When Can I Take the MCAT?

Question: When Can I Take the MCAT?

Answer: Most of the 22 annual MCAT test dates fall in the late spring and summer months, between April and September, which is ideal for students who have other things to concentrate on during their college semesters.

The 2008 MCAT test dates are:

January 25, 26
April 5, 18, 19
May 10, 19, 27, 31
June 13
July 8, 17, 18
August 5, 7, 15, 20, 26
September 3, 12, 13

Each date has advantages. For example, January testing will give you a long time to prepare to re-take in the summer if your scores aren't satisfactory. But most students will test after the spring semester, so decide between the dates in the late spring and summer months according to this key factor:

How long do I need to study without interruptions?

If you can fit studying into your spring semester and don't need between-semester free time for preparation, a MCAT test date in April or May will allow you to submit your application ahead of the crowd since you can begin the process on June 1st. This may be a huge benefit to you if you're applying to one of the many medical schools that uses rolling admissions. You'll get admissions decisions earlier, and more spots may be open earlier on.

But if you need a stretch of time dedicated solely to MCAT study, a later summer or early fall test date may be ideal for you. Try to take the MCAT early enough that you're not disadvantaged in the rolling admissions process, but give yourself enough time for thorough preparation - which is usually at least a month of full-time studying. Earning a high score through dedicated study will benefit you no matter when you submit your scores.