Last Updated: October 25, 2023
MCAT Fee Structure
The Medical College Admission Test or MCAT is taken by students who aspire to join Medical Schools as part of their higher studies. It is a computer-based test that has a duration of 7 hours and 30 minutes in all including the breaks. The exam takes an interdisciplinary approach with 4 multiple-choice sections. These sections are Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning.
The fee related to this standardized test, like other tests of a similar nature, is split into different categories like the registration fee, cancellation fee, rescheduling fee, and other additional expenses related to the service required. The cost of applying for the test is relatively high due to the importance of the test and the procedures involved. It is also to be understood that the expenses included in preparing for the test are not limited to registering for the exam since the preparatory materials often require a large sum of money.
Fee Assistance Program in MCAT
AAMC offers a Fee Assistant Program for students who require financial assistance. This is for students who want to take the MCAT test or are AMCAS applicants in dire need of financial assistance without which they would not be able to take the test and pursue higher studies.
Eligibility Requirement for the Fee Assistance Program
- The candidate is eligible for the Fee Assistance Program if he or she has a permanent address in the United States before completing the program application.
- Student should be willing to produce parental information whatever their status unless they are deceased.
- Applicants whose entire familial earnings amount to 400% or less of the poverty threshold designated for their particular household dimensions shall be granted permission for fee assistance.
Benefits of the Fee Assistance Program
- MCAT Official Prep Products which cost around $268 along with all their online MCAT Prep Products will be provided to the student. This will be provided only once even if candidates are able to avail of the Fee Assistance Program more than once.
- Students can pay $140 instead of $335 as registration fee.
- The benefits can be availed from the date of approval to the coming December of the next year. That is, the benefits can be made use of for a year.
- One can receive Fee Assistance for a maximum of 5 times in their lifetime.
Registration Fee for the MCAT Exam
The Registration fee for the MCAT is as follows-
| Purpose | Fees |
| Standard Registration | $335 |
| Fee Assistance Program Registration | $140 |
| International Fee** | +$120 |
**The International Fee is the amount added in addition to the initial registration amount and is applicable only to international applicants. In the event of registration cancellation, this additional fee is not refundable.
Rescheduling Fee
There are three different types of deadlines for candidates to reschedule their MCAT test. These are as follows:
| Deadline | Standard Changes Fee | Fee Assistance Program Change Fee |
| 60 or more days before exam | $50 | $20 |
| 30-59 days before exam | $100 | $40 |
| 10-29 days before exam | $200 | $80 |
Cancellation Fee
If candidates cancel their MCAT exam before the deadline, their refund will be as follows:
| Deadline | Standard Changes Fee | Fee Assistance Program Change Fee |
| 60 or more days before exam | $165 | $70 |
| 30-59 days before exam | $165 | $70 |
| 10-29 days before exam | $0 | $0 |
- Taxes have not been added to the amounts above and will be added according to the laws in the jurisdiction during registration.
- All deadlines are set at 23:59, based on the local time of the test center on the deadline day.
- No changes are allowed less than 10 days prior to the exam date.
How to Make the Payment for MCAT
The payment for MCAT registration can be made through American Express, VISA, and MasterCard which includes debit cards with the VISA or MasterCard logo in it. The registration will be confirmed as soon as the payment is reflected in the system. In case the payment has been declined or the credit card charge has been reversed, the registration will stand canceled until an alternative form of payment has been made.
The penalties for reversing credit card charge or canceling payment is that the registration may stand canceled, or that AAMC may withhold the scores of the student including previous scores. They will also not allow students to register in the future nor provide other services until the payment issue has been reconciled.
Despite the registration-related fees being mentioned, it is possible that the amount may increase during registration due to the amount of tax being added. Sales tax, value-added tax, goods and service tax, or other charges may be made according to the jurisdiction or country the student lives in.
Cancellation Policies and Refund Amount
Students can cancel their registration up to 10 days before the test day. This can be done by logging into their MCAT Registration System. If students do not cancel their exam before the suggested deadline and do not appear for the test as scheduled, they will lose one of the seven attempts they have for the test. They will also only be able to register for another test 24 hours after their scheduled test day.
Once the cancellation is done, the candidate will receive an email confirming the cancellation. Candidates are asked to contact the authorities if they do not receive the cancellation email within 24 hours of making the cancellation request. If the student cancels 60 days before the exam, they will be able to receive a refund. Refunds are made through the mode of payment done by the student.
