MCAT Free Guide
2027 MCAT Registration: Opening Days, Fees and Fee Assistance
Published October 19, 2026 · Research date: October 2026 · All dates and fees verified against the AAMC's official 2027 registration pages.
2027 MCAT registration opened in October 2026, and the fees went up for the new testing year: $360 for standard registration, or $145 with the AAMC Fee Assistance Program. This guide covers when registration opened for each region, every 2027 fee, including rescheduling and cancellation refunds, how the AAMC's financial assistance program works, the international fee, testing limits and the score-or-void decision on test day. This guide is for premed students ready to register for the MCAT exam, and it matters because popular dates and test centers fill fast once registration opens. All figures come from the official pages of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which runs the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). New to the MCAT? Start with our MCAT guides hub, which covers scoring, sections, dates and study plans.
In detail
When Did 2027 MCAT Registration Open?
Registration for all January–September 2027 MCAT dates opened in three groups at noon ET: October 20, 2026, for test centers in eastern U.S. states; October 21 for central and western states; and October 22 for international, Canadian and U.S. territory locations.
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| Oct. 5–19, 2026 | Examinees could complete the first five tabs of the MCAT Registration System |
| Oct. 20, 2026, noon ET | Group A: test centers in eastern states, including New York, Florida, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts |
| Oct. 21, 2026, noon ET | Group B: central and western states, including California, Texas, Illinois and Washington |
| Oct. 22, 2026, noon ET | Group C: international test centers, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands |
Examinees in the online waiting room by 11:50 a.m. ET were placed in line randomly; anyone who logged in later joined the end of the line. Registration remains open, so you can still book any date and test center with seats. For a calendar view of upcoming dates, see our MCAT test dates and registration guide.
Pricing & value
How Much Does the MCAT Cost in 2027?
The 2027 MCAT costs $360 to register, or $145 if you're approved for AAMC Fee Assistance. Testing outside the U.S., Canada and U.S. territories adds a $130 international fee.
| Fee (2027) | Standard | With FAP |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | $360 | $145 |
| Reschedule 60+ days before | $55 | $25 |
| Reschedule 30–59 days before | $110 | $45 |
| Reschedule 10–29 days before | $210 | $85 |
| Cancellation refund 60+ days before | $180 | $75 |
| Cancellation refund 30–59 days before | $180 | $75 |
| Cancellation refund 10–29 days before | None | None |
| International fee | $130 extra, non-refundable | $130 extra, non-refundable |
No changes are allowed within 10 days of your test date, and the 10-day deadline is also the last day to schedule. Deadlines fall at 11:59 p.m. local test center time.
In detail
AAMC Fee Assistance Program
The AAMC Fee Assistance Program cuts the 2027 registration fee from $360 to $145 and lowers rescheduling fees. Apply at least five business days before you plan to register, because you need approval before you can use the reduced fee.
The Fee Assistance Program (FAP) also brings benefits beyond the MCAT, including discounted fees, free MCAT Official Prep products and complimentary access to the MSAR database of medical school admission requirements, so it's worth checking your eligibility early if cost is a concern. To qualify, your household income must be at or below 400% of the 2025 national poverty level for your family size, you need a U.S.-based home address, and you can't be enrolled in, accepted to or a graduate of a medical school.
In detail
How to Register for the MCAT
To register, create an AAMC account, complete the MCAT Registration System tabs, choose your test date and test center, and pay the fee. You can hold only one appointment at a time.
- Create or sign in to your AAMC account.
- If you need FAP approval or testing accommodations, apply first; examinees with approved accommodations can schedule ahead of general opening.
- Complete the registration tabs, including your personal information and agreement to the MCAT Essentials policies.
- Choose a date and test center, and pay.
- Check your confirmation and note the 60-, 30- and 10-day deadline for your test date.
The registration process happens entirely in the MCAT Registration System. Use the same legal name as on your government-issued ID, since your ID must match your AAMC profile on test day.
In detail
MCAT Testing Accommodations
If you have a disability or medical condition, you can apply to the AAMC for testing accommodations, such as extended time or a separate room. Apply well before you register, because approval takes time and examinees with approved accommodations can schedule early.
You'll need documentation of how your condition affects you, and approval isn't guaranteed. Submit your request as early as possible so you can use the advance scheduling window rather than competing for seats after general registration opens.
In detail
Tips for Getting Your Preferred MCAT Date
Popular dates and test centers fill quickly after registration opens, so have a backup plan.
- Prepare before opening day. Complete the first registration tabs early, and log in to the waiting room shortly before noon ET.
- Pick two or three dates. If your first choice is full at your desired location, a nearby center or a different weekend may have seats.
- Match your date to your plan. Most students take the MCAT after three to six months of MCAT prep, so count back from your test date before you book.
- Watch the fee deadlines. Changing your date 60 or more days out costs $55; within 29 days, it's $210.
Who it helps
Testing Limits and Retakes
You can take the MCAT up to three times in a single testing year, four times across two consecutive years and seven times in your lifetime, counting from April 2015. A voided exam still counts toward these limits. The AAMC may review one appeal per testing year at its discretion. Before deciding to retake, compare your score with our guide to what counts as a good MCAT score.
In detail
Scoring or Voiding on Test Day
At the end of your exam, you get one chance to score or void it, and you can't change your mind later. A voided MCAT exam isn't scored or reported, you get no money back, and it counts as an attempt. Scored exams are released about 30 to 35 days later; our MCAT scoring guide explains the score report.
In detail
After You Register: MCAT Preparation
Once you're registered, build your preparation around your test date and the AAMC's official practice exams, which are the closest match to the real MCAT exam.
Take a full-length practice exam early to find your baseline MCAT score, then plan your weeks with our 3-month MCAT study schedule, and compare courses in Best MCAT Prep Courses; our top pick is Blueprint MCAT.
FAQ
How much does the MCAT cost in 2027?
$360 for standard registration, or $145 with AAMC Fee Assistance. Testing outside the U.S., Canada and U.S. territories adds a $130 international fee.
When did 2027 MCAT registration open?
October 20, 21 and 22, 2026, at noon ET, depending on your test center's region. Registration stays open for any dates with seats left.
Can I get a refund if I cancel the MCAT?
A partial refund is available. Cancelling 30 or more days before your test refunds $180 of the standard fee ($75 with FAP). Cancelling 10 to 29 days before gives you nothing back, and no changes are allowed in the last 10 days.
What is the MCAT registration fee?
The 2027 MCAT registration fee is $360, or $145 with FAP approval. Rescheduling fees range from $55 to $210 depending on how close you are to your test date.
How many times can you take the MCAT?
Up to three times in one testing year, four times over two consecutive years and seven times in your lifetime. Voided exams count toward these limits.
How do I apply for MCAT Fee Assistance?
Apply through the AAMC's program at least five business days before you register. You need approval before you can register at the $145 rate.
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