After years of shadowing, volunteering, and diligently maintaining your GPA, you’ve arrived at the next big step in your journey to medical school: the Medical College Admission Test. It’s no secret the MCAT is a big deal, from how long it is to how long it takes to prep for the MCAT. Even the race to register for an MCAT test date makes snagging concert tickets on Ticketmaster look easy.
MCAT exam dates are released in September, but MCAT registration opens up twice every year. You can register for January-June test dates in October and then July-September test dates the following February.
2025 Test Takers: You can begin registering for January-June 2025 MCAT test dates on October 2, 2024. Registration for July-September 2025 MCAT dates opens in February 2025.
You don’t need to wait to start your MCAT prep until after you register for your target test date—in fact, in most cases, you shouldn’t. Schedule a free consultation with our Student Success Team to help you create the perfect MCAT study plan.
How Do I Register for the MCAT?
It’s always a mad dash to register because popular MCAT test dates and test centers fill up quickly. To help take some of that stress off, here’s how to register for the MCAT with ease.
Create an AAMC Account
To register for the MCAT exam, you need to create an account with the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Try to do this ASAP. It’s not unusual for the AAMC to do some system maintenance the closer it gets to the registration date, so you might be temporarily barred from signing up.
When you create an account, you’ll receive your unique AAMC ID. You might already have an AAMC ID if you’ve ever purchased or accessed other AAMC products/services, including the Medical School Admissions Requirements™ (MSAR®) database, the AAMC Fee Assistance Program, the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®), or AAMC prep products.
Never create multiple AAMC IDs. If you can’t remember it, there are options on the log-in page to request help.
Have an MCAT-Acceptable ID Ready
The first and last name(s) on the ID that you will use on test day must match the name on your MCAT registration. Make sure you have your ID with you when registering so there’s no confusion on test day. Acceptable forms of identification include:
- State driver’s license
- Passport
- Passport card
- Permanent resident card (green card)
- Employment Authorization Document
- Canada health card (Ontario and British Columbia ONLY)
- Consular ID card
- Canadian aviation card
Find out if You’re Eligible to Take the MCAT
If you’re reading this, you probably already hit the main criteria, which is “you’re preparing to apply to a health professions program that accepts the MCAT to satisfy an admissions test requirement.” In other words, you’re a future doctor trying to get into medical school!
However, you should be aware of the MCAT testing limits, especially if this isn’t your first time taking the test.
- You can only register for one MCAT at a time
- You can take the MCAT up to three times in one testing year
- You can take the MCAT up to four times over two consecutive testing years
- You can take the MCAT seven times in your lifetime (beginning with the April 2015 administration)
MCAT Cost
MCAT fees change every year, so it’s important to stay up-to-date on the fee schedule to avoid sticker shock at registration. Below are the 2025 MCAT fees:
- Regular Registration: $355
- Additional Fees:
- International Fee: $120
- Date and/or Test Center Reschedule: $50-$200
The AAMC has a Fee Assistance Program (FAP) to help alleviate some costs. If you qualify for the program, your MCAT fees are reduced, and you get several other benefits when applying to medical schools!
- FAP Registration: $140
- FAP Reschedule: $20-$80
If you’re considering the Fee Assistance Program (FAP), you need to apply as soon as possible! There is a ~2-week turnaround and reduced fees are NOT retroactive. You must have FAP approval BEFORE you register for the exam.
Pre-register for the MCAT
A few days before registration opens, the AAMC will allow you to “pre-register” for the MCAT, which is slightly less exciting than it sounds.
You’ll be able to complete some of the required information, including your contact and background information, and agree to the terms. You won’t, however, have the option to select a test date and location at this point.
Starting the registration process early will allow you more time to enter your personal information and read/accept MCAT policies and forms before choosing a test.
Find Your Registration Date
MCAT registration can be split between two days and you register based on your preferred testing location.
You can begin registering for January-June 2025 MCAT dates on October 2 at 11 a.m. ET, regardless of your testing location.
Sign up to get expert tips and exclusive invites to free MCAT classes and medical school admissions workshops!
What Happens on Registration Day?
You should know what MCAT exam date you want (as well as a few backup dates, just in case) before you start registering.
When you’re ready to register, log into your AAMC account and have your credit card ready. You’ll be asked to select a test date, state, and then a testing location. If your state isn’t listed, then all seats for that date have been filled.
You don’t necessarily need to register for your MCAT test date as soon as registration opens. The system will remain open for available dates. However, it’s first-come, first-served. There might be “TBD sites” available, which are sites within a 40-mile radius of a metropolitan area. If the option is available for you, only choose it as an absolute necessity and if you’re prepared to travel.
If you have approved accommodations, you might be eligible for advanced scheduling. You will receive an email notification from Pearson VUE in September (or in late January) with instructions on how to begin submitting scheduling requests.
There is also no need to log into the registration system more than 10 minutes before scheduling begins. Anyone who logged in by 10:50 a.m. ET is randomly assigned a place in line to register when the system opens.
After Registration
After you register for the MCAT, you will receive a confirmation from the AAMC within 24 hours; if not, contact them immediately. Then, the fun really begins—hello, MCAT prep!
Whether you need the flexibility of a Self-Paced Course, the instruction of a Live Course, or 1:1 attention of a private MCAT tutor, Blueprint MCAT has the MCAT prep option that works for your learning style!
Get started with a free MCAT diagnostic, one free practice exam, and tons more MCAT prep resources.
