When should I take the MCAT^®?

You should take the MCAT about 18 months prior to your expected entry into medical school. For example, if you want to start medical school in the fall of 2008, you should plan to take the MCAT in the spring of 2007. Many medical schools prefer that you take the MCAT in the spring because of the short time between the availability of the summer and fall test scores and schools’ application deadlines. Spring testing also gives the medical school admissions committee more time to review your file. If you are enrolled in a summer school course that may help you on the MCAT, such as a science course, it may be best to take the MCAT in the summer or fall.

Starting in January 2007, when the MCAT moves exclusively to computerized MCAT administration, the MCAT will be administered 22 times yearly, across 19 calendar dates in January, April, May, June, July, August, and September.

For More Information:

• Computerized MCAT® Exam - Free Resource!
  The AAMC offers comprehensive MCAT information including test registration information, practice tests, test scoring information, and MCAT research, as well as a full description of the computerized MCAT, including testing dates, sites, and registration information.
  
  

• Frequently Asked Questions about the MCAT® Exam - Free Resource!
  This Q&A provides basic, at-a-glance information about the MCAT.
  
  

• MCAT® Exam Registration  
  This site provides everything you need to register for an MCAT exam, including the dates when the MCAT will be administered in the current year.
  
  

• MCAT® Essentials  (PDF, 21 pages) - Free Resource!
  Considered required reading for all MCAT exam candidates, the AAMC’s MCAT Essentials provides critical information regarding preparation and administration of the exam.