MCAT Registration 2026: Complete Guide (Dates, Fees, Deadlines, Step-by-Step)

MCAT Registration 2026

Planning to take the MCAT in 2026? Registration isn’t hard—but missing a deadline or choosing the wrong date can cost you time, money, and your preferred test center. This guide walks you through exact 2026 MCAT test dates, scheduling deadlines, score release dates, fees, and the full step-by-step registration process using official AAMC information.

What’s new and important for MCAT registration in 2026

• MCAT is offered January through September at many test sites in the U.S., Canada, and internationally.

• Registration for January–September 2026 MCAT test dates is open via the MCAT Registration System.

• For U.S. testing, deadlines are tied to 60-day, 30-day, and 10-day cutoffs, and all scheduling deadlines are 11:59 p.m. local test center time.

• Scores are released by 5:00 p.m. ET on the scheduled score release date (and generally 30–35 days after testing).

  
  

MCAT registration 2026: Step-by-step process

Here’s the clean, practical process most students follow:

1) Create (or confirm) your AAMC account

You’ll register through the AAMC’s MCAT systems. If you’ve used AAMC resources before, you may already have an account—avoid creating duplicates.

2) Check test center availability before you pay

AAMC provides a tool to find MCAT test center locations and then you schedule inside the registration system. This helps you avoid paying first and then discovering your preferred city is full.

3) Pick your test date strategically (don’t just pick the earliest)

Before scheduling, decide:

• When your prep will realistically be finished

• Whether you want time for a retake

• When you need scores back for your application timeline (score releases are date-specific).

4) Register in the MCAT Registration System and pay

You’ll pay during scheduling. The AAMC accepts major credit cards (including debit cards with the Visa/Mastercard logo).

5) Save your confirmation and calendar your deadlines

Immediately note your:

• 60-day, 30-day, and 10-day deadlines

• Score release date

• Reschedule/cancel thresholds

A simple calendar reminder can save you a lot of fees.

2026 MCAT test dates, deadlines, and score release dates (U.S.)

Below is the official AAMC U.S. testing calendar (Jan–Sep 2026) with real deadlines and score releases. All deadlines are 11:59 p.m. local test center time. 

Key: The 10-day deadline is the last day to schedule, reschedule, or cancel and to edit key registration info.

MCAT Test Date (2026)	60-Day Deadline	30-Day Deadline	10-Day Deadline	Score Release Date
Jan 9	Nov 10, 2025	Dec 10, 2025	Dec 30, 2025	Feb 10
Jan 10	Nov 11, 2025	Dec 11, 2025	Dec 31, 2025	Feb 10
Jan 15	Nov 16, 2025	Dec 16, 2025	Jan 5, 2026	Feb 17
Jan 23	Nov 24, 2025	Dec 24, 2025	Jan 13, 2026	Feb 24
Feb 13	Dec 15, 2025	Jan 14, 2026	Feb 3, 2026	Mar 17
Mar 7	Jan 6, 2026	Feb 5, 2026	Feb 25, 2026	Apr 7
Mar 20	Jan 19, 2026	Feb 18, 2026	Mar 10, 2026	Apr 21
Apr 10	Feb 9, 2026	Mar 11, 2026	Mar 31, 2026	May 12
Apr 11	Feb 10, 2026	Mar 12, 2026	Apr 1, 2026	May 12
Apr 24	Feb 23, 2026	Mar 25, 2026	Apr 14, 2026	May 27
Apr 25	Feb 24, 2026	Mar 26, 2026	Apr 15, 2026	May 27
May 2	Mar 3, 2026	Apr 2, 2026	Apr 22, 2026	Jun 2
May 8	Mar 9, 2026	Apr 8, 2026	Apr 28, 2026	Jun 9
May 9	Mar 10, 2026	Apr 9, 2026	Apr 29, 2026	Jun 9
May 14	Mar 15, 2026	Apr 14, 2026	May 4, 2026	Jun 16
May 22	Mar 23, 2026	Apr 22, 2026	May 12, 2026	Jun 23
May 30	Mar 31, 2026	Apr 30, 2026	May 20, 2026	Jun 30
Jun 12	Apr 13, 2026	May 13, 2026	Jun 2, 2026	Jul 14
Jun 13	Apr 14, 2026	May 14, 2026	Jun 3, 2026	Jul 14
Jun 26	Apr 27, 2026	May 27, 2026	Jun 16, 2026	Jul 28
Jun 27	Apr 28, 2026	May 28, 2026	Jun 17, 2026	Jul 28
Jul 11	May 12, 2026	Jun 11, 2026	Jul 1, 2026	Aug 11
Jul 24	May 25, 2026	Jun 24, 2026	Jul 14, 2026	Aug 25
Jul 31	Jun 1, 2026	Jul 1, 2026	Jul 21, 2026	Sep 2
Aug 15	Jun 16, 2026	Jul 16, 2026	Aug 5, 2026	Sep 15
Aug 21	Jun 22, 2026	Jul 22, 2026	Aug 11, 2026	Sep 22
Aug 22	Jun 23, 2026	Jul 23, 2026	Aug 12, 2026	Sep 22
Sep 3	Jul 5, 2026	Aug 4, 2026	Aug 24, 2026	Oct 6
Sep 4	Jul 6, 2026	Aug 5, 2026	Aug 25, 2026	Oct 6
Sep 11	Jul 13, 2026	Aug 12, 2026	Sep 1, 2026	Oct 13
Sep 12	Jul 14, 2026	Aug 13, 2026	Sep 2, 2026	Oct 13

Source: AAMC U.S. MCAT Calendar (2026).

MCAT registration fees in 2026 (and what international students pay)

According to AAMC’s official fee schedule for 2026 testing dates:

• Standard registration fee: $355 (USD)

• Fee Assistance Program (FAP) registration fee: $145 (USD)

• International testing fee: +$130 (USD) (for testing outside the U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories)

Rescheduling and cancellation fees (Standard vs FAP)

AAMC lists the following change/cancel structure (fees depend on how close you are to the exam date):

Standard (non-FAP):

• 60+ days before: reschedule $55, cancel refund $175

• 30–59 days before: reschedule $110, cancel refund $175

• 10–29 days before: reschedule $210, cancel refund $0

• <10 days before: no changes allowed

Fee Assistance Program (FAP):

• 60+ days before: reschedule $25, cancel refund $75

• 30–59 days before: reschedule $45, cancel refund $75

• 10–29 days before: reschedule $85, cancel refund $0

• <10 days before: no changes allowed

Tip: If you’re unsure of your readiness, aim to schedule before the tighter windows, because the costs rise fast as you get closer.

How to choose the best MCAT test date in 2026

Picking a date is half strategy, half reality-check. Use these guidelines:

• Back-calculate from score release: If you test late summer, your score may arrive in September/October depending on date. Use the table above to plan.

• Give yourself buffer time: Life happens—illness, college exams, family events. Try not to plan a “perfect” prep schedule with zero slack.

• Plan for a retake (if needed): Many students prefer testing early enough to retake without delaying the rest of their cycle.

• Prioritize a convenient test center: A longer commute can increase stress on exam day.

MCAT accommodations and fee assistance (quick overview)

Fee Assistance Program (FAP)

The AAMC Fee Assistance Program helps eligible examinees afford the MCAT and parts of the medical school application process.

Accommodations

If you have a disability or medical condition and need adjusted testing conditions, AAMC encourages you to apply for accommodated testing through their accommodations system

Common MCAT registration mistakes to avoid

1. Waiting too long to book a seat (popular cities fill up)

2. Ignoring the 10-day deadline (last day to schedule/reschedule/cancel)

3. Not budgeting for fees + potential reschedule (especially if your prep timeline is uncertain)

4. Forgetting time zones: deadlines are based on local test center time, while score release is listed in ET for U.S. calendar.

FAQ: MCAT registration 2026

1) When should I register for the MCAT in 2026?

As early as you can once you’re confident about your target date and location—because seats can fill, and rescheduling later can cost more. Registration and scheduling is done through the AAMC MCAT Registration System.

2) How much does MCAT registration 2026 cost?

MCAT registration 2026 costs $355 (USD) for standard registration. If you qualify for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program, the registration fee is $145 (USD).

3) Is there an extra fee for international test takers?

Yes. If you test outside the U.S., Canada, or U.S. territories, AAMC adds a $130 (USD) international fee on top of your registration fee.

4) What’s the last date to cancel or reschedule an MCAT reservation?

For the U.S. testing calendar, the 10-day deadline is the last date to schedule, reschedule, or cancel (by 11:59 p.m. local test center time).

5) When are MCAT scores released in 2026?

AAMC states MCAT scores are typically released 30–35 days after your exam date, and the U.S. calendar lists the exact score release date for each test date (released by 5:00 p.m. ET).

CTA: Register smart and stay ahead (official links)

Ready to book your seat and lock your timeline?

• Register/Schedule your MCAT in the official MCAT Registration System 

• Use the official 2026 U.S. MCAT calendar to pick a date + score release 

• Review official MCAT scheduling fees (reschedule/cancel rules) 

• Check Fee Assistance Program benefits and eligibility