How Much Does the MCAT Cost?

September 10, 2024
Contents

”Akhil

Reviewed by:

Akhil Katakam

Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Reviewed: 4/25/24

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.

image of dots background

How Much Does the MCAT Cost?

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.

Considering these high costs, it's essential you ace the test on your first try! To help you reach this goal, consider getting thorough MCAT practice with Advantage. We have several mock tests that you can use to enhance your preparation and improve your score.

Eligible students can have the MCAT test cost reduced to $140, depending on approval for the Fee Assistance Program.

Registration Fees MCAT Cost (USD)
Standard Registration $335
Fee Assistance Program Registration $140

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.

MCAT Fees: Rescheduling and Cancellation

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. 

MCAT rescheduling and cancellation fees
Source: AAMC

Students approved for the Fee Assistance Program will still be charged an MCAT cancellation fee or for rescheduling the MCAT, but with reduced cost. 

MCAT fee assistance program change fees
Source: AAMC

The closer to the test date you reschedule your MCAT, the higher the fee will be.

Other MCAT Costs 

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. 

MCAT Prep Costs 

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 Tutoring Cost 

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.  

Travel Costs 

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.

MCAT Financial Assistance 

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. 

MCAT Financial Assistance Benefits 

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.  

2022 AAMC Financial Assistance Changes: 

  • Applicants must provide a U.S. address to be eligible  
  • Applicants were previously required to have U.S. citizenship or a certain visa status
  • Applicants over 26 years are not required to submit parental financial information to qualify 

Students not approved for the program cannot apply again for the same cycle.  

FAQs: MCAT Cost 

Still have questions about the MCAT test costs? Keep reading to find out more! 

1. Can the MCAT Fee Be Waived? 

The MCAT test cost can be reduced to $140 for those approved for financial assistance.

2. Do You Have To Pay Every Time You Take the MCAT? 

Yes. The cost can add up, depending on how many times you take the MCAT. 

3. How Much Does It Cost To Register for the MCAT? 

The MCAT fee without financial assistance is $335 plus taxes. This doesn’t include additional costs, like travel or test prep.

4. Can You Get a Full Refund for the MCAT? 

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. 

Final Thoughts

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. 

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Schedule A Free Consultation

Plan Smart. Execute Strong. Get Into Your Dream School.
Get Free Consultation
image of dots background

You May Also Like