No, there is no age limit for the MCAT. The AAMC does not restrict who can take the exam based on age.
You can take the MCAT at 18 or at 58. Many non-traditional students take it after careers in other fields.
Some return to school after raising families or serving in the military. Medical schools welcome diverse applicants of all ages.
What matters more than age
Medical schools look at your readiness, not your birth year. They evaluate your academic background, experiences, and motivation. A 40-year-old applicant with strong grades and patient care experience is competitive. So is a 22-year-old with perfect scores but no real-world exposure. Age itself does not help or hurt your application. What counts is how well you prepare and present yourself.
Practical considerations for older applicants
You may need to refresh science knowledge after years away. Biology, chemistry, and physics can feel unfamiliar after decades. Use targeted review and practice tests to rebuild confidence. Time management may be harder if you work or care for family. Plan your study schedule around your life, not the other way around. Some older students benefit from support groups or mentorship.
MCAT is open to everyone
You don’t need to be enrolled in college to register. High school students can take it if they’ve completed prerequisites. Retirees, nurses, engineers, and teachers have all passed the MCAT. Your story adds value to the medical profession. Age brings perspective, resilience, and empathy—qualities schools seek.
Is there an age limit for the MCAT?
No. The test is open to anyone ready to take it. age limit for the MCAT is a myth. The real question is: are you prepared? If you are, then go ahead. The MCAT doesn’t care how old you are. Medical schools care that you’re committed. age limit for the MCAT does not exist—only opportunity. Start when you’re ready.
Your journey matters more than your birth date.