2026 MCAT Test and Score Release Dates

You can register for the 2026 MCAT via the AAMC MCAT Registration Site. Be sure to register early since MCAT dates can fill up very fast, and unlike other exams, it is not offered year-round. We recommend that you start planning the process as early as possible.

No, you can only register for a single MCAT test. The AAMC requires that you are only registered for one date at a time.  You will not be able to register for more than one test day until you release your registration. You can, however, re-register once you have taken the MCAT.

MCAT scores are released to students about a month after the test date. Take this into account when registering for the MCAT, as there is a point where it may not make sense to apply any longer that cycle.

Once the MCAT score is released, if you have applied your schools will automatically be updated with the score! 

MCAT scores are released at 5 pm EST on the score release date.

The standard registration fee for the MCAT is $355. This is reduced to $145 if you are part of the Fee Assistance Program. 

There is also a cost to reschedule your exam of $55 to $210, depending on how far out you reschedule it. 

If you are an international student, there is an additional $130 fee. 

The best month to take the MCAT is any month before May (and no later than May) of your application cycle year. 

Thinking through MCAT timing, especially which month to take the MCAT, is an important consideration for most pre-medical students. 

The MCAT is offered at various times throughout the year, and students should plan ahead to best understand when to take it. If you are taking the MCAT within the calendar year of your application, then you should aim to take the MCAT the Winter or Spring before. That means that August may be too late to put in a good, early application to medical school. 

Conversely, if you are taking a gap year before you apply, then August may be a fine month to take it, and it would also allow plenty of extra time to potentially retake it in later months. 

To find out the best time for the MCAT for you, it’s best to discuss with a knowledgeable admissions coach about your individual situation. 

Once you have an MCAT test date set (or an estimated test date), it’s time to start your study process. Usually, we recommend at least 3 months of dedicated MCAT study time. AAMC, the body that puts out the MCAT, actually recommends studying for roughly 300 hours in total.

This dedicated study time allows you to review MCAT content, like an MCAT Audio Course and to do MCAT practice tests to test your knowledge.

A good MCAT score will give you a competitive edge over applicants. A score of 511 will put you in the 82nd percentile or higher, making you a stronger candidate.

It’s possible to be accepted into medical school with a score under 511, so there are no hard rules on what a good score is. For reference, in 2024, the average MCAT score of matriculants was 511.8.