Question to Ask Yourself
On the AAMC website, there are three questions listed that you should ask yourself to figure out when it is the right time for you to take the MCAT. They discuss a 2016 Post-MCAT Questionnaire that reports that students who took the MCAT needed an average of 20 hours each week for three months to prepare for the exam. This is a considerable amount of weekly time devoted to preparation. This means the student has to engage in careful planning in order to juggle all other activities that are required of a pre-med student.
Not only do undergraduate students have to do well in their classes, but many of them also hold jobs that are related to the medical field and will make them better candidates for admission. Plus, there are other pressures of meeting the extensive requirements held by medical schools. It is certainly a demanding time in a student’s life, but these challenging demands help to prepare people for the even more demanding feat of getting through medical school and starting their career as physicians.
There is no magic formula to apply to everyone, each person has a unique set of skills and needs when it comes to taking the MCAT. Thus, a student should take the MCAT when they are ready. However, there are some suggestions that can help one navigate through the planning of this step.
Ask yourself the following questions:
- When am I looking to attend medical school?
- How many times will I need to take the MCAT?
- Do I know the content well and feel prepared?
Typical Timeline For Taking the MCAT
In general, pre-med students take the MCAT upon completion of their prerequisite classes to get into medical school. In fact, those classes teach the knowledge that will be necessary to know for the exam. Those are the very classes that prepare a student for medical school, which is why a person doesn’t need to select a medical major for their undergraduate degree. Someone can be an art major during their four-year college career, and with the information covered in their medical school prerequisite coursework and the MCAT, they will be prepared to handle the classes that are to come in medical school.
All of this means that often, students are ready to take the MCAT after sophomore or junior year of undergrad. With the help of their pre-med advisor, students have to diligently plan the timeline for this to happen from the very start. Together, they also have to select the appropriate schools for the student’s skills and interests. Once the medical schools are determined, students will find out each school’s guidelines regarding the MCAT. There are schools that want the MCAT scores to be no older than two to three years before the admissions application is submitted. Therefore, the pre-med student should plan accordingly.
As a general guideline, the MCAT should be taken with an acceptable score one year before the student applies to medical school. For instance, if you plan to apply to medical school after completing your junior year of undergrad, then you should complete the MCAT with a desired score during the summer after your sophomore year.
Taking the exam during the summer is ideal because you won’t have to take it during your semesters when you have a full load of classes. You must not compromise on achieving a high GPA, which makes it very important not to get distracted from your classes. It is a delicate balancing act. Thus, it is very helpful that your pre-med advisor guides you at every step. Ideally, you will connect to an advisor from the start of your freshman year. The early bird gets the worm!
Another consideration is if you have to retake the MCAT because of a low score. For the majority of medical schools, your goal should be to achieve a minimum score of 508 to be admitted to an MD program. Depending on the school, a higher MCAT score might be required. Set your mind to earn the highest possible score on the MCAT. It is better to aim higher than to think about the “minimum requirement”. It was reported that for the 2018-2019 application cycle, students achieved an average of 511. Recent data for the 2024–2025 application cycle show that the average MCAT score has remained around 511 for MD applicants, and many schools continue to require that scores be no older than two to three years at the time of application.
One more factor to consider is applying to medical school early since they accept students on what they call a “rolling basis.” The earlier you apply, the higher your chance of getting into the schools you most desire.
Factors to Consider About the MCAT
There are a couple of considerations to keep in mind about the MCAT that will help you plan in a more effective way. These considerations include:
- The MCAT implements testing limits. After the launch of the new version of the MCAT in the spring of 2015, new limits are now implemented for all pre-med students. You are able to take the MCAT up to three times in one single testing year. Moreover, you may be able to take the MCAT up to four times over the course of two consecutive testing years. Finally, over the course of your lifetime, you may only take the exam up to seven times. This means you only have seven attempts in total to get the desired MCAT score you want. The limit applies even if you don’t show up on exam day or cancel your test date. It is important that you prepare yourself for the MCAT as if you were only going to take one time. It is better to be over-prepared than to think you’ll be able to try again to achieve a higher score. It is not advisable to take the exam as a practice run. Being in the mindset that you will achieve the highest score possible the first time will give you better results. Aim high and take it as seriously as possible right from the start.
- All your MCAT scores are seen by medical schools. Medical schools have access to scores achieved by all students who have taken the MCAT. They are able to see these records with details, which means they will know not only your score but how many times you have attempted the exam. They will also be able to see if you canceled the test date or didn’t show up for some reason. This is not something that should alarm you. Multiple MCAT attempts don’t count against you, it won’t be seen as a disadvantage. However, it is advisable to keep this fact in mind as you do research about different medical schools and their guidelines. Some schools have policies in place regarding multiple scores. You’ll have to find out how they perceive it and evaluate these types of cases. The more you know about the school’s admission process, the better.
As you evaluate the guidelines of the medical schools of your choice, be sure to stay in close contact with your pre-med advisor who will be able to guide you about all of these details. They will have many resources for you to implement regarding the school’s policies and how to successfully prepare for the MCAT. Pre-med advisors work with a network of admission committees at various medical schools and know firsthand what to expect from each one of them. Take advantage of this connection and get the help necessary to make your life as easy as possible. Besides, you already have enough on your plate as you navigate through undergraduate school and achieve all the other requirements aside from the MCAT to get into the medical school of your choice.
What is the Earliest Time One Should Take the MCAT?
A pre-med student should take the MCAT no earlier than the second semester of sophomore year of undergrad. The ideal time is over the summer after sophomore year and before the beginning of your junior year. The reasoning is that on that schedule, you will have the opportunity to complete most medical school prerequisite work and you will decrease the load of content review to be completed that is covered in MCAT review materials including prep books and online prep courses.
If you want to take the MCAT as early as you are able to, you will most certainly have many options because exam dates happen between the months of April and September. There are as many as 25 to 30 test dates during those months that are available for you to schedule your MCAT. You will want to ensure you engage in plenty of prep work for the MCAT, which can last anywhere from two to four months. It is better to be very dedicated to preparing for the MCAT and get the highest score possible the first time.
What is the Latest Time One Should Take the MCAT?
Now, if you’re wondering how much you can push off the MCAT, you should be aware that the very final time to take it should be between January and April of the year you apply for medical school. For example, if you plan to start medical school in the fall of 2026, you should schedule to take your MCAT in the first four months of 2025, in other words, at the very latest in April 2025.
Many students wonder about the reason why this timeline is required considering AMCAS doesn’t even allow people to submit primary applications until the later part of May.
One reason is that you will have to devote a whole lot of time to writing application essays. If you decide to postpone taking the MCAT for too long, chances are you will not be able to have enough focus on your medical school personal statement, and other requirements by AMCAS like work and activities in addition to all the other items needed to be completed for admission. Another consideration is that you will want to know your MCAT score as soon as possible so that you know where to apply to.
Since the MCAT score is provided about one month after taking the test, you should take your MCAT early so that you give plenty of time to adcoms to examine your application packet that hopefully includes your full requirements. Plus, keep in mind that if you don’t achieve the desired score, you’ll want to retake the MCAT, which is why it is highly advised to take it as early as you can.
Additionally
Siting with your pre-med advisor is the best way to create a timeline that will work best for you. The more you know about the schools you have in mind the better you’ll prepare to fulfill their requirements. Get your medical school prerequisite coursework done early to help you prepare for the MCAT, and go into your first attempt as if it were going to be the only one. With strong determination, you’ll be able to fulfill your timeline and be completely prepared by the time the MCAT rolls around.
Consider applying for a Pre-Med Internship or Pre-PA Internship to attain extensive experience in the medical field. International Medical Aid offers pre-med internships abroad in a variety of disciplines that will help you choose the best path for your future. Contact one of our admissions consultants and apply to our internship program. It is a great way to prepare for the MCAT and have a successful admission to the medical school of your choice.
MCAT Prep and Admissions Guidance for 2025
For aspiring physicians, the MCAT is a crucial step in the long road to medical school. While your original article outlines when and how to take the MCAT, it’s equally important to understand the broader context of building a strong medical school application. In today’s competitive landscape, balancing academics, extracurriculars, and test preparation is essential. Moreover, leveraging specialized support—such as that offered by International Medical Aid —can give you an edge in MCAT performance and the overall admissions process.
Why Planning Your MCAT Timeline is Essential
Balancing Academics and Test Preparation
Pre-med students often juggle rigorous coursework, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities. According to recent AAMC data, most successful applicants dedicate about 20 weekly hours over three months to MCAT preparation. This time commitment is significant, so careful scheduling is vital. By planning early and setting aside dedicated study time, you ensure that you can excel in your classes and on the MCAT. This balance helps prevent burnout and allows you to maintain your GPA—both critical factors later in the residency match process.
The Impact of Early Testing on Residency Prospects
While many students worry about how the timing of the MCAT might affect their residency applications, it’s important to note that standardized exam scores play a major role in leveling the playing field. Residency directors value high USMLE and COMLEX scores, and these scores can offset any perceived advantage of attending a higher-ranked school. With a strong MCAT score, you enhance your overall profile, regardless of the medical school you eventually attend. This underscores the importance of taking the MCAT at the optimal time—usually over the summer after your sophomore year—so that you have your results in hand well before you begin the application process.
Challenges in the Pre-Med Journey Today
Increased Competition and Evolving Requirements
With over 50,000 applicants each cycle, admissions committees look for well-rounded individuals who perform well academically and demonstrate resilience, leadership, and a commitment to service. As the application process becomes more holistic, the importance of strong clinical experience, research, and community service cannot be overstated. For many, the traditional markers of academic excellence—GPA and MCAT scores—are just one part of the equation. The overall quality of your experiences, including extracurricular involvement and volunteer work, significantly sets you apart.
The Importance of Early and Continuous Guidance
One of the most common challenges pre-med students face is the lack of continuous advising throughout their undergraduate journey. Engaging with a knowledgeable pre-med advisor early on—ideally during your freshman year—can help you strategically plan your coursework, extracurricular activities, and standardized test preparation. Advisors can provide insights into each medical school’s requirements and help tailor your experience so that you are academically prepared and possess a strong, competitive application portfolio when it’s time to apply.
How International Medical Aid Can Support Your Journey
International Medical Aid offers services that address two critical areas: MCAT preparation and medical school admissions consulting. These services are designed to help you build a robust application and gain hands-on clinical experience, strengthening your profile for the MCAT and residency applications.
Hands-On Clinical Internships for Pre-Med Students
IMA offers Healthcare and Pre-Med Internships that immerse you in busy hospital environments abroad. These internships provide direct patient exposure, allowing you to observe clinical procedures, participate in hospital rounds, and learn from seasoned physicians. The experience enriches your understanding of medicine and demonstrates to admissions committees your commitment to patient care.
- Clinical Exposure: Working in a real-world hospital setting helps you understand the practical application of theoretical knowledge. You gain insights into how patient care is delivered, the dynamics of hospital teams, and the challenges of clinical decision-making.
- Skill Development: These internships help you develop essential skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, and the ability to work under pressure—qualities that are highly valued in medical school and residency.
Comprehensive Medical School Admissions Consulting
IMA’s Medical School Admissions Consulting service provides personalized guidance throughout the application process. This consulting can be a game-changer for pre-med students looking to create a compelling application.
- Personal Statement Reviews: Crafting an effective personal statement is a critical part of your application. IMA’s experienced consultants offer in-depth reviews and feedback to help you articulate your passion for medicine and your unique experiences.
- Mock Interviews: Interviews are a key component of the admissions process. Through simulated medical school interviews with seasoned admissions experts, you can practice responding to challenging questions and receive constructive feedback to improve your performance.
- Application Strategy: IMA advisors help you build a strategic plan for your applications by analyzing your academic record, extracurricular activities, and clinical experiences. This ensures that you apply to programs that best align with your strengths and career goals.
Tailored MCAT Preparation Guidance
While the core focus of IMA is on clinical exposure and admissions consulting, the experiences you gain through IMA internships indirectly support your MCAT preparation. Here’s how:
- Application of Knowledge: The clinical experiences you obtain during IMA internships reinforce the scientific concepts and critical thinking skills that are essential for the MCAT. Observing real patient cases can help solidify your understanding of topics like physiology, pathology, and pharmacology.
- Time Management: Balancing an internship abroad with MCAT preparation requires effective time management—a skill that is directly transferable to your MCAT study schedule. Learning to prioritize tasks during your internship can help you structure your study plan and optimize your preparation time.
- Mentorship and Peer Learning: IMA provides opportunities to interact with physician mentors who not only guide your clinical practice but also share insights on how they prepared for standardized tests. These mentors can offer tips on managing stress, efficient study techniques, and strategies for achieving high scores.
Strategies for Integrating MCAT Prep with Clinical Experience
Creating a Balanced Timeline
To successfully prepare for the MCAT while gaining clinical experience, it’s crucial to create a balanced timeline that accommodates both activities. Here are some strategies:
Prioritize Coursework and Test Preparation
Ensure that you complete your core science courses early enough to allow ample time for MCAT review. Taking the MCAT after finishing the prerequisite classes—typically during the summer after your sophomore year—can reduce your study load during the academic year.
Utilize Internship Downtime
IMA internships are structured to provide intensive clinical exposure without overloading your schedule. Use the downtime between hospital shifts or designated study periods to review MCAT materials. This way, you benefit from real-life application of the concepts you study.
Leverage Pre-Med Advising
Regular check-ins with your pre-med advisor are essential. An advisor can help you adjust your timeline based on your internship schedule and ensure that you remain on track for both your clinical experiences and your MCAT preparation.
Maximizing the Benefits of IMA Services
By combining IMA’s clinical internship opportunities with their admissions consulting services, you create a synergistic effect that enhances both your MCAT preparation and overall application strength.
Real-World Learning Enhances Test Preparation
The practical skills and knowledge you acquire through IMA internships provide context to the scientific material on the MCAT. When you see the relevance of physiology or biochemistry in patient care, your conceptual understanding deepens, and this can translate into improved performance on the exam.
Admissions Consulting Bridges the Gap
IMA’s admissions consulting is designed to help you build a narrative that ties together your academic achievements, clinical experiences, and personal motivations. A well-crafted application will emphasize not only your MCAT score but also your commitment to medicine, as evidenced by your hands-on experiences abroad.
Building a Network of Mentors
The relationships you form during an IMA internship are invaluable. Mentors can offer advice on both MCAT preparation and the application process. They serve as references who understand your capabilities, both in the classroom and in the clinical environment, thus strengthening your overall application profile.
Final Thoughts: Your Journey to Medical School Success
The decision of when to take the MCAT is just one piece of the puzzle in your journey to becoming a physician. While med school rankings and standardized tests are important, what ultimately matters is your ability to balance academics with real-world clinical experiences. Recent trends indicate that high test scores, excellent GPAs, and robust clinical exposure are more critical to residency placement than the prestige of your medical school alone.
International Medical Aid is uniquely positioned to support you in this journey. With comprehensive Healthcare and Pre-Med Internships that provide hands-on clinical experience, coupled with personalized Medical School Admissions Consulting, IMA helps you build a competitive, well-rounded application. These services not only enhance your knowledge and skills but also ensure that you are well-prepared for the rigors of both the MCAT and medical school.
By integrating these experiences and services into your pre-med journey, you can transform the way you prepare for the MCAT and approach the medical school admissions process. Focus on building a solid academic record, gaining diverse clinical experiences, and leveraging expert advice to craft a compelling narrative. This holistic approach will position you for success, regardless of med school rankings, and ultimately pave the way to a fulfilling career in medicine.
For more detailed information on improving your MCAT preparation and strengthening your medical school application, explore International Medical Aid’s Healthcare and Pre-Med Internships, Medical School Admissions Consulting, and other resources available on our website.
Resources
AAMC – MCAT Information
https://www.aamc.org/mcat
The Association of American Medical Colleges is the official source for MCAT guidelines, resources, and updates.
U.S. Department of Education – College Navigator
https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/
This government tool provides official data on postsecondary institutions, helping you compare medical schools based on key performance indicators.
National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
https://nces.ed.gov/
NCES is the federal entity for education statistics, offering reliable data on enrollment, graduation rates, and other metrics relevant to assessing educational quality.
Original Publication Date: December 5, 2020 10:18 am CST
