{"id":428,"date":"2026-06-10T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-06-10T16:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/?p=428"},"modified":"2026-06-10T09:34:59","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T16:34:59","slug":"mcat-test-dates","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/mcat-test-dates\/","title":{"rendered":"2026 MCAT Test Dates &#038; Score Release Dates"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .table-responsive {\n    display: block;\n    width: calc(100vw - 50px);\n    max-width: calc(100vw - 50px);\n    overflow-x: auto;\n    -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;\n    margin-left: auto;\n    margin-right: auto;\n  }\n  .table-responsive table {\n    min-width: 500px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/files\/2018\/10\/image-mcat-header-testDates.jpg\" alt=\"MCAT test dates - image by Magoosh\" width=\"1200\" height=\"600\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-1442\" srcset=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/files\/2018\/10\/image-mcat-header-testDates.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/files\/2018\/10\/image-mcat-header-testDates-300x150.jpg 300w, https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/files\/2018\/10\/image-mcat-header-testDates-768x384.jpg 768w, https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/files\/2018\/10\/image-mcat-header-testDates-1024x512.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The MCAT is offered on about 30 dates each year, from <strong>January through September<\/strong>. For the 2026 testing year, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC, the test-maker) scheduled <strong>31 dates, running from January 9 to September 12, 2026<\/strong>. The exam is not offered in October, November, or December.<\/p>\n<p>Picking the right date matters more for the MCAT than for most exams. Unlike pre-health tests like the OAT and DAT, the MCAT is not offered year-round, and the dates fill in around the medical school application cycle. On top of that, <strong>MCAT scores take about a month to arrive<\/strong>, so your test date and your score release date are really one decision, not two.<\/p>\n<p>Below you&#8217;ll find every 2026 test date, registration deadline, and score release date, plus tips on how to choose. Planning for 2027? The AAMC typically publishes the next year&#8217;s calendar in the fall, so <strong>expect 2027 dates around October 2026<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div class=\"toc\">\n<p style=\"color: #4D2079; font-size:larger\"><strong>Table of Contents<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#dates\">2026 MCAT Test Dates, Score Release Dates &amp; Registration Deadlines<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#scores\">When do MCAT scores come out?<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#tips\">MCAT Test Dates and Registration Tips<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#final\">A Final Word on Choosing an MCAT Test Date<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2 id=\"dates\" style=\"color: #4D2079; padding: 0;\">2026 MCAT Test Dates, Score Release Dates &amp; Registration Deadlines<\/h2>\n<p>Each test date has three registration deadlines (60-day, 30-day, and 10-day) and one score release date. The <strong>10-day deadline<\/strong> is the last day you can schedule, reschedule, or cancel a seat, or edit your registration details. All times are based on local test center time, and the standard start time is 8:00 a.m.<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-responsive\">\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; margin: 1em 0;\">\n<thead>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #4D2079; color: white;\">\n<th style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Test Date<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">60-Day Deadline<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">30-Day Deadline<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">10-Day Deadline<\/th>\n<th style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">Score Release Date<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">January 9, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">November 10, 2025<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">December 10, 2025<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">December 30, 2025<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 10, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">January 10, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">November 11, 2025<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">December 11, 2025<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">December 31, 2025<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 10, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">January 15, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">November 16, 2025<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">December 16, 2025<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">January 5, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 17, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">January 23, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">November 24, 2025<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">December 24, 2025<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">January 13, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 24, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 13, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">December 15, 2025<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">January 14, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 3, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 17, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 7, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">January 6, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 5, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 25, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 7, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 20, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">January 19, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 18, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 10, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 21, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 10, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 9, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 11, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 31, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 12, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 11, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 10, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 12, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 1, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 12, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 24, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 23, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 25, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 14, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 27, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 25, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">February 24, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 26, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 15, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 27, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 2, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 3, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 2, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 22, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 2, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 8, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 9, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 8, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 28, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 9, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 9, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 10, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 9, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 29, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 9, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 14, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 15, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 14, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 4, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 16, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 22, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 23, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 22, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 12, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 23, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 30, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">March 31, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 30, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 20, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 30, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 12, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 13, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 13, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 2, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 14, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 13, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 14, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 14, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 3, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 14, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 26, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 27, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 27, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 16, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 28, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 27, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">April 28, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 28, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 17, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 28, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 11, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 12, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 11, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 1, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 11, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 24, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">May 25, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 24, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 14, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 25, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 31, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 1, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 1, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 21, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">September 2, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 15, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 16, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 16, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 5, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">September 15, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 21, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 22, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 22, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 11, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">September 22, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 22, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">June 23, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 23, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 12, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">September 22, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">September 3, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 5, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 4, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 24, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">October 6, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">September 4, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 6, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 5, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 25, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">October 6, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9;\">\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">September 11, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 13, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 12, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">September 1, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">October 13, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">September 12, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">July 14, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">August 13, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">September 2, 2026<\/td>\n<td style=\"padding: 10px; border: 1px solid #ddd;\">October 13, 2026<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote style=\"border-left: 4px solid #4d2079; background: #F9FAFB; padding: 1em 1.2em; margin: 1em 0; border-radius: 6px; box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);\">\n<p><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Register early. Popular dates and nearby test centers fill up fast, especially the spring dates that line up with the application cycle. You can find step-by-step instructions in our <a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/mcat-registration\/\">MCAT registration guide<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 id=\"scores\" style=\"color: #4D2079; padding: 0;\">When do MCAT scores come out?<\/h2>\n<p><strong>MCAT scores are released about 30 to 35 days after your test date.<\/strong> The AAMC posts each score by <strong>5:00 p.m. ET<\/strong> on a set score release date, which you can find in the table above. So if you test in early May, you can expect your score in early June.<\/p>\n<p>Why the wait? The AAMC needs time to process and equate every exam before scores are finalized, so you don&#8217;t get a score at the test center, and there&#8217;s nothing you can do to speed it up. The good news is the date is known in advance, so you can plan around it.<\/p>\n<p>That score release delay drives a key planning rule: <strong>if you want your application reviewed among the earliest, you generally need to test by May.<\/strong> Medical schools review applications on a rolling basis, so an early, complete application is an advantage. Counting back from a May test date, your score lands in June, right as the application cycle opens.<\/p>\n<p>Once your score arrives, the next question is usually whether it&#8217;s competitive. Our guides to <a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/mcat-score-percentiles\/\">MCAT score percentiles<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/what-is-a-good-mcat-score\/\">what counts as a good MCAT score<\/a> can help you read your results in context and decide whether to apply or retake.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"tips\" style=\"color: #4D2079; padding: 0;\">MCAT Test Dates and Registration Tips<\/h2>\n<h3 style=\"color: #C5168C;\">Which MCAT test date should I choose?<\/h3>\n<p>Wondering <a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/when-to-take-mcat\/\">when to take the MCAT<\/a>? You&#8217;re not alone. Each student has a slightly different timeline. If you know you need more time to prepare than your friends do, <a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/mcat-registration\/\">register for the MCAT<\/a> at a later date. The goal is to take the MCAT as few times as possible, so pick a date you genuinely feel ready for.<\/p>\n<p>Work backward from your application deadlines. Because it takes about 30 days to get your scores back, you&#8217;ll want to factor in <a href=\"#scores\">score release dates<\/a> when you choose. As noted above, <strong>students who want their application among the earliest reviewed typically test by May<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>To submit a complete medical school application, you&#8217;ll need your MCAT score, academic transcripts, a personal statement, a description of activities and awards, letters of recommendation, and any additional essays a school requires. Applications come in two phases:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Primary applications<\/strong> go through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). You&#8217;ll need your personal statement, transcripts, and activities. Once submitted, your primary application has to be verified by AMCAS, which itself takes time.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Secondary applications<\/strong> are sent out after a school receives your primary application. AMCAS begins transmitting verified primary applications to schools on the last Friday of June. <strong>In 2026, that date is June 26.<\/strong> Students with verified applications by then start receiving secondaries, and schools begin reviewing complete applications.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 style=\"color: #C5168C;\">Where can I find MCAT registration tips?<\/h3>\n<p>For how to register, current fees, and more, see our full <a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/mcat-registration\/\">MCAT registration guide<\/a>. You can also confirm the latest details directly on the <a href=\"https:\/\/students-residents.aamc.org\/register-mcat-exam\/us-mcat-calendar-scheduling-deadlines-and-score-release-dates-0\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">AAMC&#8217;s official MCAT calendar<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"color: #C5168C;\">When should I start studying for the MCAT?<\/h3>\n<p>The MCAT is a long test that covers a lot of material. After all, <a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/how-long-is-the-mcat\/\">it lasts about 7.5 hours<\/a>! That means you&#8217;ll want to start early. <strong>Three to six months of dedicated prep is ideal.<\/strong> In a perfect world, that looks like this:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>January test date:<\/strong> Start prep between August and October of the year before<\/li>\n<li><strong>March test date:<\/strong> Start prep between October and December of the year before<\/li>\n<li><strong>April test date:<\/strong> Start prep between November of the year before and January<\/li>\n<li><strong>May test date:<\/strong> Start prep between December of the year before and February<\/li>\n<li><strong>June test date:<\/strong> Start prep between January and March<\/li>\n<li><strong>July test date:<\/strong> Start prep between February and April<\/li>\n<li><strong>August test date:<\/strong> Start prep between March and May<\/li>\n<li><strong>September test date:<\/strong> Start prep between April and June<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If you don&#8217;t have that much runway, you can still get the prep you need. Magoosh&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/mcat-study-schedules\/\">MCAT study schedules<\/a> cover everything from organic chemistry and physics to psychology and CARS, whether you have one month or six (or even <a href=\"https:\/\/magoosh.com\/mcat\/last-minute-mcat-advice\/\">one week<\/a>).<\/p>\n<blockquote style=\"border-left: 4px solid #4d2079; background: #F9FAFB; padding: 1em 1.2em; margin: 1em 0; border-radius: 6px; box-shadow: 0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,0.05);\">\n<p><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong> Before you lock in a date, take a practice test to see where you stand. A <a href=\"https:\/\/mcat.magoosh.com\/practice_tests\/free\">free MCAT practice test<\/a> gives you a realistic baseline, which makes it much easier to judge how many months of prep you actually need.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 id=\"final\" style=\"color: #4D2079; padding: 0;\">A Final Word on Choosing an MCAT Test Date<\/h2>\n<p>Registering for the MCAT can feel stressful, but a little planning goes a long way. Line up your test date with your target score release date and your application deadlines, give yourself enough runway to prepare, and lean on a good study plan and a few <a href=\"https:\/\/mcat.magoosh.com\/lessons\/5561-mindfulness-for-pre-meds\" rel=\"noopener\" target=\"_blank\">anxiety-relieving mindfulness techniques<\/a>. If you&#8217;d like structured prep with high-yield lessons and practice, <a href=\"https:\/\/mcat.magoosh.com\/\">Magoosh MCAT prep<\/a> can help you get there. Good luck!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Check out this list of MCAT test dates to determine which test date (and score release!) is best for your medical school application plans.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":173,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"ppma_author":[2339],"class_list":["post-428","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-about-mcat"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v21.7 (Yoast SEO v21.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>2026 MCAT Test Dates &amp; Score Release Dates - Magoosh MCAT Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What MCAT test dates are available in 2026? 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