MCAT Registration and Test Planning : Dates, Costs, and Prep Tips

For students on the path to medical school, the MCAT is one of the most important milestones. But when exactly should you take it? What are the costs, limits, and prep expectations? This guide walks you through the most important things you need to consider before registering. No matter what year you’re planning to take the test.

At Go Elective, we’ve supported hundreds of students preparing for the MCAT while pursuing meaningful pre-med internships abroad. Whether you're scheduling your exam before travel or trying to balance shadowing and studying, understanding the MCAT process early is key.

When Should You Take the MCAT?

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) typically offers the MCAT from January through September. While exact dates change each year, test dates are announced in the fall for the following calendar year.

To choose the best MCAT date for you, consider:

Your class and finals schedule
Your clinical or shadowing experiences (like a Go Elective internship)
How much time you realistically need for studying
When you plan to apply to medical school and whether score release timelines align with your AMCAS submission

A good rule of thumb: register early and plan your test date at least 3 months before your application deadlines.

You can view the official calendar here: U.S. MCAT® Calendar, Scheduling Deadlines, and Score Release Dates

How Does MCAT Pre-Registration Work?

Before full registration opens, the AAMC allows students to pre-register by entering their personal details and accepting terms. You won’t select a test date or location yet—but pre-registration speeds up the process once official registration opens, and ensures you’re ready to secure a spot before they fill.

How Much Does the MCAT Cost?

MCAT costs vary slightly each year. As of the latest updates:

Standard registration is typically around $330 USD
There’s an international testing fee for students taking the MCAT outside the U.S. and Canada (about $120 USD)
Rescheduling can cost anywhere from $50 to $200 USD
Students with financial need can apply for the Fee Assistance Program (FAP), which offers discounted fees and free study resources

Visit the AAMC MCAT fees page for up-to-date pricing.

What to Expect on Test Day

Test day is long—about 7.5 hours including breaks. To prepare, be sure to:

Confirm your test time and location in advance
Bring a valid ID that matches your registration
Leave phones and personal belongings outside the testing room
Bring water and snacks for your break times
Arrive at least 30 minutes early

What Does the MCAT Test Cover?

The MCAT includes four major sections:

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

Each section is about 90 to 95 minutes long and contributes equally to your final score.

How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT?

There are strict limits on the number of times you can take the MCAT:

Up to 3 times in a calendar year
Up to 4 times over two years
7 attempts total in your lifetime

Each attempt is recorded, so be strategic. It’s better to take the test once with strong preparation than to rely on multiple retakes.

Planning MCAT Prep Around Clinical Internships

If you're planning to join an international internship like Go Elective’s programs in Kenya or Tanzania, schedule your MCAT wisely. Some students prefer to take the test beforehand to focus on hands-on experience. Others find that shadowing abroad gives them the motivation and real-world insight they need to fine-tune their study plan.

Explore our MCAT-friendly internship dates or contact our team to discuss how to structure your experience around your test goals.

Final Thoughts

The MCAT isn’t just another test—it’s a defining step in your journey to medical school. Understanding the timeline, structure, and prep strategies will help you feel confident as you move forward. While specific test dates and fees can vary by year, the keys to success remain the same: plan ahead, prepare intentionally, and align your study schedule with your broader academic and clinical experiences.

For more tips on building a standout med school application—including gaining global clinical experience—visit our blog or learn more about our pre-med programs.