2025 MCAT® test dates and
MCAT score release dates

Registering for the MCAT is a meticulous process with plenty of steps along the way.

1. Make sure MCAT registration is open, or at least pre-registration.
   The 2025 MCAT exam registration opens on Wednesday, Feb. 19 12 p.m. ET.


2. Create an AAMC Account
   To register for the exam, begin by setting up a username and password with the AAMC. Once that is completed, the AAMC will issue you an ID number.
   
   You might already have an AAMC ID if you’ve ever purchased or accessed other AAMC products/services, including the Medical School Admissions Requirements™ (MSAR®) database, the AAMC Fee Assistance Program, the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®), or AAMC prep products. Never create multiple AAMC IDs.


3. Apply for Fee Assistance
   If you’re applying for the Fee Assistance Program (FAP) you need to apply immediately! There is a 2-week turn-around and reduced fees are NOT retroactive. You must have FAP approval BEFORE you register for the exam.


4. Fill out your Personal Information
   You’ll be able to complete some of the required information before picking a test date, including your contact and background information, as well as agree to the terms. Once you’ve filled out the required registration information, you will then choose your MCAT test date. Make sure you review the test date schedule in advance and select your preferred date along with a few alternative dates in case your preferred date is unavailable.


5. On registration (the day registration is open)
   Log into your AAMC account. You’ll be asked to select a test date, time (8:00 AM), state, and then a testing location. If your state isn’t listed, then all of the seats for that date have been filled. Remember, it’s first-come, first-served. There might be “TBD sites” available, which are sites within a 40-mile radius of a metropolitan area. If the option is available for you, only choose it as an absolute necessity and if you’re prepared to travel. Once you’ve picked a date and location, you’ll be prompted to pay. Have a credit card handy to pay the MCAT registration fee. Keep in mind that registration fees may differ depending on when you register, the date you choose and the test location. Once you’ve registered, you should receive an email confirmation within 24 hours from the AAMC. If you don’t, contact them immediately.


6. Once you’ve registered, you should receive an email confirmation within 24 hours from the AAMC. If you don’t, contact them immediately.

You will have the chance to pre-register for the MCAT before the registration day opens. However, you won’t be able to choose a test date or location. You will only be allowed to fill in your basic background information and agree to the AAMC terms. While it might not seem like much, completing these small tasks early will save you time when you’re finally able to officially register for an MCAT date.

The short answer to this question is: when you’re ready and have done enough MCAT preparation. There are a lot of MCAT test dates to choose from so be sure to choose the date and test center wisely. The MCAT is an important enough component of your med school application that your goal should be to perform to the best of your potential the first time you take it. Although it is possible to retake the exam, doing so is almost universally a stressful experience, and different med schools have different policies in terms of how they weigh multiple attempts.

More generally, it’s a good idea to think about how the MCAT meshes with your application timeline. Although medical schools have rolling admissions, getting your application submitted early—by June or July—will maximize your chances. Given the one-month delay between the exam date and the score release date, this means that if you’re planning on applying in the 2025 cycle, taking the exam in spring 2025 is preferable.

Although it’s best not to reschedule, sometimes life happens and rescheduling your exam is the best option. Since the AAMC operates a tiered MCAT registration system and spaces can fill up at testing sites, we recommend trying not to make this decision at the very last minute. Instead, roughly 6 to 8 weeks before your targeted test date is a good time to check in with yourself about whether you’re on track.

Picking the right MCAT date is crucial to success on the exam. Certain schools require their students to complete a premedical curriculum with courses that will definitely help you with the MCAT. You should at minimum take one year of biology, one year of physics, two years of chemistry/organic chemistry and one year of English. For this reason, it’s best to take the MCAT in or after your junior year of college. Some students find it very difficult to balance a full course load and prep; some prefer to study and take the MCAT during a gap year. In short, the best MCAT date is the one that gives you enough time to thoroughly prep.

The MCAT seats on a first-come, first-served basis and you don’t want to miss out on your preferred date or test location because you put off the registration. So make your decision wisely but quickly so you can get your preferred date and testing center.

The AAMC does allow you to change your MCAT date but you will pay a rescheduling fee. While it’s not advisable to change your date on a whim due to nerves, life does happen and sometimes you have no choice but to reschedule your MCAT.