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MCAT Test Dates
Why You Can’t Wait — And How to Lock In Your Seat

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If you’re gearing up to take the MCAT, here’s some hard truth: test dates fill up fast. Spaces at Pearson VUE centers (especially in popular cities) are limited, and once a date is gone … it’s often gone. That means procrastination isn’t just a bad habit — it could cost you your preferred test date, testing center, or even delay your med school application timeline. If you want to play this right, you’ve got to be quick, intentional, and strategic from the moment registration opens.

If you’d like to dive deeper into MCAT prep, be sure to check out our related blog posts “Best Order to Study for the MCAT” and “MCAT Retake Strategy”.

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Table 1: U.S. MCAT Test Dates (2026)

Here’s a look at key U.S. MCAT test dates and the associated registration/change deadlines.

Test Date60-Day Reg Deadline30-Day Reg Deadline10-Day Change DeadlineScore Release Date
Jan 9, 2026Nov 10, 2025Dec 10, 2025Dec 30, 2025Feb 10, 2026
Jan 10, 2026Nov 11, 2025Dec 11, 2025Dec 31, 2025Feb 10, 2026
Jan 15, 2026Nov 16, 2025Dec 16, 2025Jan 5, 2026Feb 17, 2026
Jan 23, 2026Nov 24, 2025Dec 24, 2025Jan 13, 2026Feb 24, 2026
Feb 13, 2026Dec 15, 2025Jan 14, 2026Feb 3, 2026Mar 17, 2026
Mar 7, 2026Jan 6, 2026Feb 5, 2026Feb 25, 2026Apr 7, 2026
Mar 20, 2026Jan 19, 2026Feb 18, 2026Mar 10, 2026Apr 21, 2026
Apr 10, 2026Feb 9, 2026Mar 11, 2026Mar 31, 2026May 12, 2026
Apr 11, 2026Feb 10, 2026Mar 12, 2026Apr 1, 2026May 12, 2026
Apr 24, 2026Feb 23, 2026Mar 25, 2026Apr 14, 2026May 27, 2026
Apr 25, 2026Feb 24, 2026Mar 26, 2026Apr 15, 2026May 27, 2026
May 2, 2026Mar 3, 2026Apr 2, 2026Apr 22, 2026June 2, 2026
May 8, 2026Mar 9, 2026Apr 8, 2026Apr 28, 2026June 9, 2026
May 9, 2026Mar 10, 2026Apr 9, 2026Apr 29, 2026June 9, 2026
May 14, 2026Mar 15, 2026Apr 14, 2026May 4, 2026June 16, 2026
May 22, 2026Mar 23, 2026Apr 22, 2026May 12, 2026June 23, 2026
May 30, 2026Mar 31, 2026Apr 30, 2026May 20, 2026June 30, 2026
Jun 12, 2026Apr 13, 2026May 13, 2026Jun 2, 2026July 14, 2026
Jun 13, 2026Apr 14, 2026May 14, 2026Jun 3, 2026July 14, 2026
Jun 26, 2026Apr 27, 2026May 27, 2026Jun 16, 2026July 28, 2026
Jun 27, 2026Apr 28, 2026May 28, 2026Jun 17, 2026July 28, 2026
Jul 11, 2026May 12, 2026Jun 11, 2026Jul 1, 2026Aug 11, 2026
Jul 24, 2026May 25, 2026Jun 24, 2026Jul 14, 2026Aug 25, 2026
Jul 31, 2026Jun 1, 2026Jul 1, 2026Jul 21, 2026Sept 2, 2026
Aug 15, 2026Jun 16, 2026Jul 16, 2026Aug 5, 2026Sept 15, 2026
Aug 21, 2026Jun 22, 2026Jul 22, 2026Aug 11, 2026Sept 22, 2026
Aug 22, 2026Jun 23, 2026Jul 23, 2026Aug 12, 2026Sept 22, 2026
Sept 3, 2026July 5, 2026Aug 4, 2026Aug 24, 2026Oct 6, 2026
Sept 4, 2026July 6, 2026Aug 5, 2026Aug 25, 2026Oct 6, 2026
Sept 11, 2026July 13, 2026Aug 12, 2026Sept 1, 2026Oct 13, 2026
Sept 12, 2026July 14, 2026Aug 13, 2026Sept 2, 2026Oct 13, 2026
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Table 2: Canadian MCAT Test Dates (2026)

Here are the Canadian-specific MCAT dates & deadlines.

Test Date60-Day Deadline30-Day Deadline10-Day Change DeadlineScore Release Date
Jan 9, 2026Nov 10, 2025Dec 10, 2025Dec 30, 2025Feb 10, 2026
Jan 15, 2026Nov 16, 2025Dec 16, 2025Jan 5, 2026Feb 17, 2026
Jan 23, 2026Nov 24, 2025Dec 24, 2025Jan 13, 2026Feb 24, 2026
Feb 13, 2026Dec 15, 2025Jan 14, 2026Feb 3, 2026Mar 17, 2026
Mar 7, 2026Jan 6, 2026Feb 5, 2026Feb 25, 2026Apr 7, 2026
Apr 10, 2026Feb 9, 2026Mar 11, 2026Mar 31, 2026May 12, 2026
Apr 24, 2026Feb 23, 2026Mar 25, 2026Apr 14, 2026May 27, 2026
May 8, 2026Mar 9, 2026Apr 8, 2026Apr 28, 2026June 9, 2026
May 14, 2026Mar 15, 2026Apr 14, 2026May 4, 2026June 16, 2026
May 30, 2026Mar 31, 2026Apr 30, 2026May 20, 2026June 30, 2026
June 12, 2026Apr 13, 2026May 13, 2026June 2, 2026July 14, 2026
June 13, 2026Apr 14, 2026May 14, 2026June 3, 2026July 14, 2026
June 26, 2026Apr 27, 2026May 27, 2026June 16, 2026July 28, 2026
June 27, 2026Apr 28, 2026May 28, 2026June 17, 2026July 28, 2026
July 11, 2026May 12, 2026June 11, 2026July 1, 2026Aug 11, 2026
July 24, 2026May 25, 2026June 24, 2026July 14, 2026Aug 25, 2026
July 25, 2026May 26, 2026June 25, 2026July 15, 2026Aug 25, 2026
July 31, 2026June 1, 2026July 1, 2026July 21, 2026Sept 2, 2026
Aug 1, 2026June 2, 2026July 2, 2026July 22, 2026Sept 2, 2026
Aug 7, 2026June 8, 2026July 8, 2026July 28, 2026Sept 8, 2026
Aug 8, 2026June 9, 2026July 9, 2026July 29, 2026Sept 8, 2026
Aug 14, 2026June 15, 2026July 15, 2026Aug 4, 2026Sept 15, 2026
Aug 15, 2026June 16, 2026July 16, 2026Aug 5, 2026Sept 15, 2026
Aug 20, 2026June 21, 2026July 21, 2026Aug 10, 2026Sept 22, 2026
Aug 21, 2026June 22, 2026July 22, 2026Aug 11, 2026Sept 22, 2026
Aug 22, 2026June 23, 2026July 23, 2026Aug 12, 2026Sept 22, 2026
Aug 28, 2026June 29, 2026July 29, 2026Aug 18, 2026Sept 29, 2026
Sept 3, 2026July 5, 2026Aug 4, 2026Aug 24, 2026Oct 6, 2026
Sept 4, 2026July 6, 2026Aug 5, 2026Aug 25, 2026Oct 6, 2026
Sept 5, 2026July 7, 2026Aug 6, 2026Aug 26, 2026Oct 6, 2026
Sept 11, 2026July 13, 2026Aug 12, 2026Sept 1, 2026Oct 13, 2026
Sept 12, 2026July 14, 2026Aug 13, 2026Sept 2, 2026Oct 13, 2026
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What to Do Before You Register for the MCAT

  1. Research ahead. Since dates fill up fast, go into the registration window with a clear plan: know which test date(s) you want, how they align with your prep, and what your backup will be.

  2. Pre-fill your registration system. When registration opens, you don’t want to waste time filling out personal info — have your account ready so you can jump in.

  3. Set reminders. Mark registration opening dates, deadlines, and “cancel or reschedule by” cutoffs on your calendar so you don’t miss anything.

Find Out When Registration Opens (and Be Ready)

For the 2026 testing year, registration opens on October 21–23, 2025 at 12 p.m. ET, depending on your test-center region.

  • Group A centers (mostly U.S. Northeast / East) open Oct 21.

  • Group B (other U.S. states) open Oct 22.

  • Group C (including Canada, UK, Australia, and other countries) opens Oct 23.

Pro tip: Log into the system early but not too early. According to AAMC, logging in more than 10 minutes before the official open time doesn’t help — but if you’re in right before, you get randomly assigned a place in line.

Consider Testing Accommodations

If you need accommodations (e.g., extended time, extra breaks), don’t wait until the last minute:

  • Submit your accommodations application early. AAMC requires documentation and pre-approval, and this process can take time.

  • Once approved, you may even get advance scheduling privileges so you can lock in a seat before general registration opens.

  • Gather your supporting materials (e.g., neuropsych report, previous testing documentation) well in advance so there are no surprises.
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Confirm Your Test Date Works With Your Application Timeline

One key but sometimes overlooked step: make sure your score release date aligns with your med school application deadlines.

  • MCAT scores are generally released by 5:00 p.m. ET on the scheduled score release day.

  • If you’re applying via AMCAS (or similar), check when schools expect scores, when you need to submit your primary, and whether you can realistically get your scores in time.

Choosing a test date that releases too late could force you to delay applications — or worse, pressure you into a retake plan.

Choose a Testing Center (Strategically)

Your testing center matters more than you might think:

  • Pick a nearby center if possible. Travel stress, traffic, or even test-center parking can derail your day if you’re not careful.

  • Look at how busy different centers are. Some centers are more popular, and you might have more luck finding spots or rescheduling there early.

  • Consider test-center reputation and conditions (e.g., how well they’ve handled scheduling or capacity in the past) if you have options.

Align Your MCAT Date With Your Life

Don’t pick a test date in a vacuum — compare it to your personal, academic, and work schedule:

  • Do you have a heavy semester, a major project, or other obligations around your chosen test date?

  • Can you realistically commit to full focus during your prep leading up to that date?

  • What if you need a retake — will that retake date push into your application window?

Aligning your test date with your real-life schedule minimizes risk and maximizes your ability to perform at your best.

Test-Day Advice

  • Double-check your appointment: date, time, and test center location.

  • Arrive early — leave margin for travel, check-in, and unexpected delays.

  • Pack good snacks and water (within allowed policies) so you’re fueled, especially during breaks.

  • Bring your valid, acceptable photo ID (make sure the name matches your registration).

  • Bring a backup ID (if possible) just in case.

  • Review permitted items (e.g., breaks, what you can bring into the test) so you’re not scrambling.

FAQ

What date should I pick for the MCAT?

That depends on your application cycle, your prep timeline, and your personal schedule. Ideally, choose a date that gives you enough study time, a score release before your application deadline, and space to reschedule (if needed).

What do I need to register for the MCAT?

You’ll need your personal information, a valid ID, payment method, and possibly documentation if you’re applying for accommodations.

How much does registering for the MCAT cost?

The base standard registration is $355 (USD). International examinees pay an additional non-refundable international fee of $135 (USD).

Can I reschedule the MCAT?

Yes — you can reschedule up to 10 days before your test. But note that there are tiered fees depending on how far out you make the change.

When should I start MCAT prep?

That depends on how much time you have and how many hours/week you can commit. But broadly speaking, many successful students begin 3–6 months ahead of their test date. According to MCAT planning guides, for a May/June test, starting several months in advance gives you time to build content knowledge and do practice.

Can I retake the MCAT?

Yes — you can take the MCAT more than once, but there are some policies and limits. (Also, retake strategy should be considered carefully — both for prep and cost.) Make sure to check the current AAMC policies and factor that into your planning.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re serious about maximizing your MCAT game, don’t treat test-date registration like a random to-do. Lean in, plan early, and treat your registration like a key piece of your med-school roadmap. Seats fill up. Deadlines matter. Your test center and test date should align not just with when you want to take the exam, but with how you want to apply, perform, and move forward. Be proactive now, and you’ll thank yourself later.

Book a free consultation with one of our MCAT tutors, we’ll walk you through your goals, timeline, and weak areas to help design a personalized plan.

If you have any questions about our MCAT services, feel free to contact our customer support team here.

Good luck!

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Blake

523-scorer, 4th-year medical student

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