The MCAT can sometimes feel like this big, intimidating hurdle standing between you and your dream of becoming a doctor. I’ve been there, stressing about studying strategies and trying to decide, “When should you take the MCAT?”
Figuring out the right time to tackle the MCAT isn’t about picking a random date on your calendar and hoping for the best – oh no, we’re going to be strategic about this!
So get cozy, because I’m going to help you decide on your sweet spot when you’ll be at the peak of readiness to crush the MCAT. Plus, I’ll share a few factors you might not have thought of that can have a huge impact on when you take the test.
So, keep reading for tips and tricks. and some much-needed encouragement to make deciding when you should take the MCAT as smooth as possible.
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Find Out When Should You Take The MCAT

Different Scenarios for When to Take the MCAT
Whether you’re an early bird eager to tackle it head-on, a strategic planner aiming for the perfect timing. Or maybe you’re feeling like you’re a little behind, here are some helpful insights to figure this out.
One quick but super important point – make sure your top priority is taking the MCAT when you’re ready for it. If you find yourself in a situation where you need to push back your exam date to get fully prepared, then go for it. It’s better to wait a bit and tackle the test when you’re feeling confident and ready to do well.
The Earliest You Can Take the MCAT
Generally, the earliest realistic time is around August after your sophomore year or during the fall of your junior year. If that’s the route you want to go, consider kicking off your study plan during your spring semester of sophomore year or right after those finals. A whole summer dedicated solely to MCAT prep, with no other distractions in sight can work wonders for nailing that dream score!
Pro tip: Since you might not have covered all the content by the end of your sophomore year, you might want to wait until you’ve taken more science classes. Building a solid foundation in those subjects can give you the edge you need to tackle the MCAT.
The Ideal Time to Take the MCAT
I usually recommend the ideal window for taking the MCAT between the summer after your sophomore year through June following your junior year.
As a pre-med on a four-year plan, your junior year is typically when most aspiring med students dive into MCAT prep. By this time, you’ve hopefully covered most of the necessary premed coursework, like biology, chemistry, and physics.
I highly recommend taking the MCAT by June of the year you plan to apply to medical school (at the latest). If you can knock out the MCAT before diving deep into your applications, you’ll be in a prime position to focus on making those apps shine. Plus, having the MCAT in the rearview mirror will take a load off your shoulders. It will also give you a clearer path to your dream medical school.
The Latest Date You Can Take the MCAT on Still Be on Track
If you’re aiming to take the MCAT in mid-May to early June, you’re still setting yourself up for success. This timing allows you to stay on track and be ready for the initial rounds of secondary applications and interviews.
Once you receive your MCAT score in late June or early July, and your primary application is verified after a four to six-week wait period after you initially submit it, you can then add more schools based on your score. This approach allows you to research and select potential medical schools wisely.
Important to know: You don’t need your MCAT score to submit your primary application. So, when you’re ready to submit, consider adding just one school initially. This way, you can proceed with the application process even before receiving your official MCAT score.
Why not taking the MCAT later? Once your primary application is verified, you want to have your MCAT score ready since you can’t submit your secondary applications without that. So if you take your MCAT later than that, it can hold off your application. You miss out on the advantage of applying early.
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To manage this timeline effectively, you’ll need to plan ahead. While preparing for the exam, make sure to also work on your essays. Also, input your grades for your primary application. Aim to have your application ready to submit by June 1st.
By following this strategy, you’ll be well-prepared to start receiving secondary applications. And you will secure interviews in the first wave and well on your way to a successful application process.
3 Tips for Choosing the Best Date to Take the MCAT
Deciding when to take the MCAT really depends on a few factors. Your academic preparation, timeline for applying to medical school, and personal schedule all play a role in determining the best time to tackle this huge exam. Here are a few things to think about as you choose a timeline that will work best for you.
Tip #1: Balance Your MCAT Study Prep with Fulfilling Prerequisites and Gaining Clinical Experience
As you decide when to take the MCAT, factor in time for establishing a good balance between your MCAT study prep. You also need to consider other responsibilities, such as fulfilling prerequisites and gaining clinical experience. It may seem like a lot, but with some planning and dedication, you can definitely make it work.
Give yourself at least 3-6 months to prepare for the exam. This time frame allows you to cover all the material thoroughly and complete your classwork. You will also have enough time to complete other tasks as you prepare your medical application without feeling overwhelmed.
Remember, you can’t take the MCAT until you’ve completed college physics, so plan your timeline accordingly. Also, if there are areas you’re not feeling too confident about, give yourself extra time to brush up on those topics before your exam. Having a strong foundation in subjects like biology, physics, and psychology from your premedical coursework will make studying for the MCAT a lot smoother.
Also, focus on building your clinical and research experiences during your junior year. These activities not only strengthen your medical school application but also give you valuable insights into the field. Remember, medical schools are looking for well-rounded applicants. Specifically those who can demonstrate beyond academic excellence a commitment to patient care and a strong work ethic.

Tip #2: Remember, MCAT Scores Are Only Valid for So Long
Here’s something you may not know (I didn’t!) – MCAT scores don’t remain valid forever. Yes, you read that correctly.
Now, your MCAT score doesn’t actually expire, which means the AAMC will continue to report any previous scores you’ve received. However, most medical schools only consider MCAT scores that are no more than 2-3 years old from the date you submit your primary application. While this length of time can vary slightly from school to school, once you’ve passed that threshold, you’re retaking this beast of an exam again (like I did).
If you want to be absolutely certain about the specific requirements of each MD school, you can easily find this information in the MSAR database. Just head to the school’s profile and check out the MCAT requirements under their “Admission Policies” section.
So, if you’re aiming to apply the summer between your junior and senior year, you’re good to go. But, if a gap year is on the horizon, you need to time your MCAT prep just right to make sure your scores are still valid.
For those of you eyeing a single gap year adventure, it’s best to tackle the MCAT toward the end of the summer between your junior and senior years. In this case, you’ll want to kick off your studying no earlier than the spring of your junior year.
Tip #3: Allow Yourself Enough Time In Case You Need a Retake
One important thing to consider when deciding when to take the MCAT is giving yourself enough time in case you need to retake it. Taking the MCAT during your junior year can be a smart move. It gives you plenty of time to retake it if necessary without disrupting your medical school application timeline. By allowing this buffer, you can alleviate some of the pressure that comes with standardized testing.
While it is possible to retake the MCAT, most people don’t end up doing so. So, aim to “peak” at the right time before your test. Having that extra time can make a significant difference in your preparation and performance on the exam.
Need a little help putting together all the small details for your study plan? I created an epic Study Schedule Tool that’s part of my MCAT Roadmap course. Here you get step-by-step instructions and a ready-to-fill spreadsheet to create your own *perfect* study plan. Imagine waking up knowing exactly what to tackle each day!
Plus, you get clear strategies on when to take your practice exams and how to review them. You will also learn what material to use for each study phase and much more. The best part? It’s super affordable, since I know how crazy expensive the whole medical school application process can be.
4 Signs You’re On Track to Score Well on the MCAT
I’ve come across so many stories of students. They were confident about their MCAT preparation but ended up scoring below 500. While this can sometimes be due to test anxiety, more often than not, it is because they missed key checkpoints in their preparation.
So, let me share with you a checklist that helped me determine whether I was ready to ace the MCAT on my scheduled test date. Or if I needed more time to prepare.

Sign 1: You’re Mastering Timing on Practice Exams
One of the key factors in achieving a high score on the MCAT is mastering timing. If you find yourself consistently finishing all the questions in each section of your practice exams with time to spare, this is a great sign that you are on track.
Time management is key on the MCAT. Being able to handle the pressure and complete the exam within the given time frame is a strong indicator of your preparedness.
Sign 2: You’re Progressing Through Practice Materials
Another sign that you are on the right track is if you are on schedule to finish all the practice questions and exams in the AAMC bundle before your test date. Completing these practice materials helps to familiarize yourself with the format and content of the exam.
Tracking your progress and ensuring you are keeping up with your study schedule is a positive indication of your commitment and readiness for the MCAT.
Sign 3: You’re Hitting Your Target Scores on Practice Exams
Scoring the same or above your goal score on the first one to three AAMC Full-Length (FL) practice exams is a strong indicator of your potential performance on the actual test day. Consistently achieving or surpassing your goal scores shows that you have a solid grasp of the material. It’s also a strong sign that you are well-prepared for the exam.
Pro tip: Use a score calculator to check your practice test scores accurately and compare them to your target score. I have an MCAT Score Calculator that’s ready to go. This will help you quickly and easily find out if you’re on track to score well on your exam day.
Sign 4: You’re Simulating Test Day Conditions
To reduce the chances of test anxiety impacting your performance, simulate test day conditions for EVERY practice exam. Creating a test-like environment with timed conditions, no distractions, and following all the exam rules can help you become familiar with the pressure and expectations of the actual MCAT.
By adapting to test day conditions during your practice exams, you can build confidence. It will also reduce your anxiety on the day of the exam.
Summing Up: Deciding Your Perfect Timing for Taking the MCAT
After exploring the different factors to consider when deciding on the perfect timing to take the MCAT, it’s pretty clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Remember to take into account your own individual circumstances, goals, and level of preparedness.
Most importantly, the best time to take the MCAT is when you feel ready. Feeling fully prepared could come after completing the necessary pre-requisite courses and feeling confident in your understanding of the material. Also, having enough time to dedicate to studying and achieving your goal score on practice exams goes a long way.
Ultimately, trust your instincts. Be honest with yourself about your readiness while keeping in mind your application timeline for medical school and planning accordingly. Whether it’s during your undergraduate years, after graduation, or even after some gap years, listen to your inner voice and make the decision that feels right for you.
Remember, the MCAT is a significant step on your journey to medical school. So take the time to prepare thoroughly and approach the exam with confidence. Good luck on your MCAT journey!
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