How early should I get to my MCAT?

Plan to arrive at the testing center 30 minutes prior to the exam start time. Test center Administrators will start checking in examinees 30 minutes before your exam starts. It's best to plan and know how to get to your testing center and how long it will take.

Does the MCAT start at 8am?

* All MCAT exams begin at 8:00 a.m. local time. Scores are released by 5:00 p.m. ET on the scheduled date.

When should I appear for MCAT?

The MCAT exam is offered in January & March through September, and there are thirty MCAT test dates to choose from. 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.

Can you drink water during MCAT?

Food and drink are not allowed in the room under standard test conditions; however, these items can be stored in your locker and accessed during breaks. No special approval is required to access food and drink during scheduled or additional approved break times.

What should I do the day before MCAT?

The Day Before The MCAT: Relax and Recharge

The day before your MCAT exam should be a balance of mental and physical preparation. Instead of cramming in more study time, give your brain a rest! Do something fun—get out of doors, spend time with friends and family, and don't think too much about the MCAT exam.

When should you take the MCAT? | Medical School Application Guide

Is studying 4 hours a day enough for MCAT?

You should aim to study for at least 300 hours for the exam. In other words, if you study for 3 months (~90 days), you should average a little over 3 hours each day. Be sure to select your test date carefully.

How early is too early to study for the MCAT?

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.

Can you pee during MCAT breaks?

MCAT Bathroom Breaks

Go to the restroom right after your check-in and during all your breaks, even if you do not feel you have to. This way, you will not have to take time away from your actual testing to go to the restroom. If you do feel you have to go throughout a section, you can still do so.

Where do I leave my phone during the MCAT?

New section

Do NOT access your cell phone or any other electronic device. Better yet, leave these devices at home or in your car. Even holding or touching an electronic device is considered a violation of MCAT policies and will be treated as such. Do NOT access any notes or other study materials.

Can I use the bathroom during MCAT breaks?

You are not required to take a break between sections of the MCAT exam. You may go on to the next section in the exam once you finish the previous section or you may take the optional 10 or 30 minute break. You may also leave the testing room during the break to access food, drink, or medicines, or to use the restroom.

What is the easiest month to take the 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.

At what age do most people 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.

What month is too late for MCAT?

May 24, 2024 is the the latest date of the 2024/25 cycle to take the test to give yourself a shot at an acceptance. The latest date you can technically take the MCAT in 2024 is September 14, but this is only useful for students planning on taking a gap year or who know they'll retake the test the following spring.

Can I chew gum during MCAT?

Can you chew gum during the MCAT? Nope. You are not allowed to chew gum when you are in the physical testing room in front of the computer. You can, however, chew gum when you are on any of the three breaks.

What are good snacks for MCAT?

Ideal foods include sandwiches, nuts, granola bars, bananas, and berries. Light, healthy foods are best, but at the same time, don't bring something you aren't used to or haven't tried before. MCAT test day is not the time to experiment.

What do you wear to the MCAT?

Dress for Comfort: You'll be at your MCAT testing center for nearly eight hours, and you can't leave once testing begins. Wear comfortable clothing and dress in layers, so you can adjust your outfit if temperatures change throughout the day.

Can you talk to people during MCAT breaks?

sufficient social distancing, you may step outside to eat/drink during the mid exam break. You may not access study materials, cell phones or other digital devices, or speak with anyone and are bound by the Examinee Agreement.

Do I need to bring a pencil to the MCAT?

Scratch paper and pencils are provided at the test center.

Should you take breaks during MCAT?

Know what items you are allowed to have with you in the testing room. A complete list of prohibited items can be found in the MCAT Essentials. During the MCAT exam, you will have two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute mid-exam break. During these times, know what you can and cannot access.

Should I drink caffeine during MCAT?

Even better, train yourself to function on less caffeine. For example, have your daily morning cup before your MCAT, followed by caffeinated tea rather than coffee as between-exam-sections drink. This will help with hydration and also help keep you at a stable level of caffeination.

Do medical schools see if you void MCAT?

Your attempt and decision to void will not be reported to the schools where you are applying. Remember: Take some time to think about how you will prep for your next test so that you are fully prepared the next time you take it.

Should I shower before MCAT?

Create an MCAT Prep Schedule

0600-0800: Wake up, perform morning activities, shower. 0800-1100: Study for the MCAT (practice questions, test reviews, or chapter readings) 1100-1300: Take a break, eat lunch.

Has anyone taken the MCAT without studying?

This may sound shocking to you but every year we meet students who took the MCAT without studying.

Do you take the MCAT junior or senior year?

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.

How many times can you take the MCAT before it looks bad?

First, assess your situation to determine if you actually need a higher score. Next, consider the energy you have and whether or not you have sufficient time to dedicate to studying all over again. Lastly, consider how many times you've already taken the MCAT. We recommend not taking the test more than three times.