The 2017 MCAT exam was administered on several fixed dates spanning late January through late September, each with distinct registration and admission deadlines. For most test-takers, key 2017 MCAT dates included Saturday test administrations on January 28, February 11 and 25, April 8 and 22, May 6 and 20, July 15, August 26, and September 9. The AAMC typically opened registration in late March or early April the prior year and closed sign-ups in late January or early February for the January–February slots, with later deadlines for spring and summer test dates. This overview summarizes the structure, timing, and planning considerations for 2017 MCAT test dates and related logistics.
2017 MCAT Test Dates and Day-of Schedule
In 2017, the MCAT was offered on multiple Saturdays to accommodate different application timelines and preparation needs. Each testing date followed a standardized day-of schedule, with check-in, fingerprinting or photo ID verification, and standardized testing procedures. Because the 2017 MCAT dates were consistent across most locations, test-takers could plan travel and accommodations in advance. Below is a summary table of the primary 2017 MCAT test dates for reference.
Table: 2017 MCAT Test Dates Overview
| Test Date | Registration Deadline | Typical Admission Deadline | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 28, 2017 | Early to mid-January (varies by center) | Late January | Early testing; high demand for limited seats |
| February 11, 2017 | Early to mid-January | Late January | Popular for students completing prerequisite coursework |
| February 25, 2017 | Mid- to late January | Early to mid-February | Last February test date; seats filled quickly |
| April 8, 2017 | Mid- to late February | Late February to early March | Common for post-bacc or retakers |
| April 22, 2017 | Late February to early March | Mid-March | Standard spring testing window |
| May 6, 2017 | Early to mid-March | Late March to early April | Frequent choice for traditional first-time testers |
| May 20, 2017 | Mid-March to early April | Early to mid-April | Another common window for first-time test-takers |
| July 15, 2017 | Late April to early May | Early to mid-May | Start of summer testing; useful for applicants behind schedule |
| August 26, 2017 | Mid- to late July | Early to mid-August | Late testing; limited seats and higher demand |
| September 9, 2017 | Early to mid-August | Late August |
Registration Deadlines and How They Work
For the 2017 MCAT, candidates had to meet two critical registration deadlines: the AAMC registration deadline and the test center’s admission deadline. The AAMC deadline to submit payment and finalize testing preferences typically fell in early February for early-year tests and in early to mid-August for the final September test. Test centers, however, could close admission earlier due to seating limits, often by late January for January–February exams and by mid- to late-August for later exams. Missing either deadline usually meant waiting for the next available test date or year, making planning essential.
Testing Centers and Regional Availability
In 2017, the MCAT was administered at designated Pearson VUE test centers across the United States, Canada, and several international locations. Availability and seat inventories varied by center and by test date, with popular regions filling quickly around April–May. Test-takers selected a preferred testing city during registration and were assigned the closest available center with seats. Because policies about changes or refunds were strict, confirming location and date choices before final submission was strongly advised.
What to Expect on Test Day in 2017
On each 2017 MCAT test date, examinees arrived early for check-in, ID verification, and fingerprinting before the exam began at a fixed morning time. The test consisted of four sections—Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior—with two scheduled breaks and a total duration of approximately seven hours. Test-takers were required to follow center-specific rules about acceptable materials, food, and electronic devices to avoid disruptions or invalidation.
Planning Around 2017 MCAT Dates for Your Application Timeline
Choosing the right 2017 MCAT test date depended on application plans for medical school, course completion, and personal readiness. For most first-time applicants, testing in April–May aligned well with the AMCAS submission window and allowed time for score reporting by primary and secondary application cycles. Retakers or students completing prerequisites later often aimed for summer or early fall tests, though seats were more limited. Planning at least three to six months in advance, monitoring both AAMC and center deadlines, and preparing for practice tests helped ensure a smooth testing experience.