When Should You Take the MCAT? | 2025 Pre-Med Strategy Guide

Preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is one of the most critical milestones in your pre-med journey. Whether you're planning to apply to MD or DO programs, knowing when to take the MCAT can make a big difference in your application timeline, test performance, and eventual medical school admissions success.

This guide explores the best time to take the MCAT, how to create a study plan, what to avoid, and how programs like Go Elective’s pre-med internships can support your preparation.

Why Timing Your MCAT Is So Important

The MCAT isn’t just another exam—it’s a 7.5-hour challenge that tests your mastery of biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and critical reasoning. Planning your test date requires careful consideration of your academic schedule, application deadlines, and personal readiness.

Key Questions to Help You Decide

Ask yourself these three questions recommended by the AAMC:

When do I plan to apply to medical school?
Have I completed all necessary prerequisite coursework?
Do I have enough time to study consistently for at least 3 months?

Ideal Timeline for Taking the MCAT

Most students take the MCAT between the summer after sophomore year and the spring of junior year. Here's a general timeline:

Best Time: Summer after your sophomore year or early spring of your junior year
Too Early: Before completing core courses in biology, chemistry, and physics
Too Late: After May of your application year, as this can delay your medical school application

Taking the MCAT during the summer allows you to dedicate full-time focus to studying without juggling classes, extracurriculars, and clinical commitments.

Prerequisites to Complete Before Taking the MCAT

To be well-prepared for the MCAT, complete the following coursework:

2 semesters of general biology
2 semesters of general chemistry
1–2 semesters of organic chemistry
1 semester of biochemistry
2 semesters of physics
1 semester each of psychology and sociology
Courses in critical reading or humanities

These classes help lay the groundwork for strong MCAT content knowledge, especially in the science-heavy sections.

How Often Can You Take the MCAT?

The AAMC sets clear testing limits:

Up to 3 times per calendar year
Up to 4 times across two years
Up to 7 total lifetime attempts

Each attempt is visible to medical schools, even voided exams. While retakes are not penalized by most admissions committees, it’s best to take the exam only when you feel fully prepared.

When Is the Latest You Should Take the MCAT?

The latest advisable test date is April or May of your application year. For example:

Applying for Fall 2026? Take the MCAT no later than April 2025.

Taking the test any later can delay your application submission, which hurts your chances due to rolling admissions. Earlier test takers are often considered earlier and offered more interview slots.

How Long Should You Study for the MCAT?

According to the AAMC, most successful applicants spend around 300 to 350 hours preparing. This translates to:

20 hours per week over 3 to 4 month
Full-length practice exams every 2–3 weeks

A review period of 1–2 weeks before test day

Developing a study schedule that fits around your classes or summer internship is essential. Many students pair MCAT prep with a summer clinical internship for a productive pre-med summer.

Integrating Clinical Experience Into Your MCAT Prep

In-person clinical exposure—like Go Elective’s pre-med internships in Kenya and Tanzania—offers valuable experience that complements your academic preparation:

Reinforce scientific knowledge through real-world observation of diseases and treatments
Strengthen your application by demonstrating patient interaction and healthcare commitment
Get inspired with first-hand exposure to medical practice in global settings

Explore Go Elective’s Healthcare Internships to enhance both your MCAT preparation and your personal statement.

How to Plan Your Application Around the MCAT

Here’s a breakdown of how MCAT timing fits into the medical school application cycle:

Application Cycle Year	Test Year	Ideal Test Window
2025–2026 Admissions	2024–2025	April 2024–April 2025

You should aim to submit your primary AMCAS application by June, ideally with your MCAT score already in hand. Many schools require MCAT scores to be no older than two or three years.

The Benefits of Early Testing and Preparation

Taking the MCAT early has several advantages:

You’ll have time to retake it if necessary
You can focus on application essays and interviews later in the year
Early scores help you tailor your school list based on performance

Need help writing your personal statement after the MCAT? See our guide on how to write a standout personal statement.

How Go Elective Supports Your MCAT Success

Go Elective provides global health internships and mentorship for pre-med and pre-PA students that directly support your medical school readiness:

Global exposure to underserved populations
Mentorship from healthcare professionals
Comprehensive support including pre-departure planning and reflective learning

Our programs not only boost your MCAT performance through hands-on learning, but also strengthen your application through cultural competency and clinical exposure.

Learn more or apply now at goelective.com/apply.