MCAT AAMC 2026: Complete Guide 2026 (Dates, Fees, Registration, Prep, and Score Release)
- Rajesh Kulkarni
- 4 days ago
- 5 min read
If you’re planning med school applications in 2026, you’ll hear one name again and again: AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) — the official body that runs the MCAT and publishes the most reliable rules, dates, fees, and policies. This guide is built around official AAMC information plus practical planning advice so you can choose the right test date, register correctly, and prepare with the best resources.
What is the MCAT and why AAMC matters in 2026?
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®) is a standardized computer-based exam used for admission to medical schools (primarily in the U.S. and Canada). AAMC is the official organization behind the exam, meaning:
AAMC publishes the official test date calendar, scheduling deadlines, and score release dates.
AAMC controls registration, test-day rules, accommodations, and rescheduling/cancellation policies.
AAMC produces official prep materials (and many students prioritize these because they match exam style closely).
The MCAT exam experience is long: AAMC lists total seated time as about 7 hours 30 minutes (check-in time not included).
MCAT AAMC 2026: Official exam format and sections
The MCAT has 4 sections:
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Total seated time: ~7 hours 30 minutes (excluding check-in). Score release timing: typically 30–35 days after your test date (official score release dates are published in advance).
MCAT 2026 official test dates and score release dates (AAMC)
AAMC publishes a downloadable 2026 schedule that includes test dates and corresponding score release dates for U.S. testing centers. It also notes the MCAT is not offered in October through December 2026, and the standard start time is 8:00 a.m.
AAMC MCAT 2026 dates (U.S.) — Test Date → Score Release
MCAT 2026 Test Date | Score Release Date |
Jan 9, 2026 | Feb 10, 2026 |
Jan 10, 2026 | Feb 10, 2026 |
Jan 15, 2026 | Feb 17, 2026 |
Jan 23, 2026 | Feb 24, 2026 |
Feb 13, 2026 | Mar 17, 2026 |
Mar 7, 2026 | Apr 7, 2026 |
Mar 20, 2026 | Apr 21, 2026 |
Apr 10, 2026 | May 12, 2026 |
Apr 11, 2026 | May 12, 2026 |
Apr 24, 2026 | May 27, 2026 |
Apr 25, 2026 | May 27, 2026 |
May 2, 2026 | Jun 2, 2026 |
May 8, 2026 | Jun 9, 2026 |
May 9, 2026 | Jun 9, 2026 |
May 14, 2026 | Jun 16, 2026 |
May 22, 2026 | Jun 23, 2026 |
May 30, 2026 | Jun 30, 2026 |
Jun 12, 2026 | Jul 14, 2026 |
Jun 13, 2026 | Jul 14, 2026 |
Jun 26, 2026 | Jul 28, 2026 |
Jun 27, 2026 | Jul 28, 2026 |
Jul 11, 2026 | Aug 11, 2026 |
Jul 24, 2026 | Aug 25, 2026 |
Jul 31, 2026 | Sept 2, 2026 |
Aug 15, 2026 | Sept 15, 2026 |
Aug 21, 2026 | Sept 22, 2026 |
Aug 22, 2026 | Sept 22, 2026 |
Sept 3, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 |
Sept 4, 2026 | Oct 6, 2026 |
Sept 11, 2026 | Oct 13, 2026 |
Sept 12, 2026 | Oct 13, 2026 |
Source: AAMC “2026 Schedule for the MCAT” (U.S. testing).
Important AAMC timing rules to remember:
AAMC states scores are released by 5:00 p.m. ET on the scheduled score release date.
Scheduling deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. local test center time on the stated deadline day.
(For Canadian and international dates, AAMC directs students to check the registration site for those locations.)
MCAT AAMC 2026 registration: how it works (step-by-step)
AAMC registration happens through your AAMC account. In simple terms:
Create/verify your AAMC account details
Check the 2026 test date calendar
Choose your date + 1–2 backup dates
Book early (popular locations fill fast)
Confirm policies (ID rules, arrival time, rescheduling/cancellation windows)
AAMC also highlights the MCAT Essentials for the testing year (the official policy document) and provides official registration guidance.
MCAT AAMC 2026 fees and extra costs (official)
AAMC lists the MCAT registration fee and key add-on costs clearly:
Standard registration fee: $355 (USD)
Fee Assistance Program (FAP) registration fee: $145 (USD)
International fee: +$130 (USD) if testing outside the U.S., Canada, or U.S. territories (in addition to registration fee)
AAMC also notes an important scheduling cutoff: 10 days prior to exam day is the last day you can schedule an exam.
Fee Assistance Program (FAP) — why it matters
AAMC’s Fee Assistance Program exists to help students who may not be able to take the MCAT or apply without financial support. If you think you might qualify, apply early because it can impact both your MCAT costs and access to official prep benefits.
How to choose the best MCAT date in 2026 (practical strategy)
Choosing a date isn’t only about “when you feel ready.” It’s also about aligning with your application timeline and score release.
Here’s a clean approach:
1) Plan backward from score release
AAMC scores typically come out 30–35 days after your test date. So if you want your score in hand by a certain month, pick a test date that releases your score before then (use the AAMC table above).
2) Avoid rushing your content review
Because the test is long and multi-disciplinary, most students benefit from a structured plan that includes:
content review
practice questions
full-length practice tests
review cycles (error log + weak-area loops)
3) Consider the “no test dates” period
AAMC notes the MCAT is not offered in Oct–Dec 2026. That makes late summer / September test dates the final window of the year.
Best AAMC resources for MCAT prep in 2026 (what to prioritize)
If you’re aiming for the most “MCAT-like” practice, prioritize AAMC Official Prep materials and AAMC-style questions. AAMC also maintains an official prep hub and guidance links through its MCAT pages.
A simple resource stack (high ROI) looks like:
AAMC official practice questions and full-lengths
A consistent error log (why you missed it + how you’ll avoid it)
Section-specific work:
CARS daily practice
Timed science passages to build stamina
Test-day expectations (AAMC basics you should know)
A few AAMC timing points to keep in mind while planning:
Most exams start at 8:00 a.m. (unless stated otherwise for a specific date).
Total seated time is about 7 hours 30 minutes (excluding check-in).
Scores are released by 5:00 p.m. ET on the published score release date.
FAQ (2026)
1) What does MCAT AAMC 2026 mean?
MCAT AAMC 2026 refers to the official AAMC-run MCAT exam cycle in 2026, including AAMC’s published test dates, fees, registration policies, and score release schedule.
2) When will MCAT 2026 scores be released?
AAMC states official scores are released 30–35 days after your exam date, and for scheduled release dates they’re posted by 5:00 p.m. ET.
3) What is the MCAT registration fee in 2026?
AAMC lists the standard MCAT registration fee as $355 (USD), with $145 (USD) for Fee Assistance Program registrants (plus an additional $130 international fee if testing outside the U.S./Canada/U.S. territories).
4) Are there MCAT dates in October, November, or December 2026?
No. AAMC’s 2026 schedule notes the MCAT is not offered in October through December 2026.
5) How long is the MCAT exam day?
AAMC lists about 7 hours 30 minutes of seated time (not including check-in).
CTA: Register + use official AAMC resources (links)
If you’re serious about maximizing your score, start by bookmarking the official AAMC pages and aligning your plan with the AAMC 2026 calendar and fee policies.
AAMC U.S. MCAT calendar, scheduling deadlines, and score release dates:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/us-mcat-calendar-scheduling-deadlines-and-score-release-dates-0
AAMC 2026 MCAT schedule (PDF download):
https://students-residents.aamc.org/media/15141/download
Register for the MCAT (AAMC):
https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/register-mcat-exam
MCAT scheduling fees (AAMC):
https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/mcat-scheduling-fees
MCAT scores information (AAMC):
https://students-residents.aamc.org/mcat-scores/mcat-scores
AAMC Fee Assistance Program:
https://students-residents.aamc.org/fee-assistance-program/fee-assistance-program
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