How to Register for the MCAT

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is a test for students who are currently applying or preparing to apply to a health professions school. The MCAT, given by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), is a computer-based examination. If you need to register for the MCAT, here's how to do it.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Read the MCAT Essentials publication on the AAMC website. This publication contains important information about MCAT registration, test content and test preparation. It also contains contact information for the AAMC.

2. Think about when you need to take the MCAT since you're supposed to take the test in the same year that you apply to medical school. The MCAT is offered throughout the calendar year; find the dates on the AAMC website. Choose a date that allows you to meet the application deadlines for the medical schools that you hope to attend.

3. Consider where you would like to take the MCAT since it's administered all over the United States and around the world. The AAMC hopes to have at least one MCAT testing center within 100 miles of everyone interested in taking the MCAT. Find listings of test locations on the AAMC website. Use this list to choose the location (and backup locations) that are most convenient for you.

4. Consider specific MCAT score release options when you register for the MCAT. If you are applying to medical schools, your scores will automatically be released to schools using the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). However, you should consider releasing your scores to your school's health professions advisor, the Medical Minority Application Registry (Med-MAR) or to the MCAT recruiting service. You have to make these score release decisions when you register.

5. Register online for the MCAT using the MCAT Scheduling and Registration System on the AAMC website. This system can be accessed approximately 12 weeks prior to the test date that you are interested in.

6. Set up an account on the AAMC website and have your social security number, credit card (MasterCard or Visa), contact phone numbers and your choice of test date and center handy. It is important to register early for the MCAT as test centers and dates can fill up quickly.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the MCAT program office at [phone] with any questions about the MCAT or the registration process.
• You can reschedule or cancel your MCAT registration using the MCAT Scheduling and Registration System online on the AAMC website.
• If you have severe financial limitations, apply for fee assistance for the MCAT from the Fee Assistance Program (FAP). Information on this program is on the AAMC website, or call [phone].
• If you will need accommodations during the MCAT due to disabilities that you have, be sure to allow up to 60 days for the AAMC to process your requests.
• The registration deadline for regular registration is 14 calendar days before the test date. If you have to register for the MCAT late, you must pay an additional late fee. Information on fees and registration deadlines are on the AAMC website.

Resources

• Official Website for the MCAT

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