MCAT Test Dates

2008 Test Dates

The MCAT will be administered 25 times in 2008 (26 in Canada), spread over 7 months. There are multiple advantages to starting your MCAT prep as early as possible.

A longer prep window:

• allows for greater retention and integration of the critical thinking skills required for the MCAT
• provides more flexibility when registering for the test in case dates or locations fill up

Download the 2008 MCAT Test Date calendar (USA or Canada, pdf) and see below for advice on which test date works best for you.

Which Test Date is Right for you?

June 2008 (6/13 AM & PM)
Because both June administrations will be held on a single day (AM and PM sessions), students wishing to take the test in June will have to register very early. June will be a sought after test date as it offers the unique convenience of allowing time for preparation over the summer as well as the ability to retest during the same application cycle. Preparation for the June MCAT can begin as early as January with the start of spring classes, with lots of free time during the summer spent on practice.

July 2008 (7/8 AM, 7/10 AM, 7/18 AM)
July will be a popular window for students wishing to take the early half of summer to prepare for the test. July will also be popular as students who’ve taken the exam earlier in the year look to re-take the exam. Preparation for the July exam can begin as early as January with the beginning of the spring semester or also with most popular class start options in March.

August/September 2008 (8/5 AM, 8/7 AM, 8/9 AM & PM†, 8/15 AM & PM, 8/22 PM, 8/26 PM, 9/3 AM, 9/5 AM, 9/6 AM, 9/12 PM, and 9/13 AM)
The August and September exam dates are ideal for students who need longer preparation time for the MCAT because of heavy time commitments during the semester or because they have been detached from the science material for a long time. These testing options will also be very popular with retesting students from early summer who took the MCAT in April, May, or June and wish to take the test again before the first application deadlines in October. Preparation for the August/September dates can begin as early as March for out of school students, with most popular prep options beginning in mid-May after finals.