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MCAT Test Dates, Locations, and Structure

By Peterson's Staff updated on Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Before you start your MCAT prep, you should get some basic information about the test, such as:

  • Potential test dates
  • Available test locations
  • Typical structure of the exam

Having this information will allow you to develop an MCAT preparation plan.

MCAT test locations

The MCAT exam is administered in several hundred locations throughout the U.S. and Canada, as well as several sites in:

  • Europe
  • Asia
  • The Middle East
  • Africa
  • Australia

To find a testing location and to register for the test, go to http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/registration.htm.

MCAT test dates

For the average MCAT, registration will usually open three to four months before a test date. You may take the MCAT exam a maximum of three times per year. You can only register for one testing session at a time, but there is no set time period that you must wait before taking the test again.

 

Test Date — 2013 Time Registration Opens Regular Registration Closes Late Registration Closes
March 23, 2013 8 AM October 16, 2012 March 9, 2013 March 16, 2013
April 4, 2013 8 AM October 16, 2012 March 21, 2013 March 28, 2013
April 26, 2013 8 AM October 16, 2012 April 12, 2013 April 19, 2013
April 27, 2013 1 PM October 16, 2012 April 13, 2013 April 20, 2013
May 11, 2013 1 PM October 16, 2012 April 27, 2013 May 4, 2013
May 18, 2013 1 PM October 16, 2012 May 4, 2013 May 11, 2013
May 23, 2013 8 AM October 16, 2012 May 9, 2013 May 16, 2013
May 30, 2013 8 AM October 16, 2012 May 16, 2013 May 23, 2013
June 20, 2013 8 AM and 2 PM TBD June 6, 2013 June 13, 2013
July 2, 2013 8 AM TBD June 18, 2013 June 25, 2013
July 13, 2013 1 PM TBD June 29, 2013 July 6, 2013
July 25, 2013 8 AM TBD July 11, 2013 July 18, 2013
July 26, 2013 1 PM TBD July 12, 2013 July 19, 2013
August 2, 2013 8 AM TBD July 19, 2013 July 26, 2013
August 3, 2013 8 AM TBD July 20, 2013 July 27, 2013
August 9, 2013 8 AM and 2 PM TBD July 26, 2013 August 2, 2013
August 15, 2013 8 AM TBD August 1, 2013 August 8, 2013
August 16, 2013 1 PM TBD August 2, 2013 August 9, 2013
August 22, 2013 1 PM TBD August 8, 2013 August 15, 2013
August 28, 2013 8 AM TBD August 14, 2013 August 21, 2013
September 7, 2013 1 PM TBD August 24, 2013 August 31, 2013
September 11, 2013 8 AM and 2 PM TBD August 28, 2013 September 4, 2013
September 12, 2013 1 PM TBD August 29, 2013 September 5, 2013

MCAT test structure

 

Test Section Number of Questions Allotted Time
Physical Sciences 52 70 minutes
Verbal Reasoning 40 60 minutes

Writing Sample

 2 essays 60 minutes

Biological Sciences

 52 70 minutes
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