Registration for January-March 2021 MCAT test dates is now open. Visit the AAMC website to register for the date and location of your choice.
COVID-19 Update: The AAMC has put in place robust health and safety protocols to proctect examinees and staff, and will continue to monitor these protocols throughout the January and March 2021 exams. Visit this page often for MCAT news or you can find more information here.
2020-21 MCAT TEST DATE | SCORE RELEASE DATE | SUGGESTED PREP DATES |
---|---|---|
Friday, May 29, 2020 | Wednesday, June 30, 2020 | Start January - March |
Friday, June 5, 2020 | Tuesday, July 7, 2020 | Start March - April |
Friday, June 19, 2020 | Tuesday, July 21, 2020 | Start March - April |
Saturday, June 20, 2020 | Tuesday, July 21, 2020 | Start March - April |
Saturday, June 27, 2020 | Tuesday, July 28, 2020 | Start March - April |
Sunday, June 28, 2020 | Wednesday, July 29, 2020 | Start March - April |
Tuesday, July 7, 2020 | Thursday, August 6, 2020 | Start April - May |
Saturday, July 18, 2020 | Tuesday, August 18 , 2020 | Start April - May |
Thursday, July 23, 2020 | Tuesday, August 25 , 2020 | Start April - May |
Friday, July 31, 2020 | Tuesday, September 1, 2020 | Start April - May |
Saturday, August 1, 2020 | Tuesday, September 1 , 2020 | Start May - June |
Friday, August 7, 2020 | Wednesday, September 9 , 2020 | Start May - June |
Saturday, August 8, 2020 | Wednesday, September 9 , 2020 | Start May - June |
Friday, August 14, 2020 | Tuesday, September 15 , 2020 | Start May - June |
Saturday, August 29, 2020 | Tuesday, September 29 , 2020 | Start May - June |
Thursday, September 3, 2020 | Tuesday, October 6, 2020 | Start June - July |
Friday, September 4, 2020 | Tuesday, October 6 , 2020 | Start June - July |
Friday, September 11, 2020 | Tuesday, October 13 , 2020 | Start June - July |
Saturday, September 12, 2020 | Tuesday, October 13 , 2020 | Start June - July |
Monday, September 28, 2020 | Thursday, October 29, 2020 | Start June - July |
Tuesday, Septemer 29, 2020 | Friday, October 30, 2020 | Start June - July |
Friday, January 15, 2021 | Tuesday, February 2, 2021 | Start October - November |
Saturday, January 16, 2021 | Tuesday, February 2, 2021 | Start October - November |
Thursday, January 21, 2021 | Tuesday, February 9, 2021 | Start October - November |
Monday, January 25, 2021 | Tuesday, February 9, 2021 | Start October - November |
Saturday, March 13, 2021 | Tuesday, April 13, 2021 | Start December - January |
Friday, March 26, 2021 | Tuesday, April 27, 2021 | Start December - January |
The Medical College Admission Test or MCAT is a standardized, multiple-choice exam that most medical schools in the U.S. and some in Canada require as part of your application. It's used to assess whether you understand the concepts and principles that are prerequisite to the study of medicine.
The MCAT is administered through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). To register for the examination, you must go to their website and register through the MCAT Registration System .
Although the AAMC provides over 20 test dates per year at hundreds of sites around the world, you shouldn't be tempted to procrastinate about registering. If you do, you may miss out on your desired test date and testing location.
To register for the MCAT, follow these steps:
When you take the MCAT depends on a few different factors, which you can determine by asking yourself some questions:
By your third year of college, you should figure out the best time to take the MCAT. Ideally, you'll choose a date that allows you to have plenty of time to study. You'll also need to determine when the score release date is so that you're able to submit your MCAT score early in the med school application process.
Most students take the MCAT at the end of their third year of college or the summer before their fourth year. This strategy gives them enough time to be able to retake the exam in the fall of their fourth year if they're dissatisfied with their score. By the time you take your exam, you should have taken the courses you'll need to know information from, including:
Many students benefit from three to six months of MCAT preparation. However, you may need more or less time depending on whether you've completed the courses mentioned above and how well you did in each one.
The best way to prepare for the MCAT is to develop a strong study plan. The new MCAT has no prerequisite courses that you have to take. However, the above-mentioned courses should help you prepare for each section of the exam:
There's no right or wrong way to prepare for the MCAT. However, the prep courses put out by the Princeton Review provide exclusive resources to maximize your results.
It's recommended that you arrive at the testing location 30 minutes before the exam begins. When you show up at the test center, you'll need to check in with the Test Administrator. There are a number of required security measures, including the following steps:
When your name is called, you'll be shown to the testing area. Before entering, you'll have to show that your pockets are empty. If you wear glasses, they'll be checked to ensure there's no attached camera. You'll then be assigned a computer, which is monitored via security camera.
If you need a break, raise your hand, and the Test Administrator will release you for 10 minutes, during which you can eat a snack or use the restroom. Upon your return, you'll need to empty your pockets once more. When you're finished, raise your hand, and you'll be released.
The MCAT may be one of the most important tests of your life. A smart plan can be the difference between a good score and a great one. Your prep plan depends on when you’ll take the test, how you learn best and what you’ll invest in your prep. Go ahead and pick your date and then explore our prep options from self-paced to courses to Private Tutoring for your best score. We guarantee it! *
Need to brush up on a tough topic? MedFlix is your go-to resource for MCAT content review. This series of videos is included in our MCAT Ultimate, Summer Immersion and Self-Paced courses , as well as select Tutoring packages.
*Restrictions apply. Visit PrincetonReview.com/Guarantee for full details.