When is the best time to take the MCAT?

Your medical school application timeline may feel like a balancing act because of all the various application requirements you must meet, from your personal statement to your letters of recommendation. On the other hand, every premed knows to schedule their plans around the MCAT. Naturally, your performance on this difficult exam and your college GPA will significantly influence your college choice.

We often receive questions regarding the ideal MCAT score or a good MCAT score, which are soon followed by inquiries regarding the best time to take the MCAT.

  • Should I take the MCAT soon?
  • What time of day is ideal for the MCAT?
  • When should I register for the MCAT at the earliest?
  • When should I take the MCAT at the latest?
  • What’s the absolute latest date I can take the MCAT?

When’s the Best Time to Take the MCAT to Maximize Your Score and Boost Your Chances of Acceptance?

The MCAT is a critical part of your medical school application, and timing your exam can significantly affect how well you do. With around 30 test dates available each year, figuring out the best time for you to take the MCAT isn’t always straightforward. There isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” answer, as the optimal test date depends on where you are in your academic journey and when you plan to apply to medical school.

Here’s a breakdown to help you find the best time for your MCAT exam:

1. Consider Your Academic Stage

Your preparedness for the MCAT is closely tied to your coursework. If you take the test too early, you may not have completed all the required subjects, so you’ll need to spend more time reviewing content you haven’t yet studied. On the other hand, if you wait too long, you risk running out of time to retake the test (if needed) and still submit your application on time.

  • Sophomore Year (End of Year or Summer): For many students, the ideal time to take the MCAT is during the summer after their sophomore year, before they enter their junior year. By this point, you will have completed most of the prerequisite courses, giving you a solid foundation for the exam. The summer between sophomore and junior year is also when many students start studying seriously for the MCAT, as they have the summer break to focus.
  • Junior Year (Spring or Summer): If you’re a junior, taking the MCAT at the end of your junior year or the summer before your senior year is common. Now, you will have taken almost all the necessary courses and can use the summer to study intensively. However, remember that taking it in the summer before your senior year may delay the release of your scores, which could affect your application process if you’re applying right after graduation.
  • Senior Year (Early Fall): If you’re in your senior year and planning to apply immediately after graduation, the best time for the MCAT is usually in the fall of your senior year. However, this gives you less time to retake the exam if you don’t score as well as you hoped. Some students opt to take the MCAT as late as possible (in the fall) to ensure all their coursework is fresh in their minds.

2. Give Yourself Enough Time to Prepare

No matter when you decide to take the MCAT, adequate preparation is key to achieving a high score. The MCAT requires a deep understanding of several scientific subjects, so you must devote time to studying.

  • Start Early: Many students recommend giving yourself at least 2-4 months to study, depending on how comfortable you are with the material. Starting early gives you time to review your textbooks, review notes, take practice exams, and adjust your study strategies as needed.
  • Consider Test Dates During the Summer: If you’re looking for flexibility and plenty of preparation time, choosing a test date in late spring or early summer (April through June) may work best. This allows you to study after completing the bulk of your prerequisites without the distractions of a busy academic schedule.

3. Timing for Your Application

The timing of your MCAT is also important in relation to when you plan to submit your medical school application.

  • Early Test Dates: If you take the MCAT in spring or early summer, you’ll have plenty of time to review your score, decide whether to retake the exam and finalize your medical school application essays. You’ll also ensure that your scores are released in time to be part of your application, which is especially important if you want to apply as soon as applications open.
  • Late Test Dates: If you wait until late summer or fall to take the MCAT, you might be cutting it close. Remember, the MCAT takes about a month to release scores, and you want to ensure your scores are ready before submitting your application. While there is still time to apply, if you take the MCAT later, you may miss out on rolling admissions, where medical schools begin reviewing applications as they come in, which could reduce your chances of acceptance.

4. The Importance of Rolling Admissions

Some medical schools have a rolling admissions process, meaning they begin reviewing applications as soon as they’re received. Taking the MCAT early ensures that your scores are available during this process, which gives you a better chance to be considered early in the admissions cycle. An early test date (such as spring or early summer) is critical for students hoping to apply to highly competitive programs.

5. Consider Retaking the MCAT

If you don’t achieve the score you were hoping for, a backup plan is essential. If you take the MCAT in the spring or summer, you leave yourself enough time to retake the exam later in the year before your application deadline. This is an advantage, especially if you’re unsure of your performance and want to improve your score.

6. Avoid the Test Date Rush

Although the MCAT is offered on multiple dates each year, some of the test dates, such as those right before the application deadline, can be more competitive and harder to secure. If you take the test well in advance, you’ll have more flexibility when it comes to selecting your preferred test date and location.

7. Account for Personal Life and Other Commitments

It’s also important to consider your personal life, extracurricular activities, work commitments, and any other obligations. The MCAT is a significant time commitment, so planning your test date around your life schedule is crucial to ensure you can give it your full focus. Taking the MCAT at a time when you’re juggling other high-stakes commitments may lead to unnecessary stress and lower performance.

When should I register for the MCAT at the earliest?

Registering for the MCAT as early as possible can give you a significant advantage in your preparation and application timeline. Here’s why you should aim for an early test date and how to plan accordingly:

Ideal Timeframe: End of Sophomore Year or Summer Before Junior Year

The best time to take the MCAT is often at the end of your sophomore year or during the summer between your sophomore and junior years. This timing allows you to:

  • Complete most prerequisites: By the end of your sophomore year, you should have completed many of the core courses required for the MCAT. These include subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology. This reduces the amount of content review you’ll need to do and helps you focus on more advanced concepts and practice questions.
  • Early preparation: Taking the MCAT earlier gives you ample time to focus on other aspects of your medical school application, such as writing your personal statement, gathering letters of recommendation, and completing secondary applications.

MCAT Test Dates and Scheduling

  • When are the MCAT test dates available?: The MCAT is offered about 30 times each year, with most test dates falling between April and September. This gives you flexibility in choosing a date that fits your schedule.
  • Choosing a test date: If you take the MCAT in the summer between your sophomore and junior years, you’ll benefit from fewer competing commitments, such as coursework or extracurricular activities, which can make preparation easier.

How Long Should You Study Before the MCAT?

Preparation is key to performing well on the MCAT and starting early will give you enough time to master the material. Here’s how to think about your study timeline:

  • Study time: Ideally, give yourself at least two to four months to prepare. The amount of time you need depends on your familiarity with the content and your ability to focus during study sessions. If you feel confident in the material, two months may be enough. If you need more time for a deeper understanding, four months is a safe bet.
  • Time to study: During your study period, aim to dedicate 15–20 hours a week to MCAT prep. This includes content review, practice questions, and full-length practice tests.
  • Why early registration helps: Registering early allows you to secure your preferred test date. Popular test dates can fill up quickly, especially in high-demand months, so registering early can ensure you have a spot on the best schedule.

Choosing the Right Prep Course

A prep course can provide structure and guidance in your study routine. Here are some top MCAT prep options:

  • Blueprint MCAT: Known for its comprehensive and adaptive learning platform, Blueprint offers personalized study plans based on your strengths and weaknesses. It’s great for those who prefer a tech-driven, interactive approach.
  • Princeton Review: A trusted name in test prep, Princeton Review offers a range of MCAT courses with extensive practice tests and study materials. Their courses are ideal for students who need a more traditional, in-depth study experience.
  • Discounted Prep Options: Many test prep providers offer discounts, so be sure to check for deals before signing up. You can often find promotions during major sale periods or through student discounts.

Why You Want to Take the MCAT Early

Taking the MCAT earlier in your college career has several advantages:

  1. Less Stress: You won’t have the pressure of juggling multiple responsibilities, like heavy coursework and other pre-med commitments, alongside MCAT prep.
  2. More Time for Retakes (if needed): If you don’t score as well as you hoped on your first try, taking the MCAT early allows you to retake it before application deadlines. It’s always better to plan for a retake than to be caught off guard by a low score.
  3. More Flexibility: By registering early, you can choose from various test dates and times, making finding one that fits your schedule easier. You can also adjust your study timeline accordingly.

Don’t Rush, But Don’t Delay

While giving yourself enough time to study is important, it’s also essential to avoid waiting until the last minute to take the MCAT. Procrastination can lead to rushed preparation, and we all know that a rushed study session isn’t likely to result in your best score.

By registering for the MCAT early—ideally towards the end of your sophomore year or in the summer between your second and junior years—you can ensure that you’re well-prepared, avoid unnecessary stress, and have enough time for any retakes if needed. It’s all about balancing your preparation, the timing of your test, and ensuring your medical school application is as strong as possible!

When should I take the MCAT at the latest?

Choosing the right time to take the MCAT is critical for a smooth application process. To avoid any unnecessary stress and ensure your medical school application is as strong as possible, you should aim to complete the MCAT by April of the year you plan to apply. Here’s a more detailed look at why this timeframe is ideal and what you should consider:

When should I take the MCAT at the latest?

Why This Window? The Key Reasons for Finishing Early:

1. Application Timing:

Once you take the MCAT, you must move on to other essential components of your medical school application. This includes writing your personal statement, completing your AMCAS (or other relevant) application, and responding to secondary application prompts.

  • Writing Essays and Applications: These essays, especially your personal statement, are critical to your application. They require time for careful thought, drafting, revising, and editing. Rushing them because you’re still focused on studying for the MCAT could hurt the quality of your application.
  • Secondary Applications: After you submit your primary application (AMCAS, AACOMAS, etc.), many schools will send you a secondary application. This is where you’ll have to fill out additional information and potentially write more essays. If you’re still waiting on your MCAT score when secondary applications start coming in, you’ll feel pressure to complete them quickly, which can lower the quality of your work.

Taking the MCAT early (preferably by April) gives you ample time to focus on all aspects of your application without rushing through any part of the process.

2. Score Release Delays:

It’s important to note that it takes about 30 days for your MCAT scores to be released. Taking the test in late April puts you at risk of not receiving your scores until late May or early June, cutting it close when applying to schools.

  • Rolling Admissions: Many medical schools use rolling admissions, meaning they start reviewing applications as they come in. The earlier you submit your complete application, the better your chance of standing out in the pool. If your MCAT results aren’t released until late May, you’ll submit your application later than other candidates who may have taken the test earlier in the year.
  • Early Decision Programs: Some schools offer early decision programs with earlier deadlines. Taking the MCAT by April ensures that your score is available before these deadlines hit, giving you a better shot at being considered for early admissions.
3. Retake Flexibility:

If you’re not satisfied with your first MCAT score, knowing you can retake the exam is reassuring. However, if you take the test too late, you won’t have enough time to retake it before medical school application deadlines.

  • Multiple Attempts: Many students take the MCAT more than once. The AAMC allows you to take the MCAT up to three times per testing year and four times over two consecutive years. That means you can schedule a second attempt if needed, but having enough time between attempts is essential. If you take the MCAT in late spring or summer and don’t do as well as expected, there won’t be enough time to schedule a retake before medical school application deadlines.
  • Retake Timeframe: Ideally, if you plan on retaking the MCAT, you should allow yourself at least 3 to 4 months to study again. This allows you to review the areas you struggled with and take another shot at the exam. If your first attempt was in April, retaking it by August or September is a good option if you need a higher score.

To maximize your chances of getting into medical school, take the MCAT no later than April of the year you plan to apply. This gives you enough time to focus on your application, ensures your scores are released early enough for rolling admissions, and provides some flexibility if you need to retake the exam. Aim for this timeline, and you’ll set yourself up for a smoother and less stressful medical school application process.

When should I take the MCAT in college?

Determining the best time to take the MCAT while in college is a key decision that can influence your performance and application timeline. To make the most informed choice, consider the following factors:

1. Ideal Timing: Between Sophomore and Junior Year

  • Why this timing works:
    By the summer between your sophomore and junior years, you will likely have completed most of your prerequisite coursework, such as biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology. These subjects are the foundation of the MCAT, and having this knowledge fresh in your mind can significantly reduce the time you need to spend reviewing content.
  • Benefits:
    • Gives you the summer months to dedicate to focused MCAT preparation without the distraction of coursework or extracurricular commitments.
    • Allows you to take the MCAT early in your academic career, leaving plenty of time to retake it (if needed) before you apply to medical school.

2. Alternative Timing: Between Junior and Senior Year

  • When this might be the best choice:
    If you could not complete your prerequisite courses by the end of your sophomore year or needed extra time to feel confident in your readiness, the summer between your junior and senior years could work.
  • Challenges to consider:
    • This timing may overlap with the start of the medical school application process. Balancing MCAT preparation, test-taking, and drafting your personal statement, secondary essays, and other application materials can be overwhelming.
    • If you need to retake the MCAT, your options may be limited as application deadlines approach.

3. Gap Year Option: After Senior Year

  • Why this can work for some students:
    If you are planning to take a gap year between college and medical school, you can use the summer after your senior year to take the MCAT. By this point, you will have completed all your coursework and may have more time to study without academic distractions.
  • Potential drawbacks:
    • Waiting until after your senior year delays your medical school application timeline by at least a year.
    • The gap year approach is only ideal if you are comfortable taking additional time before starting medical school and have clear plans for that year, such as gaining clinical experience, working in research, or pursuing other relevant opportunities.

4. Key Considerations for Choosing Your MCAT Timing

  • Prerequisite Completion:
    Ensure you have taken at least 80% of the prerequisite courses before sitting for the MCAT. Key courses include:
    • General Biology
    • General and organic chemistry
    • Biochemistry
    • Physics
    • Psychology and sociology
  • Study Time:
    Plan for at least 2-4 months of dedicated preparation before the exam. The summer months are ideal because you can avoid the distraction of classes and focus solely on studying.
  • Retake Opportunities:
    If you take the MCAT earlier in your college career, you can retake the exam if your score doesn’t meet your expectations. Medical schools generally don’t penalize multiple attempts, especially if your scores significantly improve.
  • Medical School Application Timeline:
    If you plan to go straight to medical school after graduating, aim to complete the MCAT by April of your application year. This ensures your scores are available in time to submit your applications early in the rolling admissions process.

5. Recommended Timeline Summary

  • Ideal for Most Students:
    • Study during the summer after your sophomore year.
    • Take the MCAT between June and August before your junior year begins.
  • Alternative for Delayed Preparation:
    • Study during the summer after your junior year.
    • Take the MCAT between June and August before your senior year begins.
  • For Students Taking a Gap Year:
    • Study during the summer after your senior year.
    • Take the MCAT in June or July after graduating.
Optimize for Your Strengths and Schedule

The “right time” to take the MCAT depends on your academic progress, confidence in the material, and long-term medical school plans. Consider your study habits, workload, and personal timeline when deciding, and remember that proper preparation is more important than rushing to take the test. Take the time you need to maximize your score, giving yourself the best chance for success.

When is it best to avoid taking the MCAT?

Taking the MCAT is a major milestone on your journey to medical school, but it’s not something to rush into. Sometimes, delaying your test date is better to ensure you’re fully prepared and ready for success. Below are the most common scenarios when you should avoid taking the MCAT:

1. If You’re Not Academically Prepared

  • Why It Matters: The MCAT covers many subjects, including biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. Without a strong foundation in these areas, you’ll struggle to understand and recall the material during the exam.
  • What to Do Instead:
    • Ensure you’ve completed at least 80% of the prerequisite coursework, including core subjects like General Biology, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Biochemistry.
    • Take stock of your academic readiness by reviewing an official MCAT content outline. Identify gaps in your knowledge and plan to complete the necessary courses before sitting for the exam.

2. If Your Practice Exam Scores Are Consistently Low

  • Why It Matters: Practice exams are one of the best indicators of your performance on the test. Scoring poorly on these tests means you’re likely unprepared and might end up with a low score that doesn’t reflect your true potential.
  • What to Do Instead:
    • Take diagnostic or full-length practice exams under realistic conditions to gauge your readiness.
    • Identify areas where you struggle and focus on those during your study sessions.
    • Allow yourself additional preparation time, whether that means extending your self-study timeline or enrolling in an MCAT prep course to strengthen weak areas.

3. If You’re Overwhelmed by Other Commitments

  • Why It Matters: Balancing a heavy course load, extracurricular activities, or personal obligations while preparing for the MCAT can lead to burnout. This could hinder your ability to study effectively and perform well on test day.
  • What to Do Instead:
    • Evaluate your current schedule and priorities. If you’re juggling multiple responsibilities, consider waiting for a less stressful period when you can focus on MCAT preparation.
    • Create a detailed study plan that allows for sufficient preparation without overwhelming you.
    • Consider taking a gap year to lighten your academic or personal load while giving yourself more time to study.

4. If You Don’t Have Enough Study Time

  • Why It Matters: Preparing for the MCAT requires a significant time investment—typically between 200 and 300 hours of focused study. If you cannot commit to this, you risk walking into the exam underprepared.
  • What to Do Instead:
    • Assess your current time constraints. If you’re working full-time or managing other obligations, it may be best to reschedule the exam for a time when you can devote more hours to studying.
    • Break your study sessions into manageable blocks and spread them out over a longer period if you’re balancing a busy schedule.
    • Set realistic expectations and give yourself at least 2–4 months of preparation time based on your baseline knowledge and availability.

5. If You Feel Rushed or Pressured to Take the Exam

  • Why It Matters: Taking the MCAT just to “get it over with” or because you feel external pressure isn’t a good reason. This can lead to inadequate preparation, anxiety, and suboptimal performance.
  • What to Do Instead:
    • Reflect on why you feel rushed. Is it self-imposed, or is someone else pressuring you? Remember, your timeline should prioritize your readiness, not someone else’s expectations.
    • Remember that a strong score will carry more weight than rushing to meet an arbitrary deadline.
    • If needed, consult with an academic advisor or mentor to develop a timeline that aligns with your goals and readiness.
Key Takeaways:
  • Don’t rush into the MCAT. Preparation is the most important factor in achieving a good score. If you’re not ready, it’s okay to wait.
  • Focus on readiness, not deadlines. The right time to take the MCAT is when you’re confident in your knowledge, have dedicated time to study, and can perform your best.
  • Plan strategically. Use diagnostic tests, practice exams, and a realistic study schedule to determine when you’ll be ready to take the test.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you’ll be better positioned to succeed on the MCAT and take a confident step toward your dream of medical school.

What is the Absolute Latest I Can Take the MCAT Without Postponing My Admission to Medical School?

the-best-time-to-take-the-mcat

The absolute latest you should take the MCAT is typically the final test date in May of your application year. For instance, if you plan to apply in June 2025, the last acceptable test date would be late May 2025. Here’s why this timing is critical and how it impacts your application process:

Why May Is the Cutoff Month for the MCAT

1. MCAT Score Release Timing
  • When scores are released: MCAT scores are generally released about 30 days after your test date. If you take the exam in late May, your results will likely become available by late June, just in time for most medical school application deadlines.
  • Why it matters: Medical school admissions work on a rolling basis, meaning the earlier your application is complete (including your MCAT score), the sooner schools can review it. Submitting early increases your chances of receiving interview invitations and acceptance offers.
2. AMCAS Deadlines
  • The AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) opens for submissions in late May, and applications are transmitted to medical schools starting in late June.
  • Taking the MCAT in May ensures your score is ready to include in your AMCAS application when schools review candidates in the first wave.
3. AACOMAS and TMDSAS Deadlines
  • The AACOMAS (DO application system) begins transmitting applications to medical schools on June 15th, while the TMDSAS (Texas medical school application system) opens for submissions on June 1st.
  • To meet these deadlines without delays, it’s best to have your MCAT score ready by mid-June, making late May the latest test date you should consider.

Risks of Taking the MCAT After May

If you wait until June or later to take the MCAT, you risk delaying your application or hurting your chances of acceptance:

  • Delayed application review: Your score may not arrive until late July or August, causing a delay in your application review, which is disadvantageous in a rolling admissions process.
  • Missed opportunities for interview slots: Since many medical schools fill interview slots as they go, applying later could reduce your chances of being considered in the first rounds.
  • Increased stress: You may feel overwhelmed trying to juggle exam prep, personal statements, secondary essays, and the possibility of a retake, all within a short timeframe.

Pro Tips for Staying on Track

  • Plan your MCAT date in advance: Schedule your test at least 6–12 months before your application year begins. This gives you ample time for retakes if needed.
  • Prepare strategically: Aim to complete 80–90% of your MCAT prep at least a month before your scheduled test date to allow time for practice tests and review.
  • Know the specific deadlines for your schools: Some schools have stricter timelines for accepting MCAT scores, so always verify the latest acceptable dates for your target programs.
Final Takeaway

To avoid delays in your medical school admission process, plan to take the MCAT no later than May of your application year. This timeline ensures that your scores are ready to be included with your application when admissions committees begin their review process, giving you the best chance for early consideration.

How many MCAT exams should I take?

Taking the MCAT is no small task, and while it’s possible to retake the test multiple times, it’s best to limit the number of attempts. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you decide how many times you should sit for the MCAT:

1. Understand the Retake Limits

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) sets specific limits on how many times you can take the MCAT:

  • Per Testing Year: Up to 3 attempts.
  • Over Two Consecutive Years: Up to 4 attempts.
  • Lifetime Limit: A maximum of 7 attempts.

These limits ensure students don’t overuse retakes and encourage proper preparation for each attempt.

2. Take the MCAT as Few Times as Possible

Aiming for success on your first attempt or minimizing the number of times you retake the exam is ideal. Medical schools tend to value applicants who perform well the first time, as this reflects good preparation and test-taking skills.

3. Should You Retake the MCAT?

Sometimes, a retake is necessary, especially if your initial score doesn’t align with your target medical schools. Here are a few scenarios where retaking might be a good idea:

  • Significant Score Improvement: If you feel confident that additional preparation will lead to a meaningful increase (e.g., jumping from 508 to 518), a retake can be worth it.
  • Scoring Below the School’s Average: Research the average MCAT scores of your target schools. If your score falls short, retaking the exam could make you a more competitive applicant.
  • Practice Exams Indicate Progress: If your diagnostic and practice test scores show clear improvement, it’s a sign you’re on the right track for a higher score.

4. When a Retake May Hurt Your Application

Retaking the MCAT isn’t always the best move. It could negatively impact your application in the following situations:

  • Minimal or No Score Improvement: A small jump in scores, such as from 508 to 509, may raise concerns with admissions committees. They might question your ability to improve or your readiness for medical school.
  • Frequent Retakes: Taking the MCAT three or more times without substantial improvement could signal a lack of preparation or consistency. This might make schools hesitant about your academic potential.

5. Plan Strategically for Your First Attempt

To avoid unnecessary retakes, focus on preparing thoroughly for your first MCAT attempt. Consider the following strategies:

  • Complete Prerequisite Courses: Ensure you’ve taken foundational courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics before attempting the MCAT.
  • Dedicate Ample Study Time: Most students need 2–4 months of focused preparation to feel ready.
  • Use High-Quality Study Resources: Invest in a reputable MCAT prep course or self-study materials.
  • Take Full-Length Practice Tests: Simulate exam conditions to assess your readiness and identify areas for improvement.

6. Medical Schools’ Perspective on Retakes

Most medical schools understand if you retake the MCAT, as long as your scores improve meaningfully. Admissions committees often view a steady upward trajectory as a sign of resilience and determination. However, excessive retakes with minimal improvement can make your application less competitive.

For example:

  • Positive Example: A student starts with a 506 on their first attempt and earns a 515 on their second attempt. Admissions committees are likely to view this favorably.
  • Negative Example: A student takes the MCAT three times, scoring 505, 507, and 508. This pattern may raise doubts about the student’s preparedness.

7. Final Tips for Managing MCAT Retakes

  • Reflect on Your First Attempt: Before retaking the test, carefully evaluate what went wrong. Did you run out of time? Were there content gaps? Identifying these issues can help guide your study plan.
  • Seek Professional Help if Needed: Consider working with a tutor or enrolling in an MCAT prep course to refine your approach.
  • Time Your Retake Wisely: Avoid rushing into a retake. Allow enough time to adequately review and improve.
Bottom Line

The MCAT should be taken as few times as possible, but retaking it isn’t a bad idea if you’re confident you can improve your score. Admissions committees prioritize quality over quantity, so focus on preparing thoroughly for each attempt to maximize your chances of success.

How Long Are MCAT Results Valid?

Understanding how long your MCAT scores remain valid is crucial for effective medical school application planning. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

General Validity Period

  • MCAT scores are typically valid for three years from the date you take the test.
  • This means if you take the MCAT in May 2024, your scores will generally remain valid until May 2027.

Variations by Medical School

  • While three years is the standard, medical schools can set their own policies on score validity.
    • Some schools may accept scores that are up to two years old, while others allow scores from as far back as five years.
    • Policies can also differ depending on whether the school calculates from:
      1. The date of application
      2. The date of matriculation (when classes begin)

For instance:

  • School A might accept an MCAT score from 2023 if you’re applying in 2025.
  • School B may require that the score be valid up to the time you start classes, meaning a 2023 score would only work if you matriculate by 2026.

How to Check Specific Requirements

To avoid surprises, follow these steps:

  1. Research Each School’s Policy:
    • Visit the school’s admissions page for specific MCAT requirements.
    • Use resources like the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database to compare policies.
  2. Confirm with Admissions Offices:
    • If the policy isn’t clear, email or call the admissions office to clarify their score validity criteria.

What Happens When Scores “Expire”?

  • If your scores are no longer valid, you’ll need to retake the MCAT to apply.
    • Remember that retaking the test requires preparation time, scheduling, and additional fees.
  • If you’re unsure about your timeline, consider taking the MCAT closer to your planned application year to avoid the need for retesting.

Planning Tips

  • If you’re applying straight out of college:
    • Aim to take the MCAT in your junior or early senior year, ensuring your scores remain valid through the application and matriculation process.
  • If you’re taking a gap year:
    • Plan your MCAT around when you intend to apply, ensuring your scores will still be valid when you start medical school.
Key Takeaway

While MCAT scores are generally valid for three years, it’s essential to understand the specific policies of the medical schools you’re targeting. Research ahead of time to align your test date with your application timeline and avoid unnecessary retakes.

Final Thoughts

Students frequently ask about the ideal MCAT testing window. The answer is contingent upon your ability to sufficiently prepare for the exam and your desired start date for medical school. Avoid cramming and risking a lesser grade, and avoid studying so much that you delay your applications. The same reasoning holds true for determining the appropriate college year during which to take the MCAT.

We advise planning your application timetable for medical school around your MCAT exam dates. But keep in mind that this is just the beginning, and once you obtain your perfect score, you should devote all of your attention to the several essays that are still to be written. That merely makes it more crucial that you choose the proper timing for this important exam.