Preparing for the MCAT and DAT - Study Planning, Registration, Practice Exams, and Course Prep

Sep 4, 2026

Upload by Liam

Guidance for preparing for the MCAT and DAT focuses on how far in advance to plan, when to take the exams, and how to avoid planning errors between rushing deadlines and waiting too long. It outlines key timelines for validated scores and registration windows for both tests, then explains the value of practice exams for establishing baseline performance. The material also recommends considering prep courses, planning early science review, using prep books for diagnosis only, and completing simulated full-length practice tests.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

How far in advance should I plan?

When should I take the test?

Registering for the test

MCAT registration

DAT registration

Practice exams

MCAT and DAT prep courses

Test prep contacts

Review your sciences

PREPARARING FOR THE MCAT OR DAT This chapter covers basic studying advice and other general information which applies to both the MCAT and DAT. For information on the individual tests, see the following chapters. The Pre-Health Peer Mentors are an excellent source of first-hand information regarding study methods, courses and “day of” information. HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD I PLAN? On an average, most students plan eight months of studying to prepare for the MCAT and DAT, devoting more time as the test date grows near. However, you should balance your planning between these two extremes: (1) rushing to meet the application deadline and (2) waiting too long to take the test. If you have questions, please discuss this timeframe with the Pre-Health Advisor BEFORE the application cycle begins. WHEN SHOULD I TAKE THE TEST? The optimal time to take the test is the semester BEFORE you apply (i.e., January-June), however you may also take the test in either June or July of the year you apply without jeopardizing your application. PLAN AHEAD: AMCAS and AADSAS require validated test scores which are announced approximately 30 DAYS AFTER your test date. REGISTERING FOR THE TEST MCAT: Registration opens approximately 3-4 months prior to the test date. Register online at [https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat](https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat) exam/register-mcat-exam to reserve your seat. NOTE: The May and June dates fill up quickly, so if you plan to take the test then, reserve your spot as early as possible. See the MCAT chapter for a list of test dates. MCAT registration material and schedule available online at [https://aamc-orange.global.ssl.fastly.net/production/media/filer_public/5e/88/5e889ea0-750f-](https://aamc-orange.global.ssl.fastly.net/production/media/filer_public/5e/88/5e889ea0-750f-)[ ](https://aamc-orange.global.ssl.fastly.net/production/media/filer_public/5e/88/5e889ea0-750f-)[4700-8d4d-74b6c627ebe8/mcat_essentials_2016_-_final.pd](4700-8d4d-74b6c627ebe8/mcat_essentials_2016_-_final.pdf)[f](4700-8d4d-74b6c627ebe8/mcat_essentials_2016_-_final.pdf) DAT: Register online at [http://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/dental-admission-test](http://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/dental-admission-test). Registration materials (including practice tests) are available at this same site. PRACTICE EXAMS It’s a good idea to take one of your practice exams shortly after you begin your test prep to give you a baseline score and to focus your studying on the most needed areas. MCAT practice exams are available at [https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying](https://students-residents.aamc.org/applying)medical-school/article/online-practice-mcat-exam (available in November 2015) DAT web based practice exams are available at [http://www.ada.org/en/education](http://www.ada.org/en/education)careers/dental-admission-test ($37 per single purchase) MCAT AND DAT PREP COURSES The decision whether to take a test prep course or to study on your own is a personal decision. One is not better than the other. It is up to you to determine the best way you study and how much structure you need to best prepare for the exam. Many students ask whether or not to take an MCAT/DAT test prep course. Although YU does not endorse a particular course or company, in our experience, students benefit from the official course preparation in several ways: 􀀹 It forces you to study. 􀀹 It provides study materials and study rooms with rich resources and fellow sufferers. 􀀹 It provides you with tips and strategies about taking standardized tests. 􀀹 It gives you a group to study with. Students often make the same mistake again and again without realizing it. Someone working with you can help you catch this. 􀀹 It gives you the test-taking skills you will need to pass the medical and dental boards. TEST PREP CONTACTS Sze Yan [[mcatsze@gmail.com](mcatsze

FAQs

How far in advance should students plan for the MCAT and DAT?

Most students plan about eight months of studying. Planning should balance meeting application deadlines and not delaying the test too long, and students should discuss timing with a Pre-Health Advisor before the application cycle begins.

When is the best time to take the MCAT or DAT?

The optimal time is the semester before applying (January–June). Students may also take the exam in June or July of the application year without jeopardizing the application.

Why are practice exams and simulated full-length tests recommended?

Practice exams shortly after starting prep help establish a baseline score and focus study on the most needed areas. As the test approaches, taking at least four simulated full-length exams helps prepare for the long test day.

Sep 4, 2026

Upload by Liam