What year of college should you take the MCAT?
Asked by: Burdette Davis | Last update: October 3, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (33 votes)
You should aim to take the MCAT during your sophomore year of undergrad. This timing allows you to have completed most prerequisite courses, giving you a solid foundation for the exam. If you plan to attend medical school in 2025, plan to take the MCAT in 2024 to allow ample preparation time.
What year in college do I take the MCAT?
While you can technically take the MCAT any time, you should take it during the summer after sophomore year at the earliest, and April of your application year at the latest.
Do you take the MCAT junior or senior year of college?
The MCAT is something that requires planning and should not be taken on a whim. The ideal time to take the MCAT is the spring of your junior year of college, if you plan to attend medical school immediately following graduation.
At what age should you take the MCAT?
You can take the MCAT as early as you want, but most medical schools want a score from within the last 3 years. Ambitious test takers can take the MCAT after their sophomore year, but it's often better to wait. At what age can you take the MCAT? There is no age requirement for taking the MCAT.
When should I start studying for the MCAT in college?
Believe it or not, most students who do well on the MCAT spend between 200 and 300 hours preparing for the exam. When you start your prep will be determined by your test date and by what other work and academic commitments you have—usually 3 to 6 months before your exam.
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Is freshman year too early to study for MCAT?
Starting MCAT prep as a freshman isn't the usual route, but it could be beneficial if you manage your time and stress levels well. The most important thing early in your undergraduate career is to establish a strong foundation in the sciences and to adapt to the rigors of college coursework.
What grade should I start studying for the MCAT?
So, how early should you start studying for the MCAT? The answer depends on your test date and how much preparation you feel you need. The absolute earliest you should take the MCAT is in the summer of your sophomore year. If that sounds like something you want to do, we'd recommend you start studying in the spring.
When should I take the MCAT if I want to start medical school in 2026?
The earliest MCAT exam date you should schedule with an anticipated matriculation year of 2026 is 2023. The latest you'll want to take the MCAT for admission in 2026 is April 2025.
What month is the easiest MCAT?
There's no magical time period where the MCAT is easier. It's a challenging exam no matter the month you choose. Some feel prepared to take the MCAT after their sophomore year, while others decide to wait until their senior year of undergrad.
Does it look bad to take the MCAT 3 times?
Retaking the MCAT isn't a red flag, and even three attempts may not impact your admissions decision, although we recommend performing your best on the first two tests.
What year do pre med students take the MCAT?
Often, students will choose to take their MCAT exam in the same year they are applying to medical school. For example, if you are thinking about attending medical school in fall 2023, you might consider taking your exam during 2022.
Do colleges look at junior or senior year?
Your grades in senior year are most important in the first semester. Colleges consider these grades (along with your junior year grades) as an essential clue about how ready you are for your college classes.
When should I take the MCAT if I want to start medical school in 2024?
MCAT scores take about a month to return, and AMCAS opens for submission in late May or early June. That means it's a good idea to take the MCAT by March or April of the year before you plan to start medical school.
What year of college should I apply to med school?
If you're applying to medical school directly from college, you are likely going to want to have your applications submitted in the summer before your senior year. Medical school applications can be submitted as early as May, and Schriner says “it's best to be in early to keep your options open.
What month do most students take the MCAT?
When Should You Take the MCAT? Only once you determine when you have the time to devote to studying can you decide when you will take the exam. Ideally MedEdits recommends that students aim to take the MCAT by April of their application year and after taking all medical school prerequisites.
What semester should I take the MCAT?
Aim to take the MCAT as early in the year as possible, preferably no later than mid-May before AMCAS application submissions begin in early June. Completing the exam earlier will allow you to complete your AMCAS application early, and the earlier you submit your application, the better.
At what age do most people take the MCAT?
However, we recommend taking the MCAT after completing most prerequisite courses and gaining the knowledge needed to perform well on the exam. You can take the MCAT as early as your sophomore year of college or the summer between your sophomore and junior years.
What is the easiest subject on the MCAT?
The CARS section on the MCAT is often considered the easiest section. This is because it doesn't test any specific knowledge on a particular subject.
What is the average MCAT score medical school acceptance?
What MCAT Score Do I Need For Med-School Admission? Based on the data as well as our experience with countless students we've helped get into medical school, the average MCAT Score required for most medical schools is at least 508-513 (25th percentile).
How much does it cost to take the MCAT?
The cost for standard MCAT registration is $335. Students who qualify for the AAMC's Fee Assistance Program can register for $140, while international registration costs an additional $120.
Is 34 too late to start med school?
Is it too late to become a doctor? While there is nothing to stop you from starting medical school at 30, 40, or 50 years of age, there are some important factors to consider: Length of educational process – Medical school is typically four years, but residency is another three to eight years.
What is a bad first MCAT score?
So, technically speaking, a bad MCAT score would be anything below 500. However, in order to be a competitive applicant, you should aim to score much higher than 500. A good MCAT score largely depends on the schools you are applying to.
Is Khan Academy enough for MCAT?
Although this Khan Academy material is sufficient as a stand-alone MCAT preparation, it should still be combined with lots of additional practice. Additionally, do not expect Khan Academy to provide the knowledge required to bring you entirely up to speed if you are bridging any knowledge gaps for the MCAT.
What is the lowest MCAT score accepted into DO school?
Medical institutions in the U.S. and Canada that necessitate the MCAT typically accept scores ranging from 490-495 at the minimum. Scores below 490 are rarely if ever, accepted.