Need help with the MCAT?

As of 2022, the basic cost for taking the MCAT® is $330. A program for having that fee reduced to $130 is available. Extra fees will be charged for cancellation, rescheduling, and international student testing. Cost details for the MCAT are available in this booklet.

On the day of the test, be sure to bring:

• a valid, government-issued photo ID that includes your signature and the exact name in which you are registered for the MCAT

• eyeglasses, if needed (These will be inspected.)

The test center will furnish:

• earplugs
• storage key
• noteboard booklet
• fine-point marker

Do not bring:

• personal earplugs
• any sort of electronic device, including cell phone (Leave these in your car or at home.)
• any sort of study materials
• anything besides food, water, or medication (Application must be made in advance for these three items and any other accommodations necessary.)
• other items (which must remain in a locker provided during the entire time you are in the test center)

Becoming a physician requires years of schooling (4 years of college, 4 years of medical school, and at least 3 years of residency), very long working hours, and continual study. However, for a person who is committed to this path, the rewards can be great. Personal satisfaction derived from helping others can be huge and there are numerous specialties that can offer additional avenues for growth and performance.

There are no course prerequisites for taking the MCAT, but there are premedical course requirements for entering medical school. As a rule, you must certify that you will take the test solely for the purpose of applying to and attending a health professions program. There is more information about this restriction on page 7 here. Your college advisor can best help you to decide when to take the MCAT® in terms of performing best and having scores available in time to apply to medical schools. Most students take the MCAT® during their Junior or Senior years in college.

Current information indicates that the MCAT may be taken up to three times a year and four times within a 2-year span; however, you may only register for one test at a time. If you register for the test and do not attend the test session for any reason, that will still count as one of your allowed tests. There is a lifetime limit of seven (7) MCAT® testing administrations.

There are many more applicants to medical schools than there are spaces available and your score on the MCAT is a big part of the admissions process. An exceptional score on the MCAT® will greatly enhance your chances of being accepted to your choice of medical schools.

Forbes Magazine lists common annual physician salaries, which range from $221,000 for primary care doctors to $396,000 for specialists. Aspiring doctors do need to keep in mind that getting to the point of earning this kind of money is expensive. All of the education required to become a doctor comes at a large price. The Association of American Medical Colleges reports that the cost of attendance at medical school alone could average $228,200 and that it continues to rise. Many doctors work to pay back education debt during the first decade of their practice.

The MCAT is given approximately 14 times during the months of April through September at various locations in the U.S. and Canada. Plans are to offer additional test dates in January, which will become available each October. An effort is also being made to offer the test in enough places to provide MCAT testing no farther than 100 miles from any test-taker’s location. Early registration (at least 2 months prior to the desired testing date) will increase your chances of obtaining the most convenient test location.

Thoroughly study the topics covered on the MCAT, according to available lists. Be sure that you understand all of the concepts listed and that you can determine answers to problems in these areas.

The total time needed for the MCAT is about 7 hours and 30 minutes, which includes 6 hours and 15 minutes of actual testing, plus instruction and break times. You will also need to allow time for checking in upon arrival at the testing site.