MCAT Registration, Scheduling, Fees, and Eligibility Guide
Requirements and eligibility
The MCAT is an exam for anyone planning to apply to medical school in the U.S. and Canada. You do not need to be currently enrolled in college or already have a degree to take the exam. There are no restrictions based on citizenship or residency, so international students are welcome to register.
To take the MCAT, you must have a valid government issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport) to present on test day. Most testing centers require test takers to be at least 17 or 18 years old, but this can vary. Check with you test center of your choosing for their specific age requirements.
The exam is offered at many testing centers worldwide. However, availability depends on the test center and date, so it is important to plan ahead. If you are taking the MCAT outside of the U.S., Canada, or U.S. territories, you will be charged an additional international testing fee.
How to register for the MCAT
To register for the MCAT exam, you will need to create an account on the official Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website. After creating an account, you can view available test dates and locations.
You will be required to pay a registration fee to secure a date and time that fits your schedule. Because some test centers and dates are very popular and fill up quickly, it is important to register as early as possible. If you wait too long, you might not get your preferred date or location.
MCAT registration fees
Following is a breakdown of the fees you will pay when registering for the MCAT:
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard Registration Fee | $345 |
| Fee Assistance Program Fee | $140 |
| International Testing Fee | Additional $120 (non-refundable) |
The standard registration fee is $345. If you qualify for the Fee Assistance Program (FAP), your registration fee will be reduced to $140. If you choose to test outside the U.S., Canada, or U.S. territories, an extra $120 international testing fee will be added to your total cost. This international fee is non-refundable, even if you cancel your exam.
Scheduling and important deadlines
You must register for your MCAT exam at leat 10 days prior to your chosen date. You cannot schedule, reschedule, or cancel your exam within 10 days of the test date.
All deadlines, including for registration, rescheduling, and cancellation, end at 11:59 p.m. local time at your test center on the deadline day.
Rescheduling and cancellation fees
Sometimes plans change and you may need to reschedule or cancel your exam. The fees and refund policies depend on how far in advance you make changes:
| Time Before Exam | Standard Registration Fees | Fee Assistance Program Fees |
|---|---|---|
| 60 or more days before | Reschedule fee: $50, Cancellation refund: $170 | Reschedule fee: $20, Cancellation refund: $70 |
| 30 to 59 days before | Reschedule fee: $100, Cancellation refund: $170 | Reschedule fee: $40, Cancellation refund: $70 |
| 10 to 29 days before | Reschedule fee: $200, No cancellation refund | Reschedule fee: $80, No cancellation refund |
| Less than 10 days before | No changes or cancellations allowed | No changes or cancellations allowed |
If you cancel more than 30 days before your test date, you will get a partial refund ($170 or $70, depending on your registration type). If you cancel less than 30 days before the exam, you will not get a refund. Rescheduling fees increase the closer you get to the date of the exam. You will not be able to cancel or make changes to your exam date within 10 days of your scheduled exam.
Accepted payment methods
You can pay for your MCAT registration using the following methods:- American Express
- Visa
- Discover
- MasterCard
- Debit cards with the Visa or MasterCard logo
Payments are processed immediately, and once submitted, cannot be reversed or refunded through the payment system. Be sure to double check your registration information before finalizing payment.
MCAT accommodations for disabilities
If you have a disability or medical condition that requires special testing accommodations, the AAMC provides options to make the exam accessible. These accommodations may include extra time, a separate testing room, additional breaks, or assistive technology.
To apply for accommodations, you must use the MCAT Accommodations Online system and submit your request at least 15 days before your scheduled exam. The AAMC aims to review accommodation requests and notify applicants within 60 days of receiving the application.
There are several types of accommodation applications:
- Initial application
- Reconsideration
- Reapplication
- Appeal
- Reinstatement
Make sure to provide thorough documentation to support your request to help the review process go smoothly.
Summary table
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $345 standard, $140 with Fee Assistance Program |
| International Fee | Additional $120 (non-refundable) |
| Scheduling Deadline | Must schedule at least 10 days before test date |
| Rescheduling Fees | $50-$200 depending on timing (lower fees for Fee Assistance) |
| Cancellation Refunds | Partial refunds if canceled more than 30 days before exam |
| Payment Methods | American Express, Visa, Discover, MasterCard, debit cards |
| Accommodations | Available with application; decisions in about 60 days |
| Eligibility | Open to all with valid ID; no citizenship or residency limits |
