MCAT Timing

First things first... Yes, the MCAT is just as bad as everyone says it is - but, that being said you will get through it just fine

I am going to go over MCAT for everyone who is taking a gap year and then I will modify that for those that would l like to go straight from undergrad to medical school 

The MCAT is offered regularly and you can find the testing dates listed on the AAMC website 

It takes one month for you to get your score - this is important if you plan on taking the test closer to applications because it may mean you won't get your score by June 1st

Ideally you will only want to to take the MCAT once because: 

1. It's expensive ($315) 

2. Schools will see all of your attempts so you want to make sure you are ready when you take it the first time 

3. It's quite unpleasant 

However, this is just the ideal situation. Many people do take it more than once and that is okay! 

MCAT Timing with a Gap Year 

Typically you want to take the MCAT in August before your senior year 

          - This allows you to study over summer instead of the school year 

          - You probably will have taken all of your Pre-MCAT classes such as General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, and Biochemistry 

          - This will give you plenty of opportunities to retake it if needed 

However, if summer before your senior year does NOT work for you - feel free to modify the next section by switching everything that says "Junior Year" to "Senior Year" 

MCAT Timing without a Gap year

Ideally: the last possible date you would take the MCAT would be April of your Junior Year so that you could get your score before applications start in the summer (because remember you will be applying in the summer between your junior and senior year) 

            - This means you will be studying during Fall or Spring Semester of your Junior year 

                     - Studying during the school year is difficult but not impossible!! 

                     - I recommend taking ONLY non-STEM classes to ensure you have ample time to study 

            - This may mean you have to take some classes early (such as Biochemistry - this one is necessary to have taken before you take the MCAT) 

                     - You do NOT need to have EM Physics done before the MCAT as there is only basic EM Physics on the exam but keep in mind you will have to self-teach this topic a little bit 

January is the ideal test date because it gives you winter break to do practice tests 

            - Practice tests take 6-8 hours and can be difficult to do during the semester

            - January gives you plenty of time to re-study and re-take the exam if necessary 

If you take the MCAT in April of your junior year you are banking on that score to apply 

I hope that helps and gives you an idea of how to schedule your MCAT exam date and studying!