MCAT Cost & Fees
The MCAT is not just $345 — the real cost depends on when you register and whether you reschedule.
Most premeds see the AAMC $345 sticker price and stop reading. This guide lays out every fee you may actually pay: base registration, international testing, late-registration windows, Gold/Silver/Bronze reschedule tiers, cancellation refunds, and how the Fee Assistance Program (FAP) cuts most of it in half.
- The 2026 MCAT base registration fee is $345 (Gold zone) in the US, US territories, and Canada.
- FAP-approved students pay $135 for the exam plus a full AAMC subscription package.
- Reschedule fees range from $50 (Gold) up to $210 (Bronze) depending on how close the exam is.
Base Registration
What the standard MCAT registration fee actually includes in 2026.
The AAMC charges a single flat registration fee that covers the exam, one score report sent to AMCAS, and access to your official score once released. It does not include prep materials or additional score reports.
- $345 registration in the US, Puerto Rico, US territories, Guam, and Canada.
- One automatic score release to AMCAS at no extra cost.
- Additional score reports (past 2 years or older) cost extra per copy.
Always confirm the current fee on the AAMC's official MCAT registration page before paying — prices can change year to year.
International
International MCAT testing costs more than the domestic fee.
Testing outside the US, Canada, US territories, and Puerto Rico adds an international registration surcharge on top of the base fee. The exam content is identical.
- $120 international surcharge added to the $345 base fee.
- Available seats and dates are more limited internationally — register early.
- Currency conversion and payment processing fees may apply through your bank.
Fee Assistance Program
FAP is the single biggest way to lower MCAT costs.
The AAMC Fee Assistance Program supports US citizens and lawful permanent residents whose family income falls at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. Approval unlocks discounts across the MCAT, AAMC prep, and the AMCAS application.
- MCAT registration reduced to $135 (from $345).
- Complete AAMC prep bundle: full-length exams, question packs, section banks.
- AMCAS application: waives the fee for up to 20 medical schools.
- Approval is valid for the calendar year you receive it, plus the following year.
If your family income is under the FAP threshold, apply before you register — you cannot retroactively convert a paid registration to the FAP price.
Reschedule & Cancel
Reschedule and cancellation fees follow the Gold / Silver / Bronze zone system.
The AAMC divides the timeline before your test date into three zones. The closer to test day you move or cancel, the higher the fee — and the smaller the refund.
- Gold zone (earliest, ~30+ days out): $50 reschedule / partial refund on cancel.
- Silver zone (~15-29 days out): $145 reschedule / smaller refund.
- Bronze zone (~10-14 days out): $210 reschedule / no refund on cancel.
- Inside 10 days: no reschedule or refund allowed — you either test or forfeit.
See the full breakdown on our MCAT Reschedule, Cancellation & Refund Guide.
Hidden Costs
Costs that catch premeds off guard.
Beyond registration, most students spend more on prep than the exam itself. Building a realistic total budget prevents surprise expenses in the last month.
- Prep materials: $200-$3,000 depending on courses vs. self-study.
- Additional score reports: needed for late applications or postbac programs.
- Travel: some rural test centers require overnight lodging.
- Retake registration: fully priced again — no discount for repeat testers.