2018 MCAT Exam Dates and Key Deadlines
The 2018 MCAT exam was administered on several fixed dates between January and September, aligned with the standard April through September testing window. Test-takers registered via the AAMC portal during an annual cycle that opened in late January and closed in mid-August. This overview clarifies when the exams occurred, when candidates could register, and how deadlines related to score reporting and medical school application timing. The 2018 schedule reflects the then-current, AAMC-managed testing calendar designed to provide consistent, predictable timing for applicants.
Why These Dates Matter
Understanding the 2018 MCAT timeline helps explain how admissions cycles worked in prior years. Each testing date determined when scores were released, which in turn influenced when applicants could submit secondary applications and complete interviews. The calendar also shaped decisions about when to register, when to prepare intensively, and how to sequence the entire application process. For historical comparisons or for planning around recurring patterns, clarity on dates, registration windows, and result reporting is essential.
2018 MCAT Test Dates at a Glance
In 2018, the AAMC scheduled the MCAT on six consecutive Saturdays from late January through late September. This structure gave candidates multiple opportunities to test while aligning with the traditional academic and application timeline. The series began in January and concluded before the academic year peaked, allowing results to reach schools in time for review cycles. Below are the specific dates and how they fit into the broader admissions ecosystem.
2018 MCAT Exam Dates and Release Timeline
| Test Date | Registration Deadline (typically) | Score Release Date (typical pattern) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 27, 2018 | Early January | February 22, 2018 | First testing window; early deadlines |
| March 3, 2018 | Mid-to-late January | March 22, 2018 | Second test; compressed timeline |
| April 7, 2018 | Late February | April 24, 2018 | Middle of the testing series |
| May 12, 2018 | March to early April | May 29, 2018 | Late spring testing; extended prep time |
| June 2, 2018 | Late April to early May | June 19, 2018 | Entered peak application planning |
| September 8, 2108 | Late July to early August | September 28, 2018 | Final testing date; close to application submission deadlines |
Registration Deadlines and Key Milestones
Registration for each 2018 MCAT test typically closed several weeks before the exam, with specific deadlines varying slightly by testing center. Aspiring medical students needed to complete both AAMC MCAT registration and testing center paperwork well in advance. Missing a deadline often meant waiting months for the next available seat. Planning around these cutoff dates was a critical part of any serious application timeline.
Registration and Testing Timeline Summary
- Late January: General registration opens for the first test
- Early to mid-February through early August: Registration windows for subsequent tests
- Three to four weeks before each test: Final registration cutoff
- Within two to four weeks after each test: Official score release
- September to early October: Last scores posted in time for primary application submission
How 2018 Dates Align with Application Cycles
In the traditional MD application cycle, 2018 test takers aimed for April through June sittings to allow scores to arrive with primary applications that opened in May and June. A September test was acceptable for early secondary submissions, though riskier for schools with rolling deadlines. The spacing between tests—roughly four to five weeks—gave candidates time to retake if necessary while staying within the application window. Understanding this alignment helps explain why certain dates were more popular than others.
Preparing for Each Testing Window
Each 2018 MCAT testing window required a tailored preparation strategy. January and March test-takers often used fall and winter for intensive review, while April and May candidates typically balanced preparation with ongoing coursework. June and September allowed more extended study periods but also overlapped with final applications and interviews. Successful applicants aligned study schedules with personal timelines, leveraging practice tests, focused content review, and realistic practice exams to optimize readiness for each specific date.
Patterns Across Testing Windows
Across 2018, several patterns emerged that remain relevant for understanding MCAT scheduling. Earlier tests generally had faster score turnaround, while later tests sometimes experienced minor delays. Retake opportunities were constrained by the spacing between official test dates, making initial performance crucial. Candidates who planned test dates in coordination with application strategy tended to experience less stress and greater flexibility. These structural features of the MCAT calendar continue to shape preparation and submission planning.