MCAT exam cost | A detailed overview

MCAT exam cost | Things you need to know

MCAT, also known as Medical College Admission Test, is a standard online exam needed to get admission into a medical school abroad. The MCAT exam registration is available throughout the year, and the MCAT exam cost differs between $315 – 360, depending upon the area. Furthermore, MCAT evaluates a candidate’s reasoning, analysis, psychological aptitudes, and understanding of biological systems. Apart from examining the proficiency of scientific basics necessary for completing medical education, the test also concentrates on written research and problem-solving aptitudes. 

MCAT exam | Key highlights 

Exam Name	MCAT
Full Form	Medical College Admission Test
Organizing Body	Association of American Medical colleges (AAMC)
Official Website	aamc.org
Exam Level	International
Mode of Exam	Computer based
Questions Type	Multiple Type Questions (MCQs)
Duration of Exam	7 hours 30 minutes

MCAT exam cost and fees structure 

MCAT exam cost differs depending on when you are enrolling for the test. In addition, the enrollment deadlines are split into three zones –Silver, Gold, and Bronze. The detailed description of these three zones are as follows-

• Silver zone

1. No upsurge in the enrollment fee
2. Can reschedule the test on the given fee
3. Can withdraw the exam reservation but no refund

• Gold zone

1. The flexibility of location and date 
2. Reschedule the test at the lowest cost
3. Eligible for a partial refund for canceling the enrollment
4. Low canceling and rescheduling fees for Fee Assistance Programs recipients.

• Bronze zone

1. Can cancel the exam reservation but no refund

Particulars	Gold Zone Deadline: 29 days before exam date	Silver Zone Deadline: 15 days before exam date	Bronze Zone Deadline 8 days before exam date
Initial Registration	$315	$315	$370
Date and/or Test Center Reschedule Fee(non-refundable)	$90	$150	N/A
Cancellation Refund	$155	N/A	N/A
International Fee (non-refundable)	$105	$105	$105

Changing the exam appointment

• An extra fee is needed for this assistance.
• Availability for this is reviewed on MCAT Registration System.
• If the slot is available, candidates may change the test center and date before the deadline.
• After the silver zone deadline, applicants must make a new appointment to reschedule the test.
• Re-scheduling can be done maximum by the deadline of the MCAT silver zone.

Refunds and cancellation 

• MCAT exam cancellation is available only till the last date of the Gold zone registration, after which the candidate will get no refunds upon cancellation.
• Emergency registration fee refunds can be made till the Silver zone deadline if the student is– 

1. Hospitalized
2. Suddenly called away to operational military assistance.
3. Experiences the death of a close relative.
4. Suddenly called away for health care assistant duties due to a disastrous event.
5. Called to jury responsibility on the day of the test.
6. Displaced from their home due to a natural misfortune. 

Understanding the MCAT test structure 

• MCAT examination evaluates candidates’ problem-solving aptitudes, written analysis, critical thinking, and understanding of scientific ideas and principles.
• The total test time is 7.5 hours, with gaps in between.
• The computer-based examination comprises 221 multiple-choice questions.
• There are four sections –Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems.

Below is a tabular representation of the MCAT exam structure-

Section	Number of Questions	Type of Questions	Duration
Examinee Agreement	–		8 minutes
Tutorial (optional)	–		10 minutes
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems	50	10 comprehensive passage questions (4-6 questions per set); 15 straight questions
Break (optional)	–		10 minutes
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills	53	9 comprehension passages (5-7 questions per passage)	90 minutes
Mid-Exam Break (optional)	–		30 minutes
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems	59	10 comprehensive passage questions (4-6 questions per set); 15 straight questions	95 minutes
Break (optional)	–		10 minutes
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior	59	10 comprehensive passage questions (4-6 questions per set); 15 straight questions	95 minutes
Void Question	–		5 minutes
Satisfaction Survey (optional)	–		5 minutes
Total Content Time	–		6 hours 15 minutes

Key takeaways 

• The total MCAT exam cost for candidates will differ depending on their circumstances. 
• Students residing in populated areas have an edge as they are more likely to locate an MCAT test center near them. 
• The cost of MCAT registration for the MCAT exam is USD 320 for all Canadian and US exam centers.

Like this blog? Also, read Top 7 countries to study MBBS abroad.

FAQs

Question 1. What is the cost of MCAT exam registration?

Answer. To enroll for the MCAT at a Canadian or US center, you must pay USD 320. International enrollment fees include an extra $120 cost on top of the $320. Also, remember that Canadian and international students may have to pay regional taxes. 

Question 2. What are the hidden MCAT costs?

Answer. Apart from the cost of enrollment and MCAT study materials, you may also have to pay accommodation and travel costs to get to the MCAT test center. 

Question 3. Who is eligible to appear for the MCAT exam?

Answer. Any aspirant interested in pursuing a career in Osteopathic, Allopathic, Podiatric, and Veterinary can appear for the MCAT test.