The MCAT is typically offered multiple times each year, from January through September, with test dates usually spaced every few weeks. Some regions may have slightly different schedules, but most students aim for spring or summer dates to align with medical school application timelines. To plan effectively, students should first choose a target test date and then work backward to create a study schedule, ideally allowing 3–6 months of preparation. This ensures sufficient time for content review, practice exams, and targeted improvements. Incorporating regular full-length practice tests under timed conditions helps students gauge readiness and adjust their study plan as the exam approaches.