2027 MCAT Registration: October 20-22 Opening by Test-Center Location

2027 MCAT registration opens October 20-22, 2026

AAMC has published a three-day registration opening for the 2027 MCAT testing year. Registration opens at noon Eastern Time by testing-center location: Group A on Tuesday, October 20; Group B on Wednesday, October 21; and Group C on Thursday, October 22. This is not a single national opening day, so your test-center location determines the day you should use.

Which group are you in?

Group A - October 20 at noon ET: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Group B - October 21 at noon ET: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Group C - October 22 at noon ET: international locations and listed U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Do not log in hours early

AAMC says examinees in the waiting room at 11:50 a.m. ET are randomly assigned a place in line. Logging in earlier does not improve that position. If you enter after 11:50, you are placed at the end of the line. The practical move is to have your account, test-date choices and payment readiness complete before the opening window, not to spend hours refreshing.

Complete the first five registration tabs in advance

AAMC recommends filling out the first five tabs in the MCAT Registration System before opening day. Make sure your AAMC login works and use the same AAMC account you already have. Do not create a second account because you forgot a password; reset the password instead.

Match your registration name to acceptable ID

Have your MCAT-accepted ID available when you prepare your registration. The name and identification details used for registration need to align with the test-day rules. Correcting identity problems is more stressful after an appointment is booked, so verify them before opening day.

Prepare three test dates and at least two locations

Your first-choice appointment may not be available. Build a ranked list with a preferred date, two acceptable alternatives, and more than one reasonable test center. This gives you a decision path when the system shows real-time availability instead of forcing you to improvise while your place in line is active.

Choose a date from your application timeline

The 2027 MCAT testing year runs January through September. Your best date is the one that gives you enough preparation time and returns a score when you need it for your medical-school application strategy. Do not pick the earliest date simply because it sounds efficient. A later date can be better if it produces a stronger, more reliable attempt without harming your application timeline.

Use the 2027 MCAT test-date guide to compare testing months and score-release timing.

Some 2027 dates have limited locations

AAMC notes that January 30, May 14, July 9 and August 28 are offered only at select testing locations. If one of those dates is central to your plan, check the location list before registration day rather than assuming every nearby center will offer it.

What students with approved accommodations should know

AAMC is offering advance scheduling for examinees with approved accommodations and says affected students will receive more information. If this applies to you, follow the accommodation-specific communication instead of assuming the standard opening sequence is your only route.

Opening-day checklist

1. Confirm your registration group and noon ET opening date.
2. Verify your AAMC login before the day.
3. Complete the first five registration tabs.
4. Check your accepted ID and registration name.
5. Rank at least three dates.
6. Rank at least two test centers.
7. Review limited-location dates.
8. Be ready for the waiting room around 11:50 a.m. ET.
9. Do not create duplicate AAMC accounts.

If your preferred date is gone

Use your prepared alternatives. AAMC says the registration system remains open after the initial opening days, so availability can change. Choosing a backup date you can genuinely prepare for is better than grabbing an unsuitable date because of opening-day pressure.

Registration FAQ

When does 2027 MCAT registration open?

October 20-22, 2026 by testing-center location, at noon ET.

Does everyone register October 20?

No. The opening day depends on the location group for the test center.

Does entering the waiting room very early improve my position?

AAMC says everyone in the waiting room at 11:50 a.m. ET is randomly assigned a place in line.

Can I wait and register later?

Yes, the system remains open for available appointments after the opening period, but popular dates or locations may have less availability.