All 35 official 2027 MCAT test dates, score release dates, and registration deadlines in one table. Updated with 2027 fees and rescheduling costs.
(Note: This resource also appears in our MCAT Ultimate Guide.)
What You'll Learn
Test Dates & Score Release
How to review the complete calendar of exam dates and score releases to align your study timeline with medical school application deadlines.
Exam Duration
The total time commitment required on test day, including actual testing time, check-in procedures, and scheduled breaks.
Registration Costs
Standard registration fees for domestic and international test-takers, rescheduling costs, and available financial assistance options.
How & When to Register
Where to access the official registration system and when registration windows open for test dates throughout the year.
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MCAT introduction
If you’re applying to medical school in the U.S. or Canada, you’ll have to take the notorious Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Each year, you’ll have many potential MCAT test dates to choose from, and given the test’s importance in the med school admissions process, you’ll want to plan ahead to make sure you snag your ideal test date.
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MCAT quick answers
How many MCAT dates are there in 2027?
There are a total of 35 MCAT test dates in 2027. Four of these test dates are only available at select U.S. testing centers (see below).
When does the MCAT registration open in 2027?
Registration for the 2027 MCAT test dates begins October 20–22, 2026 by testing center location. See the AAMC MCAT registration opening site for more information on how regional testing centers are grouped.
How much does the MCAT cost in 2027?
For 2027, standard registration fee for the MCAT costs $355. The fee assistance program (FAP) offers a reduced fee of $145. Examinees testing outside the U.S., Canada, or the U.S. Territories will be charged a $130 international fee in addition to the initial registration fee for a total of $485.
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2027 MCAT test dates and score release dates
| MCAT Test Date | ||
|---|---|---|
| January 15 | ||
| January 16 | ||
| January 21 | ||
| January 29 | ||
| January 30* | ||
| February 12 | ||
| March 6 | ||
| March 19 | ||
| April 9 | ||
| April 10 | ||
| April 16 | ||
| April 17 | ||
| May 1 | ||
| May 7 | ||
| May 8 | ||
| May 13 | ||
| May 14* | ||
| May 21 | ||
| May 29 | ||
| June 11 | ||
| June 12 | ||
| June 25 | ||
| June 26 | ||
| July 9* | ||
| July 10 | ||
| July 23 | ||
| July 30 | ||
| August 14 | ||
| August 20 | ||
| August 21 | ||
| August 28* | ||
| September 2 | ||
| September 3 | ||
| September 10 | ||
| September 11 |
*These dates will only be available at selected U.S. testing centers. Please check the table below before registering for your MCAT exam.
| MCAT Exam Date | Testing Available at Select Testing Centers in These Areas |
|---|---|
| January 30 | Atlanta, GA, Bay Area, CA, Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, Seattle, WA, and Washington, DC |
| May 14 | Atlanta, GA, Bay Area, CA, Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, Seattle, WA, and Washington, DC |
| July 9 | Atlanta, GA, Bay Area, CA, Boston, MA, Dallas, TX, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, Seattle, WA, and Washington, DC |
| August 28 | Atlanta, GA, Bay Area, CA, Boston, MA, Chicago, IL, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, Los Angeles, CA, New York, NY, Philadelphia, PA, Phoenix, AZ, Sacramento, CA, San Diego, CA, Seattle, WA, and Washington, DC |
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How long is the MCAT?
MCAT section-by-section time breakdown
| Section | Time Allotted |
|---|---|
| Test-day certification | 4 minutes |
| Tutorial (optional) | 10 minutes |
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 95 minutes |
| Break (optional) | 10 minutes |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | 90 minutes |
| Mid-exam break (optional) | 30 minutes |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 95 minutes |
| Break (optional) | 10 minutes |
| Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior | 95 minutes |
| Void Question | 3 minutes |
| End-of-day survey (optional) | 5 minutes |
| Total content time | 6 hours and 15 minutes |
| Total “seated” time* | About 7 hours and 30 minutes |
*Total seated time does not include check-in time upon arrival at the test center.
Total test day length, including breaks
The total test day length, including breaks, is about 7 hours and 30 minutes.
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How much does the MCAT cost in 2027?
Standard registration fee vs. fee assistance program (FAP)
The standard registration fee for the 2027 MCAT is $355. The reduced fee through the fee assistance program (FAP) is $145.
International testing fee
Examinees testing outside the U.S., Canada, or U.S. Territories is charged a $130 international fee in addition to the initial registration fee, bringing the total to $485.
Rescheduling fees
| Time Frame Prior to Exam | Standard Reschedule Fee | Fee Assistance Program Reschedule Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 60 or more days before exam | $55 | $25 |
| 30–59 days before exam | $110 | $45 |
| 10–29 days before exam | $210 | $85 |
Cancellations and refunds
| Time Frame Prior to Exam | Standard Cancellation Refund | Fee Assistance Program Cancellation Refund |
|---|---|---|
| 60 or more days before exam | $175 | $75 |
| 30–59 days before exam | $175 | $75 |
| 10–29 days before exam | $0 | $0 |
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How and when to register for the MCAT
MCAT registration timeline
Registration for the entire 2027 MCAT testing year opens October 20–22, 2026, split by testing center location group through the MCAT registration system.
How do I register for the MCAT?
You sign up for all MCAT test dates through the AAMC MCAT registration site.
Starting in October, you’ll be able to sign up for MCAT dates for all of 2027. Registration will open October 20–22, 2026.
Do MCAT test dates fill up?
Yes, they do, so it behooves you to register for the MCAT as early as possible. Otherwise, your preferred location or test date may not be available and you may have to take the exam at a less convenient time or at a less convenient location.
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How many times can I retake the MCAT?
Examinees who opt to take the MCAT more than once must adhere to the following restrictions set out by the AAMC:
You may hold only one MCAT exam appointment at a time.
You may attempt the exam no more than three times in a testing year.
You may attempt the exam no more than four times over two consecutive testing years.
You may attempt the exam no more than seven times in your lifetime.
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Frequently asked questions
How many MCAT test dates are there in 2027?
There are 35 MCAT test dates in 2027, offered between January and September. Test dates are concentrated on Fridays and Saturdays, with more dates added in the spring and summer months when demand is highest.
When does MCAT registration open for 2027?
Registration for all test dates opens October 20–22, 2026. You can register for any available date through the AAMC's MCAT registration system, but earlier registration means better odds of getting your preferred date and location.
How much does the MCAT cost in 2027?
Standard MCAT registration costs $355, and Fee Assistance Program (FAP) registration costs $145. Examinees testing outside the US, Canada, or US territories pay an additional $130 international fee on top of the registration fee.
What are the MCAT rescheduling and cancellation fees?
Rescheduling fees range from $55 (60+ days before your exam) to $210 (10–29 days before your exam) under standard registration, or $25–$85 under the Fee Assistance Program. Cancellation refund amounts also depend on how far in advance you cancel, so it's worth reviewing the current tier before locking in a date you're not fully sure about.
How long is the MCAT?
The MCAT takes about 7 hours and 30 minutes total on test day, including breaks and check-in. The actual testing time (the four scored sections combined) is 6 hours and 15 minutes.
How long does it take to get MCAT scores back?
MCAT scores are typically released 30–35 days after your test date, by 5:00 p.m. ET on the scheduled release date. You can find the exact release date for your specific test date in the table above.
How many times can you take the MCAT?
You can take the MCAT up to three times in one calendar year and up to four times across two calendar years. There's also a lifetime limit of seven attempts, and no-shows or voided scores still count toward that limit. If you're weighing whether a retake is worth it, this is a decision worth making deliberately. Talk to an advisor about how your target schools treat multiple scores.
When should I take the MCAT?
We recommend that most applicants aim to take the MCAT by May of their application cycle year at the latest, so scores are back in time for an early submission. Later test dates push your application timeline back and can put you at a competitive disadvantage in a rolling admissions process.
How do I choose the ideal MCAT test date?
Selecting the ideal MCAT exam date comes down to realistic planning around three key factors: your target study hours, the number of days you can study each week, and how many hours you can realistically commit each day.
For instance, suppose your goal is to log 300 total study hours. If you commit 3 hours a day, 5 days a week (leaving two days for rest and recovery), you’ll build up 15 study hours per week. At that pace, you'll reach your 300-hour milestone in exactly 20 weeks—roughly five months. If you launch your study plan around the start of October, you’d be fully prepared for an early March test date.
Adjusting any of these inputs, whether taking fewer rest days or bumping daily prep to 4 hours, will shift your timeline. Fortunately, because the AAMC offers more than 30 test dates annually between January and September, you have plenty of flexibility to map out a timeline that fits your specific schedule.
Do MCAT test dates fill up?
Yes, popular dates and locations, especially in the spring, routinely fill up weeks or months in advance. Registering as soon as your window opens is the best way to guarantee your preferred date and test center.
What time does the MCAT start and end?
The MCAT starts at 8:00 a.m. local time and typically ends around 3:30–3:45 p.m., depending on how breaks are used. Arrive early for check-in since AAMC testing centers require ID verification and security procedures before the exam begins.
How do I register for the MCAT?
You register through the AAMC's MCAT registration system: create an AAMC account, complete the required background and consent information, select your test date and location, and pay the registration fee. You can change your test date later for a fee if your plans change, up until 10 days before your scheduled exam.
Next steps: Review additional MCAT resources
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