MCAT Score Release Dates & Understanding All The Deadlines

I’m not sure which is more difficult: the waiting, waiting, and waiting to find out what you scored on the MCAT or actually taking the test – lol! So, if you’re wondering, “Just how long do I have to wait to hear how I did, Maggie?” I’ve got you covered with a handy table listing all the MCAT score release dates and their corresponding scheduling deadlines. 

And, since nailing down the nitty-gritty of how, when, and where you’ll take the MCAT is enough to send your anxiety through the roof, keep scrolling after the table to find helpful info on a few of the million questions likely swirling around your brain. I’m answering what you need to know about finding a location, scheduling logistics, understanding the 10/30/60-day deadlines, and how and when to access your score.

This post is all about MCAT score release dates.

This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.

Updated MCAT Score Release Dates

MCAT Exam Basics

As you prepare for the MCAT, understanding the exam’s structure and logistics will help ensure you’re actually feeling ready and confident on exam day!

Is the MCAT Offered Online?

No, the MCAT is only offered in person at a designated testing center. You’ll complete the computer-based standardized test in a secure and monitored environment that maintains the integrity of the exam and ensures all test-takers are held to the same standards.

What Time is the Exam?

The standard start time for the MCAT is 8:00 a.m. (unless otherwise noted). Plan to arrive at the testing center early. I’d recommend getting there at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time. You’ll need the extra minutes to park, check-in, and basically get head ready for this full day of testing. 

MCAT Score Release Dates & Testing Calendar

Use these score release dates to shape your study plan, map out your application timeline, and perhaps decide when to reschedule the test if things don’t go as planned. 

Reminder: All scheduling deadlines are set for 11:59 p.m. on the deadline date in the local time zone of your test center.

2014 Testing Calendar

2015 Testing Calendar

How to Register for the MCAT

When you register for the MCAT, you’ll have the chance to choose a testing location that works best for you. Here’s a quick step-by-step rundown of the process.

1. Create an account with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), log in to your AAMC profile, and look for the “Start Exam Registration” option. 
2. Enter your personal information, including your address, exactly as it appears on the government ID you plan to bring on test day.
3. On the “Schedule” page, click “Schedule an MCAT Exam” and select your preferred test date and location.
4. If your first choice is fully booked, you can opt to be notified if a spot opens up.
5. After choosing your ideal location and time, simply click “Proceed to Checkout” to finalize your registration with your payment.

Get more details about how to register for the MCAT (including acceptable IDs, step-by-step screenshots and FAQs) in this blog post.

MCAT Exam Scheduling Advice

Be proactive when you go to schedule your MCAT exam date. Having a plan can save you headaches and unnecessary expenses.  By sorting out your fees and registering early, you’ll set yourself up for success.

Do you have to be quick to save your MCAT date?

It depends. Test dates are released several months in advance, so I wouldn’t rush into committing to a date without having a specific study plan in place first. However, once you do nail down when you’ll start studying and for how many months, don’t procrastinate on securing your desired date. If a specific test date aligns well with your study schedule or personal commitments, it’s wise to register as soon as you’re ready.

The MCAT is one of those exams that can fill up fast as the year progresses, especially in busy areas with many premed students. The MCAT is given at Pearson VUE locations across the country, but seats can and do fill up quickly. Also, slots tend to go into short supply during more popular dates, especially in the Spring, and particularly as the test dates draw near. So, if your preferred site is booked, you’ll need to find an alternative location to take the test, which can lead to higher travel costs.

How early can you register before your test date?

The AAMC typically announces test dates and registration options several months in advance. For tests in January and from March to June 2025, registration opens on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at 11 a.m. ET. If you’re not quite ready to schedule, the MCAT Registration System will remain open. 

When is the best time to take the MCAT?

I recommend setting a goal for a timeframe between the summer after your sophomore year and May/June following your junior year, ideally before you begin applying to medical school. Taking the MCAT by June allows you to focus on crafting your applications without the added stress of the exam looming over you. 

You don’t need your MCAT score to submit your primary application, so if you schedule your test for mid-May to early June, you’ll still be in a great position to tackle secondary applications and interviews. However, don’t wait too long to take the MCAT. It can delay your application and cost you the advantage of applying early!

But what does it mean to apply early and how could it increase your chances? I’ll share all about this (and MUCH more application strategies) in my Free Premed Workshop. Get an inside look into my own application and how I earned 10 medical school acceptances, despite a low GPA of 3.3: 

Understanding the 10/30/60-Day Deadlines

As you prepare for the MCAT, the timelines adjust progressively for rescheduling or canceling your chosen exam date. During each time window, different rules and fees apply. So, I can’t stress enough that you do everything you can to, first, select a date you know has no chance of a conflict and, second, if life does happen, reschedule as soon as you find out to avoid losing money and possibly your chance at taking the exam.  

Here’s an overview of what to expect if you need to take the test on a different day or cannot attend the exam. (Note: The dollar amounts reflect the 2025 testing dates.)

• 10-Day Deadline: This is the final day to schedule your exam or make changes to your test date, testing center, or registration details. No modifications can be done after this point!
• 30-Day Deadline: If you need to cancel your exam, doing so at least 30 days before your scheduled date will earn you a partial refund of $170. However, if you cancel less than 30 days out, you’re out of luck for getting a refund. And if you have to reschedule within this 30 to 59 day window, you’ll be charged a $100 fee. 
• 60-Day Deadline: If you want to reschedule or change your testing center, you’ll only get hit with a $50 fee as long as you make the change 60 or more days before the exam. And the cancellation refund remains $170, which is, unfortunately, only a portion of the $345 standard registration.

Always make sure you’ve taken care of all and any additional exam fees before you arrive at the test site to avoid last-minute surprises, such as not being eligible to take the exam.

Steps for Getting Your MCAT Score

After you take the MCAT, you can expect the AAMC to take about a month to up to 35 days to scale and equate the scores from that exam. Be aware that no one will email, message, or text you when your score is ready to be viewed. So, it’s up to you to remember the date! 

What Time are MCAT Scores Released?

Scores are typically announced by 5 p.m. ET on the designated release dates. To stay informed and get the latest updates on when your scores are available, follow AAMC on Twitter at @AAMC_MCAT. 

How do you access your score?

Be sure to mark your calendar and follow these steps to check the AAMC website on the designated day and time for your score release.

1. Visit the AAMC website, click “Get MCAT Test Scores” on the right, and log in to your AAMC account.
2. In the “My Reports” section, select “Print Score Report” from the dropdown menu.
3. On the next screen, all test dates will be checked by default. Keep it as is and click “Next.”
4. Your score report will appear. Click “Print Report” at the top right.
5. Save the report as a PDF on your computer (or print and scan if preferred).

Tips for What to Do While Waiting for Your MCAT Score Release Date

Generally, you can expect to see your test results within about a month after taking the exam, which can feel like an eternity! So, rather than obsess over the results, keep yourself productively distracted by taking care of the next actions for your primary application and setting aside time for yourself to recover from taking this beast of a test.

Here are some helpful tips to make the best use of your time while you wait.

• Reflect on your study experience. Take a moment to jot down what study methods worked well for you and what you might want to adjust in the future. 
• Organize your application materials. Start gathering all the necessary documents for your application, including requesting letters of recommendation, drafting your personal statement and extracurricular descriptions. 
• Go through the first RTA modules: Module 1-3 of my online course Road to Acceptance dive deep into understanding the entire application timeline + how to request letters of recommendations, writing a stellar personal statement and creating unique and compelling descriptions for your extracurricular (including lots of templates, checklists and worksheets to speed up the process for you!)
• Get involved in volunteer work or gain more clinical hours. Stay active by volunteering, particularly in health-related settings. Or continue focusing on gaining more clinical experience to strengthen your application.
• Prioritize self-care. Take care of yourself during this stressful time! Set aside moments for relaxation and recovery. Focus on a favorite hobby, schedule time to exercise, or just take a weekend to get away. Make sure you’re giving your mind and body a break from the rigor of study.
• Research medical schools. Use this opportunity to read over the programs you’re interested in and explore their prerequisites, culture, and values to determine if they are a good fit for you.
• Stay informed. Keeping an eye on updates regarding MCAT score releases and deadlines for application submissions can ease some of the anxiety that comes with waiting.

The Bottom Line

The wait for your MCAT score can feel endless. However, you now have the handy table with MCAT score release dates, so you can set an alarm, login, and find out how you did. Having the latest info at your fingertips can make all the difference if you’re stressing about your score. Remember to watch the official AAMC website and Twitter account for updates. Good luck, you’re one step closer on the path to becoming a doctor!

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