After taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), you'll typically receive your score about 30-35 days after your test date. Because of that timing, it's important to plan your test date strategically. Your score release date can affect when you submit applications, whether you have time for a retake, and how competitive you'll be during the admissions cycle.
To help you plan, we've outlined the latest MCAT score release dates and application timing considerations. Whether you're scheduling your first MCAT or waiting for results, understanding the process can help you stay on track and move through the application process confidently.
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MCAT Test and Score Release Dates
The 2026 MCAT test dates below can help you plan strategically. Being intentional about your test date can help you avoid application delays and keep more flexibility for retakes if needed.
Find your ideal MCAT test date below, based on how long you need to study beforehand, scheduled score release dates, and when you want to submit your primaries.
| 2026 Test Date | Score Release Date | Start Test Prep by: |
| June 12 | July 14 | March 12, 2026 |
| June 13 | July 14 | March 13, 2026 |
| June 26 | July 28 | March 26, 2026 |
| June 27 | july 28 | March 27, 2026 |
| July 11 | August 11 | April 11, 2026 |
| July 24 | August 25 | April 25, 2026 |
| July 31 | September 2 | April 20, 2025 |
| August 15 | September 15 | May 15, 2026 |
| August 21 | September 22 | May 21, 2026 |
| August 22 | September 22 | May 22, 2026 |
| September 3 | October 6 | June 3, 2026 |
| September 4 | October 6 | June 4, 2026 |
| September 11 | October 13 | June 11, 2026 |
| September 12 | October 13 | June 12, 2026 |
Rescheduling Fees
Sometimes it’s unavoidable that your MCAT test date needs to change. The AAMC allows students to reschedule or cancel their exam, but there are fees involved that vary based on how close you are to your scheduled test date.
Current standard rescheduling fees are:
- $55 if you reschedule 60 or more days before your exam. If canceling, $175 will be refunded.
- $110 if you reschedule 30-59 days before your exam. If canceling, $175 will be refunded.
- $210 if you reschedule 10-29 days before your exam. If canceling, no refund will be issued.
Fee Assistance Program (reduced fees):
- $25 if you reschedule 60 or more days before your exam. If canceling, $75 will be refunded.
- $45 if you reschedule 30-59 days before your exam. If canceling, $75 will be refunded.
- $85 if you reschedule 10-29 days before your exam. If canceling, no refund will be issued.
There is a 10-day deadline to schedule, reschedule, or cancel your MCAT exam. You cannot make any additional changes less than 10 days before your test. Scheduling policies and fees can change, so always confirm information directly through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) before making changes to your registration.
Learn More: Applying for MCAT Accommodations
Why Does It Take So Long to Get My Results?
It takes so long to get your test scores because MCAT scores are scaled scores (converted from a raw score) and equated (adjusted for minor difficulty differences on other test dates). This process takes 30-35 days. The MCAT isn’t graded on a curve with other pre-medical students.
In addition, the 4-week waiting period allows the AAMC to review any test-day concerns submitted by examinees, including issues related to testing conditions. This review process helps ensure the validity and fairness of all MCAT scores.
MCAT test results are typically released by 5 PM EST on the scheduled release date. While scores may appear earlier in the day, all scores are guaranteed to be available by 5 PM EST.
Read Next: The 4 MCAT Sections: A Detailed Breakdown + How to
What If My Score Is Lower Than Expected?
If you receive a total score that is lower than you were expecting, the best next step is to reassess your application strategy and decide whether to adjust your plan or retake the MCAT.
Here are some common options:
- Adjust your school list: Focus more heavily on schools where your MCAT score is within or closer to the accepted range, and reduce emphasis on highly competitive reach programs. You can even consider programs that don’t require the MCAT.
- Retake the MCAT: If you believe you can significantly improve your score, a retake may make sense. Just keep in mind that this can impact your timeline. The AAMC allows for 3 retakes in a single calendar year, with an overall lifetime limit of no more than 7.
- Consider a gap year: If your score is below your target range, taking an extra year to prep can give you time to improve your MCAT score. More time can also help you boost extracurriculars and GPA, improve your personal statement, and refine your application.
- Request a rescore: If you believe there was an error in your scoring, you can request an official Rescore Request in the MCAT Registration System within 30 calendar days of your score release date. The fee for rescore requests is $80.
- Get MCAT tutoring or structured support: Targeted MCAT preparation with tutoring or a structured study plan can help you identify weaknesses and improve your score on a retake.
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FAQs
While there is no single “best” date for everyone, your ideal MCAT test date depends on your preparation timeline, application strategy, and whether you want flexibility for a potential retake.
For the 2026 application cycle, the latest MCAT test date is September 12, 2026. While it is still possible to take the exam this late, we advise students to take the MCAT 1-6 months before submitting primary applications, ideally no later than early May of their application cycle year.
Because primary applications open in May and are typically submitted in early June, taking the exam earlier helps ensure your score is available without delaying submission.
The September test date is generally best suited for students taking a gap year or those who are comfortable applying in a later phase of the cycle. Since medical schools use rolling admissions, submitting your application earlier in the cycle can provide a meaningful advantage for receiving interview invitations.
MCAT scores are released through the AAMC’s MCAT Score Reporting System. You’ll need to log in to the AAMC website using your AAMC credentials to view your results under the “Get Your Test Scores” button once they are available. Scores are typically released by 5 PM EST on the scheduled release date.
MCAT scores are released on scheduled dates set by the AAMC, but in some cases, those dates have been moved earlier. When this happens, it is typically a one-time scheduling adjustment and not a consistent pattern across test dates, and examinees are informed of changes by email.
On the actual release day, scores may also appear earlier than the official 5 PM EST deadline. However, there is no guarantee of early access either on the day or ahead of the scheduled release date.
You do not need to wait for your MCAT score to submit your primary application. Many applicants submit early to verify coursework and begin processing while waiting for their scores, since admissions committees review applications in stages.
If you are unsure, reviewing your performance on MCAT essentials and full-length practice tests can help you estimate where you stand before committing to submission. If you are planning a retake, waiting for your score may help you make a more informed decision.
MCAT score release dates can directly shape your application timing because medical schools use rolling admissions. A later score release may delay when your application becomes fully complete, which can impact interview timing.
Earlier test dates generally allow applicants to submit a complete application sooner, which is a pattern often seen among successful matriculants. Your score release timeline also influences whether you have time for a retake, especially if your initial score is not in your target MCAT range.
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The MCAT is a challenging exam that requires strong content knowledge, a solid test strategy, and consistent practice. Your performance on exam day plays a major role in shaping your medical school application outcomes.
MedSchoolCoach offers personalized, one-on-one MCAT tutoring designed to help you reach your target score, not just an average MCAT score, with structured support and proven strategies.
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Dr. Ken Tao
Ken is the Director of MCAT and Research at MedSchoolCoach. He is an alumnus of UC Berkeley and Harvard University, boasts degrees in Bioengineering, Molecular and Cell Biology, and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience. Ken previously worked with undergraduate students at Princeton Review where he was the only tutor certified in all subjects. Ken was one of the highest rated MCAT tutors ever and a teacher trainer. He founded Magoosh's MCAT division and has written content for dozen's of MCAT books and guides.
