MCAT Costs 2026: Registration Fees, Prep Expenses, and Ways to Save

Here’s a clear breakdown of what you’ll pay to sit the MCAT, how rescheduling and cancellations work, and smart ways to budget for prep, travel, and other add-ons.

MCAT fees at a glance

• Standard registration: $345. 
• Fee Assistance Program (FAP) registration: $140. 
• International testing fee: +$120 (non-refundable if you cancel). 
• Taxes: Local sales/VAT/GST may apply at checkout.

Explore more students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/mcat-scheduling-fees

Rescheduling and cancellation fees 

• Standard:
• Reschedule: $50 (60+ days), $100 (30–59 days), $200 (10–29 days)
• Cancel: $170 refund at 60+ or 30–59 days; no refund at 10–29 days
• With FAP:
• Reschedule: $20 (60+ days), $40 (30–59 days), $80 (10–29 days)
• Cancel: $70 refund at 60+ or 30–59 days; no refund at 10–29 days
• No changes allowed
  
  

Other real costs to plan for

• Prep materials: Free to $$$ depending on your mix of books, Q-banks, and practice tests.
• Tutoring or courses: Optional, but can be a major line item.
• Travel and lodging: Register early to avoid long trips to available test centers. 
• Meals and incidentals: Especially if you travel the day before.
  
  

Fee Assistance Program (FAP) benefits

• Discounted MCAT registration to $140 and free AAMC MCAT Official Prep products (listed as a $268.80 value).
• Stipend up to $800 toward an updated evaluation if needed for MCAT accommodations.
• U.S. and Canadian programs have parallel benefits; review the current Essentials before applying.
  
  

Smart ways to save

• Register early to lock your preferred site and avoid higher change fees.
• Map study milestones so you do not pay for multiple retakes.
• Use free and low-cost Official Prep first, then add targeted resources.
  
  

FAQs

#1. Do I pay every time I take the MCAT

Yes. Each attempt requires a new registration; change fees apply per the zone deadlines. 

#2. Can I get a full refund if I cancel

No. Refunds are fixed amounts and depend on how early you cancel; the international fee is non-refundable. 

#3. Where do I see official, current fees

AAMC’s MCAT Scheduling Fees page lists registration, international, and change fees for the active testing year. 

Conclusion

MCAT costs go beyond the base registration. Plan for change fees, travel, and prep materials, and check FAP benefits early so you can budget with fewer surprises.

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Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Dec 15, 2025