Agree with all this.

I took the MCAT and applied to med school as a non-traditional student, having graduated undergrad several years before. Even still, I sought out a Committee recommendation letter and I know that helped my application. As a traditional undergrad, med schools almost expect that thing.

I would definitely NOT recommend taking the MCAT close to/immediately prior to finals. While it is important to get the score back to apply early, it is far better to get good grades/GPA. Also, you can retake the MCAT, you can't retake a final.

Scores usually take a month to come back so as long as he takes in by mid to late May he should be good. But he needs to sign up now as most spots in his local area are probably full already and he may need to drive a bit to get to a testing center.