Introduction
Taking the MCAT is one of the most important things you’ll need to do to get into medical school. There are only a select few medical schools that don’t require the MCAT, so if you want a real shot at getting into medical school, you’ll need to take it.
But how do you take the MCAT? You’ll need to register for it through the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). In today’s blog, we’re explaining how to register for the MCAT in 2022.
MCAT Registration Dates 2022
Registration dates for the MCAT change every year. It all happens according to the calendar that AAMC releases. So, when you’re registering, make sure you’re looking at dates for 2022, not dates for past years.
Here are the MCAT Registration Dates for 2022:
| MCAT Test Date 2022 | MCAT Score Release Date | Registration Deadline | Suggested MCAT Prep Dates |
| January 14 | February 15 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | Start August - October |
| January 15 | February 15 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | Start August - October |
| January 20 | February 22 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | Start August - October |
| January 21 | February 22 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | Start August - October |
| March 12 | April 12 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | October - December |
| March 25 | April 26 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | October - December |
| April 8 | May 10 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | November - January |
| April 9 | May 10 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | November - January |
| April 29 | May 31 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | November - January |
| April 30 | May 31 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | November - January |
| May 13 | June 14 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | December - February |
| May 14 | June 14 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | December - February |
| May 19 | June 21 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | December - February |
| May 27 | June 28 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | December - February |
| June 4 | July 6 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | January - March |
| June 17 | July 19 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | January - March |
| June 18 | July 19 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | January - March |
| June 24 | July 26 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | January - March |
| June 25 | July 26 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | January - March |
| June 30 | August 1 | October 13 and 14, 2021 | January - March |
| July 16 | August 16 | February 2022 | February - April |
| July 29 | August 30 | February 2022 | February - April |
| August 5 | September 7 | February 2022 | March - May |
| August 20 | September 20 | February 2022 | March - May |
| August 26* | September 27 | February 2022 | March - May |
| August 27 | September 27 | February 2022 | March - May |
| September 1 | October 4 | February 2022 | April - June |
| September 2* | October 4 | February 2022 | April - June |
| September 9* | October 11 | February 2022 | April - June |
| September 10 | October 11 | February 2022 | April - June |
Take note of the release date listed for each test date. That’s the date AAMC will send your scores to the medical schools to which you’ve applied. Obviously, the sooner you take the MCAT, the sooner you’ll be able to apply to medical school. So, scheduling your exam early on is your best bet.
No matter when you test, you’ll always receive your test scores on a Tuesday or a Wednesday. That’s when AAMC releases them. So, don’t sweat what day you take the test. Just schedule it for when it’s available.
FAQs
How Do I Register for the MCAT?
The following registration guide is for test-takers who don’t need special accommodations. If you need extra help, you can call 800.466.0450 to register. Otherwise, here are the steps to take:
- Create an AAMC account. You’ll need to use your email and create a username and password.
- Have your ID and credit/debit card on hand. You’ll need to enter information from your ID when you register. Your credit card is for paying for the exam. AAMC’s website accepts VISA, MasterCard, and American Express.
- Once you’ve registered, scroll to the upper left-hand bar, and click “Students and Residents” > “Applying to Medical School” > “Register for the MCAT”
- Select “Start Exam Registration”
- Fill out all of the requested information.
- Choose your test date, time, and location.*
- Pay to secure your testing date.
*Pay attention to where you schedule your exam. You must take the MCAT at the testing center where you schedule it. Some pre-med students drive a long distance to take the MCAT at a preferred date and time instead of taking it whenever it’s available at a nearby testing center. It’s totally up to you. Just make sure you’re committed to your decision.
How Much Does the MCAT Cost?
This is a great question. Though the cost of the MCAT has varied in recent years, the current registration fee for the MCAT exam is $320. This fee covers the cost of the exam and the distribution of scores to medical schools. You can view more information about MCAT fess on the AAMC’s website.
If you’re unable to pay for the MCAT, AAMC offers a fee assistance program. You could have all or part of your registration fee waived if you qualify.
What If I Need to Cancel My Exam?
It happens to the best of us. If you have a conflict come up, you can reschedule your MCAT. Just keep in mind that you have to cancel your exam before you can reschedule it. Depending on when you cancel it, you might not find another test date that works as well. It’s a Catch-22.
If you cancel your exam, there’s a good chance you can get a partial refund, but again, it depends on when you cancel. If you’re an international student, you won’t receive a refund for the international fee that you pay on top of the registration fee.
Ultimately, it’s best not to cancel if you can avoid it.
Can I Register for Two MCAT Dates?
You can, but not at the same time. You have to forfeit your spot before registering for your new one. And the closer you are to your test date, the more expensive it gets.
To change your date in the same month you’re taking it, you’ll pay $200 in rescheduling fees. If you reschedule one to two months in advance, you’ll pay $100 to reschedule it. But if you provide more than two months’ notice, it will only cost $50.
So, the further you plan, the better. The MCAT is not cheap!
How Fast Does MCAT Registration Fill Up?
If you want the best spot you can get for your MCAT, be virtually “waiting in line” for registration to open. All the responsible students will be virtually waiting with you to compete for the best available testing date, time, and location.
The longer you wait, the further you’ll have to travel. You’ll likely end up taking the MCAT early in the morning or at the end of the day, which no one wants.
Registration dates for January through May open the prior October. Dates for June through September open in February. This allows you to plan far in advance and have that day blocked out for the MCAT.
Conclusion
Good luck taking the MCAT! The exam is intentionally designed to expose you to what medical school is like. It will be a stressful day as you work to answer all the questions to the best of your ability in as short a time as possible.
Just think about when you’ll be a doctor treating patients. You’ll be prepared for it! And like anything else that requires preparation, medical school is something to think about long before you plan to go. The MCAT is only one step in the process.
Other steps include taking the SAT/ACT if you’re still in high school, looking at what undergraduate university you want to attend, picking a major, looking at medical schools, and more. The list never truly ends, but that’s okay because we’re here to help you navigate it.
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