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2021 MCAT Registration Dates: When Can You Register?

This post was updated on March 26, 2021.

If there is one thing the AAMC is known for, it’s keeping pre-med students in suspense. After weeks of vague replies on Twitter, they finally released the MCAT registration date for the 2021 MCAT test dates on Monday afternoon. However, the wait might have been worth it. Is it possible we’re in for a smoother MCAT registration this year? Let’s take a look at the changes they are implementing.

When does MCAT registration open?

Registration for the April, May, and June MCAT test dates opens February 17 and 18. Registration for the July, August, and September MCAT test dates opens April 21 and 22.  In the past, premeds rushed to book their test date at their desired test center the second registration opened, creating frustrating wait times and system failure. Breaking up the registration into two days might make the process less of a debacle—at the very least, this is what the AAMC is hoping for since their reasoning behind splitting registration this MCAT cycle into three windows was to offer better customer service amid the uncertainty of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 

Your MCAT registration date for the April-June tests is determined by where you plan to take the MCAT. Your test location determines if you fall into Group A or Group B.

Group A: You are part of Group A if you are taking the MCAT in Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, U.S. Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, or West Virginia.

Group A International Locations: Australia, select provinces in eastern Canada (Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec), China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, and the United Kingdom.

Group A test takers can register for the April-June MCAT dates on February 17 at noon ET or the July-September MCAT dates on April 21 at noon ET.

Group B: You are part of Group B if you are taking the MCAT in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Group B International Locations: Select provinces in western Canada (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan).

Group B test-takers can register for the April-June MCAT dates on February 18 at noon ET or the July-September MCAT dates on April 22 at noon ET. 

Certain test-takers will be allowed to schedule their MCAT date before February 17/April 21. Examinees with approved accommodations or who were affected by March cancellation submitting scheduling requests earlier. If you were going to take a January or February MCAT but couldn’t because it was canceled (either by you or the AAMC) and haven’t been able to secure a makeup date, then you are likely eligible for advance scheduling and will receive an email by February 5. If you are in a post-baccalaureate, linkage, or other special programs and need a spring MCAT date for admission to medical school in fall 2021, then you will also receive an email by February 5 with more information on advance scheduling. 

Fees and Fee Assistance Program (FAP)

All rescheduling and cancellation fees will continue to be waived for all MCAT 2021 test dates. After a tumultuous 2020 and a rough start to 2021, it’s reassuring to know you can safely reschedule your MCAT without a costly penalty. The Fee Assistance Program will open on February 8; if you plan on using FAP benefits to pay your MCAT fees, then you must apply for fee assistance before you register for the MCAT.

Prepping for the Spring MCAT Dates
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The average MCAT student preps for 100 days before their test date. If you’re thinking of taking a spring test, now is the time to start prepping. If you’re a first-time examinee, start by taking a free diagnostic MCAT exam to establish your baseline. Then, you need to determine what your learning style is. Blueprint MCAT offers an MCAT course for every student. If you like having a live instructor guiding you through lessons, the MCAT Live Online Course has the perfect balance of online flexibility and accountability. If you’re a visual learner, the MCAT Self-Paced Course helps you master high-yield concepts through interactive, on-demand video lessons. If you need more focused attention, a private MCAT tutor can help you create a customized battle plan to reach your goal score. Feeling a little overwhelmed? Schedule a free consultation with our MCAT Advisors to find the best option for you!

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