MCAT Registration Dates (2023) – How to Register for the MCAT

Out of everything you need to do to take the MCAT, MCAT registration should be the easiest step. But it can be really stressful! Before you sit down at the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website to register for the MCAT exam, get your MCAT questions answered in this guide, with expert MCAT registration tips and resources included!

Table of Contents

• MCAT Registration Dates 2023
• How do I register for the MCAT?
• How much does it cost to register for the MCAT?
• Can you register for two MCAT dates?
• How fast does MCAT registration fill up?
• A Final Word on MCAT Registration

MCAT Registration Dates 2023

So when can you sign up for the MCAT, and what are the deadlines? Here’s what you need to know about 2023 MCAT test dates and AAMC’s MCAT registration 2023 dates.

In this table, we’ve also provided score release dates. How is this relevant to MCAT registration? Because the release date determines when medical schools will get your scores–it’s a key part of submitting your overall application! As you can see, scores are usually released mid-week, on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, no matter what day of the week you took your test.

How do I register for the MCAT?

If you’re wondering how to register for the Medical College Admission Test in 2023, there are a few things you should do in advance to make it easier. Here’s the process! (Note: If you’re registering for the MCAT with accommodations, the process is slightly different. Call 1-800-466-0450 to register.)

1. Create a required AAMC account. This will help you access the MCAT registration system. To set up an account, you’ll need a username and password.
2. Gather your ID and credit card (or debit card). Have your government-issued ID available (something like a driver’s license), and have your form of payment handy.
3. Access the registration portal. Click on “Students and Residents” in the left-hand bar, then “Applying to Medical School,” then “Register for the MCAT.” In the registration system, select “Start Exam Registration.”
4. Fill in information as required. This will include personal info (think: date of birth, address, country), biographic information, background, various releases.
5. Choose your test date from the schedule. This screen will also show you MCAT testing locations that are available near you. Note that MCAT dates fall throughout the week, so think about what day would be best for you–Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday. Keep in mind that weekend dates tend to fill up fast!
6. Pay and complete your registration! You can pay with VISA, MasterCard, or American Express.

How much does it cost to register for the MCAT?

The MCAT can be pricey! But the initial MCAT registration fees aren’t the only cost. Exactly how pricy registering for the MCAT is depends on when you register.

With that in mind, here’s a closer look at MCAT fees and costs!

MCAT Costs 2023

International fees apply to all test-takers outside of the United States, Canada, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For international test takers, cancellations will refund your initial registration fee to you, but not your international fee. In other words, you get a cancellation refund, but not an international refund.

Note that if you’re struggling to pay for the MCAT, the AAMC fee assistance program may help you out.

Can you register for two MCAT dates?

Not at the same time. You can take the MCAT up to three times in a single testing year, but you’re only allowed to be registered for one seat at a time.

If a conflict has arisen with your original test date reservation, you may be able to reschedule your exam on the AAMC website (you can also change your preferred location there. In both cases, you may need to pay rescheduling fees or cancellation fees; depending on your situation, you may only get a partial refund). Otherwise, you’ll have to wait until after the day of your test to register again.

How fast does MCAT registration fill up?

In other words, how early do you have to register for the MCAT? Believe it or not, MCAT registration dates fill up very quickly. Most students want to take the exam at their preferred testing location on a date that works best for them. As you can imagine, Saturday is a very popular MCAT test day.

Understandably, the closer it is to the test date (and the last date of registration), the more likely it is that all of the spots at your local testing center will be filled. I once had to drive 60 miles from home just to take the MCAT! If you can register well in advance of the day of the deadline, you’ll have a better shot at getting the slot you want.

Just how early can you register? Registration for the MCAT is split into two phases. In October, students may begin to register for January through May test dates. June through September test dates open for registration in February. You can follow the AAMC’s twitter page to learn the exact time when registration opens. In the past, it has opened early in the morning based on the Eastern Time Zone.

To ensure that you can get the MCAT test date and testing center location you want, make sure to register as soon as possible.

A Final Word on MCAT Registration

With all of this in mind, how far in advance should you schedule your MCAT? As soon as possible after registration opens for your chosen date. Not only will this ensure you the date you want, but it will also help you start your MCAT prep (or even sign up for an MCAT course!) with the goal of preparing by a certain date—helping you brush up on all that sociology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, psychology, critical analysis skills, and other topics, and eventually to succeed on your mission to reach your target MCAT score!

In the end, keep in mind that this is one small part of the application cycle, which in itself is a small part of your overall medical education and eventual medical career. While future medical students may find the process overwhelming at first, some organization and flexibility in advance will help you get through it successfully. Good luck!

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