MCAT Test Dates & Score Release (2026)
2026 MCAT Calendar
The AAMC offers 31 MCAT test dates in 2026, running from January through mid-September. New for 2026, the AAMC added a February 13 date — historically there were no February exams.
Scores are released approximately 30-35 days after the test date, by 5:00 p.m. ET on the listed release date.
| Test Date | Score Release Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 9, 2026 | Feb 10, 2026 | First exams of the year. |
| Jan 10, 2026 | Feb 10, 2026 | |
| Jan 15, 2026 | Feb 17, 2026 | |
| Jan 23, 2026 | Feb 24, 2026 | |
| Feb 13, 2026 | Mar 17, 2026 | New for 2026 — first-ever February date. |
| Mar 7, 2026 | Apr 7, 2026 | |
| Mar 20, 2026 | Apr 21, 2026 | |
| Apr 10, 2026 | May 12, 2026 | Scores released just as AMCAS opens. |
| Apr 11, 2026 | May 12, 2026 | |
| Apr 24, 2026 | May 27, 2026 | |
| Apr 25, 2026 | May 27, 2026 | |
| May 2, 2026 | Jun 2, 2026 | |
| May 8, 2026 | Jun 9, 2026 | |
| May 9, 2026 | Jun 9, 2026 | Popular date for students finishing spring semester. |
| May 14, 2026 | Jun 16, 2026 | |
| May 22, 2026 | Jun 23, 2026 | Among the last to have scores before AMCAS transmission (usually late June). |
| May 30, 2026 | Jun 30, 2026 | |
| Jun 12, 2026 | Jul 14, 2026 | |
| Jun 13, 2026 | Jul 14, 2026 | |
| Jun 26, 2026 | Jul 28, 2026 | |
| Jun 27, 2026 | Jul 28, 2026 | |
| Jul 11, 2026 | Aug 11, 2026 | Getting late for this cycle. |
| Jul 24, 2026 | Aug 25, 2026 | |
| Jul 31, 2026 | Sep 2, 2026 | |
| Aug 15, 2026 | Sep 15, 2026 | |
| Aug 21, 2026 | Sep 22, 2026 | |
| Aug 22, 2026 | Sep 22, 2026 | |
| Sep 3, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 | |
| Sep 4, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 | |
| Sep 11, 2026 | Oct 13, 2026 | |
| Sep 12, 2026 | Oct 13, 2026 | Last exam of the year. |
When Should You Take the MCAT?
The “Golden Window”: April or May
Ideally, you want to take the MCAT in April or May of the year you apply.
- Why: Your score will be released in May or June, just as the AMCAS application opens. This allows you to submit your application early (which is critical for rolling admissions) with your score in hand.
The “Late but Okay” Window: June
Taking the exam in June is acceptable.
- Strategy: Submit your AMCAS application in early June without your score (to just one “throwaway” school) to get the verification process started. When your score arrives in July, you can add your real school list.
The “Danger Zone”: July or Later
Taking the exam in July or August puts you at a significant disadvantage for the current cycle. Your application won’t be complete until August or September, by which time many interview spots have already been given away.
Registration Tips
- Register Early: Seats fill up fast on opening day, especially for popular May and June dates.
- The 10-Day Deadline: You cannot register, reschedule, or cancel an exam less than 10 days before the test date.
- Rescheduling Fees: Be aware that rescheduling fees increase as the test date approaches.