How do I Register for the MCAT®?

You can register for the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) online at the Association of American Medical Colleges website. To register, you will usually have to complete an online form, choose the date and location at which you wish to take the exam, and pay a registration fee. You may also choose an MCAT® score release option as part of the registration process. It is important to make sure you apply early enough to ensure that your scores will be received by the deadlines of the schools to which you plan to apply. Registration for the exam usually closes a couple of weeks before the test date, but you often can register late if space is available and you are willing to pay a late fee.

To register for the MCAT®, you will have to determine the best date for taking the exam. You may choose from a range of test dates and times throughout the year, but you may do well to choose one that allows plenty of time between the test date and the application deadlines set by the medical schools to which you are applying. If you think you may need to take the exam more than once, you may do well to take the test early in the year, so you will have plenty of time for additional testing.

You will also have to choose a test location when you register for the MCAT®. The MCAT® is administered at locations throughout the world. Ideally, you will be able to find one within about 100 miles (about 160 km) of your home. You may also do well to choose backup locations before you begin the registration process. This may prove helpful in the event that your preferred location is unavailable.

You may also consider to whom you want your scores released when you register for the MCAT®. Your scores will be released to medical schools and programs if you give your consent during the registration process, but you may wish to take advantage of other options as well. For example, you may opt to have your scores sent to an adviser at your college.

When you are ready to register for the MCAT®, you may do it on the Association of American Medical Colleges website. You will usually have to indicate your preferred test date and location and complete an online registration form. Payment for the MCAT® is required at the time of registration.