MCAT Cost in 2025: A Complete Guide to Fees, Prep, and Smart Savings

Preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is one of the most important steps on your journey to medical school—and it can also be one of the most expensive. While most applicants are aware of the $320 registration fee, there are several other hidden costs that can quickly add up: travel, accommodations, prep materials, and even retake fees.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the true cost of taking the MCAT and offers smart strategies to help you save money while preparing effectively.

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Why the MCAT Is a Financial Commitment

The MCAT isn’t just a test—it’s an investment in your future. Students often budget for test prep courses and books but forget to factor in transportation, accommodations, and other associated costs. These can easily push the total MCAT budget well over $1,000 USD.

MCAT Registration Fees

The base MCAT registration fee for U.S. and Canadian testing centers is $330 USD in 2025.

Additional fees:

International registration fee: $120 USD (in addition to the base fee)
Late registration fee: $125 USD
Cancellation/reschedule fee (8+ days before test): varies
Canadian taxes (GST/HST): applied based on province

Tip: Always register early to avoid penalty fees and secure a test center close to home.

How Much Does MCAT Prep Cost?

Preparing for the MCAT can be just as costly as registering for it—if not more.

Estimated prep costs:

Self-paced prep materials (books, videos, question banks): $100–$500
Live or online MCAT prep courses: $1,000–$5,000+
Private MCAT tutoring: $50–$200/hour
Full-length practice tests (AAMC): $35/test or $350 bundle

Many students invest 300 to 500 hours in MCAT prep. While free resources exist, some students find paid materials or coaching necessary to reach a competitive score, especially when targeting top-tier medical schools.

Check out Go Elective’s pre-med internships for hands-on learning that complements MCAT preparation and strengthens your application.

Free and Low-Cost Prep Resources

If you’re on a tight budget, don’t worry. You can still prepare well using:

AAMC Free Tools:

Full section breakdowns
A free MCAT sample test
Study plan guides and practice questions
Khan Academy MCAT collection (over 1,000 videos)

Low-cost AAMC resources:

Full-length practice exams: $35 each
Question packs: $90
CARS diagnostic tool: $25
Prep bundles: $350

Travel and Accommodation Costs

Since the MCAT is not offered online, most students will need to travel to a testing center.

Typical expenses include:

Gas or airfare: $100–$500+
Hotel for 1–2 nights: $150–$300+
Local transportation: $25–$100
Meals and incidentals: $30–$75

Students in rural or underserved areas often face higher costs due to limited nearby testing centers.

Example: A student traveling from rural Illinois to Chicago might spend up to $700 on travel and lodging alone.

MCAT Fee Assistance Programs

The AAMC Fee Assistance Program helps reduce financial barriers for qualifying U.S. applicants.

Benefits include:

Reduced registration fee: $135 instead of $330
Free AAMC MCAT prep bundle ($350 value)
Free access to MSAR and AMCAS fee waivers
Eligibility lasts through the end of the next calendar year

For Canadians: AAMC and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) offer a similar fee assistance program.

> Visit AAMC Fee Assistance Program to check eligibility and apply.

How to Save on MCAT Costs

Book early:

Secure cheaper travel and avoid late registration penalties.

Prep smart:

Start with free AAMC tools before paying for prep courses.

Stay with friends/family:

Reduce hotel costs if your test center is in another city.

Use student housing or hostels:

Affordable alternatives to hotels.

Apply for fee assistance:

Save on both exam and prep materials.

Estimated Total MCAT Cost (No Fee Assistance)

Category	Estimated Cost (USD)
MCAT Registration	$330
MCAT Prep (mid-range course)	$1,200
Travel (flight + transport)	$400
Accommodation (1 night)	$200
Food and incidentals	$70
Total	$2,200

Note: Costs can vary significantly based on your location, prep approach, and accommodations.

FAQs

#1. How much does the MCAT cost to register?

$330 USD in the U.S. and Canada; $450+ for international students after fees and taxes.

#2. Are there free ways to study for the MCAT?

Yes. Use AAMC’s free tools, Khan Academy, and open-access MCAT blogs and YouTube channels.

#3. What are the hidden costs of the MCAT?

Travel, accommodations, and retake fees can significantly increase the total cost.

#4. Can I avoid the MCAT altogether?

Some medical schools have MCAT-optional programs, but most require it. Always check individual program requirements.

#5. Can I retake the MCAT?

Yes, but each retake costs the full registration fee again. Most applicants should aim to avoid retaking it by preparing thoroughly the first time.

Final Thoughts: Is the MCAT Worth It?

While the MCAT is undeniably expensive, it’s a crucial component of your medical school application. With smart planning, budgeting, and the right prep strategy, you can minimize the cost and maximize your performance.

Don’t let finances hold you back from pursuing your dream of becoming a doctor. Explore scholarship opportunities, use fee assistance programs, and consider gaining clinical experience through Go Elective’s global health internships abroad to round out your profile.

Want to stand out to admissions committees? Pair your MCAT score with real-world clinical exposure through a Go Elective pre-med internship abroad—guided hands-on experience that deepens your understanding and strengthens your application.