MCAT Registration Dates Face Uncertainty

The standard registration fee for the MCAT in the United States is $345, a figure that has been a point of contention among pre-medical students. This cost is a recurring expense for those who need to retake the exam, as the full fee is required for each attempt. Additional costs include a $120 international fee for students testing outside the U.S. and its territories. Rescheduling or canceling an exam also incurs significant financial penalties, which are tiered based on how far in advance the change is made. For a standard registration, rescheduling 30-59 days before the test costs $100, and this fee increases to $200 for changes made 10-29 days out. Canceling within the 30-59 day window only provides a partial refund, and no refund is offered within the 10-29 day period. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers a Fee Assistance Program (FAP) to alleviate some of these costs for eligible individuals. This program can reduce the MCAT registration fee to $140 and provides access to free prep materials. To qualify, an applicant's family income must be no more than 400% of the national poverty level for their family size. Historically, the AAMC has faced criticism regarding its revenue from the MCAT and other services. Past reports have shown that a significant portion of the AAMC's revenue comes from these services, with some of the funds being allocated to lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill, a practice that has drawn criticism from students who bear the cost. Registration for the MCAT typically opens in October for the first half of the following year and in February for the latter half. Test dates and locations, particularly in high-demand areas, can fill up within hours of registration opening, creating a high-stress situation for applicants. While the AAMC has not announced any specific disruptions to the 2028 cycle, the combination of high fees and competitive registration creates ongoing uncertainty for test-takers.