MCAT: Everything You Need to Know
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More about MCAT →What's new for 2026
- February test dates added, 2026 is the first year MCAT offers a February administration. Only one date, so it fills fast.
- New Practice Exam 6, AAMC released a brand-new 230-question full-length practice exam drawn from previously administered questions. Available for $35 or as part of a bundle.
- 31 total test dates, Running January through September 12. Not available October–December.
- Registration fee: $355, Up from $345 in 2025. FAP recipients pay $145. Apply for FAP before registering, reduced fees are not retroactive.
Always verify with your test center. Exam formats, dates, fees, and requirements change regularly. This guide is for reference only — confirm current details directly with the official exam body before registering.
Cost
$355 USD
FAP recipients: $145
Register with
aamc.org →In this guide
1. What is the MCAT?
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is the standardized exam required for admission to virtually all MD and DO medical schools in the United States and Canada. It is administered by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges).
Unlike the GRE or GMAT, the MCAT is heavily science-based. It tests foundational knowledge in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, and psychology, alongside critical thinking and scientific reasoning. It is one of the most demanding standardized exams in graduate education, both in length and content depth.
No GRE alternative. Unlike law schools (which accept the GRE) or business schools (which accept both GMAT and GRE), no MD-granting medical school in the US accepts anything other than the MCAT. There is no path around it.
2. Format and sections
The MCAT has four sections, each scored independently. The exam runs 6 hours and 15 minutes of actual testing time, with administrative procedures and breaks bringing the total test day to approximately 7.5 hours. See the official AAMC section overview for full details.
| Section | Questions | Time | Score range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 59 | 95 min | 118–132 |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) | 53 | 90 min | 118–132 |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 59 | 95 min | 118–132 |
| Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior | 59 | 95 min | 118–132 |
Total: 230 questions. Total score: 472–528. The exam includes two optional 10-minute breaks and one optional 30-minute mid-exam break.
What each section tests
- Chem/Phys: General chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics, all applied to biological and medical contexts. Heavy on equations and quantitative reasoning.
- CARS: The only section with no science content. Passages from humanities and social sciences; tests reading comprehension and critical analysis. No outside knowledge needed, only what's in the passage. Often the most challenging section for science-focused students.
- Bio/Biochem: Biology, biochemistry, and organic chemistry. The most content-heavy section. Covers molecular biology, genetics, metabolism, and physiology.
- Psych/Soc: Psychology, sociology, and biology of behavior. Tests understanding of how social and psychological factors affect health, a reflection of modern medical school curricula.
For non-native English speakers: CARS is the section that most surprises international students. It requires fast, precise reading of dense academic passages in English, with no science knowledge to fall back on. Budget dedicated CARS practice time separately from your science content review. Daily reading of complex English texts (academic journals, long-form articles) significantly helps over time.
Score voiding option: At the end of the exam, before seeing your score, you can choose to void your result. You won't receive a score, won't be charged, but the attempt still counts toward your lifetime limit. Use this only if you're certain you performed far below your baseline.
3. Scoring explained
| Score range | Midpoint | Score delivery | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 472–528 total | 500 (50th percentile) | 30–35 days after test | 2–3 years (varies by school) |
Each section is scored 118–132; the four section scores are added for your total. A score of 500 represents the 50th percentile. Most competitive medical schools expect totals of 510–518+, with top programs averaging 520+.
What scores do medical schools expect?
| Score range | Percentile | Competitive for |
|---|---|---|
| 517–528 | 95th–100th | Top 10 MD programs (Harvard, Johns Hopkins, UCSF) |
| 512–516 | 85th–94th | Top 25 MD programs |
| 508–511 | 73rd–82nd | Top 50 MD programs |
| 504–507 | 60th–71st | Most MD programs |
| 500–503 | 50th–58th | DO programs; some MD programs |
| Below 500 | Below 50th | Consider retaking |
Score validity varies by school, most require scores within 2–3 years of your application date. Check each school's policy, especially if you're planning to take the MCAT well before you're ready to apply.
4. Prerequisites, when to take it
Unlike the GRE or LSAT, the MCAT has real academic prerequisites. You need substantial coursework before you're ready to sit for the exam.
Recommended coursework before taking the MCAT
| Subject | Recommended coursework |
|---|---|
| Biology | 1 year intro biology + genetics + cell biology |
| General Chemistry | 1 year (with lab) |
| Organic Chemistry | 1 year (with lab) |
| Biochemistry | 1 semester minimum |
| Physics | 1 year calculus- or algebra-based |
| Psychology | 1 semester intro psychology |
| Sociology | 1 semester intro sociology |
| Statistics | 1 semester recommended |
Most students take the MCAT in their junior or senior year of college, after completing the bulk of their prerequisites. Taking it too early, before finishing your science coursework, is one of the most common and costly mistakes pre-med students make.
Most students study 300+ hours. The AAMC recommends approximately 300 hours of total preparation. For most students, this translates to 3–6 months of consistent studying. Don't rush the timeline, a higher score is worth more than a faster application.
5. Test dates and scheduling
The MCAT is offered January through September only, it is not available in October, November, or December. In 2026, there are 31 test dates. See the full AAMC calendar for exact dates and score release dates.
| Month | Approximate dates available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4 dates | Good for retakers and early planners |
| February | 1 date (new in 2026) | Fills extremely fast, register immediately |
| March | 2–3 dates | Good for early-cycle applicants |
| April | 4 dates | Last "early" option for current cycle |
| May | 6 dates (most of any month) | Most popular window, seats fill fast |
| June | 4–5 dates | Strong option; scores back by July |
| July | 3–4 dates | Tight for current cycle but workable |
| August | 3–4 dates | Very tight for current cycle |
| September | 2 dates (last: Sept 12) | Scores back mid-October, too late for most current-cycle deadlines |
You can take the MCAT up to 3 times in one calendar year, 4 times within two consecutive years, and a maximum of 7 times in your lifetime. All attempts, including voided scores, count toward these limits.
Register early. Popular test dates (especially May and June) fill within days of registration opening. The AAMC opens registration in October for January–September dates. Missing your preferred date can push your entire application timeline back by a year.
6. Planning around your application deadline
Medical schools use rolling admissions, applications submitted earlier receive interview invitations at significantly higher rates. Since scores take 30–35 days to arrive, you need to plan your test date carefully.
The rule of thumb: Take the MCAT by late April or May if you want to submit a complete application by June or July, the ideal window for rolling admissions. A June or July MCAT is the latest that comfortably allows current-cycle applications.
Complete your prerequisites first
Don't take the MCAT until you've finished the core science coursework. Testing too early is the most common and costly mistake.
Study 3–6 months
Plan 300+ hours of preparation. Build in content review, practice questions, and at least 3–5 full-length practice exams under timed conditions before your test date.
Account for score delivery
Scores arrive 30–35 days after your test. AMCAS (the medical school application system) opens in late May, your application can't be verified as complete without your MCAT score.
Leave room for a retake
You must wait until your score is released before retaking. A May test gives you retake options in July or August if needed, still workable for the current cycle.
Apply early in the cycle
AMCAS opens in late May/early June. Applications verified and submitted by June–July are at a significant advantage over October or November submissions for the same cycle.
| Test date | Scores arrive by | Application timing |
|---|---|---|
| March – April | April – May | Ideal, early cycle submission |
| May | June – July | Strong, still early in cycle |
| June | July – August | Acceptable, mid-cycle |
| July | August – September | Tight, late cycle |
| August – September | September – October | Too late for current cycle, apply next year |
7. Cost and registration
| Item | Standard fee | FAP fee |
|---|---|---|
| MCAT registration (2026) | $355 | $145 |
| Rescheduling (60+ days before) | $50 | $20 |
| Rescheduling (30–59 days before) | $100 | $40 |
| Rescheduling (8–29 days before) | $150 | $60 |
| Cancellation (30+ days before) | $175 refund | $70 refund |
| Cancellation (under 30 days) | No refund | No refund |
| International surcharge | +$110 | Reduced |
Fee Assistance Program (FAP): The AAMC's FAP significantly reduces registration fees and includes free official prep products. Apply at aamc.org before registering, reduced fees are not retroactive. There is a 2-week turnaround for FAP approval.
How to register
- Create an AAMC account at students-residents.aamc.org. Never create multiple AAMC IDs.
- Apply for the FAP if eligible, do this before registering.
- Read the MCAT Essentials for 2026 in full, you must acknowledge all policies.
- Select your test date and location in the MCAT Registration System.
- Pay with Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover (debit cards accepted). Save your confirmation email.
- Note your 10-day deadline, after this date, no changes or refunds are possible.
8. Prep resources: official and third-party
Official AAMC resources
AAMC Free MCAT Prep
Free sample questions and a free full-length practice exam from AAMC. The most accurate reflection of real exam difficulty. Always use official materials first.
AAMC Official Prep Bundle
Includes multiple full-length practice exams (including the new Practice Exam 6), question packs, and section banks. The most realistic practice available, essential for final prep.
Third-party prep resources
Jack Westin
The most popular free CARS resource, one free passage daily. Also offers full courses and tutoring. Highly recommended for non-native speakers who need extra CARS practice.
Blueprint MCAT
Comprehensive video lessons, adaptive practice, and full-length exams. One of the most complete self-study platforms available. Strong content review across all four sections.
Kaplan MCAT
One of the longest-established MCAT prep providers. Strong for content review books and structured courses. Popular with students who prefer comprehensive written materials.
r/MCAT (Reddit)
The most active MCAT community online. Score reports, study schedules, resource reviews, and moral support. Especially useful for understanding what a realistic prep timeline looks like.
Khan Academy MCAT
Free content review videos covering all MCAT subjects. Not a substitute for full practice exams, but excellent for filling content gaps in biology, chemistry, and psychology.
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