2027 MCAT Test Dates: Calendar, Score Releases and How to Choose Your Date

2027 MCAT testing runs from January through September

AAMC has published the 2027 testing year and registration schedule. The important planning point is not just that there are many dates: each date has its own scheduling deadlines, score-release date and location availability. Registration for the entire January-through-September testing year opens October 20-22, 2026 by test-center location.

Four 2027 dates have limited location availability

AAMC specifically flags January 30, May 14, July 9 and August 28 as dates offered only at select testing locations. If one of these dates fits your academic calendar, check the location list before making it your only plan. A date that looks ideal on paper is not useful if it is not offered within a realistic travel distance.

How to choose your MCAT date

Work backward from when you want a usable score, then test whether your preparation can realistically reach that date. A strong choice balances four constraints: preparation runway, application timing, school or work commitments, and appointment availability.

1. Start with readiness, not urgency

Use a current diagnostic. If your baseline shows large gaps across multiple sections, an early date can create a compressed study cycle that leads to repeated full-length tests without enough learning between them. AAMC's own study-plan guidance recommends diagnosing weaknesses, reviewing content, practicing application and using full-length exams after meaningful work on weak areas.

2. Check the score-release date

Medical-school application strategy depends on when your score becomes available, not only when you sit for the exam. Score release is generally scheduled after the test date, and AAMC publishes the exact calendar. If a school or application milestone matters to you, plan from the release date backward.

3. Protect your final study weeks

Look at finals, major work deadlines, travel, family obligations, religious observances and other fixed commitments. A date that creates two disrupted weeks immediately before the exam can be worse than a slightly later date with a stable schedule.

4. Keep a backup date

On registration opening day, availability can change quickly. Choose one preferred date and at least two acceptable alternatives. This prevents a sold-out center from turning into a rushed decision.

Early-year vs spring vs summer MCAT

January-February: useful for applicants who are already well prepared and want an early score, but the preparation runway from fall can be tight if coursework is heavy.

March-April: can provide additional study time while still returning a score before many application decisions, but spring coursework and exams may compete with preparation.

May-June: common planning months because students may have completed more prerequisite coursework. The tradeoff is proximity to application season and possible overlap with finals or graduation.

July-September: can allow a longer preparation runway or a retake, but applicants need to understand how later score release interacts with their own application strategy. There is no universal rule that one month is best.

Do not choose a test date from Reddit consensus alone

Community experiences can help you understand logistics, but another student's best date may be wrong for your coursework, baseline, application year or location. Use AAMC's live calendar and your own diagnostic evidence.

Scheduling deadlines matter after you register

AAMC's calendar includes 60-day, 30-day and 10-day scheduling deadlines. The 10-day deadline is especially important because it is the last date to schedule, reschedule or cancel a reservation and to edit certain registration information. Check the exact deadline attached to your appointment rather than relying on a general rule.

A practical date-selection worksheet

1. Write the date you need your score by.
2. List every MCAT date that releases a score before that point.
3. Remove dates that conflict with major school/work obligations.
4. Take a diagnostic and estimate the study runway you actually need.
5. Choose one preferred date and two backups.
6. Check whether any chosen date is limited to select locations.
7. Verify your registration opening group for October 20-22.

What if you are planning a retake?

Use the previous score report to define the reason for retesting. If all four sections were close to your practice range, a short reset may not create a large change. If one section collapsed because of a specific pacing or content issue, target that weakness before selecting a near-term date. Do not register for the earliest available slot simply because the prior score disappointed you.

2027 date FAQ

When does the 2027 MCAT testing year run?

January through September 2027.

When does registration open?

October 20-22, 2026 by testing-center location.

Which dates are limited to select test centers?

AAMC currently flags January 30, May 14, July 9 and August 28.

What is the best MCAT date?

The best date is the one that fits your preparation evidence and returns a score within your application timeline. Use the 8-week MCAT study plan to test whether your target date gives you enough runway.