AAMC PREview exam dates and AAMC PREview test dates are fixed testing windows, not open-ended appointment choices. For 2026, AAMC lists windows from April through October, with registration closing before each window and scores released later. That means the best date is not simply the first open appointment you can find; it is the date that gives you enough preparation time and still gets your score to schools on time.
For applicants who want structured support alongside official AAMC materials, structured AAMC PREview practice can help turn AAMC PREview reasoning practice into a more consistent review routine.
The main planning mistake is treating the test date, registration deadline, and score-release date as separate details. They work together. A late registration deadline can close before you feel ready, and a late score release can affect when a school sees your file as complete.
AAMC PREview Exam Dates and AAMC PREview Test Dates
Use this table as a planning reference, then verify the official AAMC registration page before scheduling because appointments are limited and dates are subject to change.
| 2026 AAMC PREview window | Registration closes | Scores released |
|---|---|---|
| April 15-16 | April 1 | May 19 |
| May 5-6 | April 21 | June 9 |
| June 3-4 | May 20 | July 7 |
| June 24-25 | June 10 | July 28 |
| July 22-23 | July 8 | August 25 |
| August 12-13 | July 29 | September 15 |
| September 16-17 | September 2 | October 15 |
| October 14-15 | September 30 | November 13 |
AAMC says registration closes at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. The exam is delivered during the listed windows, and score reports are released approximately 30 days after each testing window. Those score-release dates should be part of your application calendar, not an afterthought.
How to Choose a Test Date
Choose the earliest window you can take seriously after confirming your school list. A school that requires PREview may not consider your application complete until it receives a score, so the score-release date matters more than the test date alone.
A good date usually satisfies three conditions:
| Planning question | Better answer |
|---|---|
| Can I register before the close date? | Yes, with time to handle account or scheduling issues |
| Can I prepare without rushing? | Yes, with enough practice to understand the rating scale |
| Will my score arrive when schools need it? | Yes, based on score release timing and school requirements |
If one of those answers is weak, do not force the date just because it looks convenient. The exam itself is short compared with the rest of the application process, but the timing can still matter.
Match Dates to Preparation
The right window should leave room for both prep and score processing. If your rating scale is inconsistent, use How to Study for AAMC PREview: Study Guide, Tips, and Timeline before choosing a late or high-pressure window. If your exam is close, use Last-Minute PREview Preparation Tips to focus review instead of cramming.
For most applicants, PREview prep should be less about memorizing answers and more about calibration. You are learning how to judge whether a response is very ineffective, ineffective, effective, or very effective. A two-week or 30-day plan can work, but only if you review why you missed items instead of simply counting how many scenarios you completed.
Use the AAMC PREview practice exam when you need a timed check on your rating logic. Then compare your mistakes with Most Common PREview Mistakes so your next study session has a clear target.
Example Planning Scenarios
If you are applying early and several schools on your list require PREview, an earlier testing window may be safer because the score arrives earlier in the cycle. You still need enough time to prepare, but waiting for a late window can create avoidable uncertainty.
If your schools only recommend PREview, timing may be less urgent, but it is still risky to assume a late score will be reviewed the same way by every program. Requirements can differ by school, and participation categories can change, so use Schools That Require PREview as a starting point and confirm directly through AAMC, MSAR, and school admissions pages.
If you are already close to a deadline, focus on whether registering now would create a realistic score timeline. A rushed test date that produces a late score may not help as much as a slightly earlier, better-planned attempt would have.
Common Date Mistakes
Do not schedule based only on the day you can sit for the exam. Schedule based on the date the score is released and the date your schools need it.
Do not assume registration deadlines are flexible. AAMC states deadline extensions will not be granted for any reason.
Do not rely on the MCAT Registration System for PREview appointments. AAMC directs applicants to the PREview Portal for PREview registration.
Do not use an old school list without checking current sources. AAMC says participating-school information may be updated as schools confirm participation.
FAQ: AAMC PREview Exam Dates
How often are AAMC PREview test dates offered?
AAMC PREview test dates are offered in fixed testing windows. For 2026, AAMC lists multiple testing windows from April through October; the exam is not offered every day year-round.
Are registration deadlines flexible?
No. AAMC states that deadline extensions will not be granted for any reason, so applicants should treat the registration close date as firm.
Should I choose the earliest AAMC PREview exam date?
Choose the earliest realistic date, not necessarily the earliest date on the calendar. If you can prepare well and the score will arrive in time for your schools, an earlier window can reduce application timing stress.
What if I miss the registration close date?
You should assume that window is no longer available and review the next official testing window. Do not build your plan around a deadline extension.
Related AAMC PREview Resources
- PrepTrack AAMC PREview prep
- AAMC PREview practice exam
- Ultimate Guide to the AAMC PREview Exam
- AAMC PREview Registration Guide and Deadlines
- AAMC PREview Score Release Dates: When Scores Come Out
- Schools That Require PREview
Final Takeaway
AAMC PREview exam dates should be planned backward from school requirements, registration deadlines, and score-release dates. The safest date is the earliest realistic window that fits both your preparation and your application timeline.