When Do You Take the MCAT? (And How to Know If You’re Ready) | MedSchoolBro

If you’ve been googling “when do you take the MCAT” at midnight between flashcards and a breakdown, you’re not alone. Everyone stresses about timing this test perfectly—and spoiler: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

But there is a smart way to approach it.

You’re Not Behind—But Let’s Get You Clear

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed when you should schedule your MCAT. Some people take it early, others need more time. You’re not behind—you just need to match the test to your timeline.

So, When Do You Take the MCAT?

Most students take it spring or early summer of junior year, especially if they plan to apply right after.

Why? Because:

• You’ll have finished core prereqs like gen chem, orgo, bio, physics, biochem, and psych/soc.
• You need about 3 months of focused study time.
• It takes about a month to get your score back—so test early enough to have it ready when apps open in May/June.
  
  

Not Applying Yet? You’ve Got Flexibility

If you’re not applying that same year, take the MCAT when:

• You’ve completed most of the content-heavy courses
• You can dedicate time to prep without sacrificing your GPA or mental health
• You’re testing in a window that keeps your score valid for your future application cycle (scores are good for 2–3 years)
  
  

Real Talk: Take It When You’re Ready, Not When You’re Rushed

A rushed MCAT = a bad MCAT. Don’t take it just because your roommate is. Know your timeline, prep well, and walk in ready to crush it.

Want to Study Smarter? We Got You.

The MCAT doesn’t reward memorization. It rewards mastery. That’s why we made resources to actually help you understand and retain high-yield content—without burning out.

Check out our full MCAT study collection here.

Flashcards, cheat sheets, and guides designed to help you study smarter, not harder.