Reviewed by:
Former Chief Resident in Anesthesiology, Weill Cornell Medicine, & Admissions Officer, Columbia University
Reviewed: 10/12/23
If you’re planning to apply to medical school, you’re probably wondering how much the MCAT costs. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about MCAT fees.
The MCAT comes with many additional costs before even considering the price of medical school or applications. This article will outline everything you need to know about MCAT fees. We’ll break down the cost of MCAT test prep, tutoring, and outline options for financial assistance.
The MCAT test cost is $335. This is the standard registration fee for the exam. There’s also an international fee of $120 for anyone outside the U.S. or Canada.
Eligible students can have the MCAT test cost reduced to $140, depending on approval for the Fee Assistance Program.
Source: AAMC
Students should note these are the registration costs for the MCAT test only. Many other fees involved in the process, even for those approved for assistance. MCAT costs can far exceed the registration fees.
Changes to a scheduled MCAT test can mean more fees to pay. The same fee applies to rescheduling and canceling MCAT exams. Students will receive a refund of the registration fee, less the cost of the change fee.
Students approved for the Fee Assistance Program will still be charged an MCAT cancellation fee or for rescheduling the MCAT, but with reduced cost.
The closer to the test date you reschedule your MCAT, the higher the fee will be.
The MCAT test cost is not the only expense to consider. The registration fee can often be the lowest cost for students. Additional costs can include prep materials, tutoring, travel, etc. The cost of the MCAT can add up for medical school hopefuls.
While many low-cost or free MCAT test prep materials are available, students may prefer to invest in more targeted programs. There’s no set limit on MCAT prep costs, and options can range from free to thousands of dollars.
When determining how much the MCAT costs, students should factor in the cost of prep materials. Reviewing the free MCAT prep materials available before booking your test helps give you a sense of whether it’s sufficient for your needs. You may find that you prefer to invest in prep materials.
AAMC offers an MCAT Official Prep Hub where those registered can purchase prep materials or download free materials. It offers multiple low-cost options and free planning and study resources. Those approved for the Fee Assistance Program can access free resources in the official prep hub.
MCAT prep materials usually don’t cover the cost of tutoring. It’s an additional expense to add to the MCAT cost, but it can be especially useful for students looking for targeted, actionable prep from expert tutors.
Most prep test materials, especially free or low-cost, don’t include tutoring or guidance. Some test prep bundles may offer materials along with tutoring. Test prep bundles are often organized like a course.
There are MCAT courses available, both in-person and online. These are generally significantly less expensive than private tutoring. Students may find that classroom tutoring doesn’t address their individual needs, so private tutoring may be a worthwhile investment.
MCAT online courses can be done from anywhere, offering flexibility to students. However, like classroom prep programs, they may not address the needs of the individual. Students will primarily work from test prep materials and meet with other students through video conferences.
Students must take their exam at an MCAT test center location. They are available throughout the United States, Canada, and U.S. territories. Each location only administers tests on predetermined dates, which are available on the AAMC website.
Travel to the locations may be required. For example, there are only 12 testing locations in New York. Many students from the state, and likely surrounding states, will need to travel to the most convenient location. Travel costs are additional MCAT test costs.
Apart from the transportation to the testing site, whether by plane, train, or car, some students have no choice but to book accommodations, especially those from rural areas.
Consider the cost of meals for the duration of the trip, transportation, and accommodations. Students traveling greater distances should arrive the night before to ensure that delays don’t interfere with their arrival at the test center.
Students and residents who can’t afford to pay the MCAT test cost can apply for the Fee Assistance Program. This MCAT fee waiver assists those who otherwise can’t pay to apply to medical school.
Students must apply for the benefit and await approval before booking a test date. Once approved, the initial MCAT registration fee of $335 will be reduced to $140. Students will pay that initial $140 reduced fee as registration for the assistance program. The fee covers the MCAT test cost.
Those accepted receive benefits and a reduced registration fee. This includes MCAT test prep materials and an AMCAS fee waiver for up to 20 medical school submissions.
Applicants were formally required to provide both parents' income and tax information. As of the new 2022 guidelines, applicants 26 years of age and older are no longer required to provide this information.
Students not approved for the program cannot apply again for the same cycle.
Still have questions about the MCAT test costs? Keep reading to find out more!
The MCAT test cost can be reduced to $140 for those approved for financial assistance.
Yes. The cost can add up, depending on how many times you take the MCAT.
The MCAT fee without financial assistance is $335 plus taxes. This doesn’t include additional costs, like travel or test prep.
You can’t get a full refund for the MCAT even if you reschedule or cancel your exam 60 or more days before your test date.
Applying to medical school comes with many costs; one of the earliest of these is the MCAT test cost. Students should be aware that how much the MCAT is isn’t the only fee to consider. MCAT costs add up when taking prep, tutoring, travel, and other expenses into account.
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