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When Should I Take the MCAT in 2023?

Are you a current college student preparing to take the MCAT in 2023? Have no fear – you’re not alone! You probably have many questions about when to start studying, what materials to use, and, almost as importantly, when is the best time to take the test.
Sure, it may seem daunting now, but with proper planning and dedication, you can feel confident that your MCAT preparation journey will be successful! Keep reading for tips on determining the optimal timing for taking this important exam.
Start Planning Early For MCAT Preps
Before jumping into the details of when to take the MCAT; it’s important to plan to have plenty of time to prepare. You should aim to assess your timeline and determine the best time for taking the test. Here are a few things to consider when creating your timeline:
- How much time do you need to study? Depending on how much knowledge and confidence you feel you’ll need, allow yourself anywhere from 2-6 months of prep time before taking the exam.
- What other commitments will you have that might increase or decrease your available study time? This can include classes, jobs, internships, volunteer work, and any other activities you may have going on in your life.
- How many times do you plan to take the exam? You can take the MCAT up to three times a year. Consider how many attempts will give you enough time to prepare for success without feeling burnt out.
With all these factors in mind, you should better understand the best time to take the MCAT.
Take a Look at Your Timeline
The first step in deciding when to take the MCAT is to assess your timeline. Are you planning on graduating this year and attending medical school immediately after? Or are you taking a gap year or two and hoping to be admitted into medical school sometime during that time?
Your timeline will ultimately inform which test date works best for you. Taking the MCAT in April or May is likely your best option if you hope to be admitted into medical school immediately after graduation.
This gives you ample time to study for the exam and allows schools to review your application before making admissions decisions. You should give yourself at least 3-4 months of dedicated study time and begin studying for the MCAT during your junior year.
On the other hand, if you take a gap year or two to pursue other interests before applying to medical school, the MCAT is more flexible. You can take it whenever it works best within that timeframe.
However, you should still give yourself at least 3 months of dedicated study time. If possible, it is best to take the MCAT as early as possible in your gap year so that schools have time to review your application before making admissions decisions.


Choose an MCAT Test Date That Fits Your Schedule
Once you’ve determined when to take the MCAT and have a rough timeline laid out, it’s time to pick an actual test date. Make sure the date you choose fits your schedule and plan accordingly.
Remember that there are typically 3-4 available dates each month, so don’t limit yourself to just one or two options. Here is the MCAT testing calendar for 2023:
Test Date | 60 Day Deadline | 30 Day Deadline | 10 Day Deadline | Score Release Date |
January 13, 2023 | November 14, 2022 | December 14, 2022 | January 3, 2023 | February 14, 2023 |
January 14, 2023 | November 15, 2022 | December 15, 2022 | January 4, 2023 | February 14, 2023 |
January 19, 2023 | November 20, 2022 | December 20, 2022 | January 9, 2023 | February 21, 2023 |
January 27, 2023 | November 28, 2022 | December 28, 2022 | January 17, 2023 | March 3, 2023 |
March 11, 2023 | January 10, 2022 | February 21, 2023 | March 1, 2023 | April 11, 2023 |
March 24, 2023 | January 23, 2022 | February 22, 2023 | March 14, 2023 | April 25, 2023 |
April 14, 2023 | February 13, 2023 | March 15, 2023 | April 4, 2023 | May 16, 2023 |
April 15, 2023 | February 14, 2023 | March 16, 2023 | April 5, 2023 | May 16, 2023 |
April 28, 2023 | February 27, 2023 | March 29, 2023 | April 18, 2023 | May 31, 2023 |
April 29, 2023 | February 28, 2023 | March 30, 2023 | April 19, 2023 | May 31, 2023 |
May 12, 2023 | March 13, 2023 | April 12, 2023 | May 2, 2023 | June 13, 2023 |
May 13, 2023 | March 14, 2023 | April 13, 2023 | May 3, 2023 | June 13, 2023 |
May 18, 2023 | March 19, 2023 | April 18, 2023 | May 8, 2023 | June 21, 2023 |
May 26, 2023 | March 27, 2023 | April 26, 2023 | May 16, 2023 | June 27, 2023 |
June 3, 2023 | April 4, 2023 | May 4, 2023 | May 24, 2023 | July 6, 2023 |
June 16, 2023 | April 17, 2023 | May 17, 2023 | June 6, 2023 | July 18, 2023 |
June 17, 2023 | April 18, 2023 | May 18, 2023 | June 7, 2023 | July 18, 2023 |
June 23, 2023 | April 24, 2023 | May 24, 2023 | June 13, 2023 | July 25, 2023 |
June 24, 2023 | April 25, 2023 | May 25, 2023 | June 14, 2023 | July 25, 2023 |
June 29, 2023 | April 30, 2023 | May 30, 2023 | June 19, 2023 | July 31, 2023 |
July 15, 2023 | May 16, 2023 | June 15, 2023 | July 5, 2023 | August 15, 2023 |
July 28, 2023 | May 29, 2023 | June 28, 2023 | July 18, 2023 | August 29, 2023 |
August 4, 2023 | June 5, 2023 | July 5, 2023 | July 25, 2023 | September 6, 2023 |
August 19, 2023 | June 20, 2023 | July 20, 2023 | August 9, 2023 | September 19, 2023 |
August 25, 2023 | June 26, 2023 | July 26, 2023 | August 15, 2023 | September 26, 2023 |
August 26, 2023 | June 27, 2023 | July 27, 2023 | August 16, 2023 | September 26, 2023 |
August 31, 2023 | July 2, 2023 | August 1, 2023 | August 21, 2023 | October 3, 2023 |
September 1, 2023 | July 3, 2023 | August 2, 2023 | August 22, 2023 | October 3, 2023 |
September 8, 2023 | July 10, 2023 | August 9, 2023 | August 29, 2023 | October 13, 2023 |
September 9, 2023 | July 11, 2023 | August 10, 2023 | August 30, 2023 | October 13, 2023 |

Taking the MCAT is no easy task, but with proper planning and dedication, you can determine when the best time for you to take it. Start by assessing your timeline, considering your application deadlines, setting goals, prioritizing your time, and utilizing all available resources.
Don’t forget to stay motivated throughout your journey and reward yourself for your hard work!
General tips and informative articles on the MCAT:
MCAT differs from other medical exams:
FAQs
→ How should I prepare for the MCAT?
To prepare for the MCAT, you will need to have a thorough understanding of all topics that are covered on the test. You should also be familiar with critical thinking skills and reading comprehension strategies.
It is recommended that you take practice tests to get used to the format of the MCAT. Additionally, you may find it helpful to take MCAT tutoring courses or review materials that will help you review topics from each subject area.
→ How can I improve my MCAT score in 3 weeks?
Improving your MCAT score in three weeks is possible but requires great effort and dedication. You should assess where you are currently at with your understanding of the material covered by the exam.
You should review topics you could be stronger in and create a study plan to address these weaknesses. Be sure to get enough rest and stay hydrated throughout the study, as this will help you retain information better.
→ How long is the MCAT 2023 exam?
The MCAT 2023 exam is approximately 6 hours and 15 minutes long, including breaks. It consists of four sections: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Critical Analysis, and Reasoning Skills.
→ What are the registration fees for the MCAT 2023 exam?
The registration fee for the MCAT 2023 exam is expected to be around $135, although additional fees may apply for late registration, rescheduling, or other services. You may also be eligible for a fee assistance program offered by the AAMC if you meet certain income criteria.
→ Can I retake the MCAT 2023 exam if I’m not satisfied with my score?
Yes, you can retake the MCAT 2023 exam if you’re unsatisfied with your score. However, there are restrictions on how often you can retake the exam and how long you have to wait before taking it again, so check the AAMC website for the latest rules and regulations.

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