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Mcat Essentials 2021

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
528 views47 pages

Mcat Essentials 2021

Mcat

Uploaded by

alexandria garel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

The MCAT® Essentials Addendum

for the January and March 2021 Exams

The MCAT® Essentials for Testing Year 2021

Required Reading MCAT® is a program of the


The MCAT® Essentials for Testing Year 2021 is required reading and contains Association of American Medical Colleges
important information and resources about the examinee agreement,
registration instructions, and test-day policies. [Link]/mcat
Prepare for the MCAT® Exam Using
AAMC MCAT Official Prep Resources

Free Planning and Study Resources


Learn about the free AAMC MCAT® Official Prep resources available to help you study for test day.

How to Create a Study Plan Khan Academy MCAT Collection


Get a six-step guide to help The Khan Academy MCAT Collection
you create your own study contains sample content from all four
How to Create a Study Plan
for the MCAT® Exam
plan. Use the PDF version or sections of the exam and includes 1,100
access the online version of videos and 3,000 review questions
the guide in the MCAT Official to help you study. The collection was
Prep Hub. created by Khan Academy with support
and funding from the AAMC and the Robert Wood
Johnson Foundation.
MCAT® is a program of the
Association of American Medical Colleges

[Link]/mcat

A Road Map to MCAT Critical


What’s on the MCAT Exam? Analysis and Reasoning
A Road Map to MCAT® Critical
Analysis and Reasoning Skills in

Content Outline Skills in the Khan Academy


the Khan Academy MCAT Collection

Read the content lists and MCAT Collection


explore what’s tested in the The AAMC mapped the skills
four exam sections. assessed in the CARS section
Association of
American Medical Colleges

of the MCAT exam to the free


videos, worked examples, and practice passage sets in
the Khan Academy MCAT Collection.

Sample Test — Now FREE


AAMC This 230-question online A Road Map to MCAT® Content in A Road Map to MCAT® Content

MCAT®
in Biochemistry Textbooks
Sociology and Psychology Textbooks
practice exam has the same
Official features and functionality as
Prep the MCAT exam, but it does Association of Association of

Sample
American Medical Colleges American Medical Colleges

not provide a scaled score.


Test Road Maps to MCAT Content
The AAMC reached out to publishers of biochemistry,
psychology, and sociology textbooks for detailed
information on where to find the concepts you’ll need
to know for the MCAT exam.

continued >>

Learn more about FREE AAMC MCAT Official


Prep resources and practice materials at Association of
[Link]/mcatprep. American Medical Colleges
Practice for the MCAT Exam With Official Low-Cost Products
Learning through practice is key when it comes to the MCAT exam. Prepare for the exam with AAMC MCAT Official
Prep products written by the test developers.

The only guide by the creators of the MCAT exam! The Official Guide Online-Only Bundle
to the MCAT® Exam AAMC The online-only bundle includes
Medical College Admission Test

The Official Guide provides a MCAT® all online MCAT Official Prep
comprehensive overview of the Official Prep products.
The
Official Guide
to the
MCAT® Exam exam, including information Online-Only
about registration, what to
expect on test day, the score Bundle
• The only official comprehensive overview
of the MCAT exam
scale, and how MCAT scores
are used in the admissions
• Everything you need to know about
the exam sections
• 120 practice questions written by
the test developers at the AAMC

process. It also includes


• Tips on how to prepare
MCAT® is a program of the
Association of American Medical Colleges

Complete Bundle
Fifth Edition [Link]/mcat

120 practice questions


and solutions.
AAMC This bundle includes all online
MCAT® products and the print version of
Official Prep The Official Guide to the MCAT
AAMC Full-Length Practice Exams
Complete Exam, Fifth Edition.
MCAT® The 230-question online
practice exams have the same Bundle
Official Prep features and functionality as the
Practice MCAT exam — with the added
Exams benefit of a scaled score and
percentile rank. Section Bank
AAMC The online MCAT Section Bank
MCAT® consists of 300 practice questions
NEW! CARS Diagnostic Tool Official Prep in the natural, behavioral, and
The CARS Diagnostic Tool Section social sciences, with an emphasis
includes 28 practice passage Bank on biochemistry, psychology,
sets, worked examples, and and sociology.
strategies to improve your critical
analysis and reasoning skills.

Print and Online Flashcards


Both the print and online MCAT
AAMC MCAT® Official
Prep Biology Question
AAMC MCAT®
Official Prep Chemistry Question Packs OFFICIAL flashcards contain the same 150
Pack, Vol. 1 & 2 Question Pack
Each question pack offers MCAT® discrete practice questions. You
120 practice questions. Flashcards get 25 questions in each of these
Buy the packs individually six disciplines: biochemistry,
or as a bundle of six: biology, chemistry, physics,
AAMC MCAT® AAMC MCAT® Official biology (two packs), psychology, and sociology.
Official Prep Physics Prep Critical Analysis and
Question Pack Reasoning Skills
chemistry, physics, and
critical reasoning (two packs).

Question Pack, Vol. 1 & 2

Learn more about FREE AAMC MCAT


Official Prep resources and practice materials
at [Link]/mcatprep.
@AAMC_MCAT
20-002L (09/20)
Contents
The MCAT® Essentials Addendum for the January and March 2021 Exams 1.1
Introduction 1.2
Registration 1.2
Exam Start Times 1.2
Scheduling Fees, Cancellations, Refunds, and Deadlines 1.2
Examinee Emergency Cancellations After the Bronze Zone Deadline for COVID-19 Reasons 1.3
Rescheduling and Cancellation Notifications During COVID-19 1.3
Expired MCAT-Approved Identification 1.3
Check-In Rules and Procedures: Health and Safety 1.3-1.4
Reporting Health and Safety Concerns 1.5
Questions? Contact the MCAT Program 1.5

The MCAT® Essentials for Testing Year 2021 2.1


Introduction 2.2
What Is on the MCAT Exam? 2.2
MCAT Exam Content 2.3

Before You Register for the MCAT Exam 2.4


AAMC ID 2.4
Registration Name 2.5
Resolving Registration Name Requirements 2.7
Registration and Scheduling Violations 2.7
Eligible Health Professions Programs 2.8
Requesting Special Permission 2.8
International Examinees 2.9
Testing Limits 2.9
Testing With Accommodations 2.9
The AAMC Fee Assistance Program 2.10

Registering for an MCAT Exam 2.11


The MCAT Registration System (MRS) 2.11
Examinee Agreement 2.11
AAMC Policies Regarding MCAT Examinee Data 2.13
Release of Personal Information 2.14
MCAT Recruiting Service 2.14
Health Professions Advisor Release 2.14
Medical Minority Applicant Registry (Med-MAR) 2.15
Release to Alternate Contact 2.15
Scheduling an MCAT Exam 2.16
Scheduling Details 2.16
Scheduling Fees and Deadlines 2.16
Applicable Taxes 2.17
Report Suspected Violations 2.17
What Should I Report? 2.18
Investigation Procedures, Final Report, Arbitration, and Additional Actions 2.18
“To Be Determined” Test Centers 2.19
Changing Your Appointment 2.19
Zone Benefits and Conditions 2.20
Cancellations and Refunds 2.20
Emergency Refund 2.21
MCAT Appointments Are Subject to Change or Cancellation 2.21

© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges


What You Need to Know About Test Day 2.23
Arriving at the Test Center 2.23
Test-Center Current Address 2.23
Time Zones 2.23
No-Shows 2.23
Inclement Weather and Other Test-Center Closures 2.23
Check-in Rules and Procedures 2.24
Review of Test-Center Regulations 2.24
Verification of ID 2.24
Digital Signature 2.24
Palm Vein Scan 2.24
Photo Capture 2.24
Storage of Personal Belongings 2.24
Noteboard Booklets 2.25
Entering and Exiting the Testing Room 2.25
Test-Day Certification Statement 2.26
In the Testing Room 2.27
Breaks, Food and Drink 2.27
Scoring or Voiding Your Exam 2.28
What Happens After You Void Your Exam? 2.28
After the Exam 2.29
Registering for Another Test Date 2.29
Testing Irregularities 2.29
Issues Preventing Completion or Scoring of Your Exam 2.30
If an Error Occurs 2.30
Reporting a Test-Center Concern 2.30
Test Question Challenges 2.31
Discussion of the MCAT Exam 2.32

MCAT Scores 2.33


Exam Scoring 2.33
Receiving and Sending Scores 2.34
Score Reporting Through Your AMCAS Application 2.34
Rescoring 2.34

Contacting Us 2.35

© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges


The MCAT® Essentials Addendum for the January and
March 2021 Exams

Effective: Nov. 1, 2020, for January and March 2021 MCAT exams.

1.1
© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges
Introduction
This addendum to The MCAT Essentials for Testing Year 2021 provides important information and
updated policies effective as of Nov. 1, 2020.
You are responsible for reading the complete version of the Essentials and this addendum because they
include important information about your responsibilities on test day and the requirements of the exam.
For the most current information on the MCAT testing program’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19)
pandemic and FAQs, please visit our website.
We know how greatly life has been disrupted by the coronavirus pandemic. Preparing for the MCAT exam
and applying to medical school take sustained effort and careful planning over several years, and we
know this time has been especially challenging.
In consideration of the well-being of our examinees during COVID-19, the AAMC has adjusted the MCAT
testing program to provide a safe testing environment with the implementation of several safety
measures, including safe social-distancing practices, mandatory wearing of facial masks at all times while
at the test center, thorough cleaning and disinfecting procedures, and access to hand sanitizer and
tissues to all examinees while in the test center. We take the health and safety of examinees very
seriously.
Registration
You will be able to register for an exam at three different times during the 2021 testing year to
allow the AAMC to adapt to evolving pandemic conditions: Registration for January and March dates
will open Nov. 10, for April through June dates, in February, and for July through September dates, in
May.

Please be sure to check our website for the most current information on registration.

Registration Schedule

• Tuesday, Nov. 10, at noon ET: Register for January and March dates.
o Save time on registration day by preregistering. Preregistration starts Monday, Nov. 2, at
noon ET. Go into the MCAT Registration System to fill out your background information
before Nov. 10.

• February: Register for April, May, and June dates.

• May: Register for July, August, and September dates.

Exam Start Times


Standard start times for exams in January and March will be at 7:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. local test-center
time. You should arrive 30 minutes before the start time.

Scheduling Fees, Cancellations, Refunds, and Deadlines


Rescheduling and cancellation fees will be waived for the January and March test dates to allow for more
flexibility during this testing period. For the most current information about fees and deadlines, check the
website.

1.2
© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges
Examinee Emergency Cancellations After the Bronze Zone Deadline for COVID-19
Reasons
If you have an urgent need to cancel your exam after the Bronze Zone deadline (eight days before your
exam) because of COVID-19-related reasons, please submit an Emergency Refund Request in the
MCAT Registration System. Please provide documentation or a full explanation about why you are unable
to attend your exam. Documentation can include a COVID-19 test result or a full explanation of your
potential exposure or need to quarantine.
Your Emergency Refund Request will be reviewed after your exam date, and your exam will go into a “no
show” status and count as a testing attempt. A “no show” status is an internal record only that cannot be
removed or changed and will not be presented on any medical school applications you may have.
You will receive notification of any approved refunds within two weeks of receipt of the required
documentation. Approved refunds will be applied to the method of payment used for the original exam.
Refunds are not guaranteed and are issued at the AAMC’s sole discretion. If approved, you will receive a
refund in accordance with the fee structure and, if needed, a testing attempt will be credited to you.
Please note: After you submit an Emergency Refund Request, you are required to follow the current
guidelines about when you may sit for the MCAT exam.
For non-COVID-19-related emergency refunds, please see the Emergency Refund section.
Rescheduling and Cancellation Notifications During COVID-19
During the pandemic, we’ll continue to monitor changing COVID-19 conditions, as well as state and local
health and safety guidance. We’ll post an update soon with more information about how we’ll keep you
informed of your exam’s status. Please visit our website for the most current information.
Expired MCAT-Approved Identification
You must present a current, government-issued identification for admission to the MCAT exam. Expired
IDs were accepted in 2020, but they will not be accepted for 2021. Please pay attention to the printed
expiration date on your ID and take all required steps to renew and acquire a current, valid, government-
issued ID before your exam date. If you do not have a current, valid government-issued ID by the Bronze
Zone deadline (eight days before your exam date), you should reschedule your exam for a later date.
Check-In Rules and Procedures: Health and Safety
The AAMC continues to monitor guidance about the coronavirus from the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and state and local health authorities. Your
health and safety are our priority during the COVID-19 pandemic, and robust health and safety measures
are in place at the test centers.
As COVID-19 conditions continue to evolve, Pearson VUE test centers may resume normal, full-capacity
operations as allowed based on the issued guidance of state and local governments. The AAMC is
committed to maintaining the key tenets of COVID-19 best practices and will maintain mask and social-
distancing requirements on MCAT exam days in January and March, regardless of state and local
guidance. Health protocols will be continuously evaluated, and any changes will be announced before
scheduling begins for the April through June dates.

1.3
© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges
You should expect… Please note:
The number of individuals in each MCAT test session to be At most test centers, each room should contain no more than 10
limited. individuals.

While you are waiting to be checked in: Please observe social


distancing of at least six feet between you and others who are
waiting.
Social distancing: Examinees will be seated six feet (2
meters) apart in the test room. When you are escorted to the test room: Please observe
social distancing in the hallways and in all common spaces of the
At most test centers, there will be one open workstation test center.
between pairs of examinees.
In smaller common areas of some test centers, maintaining six
feet of distance may be challenging. If other examinees or test-
center staff do not adhere to social distancing in these areas,
please remind them of the required spacing.

Masks may be removed for the test-day photo and during breaks
to eat and drink.
Examinees and staff to be required to wear face masks
(face masks must adequately cover your nose and mouth);
gloves are optional and subject to inspection.
Masks may NOT be removed while you are at your workstation.
Your exam will be terminated if you remove your mask while you
are at your workstation.

Hand sanitizer to be available, and you may bring your Hand sanitizer must be in a clear bottle and is subject to
own inspection.

To reduce distractions during the exam, staff may clean


workstations, common areas, and other facilities while
Cleaning and disinfecting regimens to be followed between
examinees are not present in those spaces.
all testing appointments and throughout the day.

If you are concerned that your workstation was not cleaned


before your exam, please let the staff know immediately.

To be required to acknowledge that you meet health Temperatures will not be taken before you enter the test center
requirements for testing and that you will follow health and unless required by the locality where you are testing.
safety guidelines while testing. When you sign the e-pad
during check-in, you are acknowledging that you meet and
will follow these requirements. If you do not feel well or believe you may have a
temperature, please DO NOT go to the test center.

Please visit Pearson VUE’s website for a comprehensive list of health and safety measures in place at all
test centers.

1.4
© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges
Reporting Health and Safety Concerns
• If you observe any violation of the health and safety protocols in test centers before, during, or
after testing, immediately report them to your proctor or test-center staff.
• You will have an opportunity to report concerns on the survey presented at the conclusion of your
exam. These responses go directly to the AAMC.
• You are also encouraged to submit concerns through the online form, by emailing
mcatsafety@[Link], or by calling the anonymous tip line at 202-828-0973.

All reports will be treated in a confidential manner and there are no repercussions for reporting this critical
information to the AAMC.
We will continue to actively listen to your concerns and suggestions, closely monitor the current
knowledge about COVID-19 transmission and assess our processes to identify any opportunities to
protect the health and safety of MCAT examinees. Health and safety guidelines for 2021 will be
updated closer to January so we can consider the most current recommendations and scientific data
when determining protocols in partnership with experts and Pearson VUE. Please check our website for
the most current updates.
Questions? Contact the MCAT Program
AAMC
655 K St. NW Suite 100
Washington, DC 20001-2399
Telephone: 202-828-0600
Contact Form: [Link]/contactmcat

Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. ET
Closed Wednesday, 3-5 p.m. ET

1.5
© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges
The MCAT® Essentials for Testing Year 2021

2.1
© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges
Scheduling Deadlines

All exams begin at 7:30 a.m. or 3 p.m. local test-center time. All deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. local test-center time.
2021 EXAM DATES GOLD ZONE DEADLINE SILVER ZONE DEADLINE BRONZE ZONE DEADLINE
Friday, Jan. 15
Thursday, Dec.17, 2020 Thursday, Dec. 31, 2020 Thursday, Jan. 7
Saturday, Jan. 16* Friday, Dec. 18, 2020 Friday, Jan. 1 Friday, Jan. 8
Thursday, Jan. 21 Wednesday, Dec. 23, 2020 Wednesday, Jan. 6 Wednesday, Jan. 13
Monday, Jan. 25* Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020 Sunday, Jan. 10 Sunday, Jan. 17
Saturday, March 13 Friday, Feb. 12 Friday, Feb. 26 Friday, March 5
Friday, March 26* Thursday, Feb. 25 Thursday, March 11 Thursday, March 18
Saturday, April 10* Friday, March 12 Friday, March 26 Friday, April 2
Friday, April 23 Thursday, March 25 Thursday, April 8 Thursday, April 15
Friday, April 30 Thursday, April 1 Thursday, April 15 Thursday, April 22
Saturday, May 1* Friday, April 2 Friday, April 16 Friday, April 23
Friday, May 14 Thursday, April 15 Thursday, April 29 Thursday, May 6
Saturday, May 15* Friday, April 16 Friday, April 30 Friday, May 7
Thursday, May 20* Wednesday, April 21 Wednesday, May 5 Wednesday, May 12
Friday, May 28 Thursday, April 29 Thursday, May 13 Thursday, May 20
Friday, June 4 Thursday, May 6 Thursday, May 20 Thursday, May 27
Friday, June 18 Thursday, May 20 Thursday, June 3 Thursday, June 10
Saturday, June 19 Friday, May 21 Friday, June 4 Friday, June 11
Saturday, June 26 Friday, May 28 Friday, June 11 Friday, June 18
Wednesday, June 30 Tuesday, June 1 Tuesday, June 15 Tuesday, June 22
Saturday, July 17 Friday, June 18 Friday, July 2 Friday, July 9
Thursday, July 22 Wednesday, June 23 Wednesday, July 7 Wednesday, July 14
Friday, July 30 Thursday, July 1 Thursday, July 15 Thursday, July 22
Saturday, July 31** Friday, July 2 Friday, July 16 Friday, July 23
Thursday, Aug. 5** Wednesday, July 7 Wednesday, July 21 Wednesday, July 28
Friday, Aug. 6** Thursday, July 8 Thursday, July 22 Thursday, July 29
Saturday, Aug. 7 Friday, July 9 Friday, July 23 Friday, July 30
Friday, Aug. 13 Thursday, July 15 Thursday, July 29 Thursday, Aug. 5
Saturday, Aug. 14** Friday, July 16 Friday, July 30 Friday, Aug. 6
Saturday, Aug. 21 Friday, July 23 Friday, Aug. 6 Friday, Aug. 13
Thursday, Aug. 26 Wednesday, July 28 Wednesday, Aug. 11 Wednesday, Aug. 18
Friday, Aug. 27 Thursday, July 29 Thursday, Aug. 12 Thursday, Aug. 19
Saturday, Aug. 28** Friday, July 30 Friday, Aug. 13 Friday, Aug. 20
Thursday, Sept. 2 Wednesday, Aug. 4 Wednesday, Aug. 18 Wednesday, Aug. 25
Friday, Sept. 3 Thursday, Aug. 5 Thursday, Aug. 19 Thursday, Aug. 26
Saturday, Sept. 4** Friday, Aug. 6 Friday, Aug. 20 Friday, Aug. 27
Friday, Sept. 10 Thursday, Aug. 12 Thursday, Aug. 26 Thursday, Sept. 2
Saturday, Sept 11 Friday, Aug 13 Friday, Aug. 27 Friday, Sept. 3
*This date is not available at Canadian test centers.
**This date is only available at Canadian test centers.

© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges


Introduction
Congratulations! Reading The MCAT® Essentials is the first step in preparing to take the MCAT® exam
and toward a rewarding and fulfilling career in medicine.

The AAMC provides the MCAT exam with the assistance of its test-delivery administrator, Pearson VUE.
The MCAT® Essentials is your guide to the official policies and procedures for taking the MCAT exam.
The information in this guide is necessary for a smooth registration, scheduling, and testing experience.

This document provides you with information about registration, scheduling, test-day policies, post-test-
day procedures, and the rules in place to protect the integrity of the exam. Contact information is
available throughout this guide so that you know how to reach us if you have questions. Information about
AAMC MCAT preparation resources and other helpful resources are also included.

The MCAT® Essentials is subject to change from year to year. At the time of registration and on test day,
you will be asked to certify that you have read and agree to comply with the policies and procedures
contained here. If you are a returning examinee, you must read the current version of this guide. The
version applicable to you is the version in effect when you register.

All of us at the AAMC wish you the best and much success as you move forward to a career in medicine!

What Is on the MCAT Exam?


The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT exam) has been part of the medical school admissions
process for over 90 years. Most medical schools in the United States, and many in Canada, require
applicants to submit recent MCAT scores. Additionally, many other health professions and graduate
programs accept MCAT scores in lieu of other standardized tests.

In conjunction with its member medical schools, the AAMC develops and administers the MCAT exam
multiple times each year. The exam is administered at hundreds of Pearson VUE testing sites within the
United States, Canada, and select locations throughout the world.

The MCAT exam tests concepts that medical school faculty, residents, and students rate important to
entering students’ success. It is a standardized, computer-based exam with content divided into four
multiple-choice sections. Each section includes some “field-test,” or experimental, questions (that is,
questions being considered for future use that do not count toward your total score).

2.2
© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges
MCAT Exam Content
The MCAT exam has four multiple-choice test sections:
▪ Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
▪ Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
▪ Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
▪ Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

The Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section includes:


• 59 questions consisting of:
o 10 passage-based sets of questions
 4-6 questions per set
o 15 independent questions

The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section includes:


• 53 questions consisting of:
o 9 passages
 5-7 questions per passage

The Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems section includes:


• 59 questions consisting of:
o 10 passage-based sets of questions
 4-6 questions per set
o 15 independent questions

The Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section includes:


• 59 questions consisting of:
o 10 passage-based sets of questions
 4-6 questions per set
o 15 independent questions

The first, second, and third sections listed above are organized around 10 foundational concepts, or “big
ideas,” in the sciences. They draw from disciplines in academic-year-long courses in general chemistry,
organic chemistry, introductory physics, and introductory biology and from introductory courses in
biochemistry, psychology, and sociology. Multiple-choice questions in these sections will ask you to
combine your scientific knowledge from multiple disciplines with your scientific inquiry and reasoning
skills.

The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section includes questions that test your ability to comprehend
and analyze information you read in passages taken from a wide range of disciplines in the social
sciences and humanities. This section requires no specific content knowledge.

Explore the What's on the MCAT Exam Content Outline to learn more from the complete list and
descriptions of foundational concepts, content categories, skills, and disciplines you will need to know for
test day.

2.3
© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges
Exam Overview
Section Number of Time Allotted
Questions
Test-day certification 4 minutes
Tutorial (optional) 10 minutes
Chemical and Physical
Foundations of Biological 59 95 minutes
Systems
Break (optional) 10 minutes
Critical Analysis and
53 90 minutes
Reasoning Skills
Mid-exam break (optional) 30 minutes
Biological and Biochemical
Foundations of Living 59 95 minutes
Systems
Break (optional) 10 minutes
Psychological, Social, and
Biological Foundations of 59 95 minutes
Behavior
Void question 3 minutes
End-of-day survey
5 minutes
(optional)
Total content time 6 hours and 15 minutes
Total “seated” time* About 7 hours and
30 minutes
*Total seated time does not include check-in time upon arrival at the test
center.

Before You Register for the MCAT Exam


AAMC ID
You will need an AAMC ID and an associated username and password to register for the MCAT exam. If
you do not have an existing AAMC ID, you will be directed to create an account and establish a username
and password when logging in to the MCAT Registration System. If you have already created an AAMC
ID at any time or for any reason — which includes to purchase or access other AAMC products and
services, such as AAMC MCAT Official Prep Products, the Medical School Admission RequirementsTM
(MSAR®) database, the AAMC Fee Assistance Program, or the American Medical College Application
Service® (AMCAS®) application — you must use the same username and password when registering for
your MCAT exam.

If you can’t remember your login credentials, you can reset your password or request your username on
the login page. If you encounter problems resetting your password or with your security questions, please
contact AAMC Services.

2.4
© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges
If you cannot remember your username or password, DO NOT create a new AAMC ID. If you
believe you have multiple accounts or created a duplicate account in error, please contact the
AAMC Account Help Team to resolve the situation. Please allow up to two business days for a
response.
Registration Name
Enter the spelling of your first and last names in the MCAT Registration System exactly the way they
appear on the MCAT-Accepted ID you will use on test day. Do not register using a nickname, partial
names, or initials, and be sure to double-check for misspellings. If you do not provide an MCAT-Accepted
ID that exactly matches your registered first and last names at the exam, you will not be allowed to test;
you will be considered a “no-show,” you will not receive a refund, and the appointment will count toward
your testing limits. Even if an ID is valid for flight travel, it may not meet all the requirements for taking
the MCAT exam.

To ensure your ID matches MCAT’s requirements, please review the MCAT-Accepted


ID guidelines below.

2.5
© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges
2.6
© 2021 Association of American Medical Colleges
Resolving Registration Name Requirements
If you are unable to provide the required identification, or if you have concerns that your
identification may not be acceptable, you MUST contact AAMC Services no later than the
Silver Zone scheduling deadline to discuss your options. Learn more about zones here.

Issues you may encounter regarding your MCAT-Accepted ID, steps to correct
them, and deadlines
Issue Resolution Deadline to Make Changes
The first and/or last name(s) you You MUST change your name in Bronze Zone deadline
entered do not exactly match the MCAT Registration System to
the qualifying ID you will use on match your MCAT-Accepted ID.
test day.
Two last names appear on your Both names MUST be entered into Bronze Zone deadline
ID the MCAT Registration System in
the “Last Name/Surname” field.
Initials on your ID If your MCAT-Accepted ID has Silver Zone deadline
your initials in place of your full first
and/or last name(s), you must
contact AAMC Services for
instructions.
Mononymous name If you only have a single name Silver Zone deadline
(e.g., Madonna), you must contact
AAMC Services for instructions.
No legal first name (FNU) If you do not have a legal first Silver Zone deadline
name you must contact AAMC
Services for instructions.
No legal last name (LNU) If you do not have a legal last Silver Zone deadline
name you must contact AAMC
Services for instructions.

Registration and Scheduling Violations


Certain violations of the MCAT registration rules may result in cancellation of a testing appointment,
cancellation of scores, a ban from taking the MCAT exam for a designated period of time or permanently,
or other consequences (see Investigation Procedures):
▪ Obtaining more than one AAMC ID.
▪ Registering for the MCAT exam under another individual’s AAMC ID.
▪ Allowing someone else to register under your AAMC ID.
▪ Allowing someone else to use your AAMC ID to take the MCAT exam.
▪ Holding multiple appointments at the same time under different AAMC IDs.
▪ Improperly exceeding the testing limits for the exam, including having or using multiple AAMC
IDs.
▪ Providing false or inaccurate information when creating an AAMC ID or registering to take the
MCAT exam.
▪ Selling or giving away your AAMC ID or appointment to someone.
▪ Purchasing an AAMC ID or appointment from someone.
▪ Switching registrations with another examinee.

Failure to follow MCAT registration rules may create identity validation and verification issues, the
potential for mistakes in the assignment of score results, and other system disruptions. If the AAMC

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suspects that you may have committed a registration or scheduling violation before your scheduled exam
date that, if true, would threaten the validity, integrity, and/or security of the MCAT, the AAMC may, at its
sole discretion, cancel or reschedule your exam to allow time to conduct an investigation.
Eligible Health Professions Programs
You may sit for the exam if you are preparing to apply to and attend a health professions program that
accepts MCAT scores for admissions and you are not currently enrolled in a health professions program.
These programs include:

▪ MD programs.
▪ DO programs.
▪ Podiatric Medicine (DPM) programs.
▪ Veterinary Medicine (DVM) programs.
▪ Any other health-related programs that accept MCAT scores to satisfy a test score
admissions requirement.

At the time of registration, you will be required to agree to a statement verifying that you are taking the
exam solely for the purpose of applying to and attending a health professions program.
Requesting Special Permission
Individuals who do not meet the eligibility requirement above must apply for special permission to take
the MCAT exam. You must apply for special permission if any of the following statements are true:

▪ You wish to take the test for any reason other than solely applying to and attending an eligible
health-professions program.
▪ You are currently enrolled in an eligible health professions program and are looking to change
schools.
▪ You are unable to comply with all AAMC testing procedures for reasons other than a medical
condition or disability. To request adjustments to the standard testing conditions due to medical
conditions or disabilities, please refer to the Testing With Accommodations section.

▪ You are currently employed by a test preparation company and work directly with their MCAT
preparation products, trainings, or courses.

If you are currently accepted into a health professions program but have not yet
enrolled in classes, you are not required to obtain special permission.

To apply for special permission, ensure you have an AAMC ID and have completed the information in the
“Personal Information” tab within the MCAT Registration System. You will need to submit a service
request form found on the MCAT Registration System dashboard.

To submit a service request, select the “Submit another service request” link. Complete the form and
include as much detail in your request as possible. The typical time frame for the AAMC to review and
respond to these requests is five business days.

Failure to obtain special permission may result in, among other consequences, an investigation by the
AAMC, appointment cancellation, cancellation of scores, and/or a ban from taking the MCAT exam for a
designated time period or permanently. See the Registration and Scheduling Violations section to learn
more about the AAMC’s investigation procedures.

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International Examinees
There are no additional eligibility requirements for international examinees. If you are in a bachelor of
medicine/bachelor of surgery (MBBS) degree program or hold the MBBS degree and meet all other
eligibility requirements, you may register for the MCAT exam without seeking special permission.
Testing Limits
Examinees who opt to test more than once must adhere to the following restrictions:
▪ You may hold only one (1) MCAT exam appointment at a time.
▪ You may attempt the exam no more than three (3) times in a testing year.
▪ You may attempt the exam no more than four (4) times over two consecutive testing years.
▪ You may attempt the exam no more than seven (7) times in your lifetime (beginning with the
April 2015 test dates).

Once you begin the exam, you are considered to have used one of your testing attempts even if you void
or do not complete the test (see Voiding Your Exam.) A voided exam counts as one of your attempts,
regardless of the reason.

A “no show” counts as one of your attempts, regardless of the reason.

Additionally, if you refuse to agree to the Test-Day Certification displayed on your monitor before you
begin testing, you will not be able to continue with the exam, and your appointment will count as one of
your attempts.
Testing With Accommodations
If you have a disability or medical condition that you believe requires an adjustment to standard testing
conditions, you are encouraged to apply for testing accommodations. All initial applications for
accommodations must be submitted electronically via the MCAT Accommodations Online system on the
AAMC website.
The accommodations page of the MCAT website is required reading for all examinees
seeking testing accommodations.

A decision on most requests will be made within 60 days of receipt of a complete initial application. You
should submit your complete application far enough in advance that there is time to review your request
and confirm any approved accommodations before your test day. Visit our website for more information
on application types and suggested submission time frames.

To increase the likelihood of testing in a convenient location on your preferred test date, you are
encouraged to schedule a standard appointment for that date and location before you receive a
determination on your accommodations request. You will be notified via email when a determination has
been made. If your accommodations are approved, be sure to follow the instructions provided with your
approval letter to avoid delays in scheduling your exam with accommodations.

You must be approved for accommodations no later than the Silver Zone deadline associated with your
test date (see Scheduling Zones and Fee Structure) so we have time to prepare and implement any
approved accommodations. While the AAMC will do its best to keep your original appointment or to
schedule you into the closest possible date or test site, please understand that some changes to your
appointment may be necessary to support delivery of any approved accommodations. If you have not

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received a decision by the Silver Zone deadline or your accommodations are not approved, you may test
under standard conditions or reschedule to a later test date. Applicable rescheduling fees apply.

For detailed information about the accommodations application and registration processes, visit the
MCAT Exam With Accommodations page of the MCAT website or email us at:
accommodations@[Link].

The AAMC Fee Assistance Program


The AAMC Fee Assistance Program assists those who would not be able to take the exam or apply to
medical schools that use the AMCAS application without financial assistance. Approved recipients
receive discounted MCAT exam registration fees, all online AAMC MCAT Official Prep products, and
complimentary access to the Medical School Admission RequirementsTM database.

For information about the Fee Assistance Program, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and
application deadlines, visit the Fee Assistance Program page on the AAMC website. To contact the Fee
Assistance Program, email fap@[Link] or call 202-828-0600.

The AAMC and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC) are piloting a fee assistance
program for Canadian examinees who register for the MCAT exam during the 2021 testing year.
Beginning Feb. 3, 2021, Canadian examinees who qualify in AFMC’s first application period will pay
reduced scheduling, rescheduling, and cancellation fees and the MCAT® Official Prep Online-Only
Bundle. Beginning April 1, 2021, examinees who qualify in AFMC’s second application period will pay
reduced registration fees and the MCAT® Official Prep Online-Only Bundle. For more information about
the application, evaluation, or qualification processes, visit AFMC.

If you have received Fee Assistance Program approval but you do not see the reduced
scheduling fees within the MCAT Registration System, contact us immediately. Do not
proceed with scheduling or rescheduling an appointment.

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Registering for an MCAT Exam
The MCAT Registration System (MRS)
To begin the registration and scheduling process, log in to the MCAT Registration System (MRS) with the
username and password associated with your AAMC ID. Before selecting a test date and location, you
must complete registration questions that ask for your contact, background, and education information
and agree to the MCAT Examinee Agreement and other consents and policies.

Examinee Agreement
You will be presented with the MCAT Examinee Agreement when you register for your MCAT exam. To
complete your registration and sit for the MCAT exam, you must accept all terms of the Examinee
Agreement and of The MCAT Essentials. Here is the full text of what you will see at registration.
Introduction
The Examinee Agreement is a legally binding contract between you and the AAMC that sets forth
the terms and conditions under which the AAMC will permit you to register for and take the MCAT
exam. In addition to the prohibitions and terms explained below, all of the policies and procedures
contained in the current version of The MCAT Essentials are expressly incorporated herein as
additional terms of the Examinee Agreement, as well as the AAMC Website Terms and
Conditions, the AAMC Privacy Statement, and any policy statements made on the MCAT
website. Adherence to the Examinee Agreement is necessary to enable the AAMC to maintain for
you and other examinees a fair and secure testing process.

Because the Examinee Agreement is a legally binding contract, you should read it carefully. If you
do not indicate that you understand and agree to abide by the terms of the Examinee Agreement,
you will not be able to register for or take the MCAT exam. By selecting “I Agree” at the end of the
Examinee Agreement, you acknowledge that you have read and understand these rules. On test
day, you will be presented with a Certification Statement that reminds you of your obligations
under the Examinee Agreement. By accepting the Certification Statement on test day and taking
the MCAT exam, you will be certifying that you understand and agree to comply with these
obligations.
Prohibited Items and Behaviors
The following items and behaviors are strictly prohibited during the MCAT exam and during any
scheduled or unscheduled break:
● Possessing, accessing, or using electronic devices, including cellular phones, at any time
after check-in and prior to completing the exam.
● Possessing, accessing, or using cameras or recording equipment of any kind.
● Giving or receiving aid on the MCAT exam.
● Possessing, accessing or using books, notes, or any other written materials (other than
noteboards or test center rules provided for your use and review by test center staff).
● Looking at the content of another examinee’s monitor or noteboard.
● Possessing weapons, including but not limited to, firearms, knives, or any object that
could be used as a weapon, in the test center, including the testing room and waiting
areas.
● Leaving the test center floor or building at any point after check-in and prior to completing
the exam.
● Exhibiting disruptive or abusive behavior, talking in the testing room with anyone other
than a Test Administrator, or talking about or discussing the exam during any scheduled
or unscheduled break.

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Possessing, accessing, using, or attempting to possess, access, or use any prohibited item or
engaging or attempting to engage in any prohibited behavior will be considered an intentional and
willful breach of the Examinee Agreement. The AAMC will launch an investigation and may
subject you to one or more of the consequences provided herein for violations of the Examinee
Agreement.

Terms Governing Access to the MCAT Exam


When you accept the following agreement, you are attesting to the following:

I am aware that the MCAT exam is a confidential exam and that its contents will be disclosed to
me on my scheduled test day in a limited context to permit me to test and for no other purpose. I
understand that the AAMC is the exclusive owner of all rights in the MCAT exam, for which it
holds a series of registered copyrights and trade secrets under U.S. and international laws. I
understand that I have no license or permission to copy, adapt, or use any part of the MCAT
exam. I understand that I am bound to keep the MCAT exam content confidential indefinitely,
including, but not limited to: exam questions, passages, graphics, incorrect responses, correct
answers, and topic lists, frequency and order of exam topics, when described in more specific
detail than the What’s on the MCAT Exam? I agree that disclosure, reconstruction, capturing
and/or disseminating of the confidential contents of the MCAT exam would destroy the value and
defeat the purpose of the MCAT exam and irreparably harm the AAMC.

I understand that I may comment on my general exam experience; however, I understand that
discussing or disclosing MCAT content in greater or more specific detail than in the What’s on the
MCAT Exam?, by any means, is a violation of this Examinee Agreement.

Just as I am not permitted to share information about exam content with anyone, I understand
that I also am not permitted to possess, solicit, read, study from, or otherwise use confidential
information about the MCAT exam during my own exam preparation. I certify that I have not
engaged in such conduct prior to taking the exam and that I will not engage in such conduct
during or after the exam. I also agree not to ask any other individual to disclose exam content to
me or to seek out actual live, confidential exam content from any other source. I agree that if I
receive or have access to information or material in any form and from any source, including but
not limited to email, instant messages, text messages, website content, social media posts,
electronic bulletin boards, Internet-based groups, shared or collaborative digital files, electronic
files, and/or paper documents, that I reasonably believe contains confidential MCAT exam
content, or has been represented to contain confidential MCAT exam content, I will immediately
report its existence to the AAMC by sending an email to mcatsecurity@[Link]. I agree that I
will fully cooperate with any investigation initiated by the AAMC related to my receipt or access to
information believed or represented to contain confidential MCAT exam content.

I certify that all information that I have provided to the AAMC is complete and accurate at the time
of registration for the MCAT exam and if that information has changed, I submitted complete and
accurate updated information. I understand that providing false, misleading, or incomplete
information to the AAMC shall be considered an intentional and willful breach of the Examinee
Agreement and may subject me to one or more of the consequences provided herein for
violations of the Examinee Agreement.

I certify that I am the person whose name and address appear on the MCAT exam registration. I
further certify that I am the person whose name appears on the identification I will present for

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admission to the testing room. Unless I have applied for and received special permission to take
the MCAT exam as set out in The MCAT Essentials, I am taking the MCAT exam solely for the
purpose of applying to and attending an eligible health-professions school or program. I
understand that the only eligible programs for which I am permitted to take the MCAT exam are
allopathic, osteopathic, podiatric, and veterinary medicine, or another health-related program that
will accept MCAT exam results to satisfy a test-score admissions requirement.

I certify that, if I am a test preparation company agent or representative, MCAT tutor, or health-
professions or academic advisor, I accurately reported my status as such when I registered for
the exam and, if applicable, I will update any change in such status that takes place after
registration. If I am a test preparation company agent or representative, MCAT tutor, or health-
professions or academic advisor and am taking the MCAT exam for the purpose of applying to
and attending an eligible health-professions school or program, I understand and reaffirm my duty
not to disclose any MCAT content to any person or entity, including my employer, students, or
advisees. If I am not a test preparation company agent or representative, MCAT tutor, or health-
professions or academic advisor, I certify that I am not taking the MCAT exam for the purpose of
obtaining such employment or status.

I understand and agree that any alleged violation of this Examinee Agreement or any alleged
activity that may compromise the validity, integrity, or security of the MCAT exam may be
investigated. Information about the AAMC investigation process may be found in The MCAT
Essentials. If I violate the terms of this Examinee Agreement, including the additional terms or
conditions stated in The MCAT Essentials or any test center rules and regulations, or if I engage
in any activity that may compromise the validity, integrity, or security of the MCAT exam, or fail to
fully cooperate in any investigation of a violation of the Examinee Agreement, I may face the
following consequences:
● The AAMC may issue a report of the factual findings of the investigation to legitimately
interested parties;
● I may be subject to a civil lawsuit and/or criminal charges;
● My MCAT exam may be terminated, and I will not be eligible for a refund or any other
compensation;
● My scores may be canceled, before or after the scores are reported, without a refund;
and
● I may be banned from taking the MCAT exam for a limited time or permanently.

I agree that my personal information will be collected, used, shared, transferred, and stored by
the AAMC subject to this Examinee Agreement.

AAMC Policies Regarding MCAT Examinee Data


The AAMC recognizes our responsibility to treat with care the information we collect about you and to
respect your privacy relative to sensitive data. The AAMC Privacy Statement explains what kinds of
information we collect and how we use this information.

The MCAT Program collects personal information to administer the MCAT exam, help prevent fraud, and
protect the integrity of the exam and the medical school admissions and matriculation processes. The
personal data collected may include demographic, contact, and education information; health or other
sensitive information related to an application for an accommodated exam; and a digital (biometric) palm
vein scan, a test-day photo, test-day audio or video recordings, a digitized ID document, and your
signature(s).

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In brief, the AAMC may share your personal information, including your MCAT score, with:
▪ Peer not-for-profit organizations, certifying boards, licensing bodies, and other organizations
involved in medical education for research, eligibility determination, verification, and credentialing
purposes.
▪ Third parties for scholarship opportunities as directed by you during registration or use of another
AAMC service or program.
▪ Service providers who assist the AAMC with technology, test administration, or communications
management activities.
▪ As needed to (1) respond to information requests by law enforcement or other governmental
authorities; (2) comply with any law, regulation, subpoena or other legal process, or court order;
(3) investigate and help prevent security threats, fraud, malicious activity, or inappropriate,
unauthorized, or illegal activity involving the AAMC’s services or networks; or (4) enforce or
protect the AAMC’s rights and property. In such circumstances, personal information may be
disclosed without notice to the individual.

Any information published by the AAMC related to MCAT testing is done with aggregate data. Individual
test scores are not published or released to third parties unless permitted by the AAMC Privacy
Statement or otherwise authorized by you. Unless otherwise noted, once your personal information is
transferred to third parties, it will be treated in accordance with the third party’s privacy policies. Your
personal information will be transferred to, processed, and stored in the United States and, if you test
outside the United States, any country necessary to administer the MCAT exam to you from your selected
location.
Release of Personal Information
During the registration process for the MCAT exam, you will be asked to consider the options below.
MCAT Recruiting Service
If you choose to participate in the MCAT Recruiting Service, you authorize the AAMC to release your
name, address, age, sex, state of residence, undergraduate major, email address, and MCAT scores to
those U.S., Canadian, and Caribbean schools of medicine, osteopathy, podiatry, and veterinary medicine;
other health professions programs (as defined in the Eligible Health Professions Programs section of this
document); and U.S. government scholarship programs that participate in the MCAT Recruiting Service.
The AAMC will release your information only to the above-mentioned programs and their related joint-
degree programs so long as they are accredited by nationally recognized accrediting bodies, such as the
Liaison Committee on Medical Education. Those programs may send you information about their
programs if you participate in the MCAT Recruiting Service. The AAMC may charge a reasonable fee for
schools and scholarship programs to participate in the MCAT Recruiting Service.
Participation in the MCAT Recruiting Service is voluntary and may only be elected during
the MCAT registration process. Your decision cannot be changed once the Bronze Zone
deadline associated with your appointment has passed. The MCAT Program does not
instruct eligible institutions on their method or frequency of contact or about any
distribution of their recruiting materials.

Health Professions Advisor Release


Selecting “Yes” to the Health Professions Advisor Release during the registration process authorizes the
AAMC to release a record of your MCAT scores to your school’s designated, AAMC-approved health
professions advisor who has met the AAMC-established requirements and confidentiality protocols.

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Furthermore, if you applied for fee assistance through the AAMC Fee Assistance Program and in your fee
assistance application you agreed to release award information to your health professions advisor, that
information will be made available along with your test scores. If you indicated in your American Medical
College Application Service® (AMCAS®) application that you would like your application released to your
health professions advisor, the released AMCAS information will include your MCAT scores regardless of
your answer to the Health Professions Advisor Release question.

If an undergraduate institution does not have a designated health professions advisor or has not identified
the advisor to the AAMC, we cannot release your scores to the institution.

The Health Professions Advisor Release is voluntary and may be elected during the
MCAT registration process. Your decision cannot be changed once the Bronze Zone
deadline associated with your appointment has passed.

Medical Minority Applicant Registry (Med-MAR)


The Medical Minority Applicant Registry (Med-MAR) is an AAMC service designed for medical school
applicants who self-identify as economically disadvantaged or from racial and ethnic groups that are
underrepresented in medicine. If you agree to participate during the registration process, your name,
address, age, sex, state of residence, undergraduate institution, undergraduate major, racial and ethnic
group identification, email address, and MCAT scores will be circulated to U.S. medical schools and
certain health-related agencies as part of an effort to increase opportunities for minorities in medicine.

You are eligible if (1) you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United
States (green card holder), or have been granted refugee/asylum or Deferred Action for Childhood
Arrivals (DACA) status by the U.S. government and (2) you are economically disadvantaged or of low
socioeconomic status (SES) or you self-identify as a member of a racial or ethnic group historically
underrepresented in medicine — African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian/Alaska
Native, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander.

Participation in the Med-MAR is voluntary and may only be elected during the MCAT
registration process. Your decision cannot be changed once the Bronze Zone deadline
associated with your appointment has passed. The MCAT Program does not instruct
eligible institutions on the method or frequency of outreach to participants or assist in
the development or distribution of recruiting materials.

Release to Alternate Contact


You may designate an alternate contact who is authorized to contact the AAMC on your behalf to obtain
information about your MCAT registration and exams you are scheduled for. To protect your private
information, the AAMC does not share your MCAT total or section scores or other sensitive personal
information with your alternate contact.

By completing this authorization, you release the AAMC from any liability resulting from release of
information to the person you designate. This release does not in any way obligate the AAMC to provide
any information to the designated parties.

A separate release is required if you are applying for testing accommodations and would
like the MCAT Office of Accommodated Testing to correspond with medical
professionals or others on your behalf. You may submit this release through the MCAT
Registration System “Service Request” function.

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Scheduling an MCAT Exam
Once you have answered the necessary registration questions about your contact, background, and
education information and agreed to various terms and policies, you will be able to schedule a test date
and location.
Scheduling Details
The most current list of test centers is available in the MCAT Registration System. Test centers have
limited capacity, and seats are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis.

You must complete your registration online via the MCAT Registration System before you schedule your
MCAT appointment. Once scheduled, you will receive an email confirming your appointment. If you do
not receive an email confirmation within 24 hours of scheduling (be sure to check your spam
folder first), please contact us immediately. This confirmation email will include the details of your
appointment — including the name you used to register. Be sure to compare this name to the name on
the MCAT-Accepted ID you will use on test day.

Scheduling Fees and Deadlines


There are three scheduling zones for each exam date: Gold, Silver, and Bronze. For each exam date,
Gold Zone scheduling fees are lower and flexibility is higher. Conversely, fees are higher and flexibility is
limited in the Bronze Zone. All deadlines for the Gold, Silver, and Bronze Zones occur a set number of
days before the exam. All deadlines take effect at 11:59 p.m. local, test-center time. For example, if
your MCAT exam is scheduled for Aug. 9, 2021, in Los Angeles, California, your Bronze Zone scheduling
deadline is 11:59 p.m. PT on Aug. 1, 2021. See MCAT Scheduling Fees to view the applicable
registration fees and restrictions for this testing year’s MCAT exam. Refer to Calendars, Scheduling
Deadlines and Score Release Dates for details about specific deadline dates. The AAMC does not grant
deadline extensions.

If you are scheduling, rescheduling, or canceling on the deadline date and experience
technical problems, we may not be able to assist you in time to meet the deadline to secure
your appointment.

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Applicable Taxes
You may be required to pay applicable sales tax, value-added tax, Goods and Services Tax, or similar tax
required by law in the country or locality in which you are testing. If taxes are applicable, they will be
collected at the time of scheduling.

Report Suspected Violations


Fair testing for all MCAT examinees is a priority for the AAMC. The MCAT exam is administered under
strict supervision and security measures. If you receive, or have access to, information or material in any
form from any source that you reasonably believe contains confidential exam content, or has been
represented to contain confidential exam content, it is your responsibility to immediately report its
existence to the AAMC by sending an email to mcatsecurity@[Link].
Reports of Examinee Agreement violations, cheating, disclosure of confidential MCAT exam content,
wrongdoing, or other alleged actions that undermine the integrity of the MCAT exam will be treated in a

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confidential manner. If you report such activity, the AAMC will not disclose your identity except on a need-
to-know basis, including responses to subpoenas, court orders, or other legal processes.

What Should I Report?


Before, during, or after test day, please report to the AAMC and/or the Test Administrator any
questionable behavior you observe or reasonably believe to have occurred or that may occur, including
but not limited to examinees:
▪ Receiving assistance or copying from another test-taker.
▪ Taking a test for someone else.
▪ Having access to secure test questions before or after the exam.
▪ Presenting false, altered, or tampered identification to attempt to gain admission to the test
center.
▪ Attempting to record or otherwise capture test questions during the exam.
▪ Using notes or unauthorized aids.
It is in the interest of all examinees to report the questionable behavior of others. Engaging in any of the
above-listed actions could provide an unfair advantage to an unethical and potentially unqualified
examinee not only on the test, but also as a medical school applicant.

Please report all potential testing violations to 202-903-0840 and/or


mcatsecurity@[Link].

Investigation Procedures, Final Report, Arbitration, and Additional Actions


The AAMC Policies and Procedures for Investigating Reported Violations of Admission and Enrollment
Standards apply and are incorporated into The MCAT Essentials for Testing Year 2021.
• If you are the subject of an investigation by the AAMC you shall fully cooperate with the AAMC
investigation, produce all documents and materials requested by the AAMC, and submit to an in-
person interview conducted by or on behalf of the AAMC at the association’s request. You shall
truthfully and completely answer all questions posed during investigative interviews conducted by
or on behalf of the AAMC.
• If the AAMC initiates an investigation, it will notify you before issuing an investigation report.
Investigation-related communications will be sent to you via email. It is your responsibility to
ensure that you have an active email address on file with the AAMC that you check frequently. All
responses to the AAMC must be submitted in writing.
• At its sole discretion, the AAMC may elect to send a fact-based investigation report documenting
the violation and subsequent investigation, with any attachments provided by the applicant, to
legitimately interested parties, both now and in the future.

You will be provided with a draft investigative report to review and an opportunity to respond before the
final report is issued. If in your response you conclude that the draft report unfairly characterizes the
matter under investigation or agreement between the parties on the content and language of the report
cannot be reached, you may request arbitration. Arbitration shall be conducted through written
submission to the American Arbitration Association in Washington, D.C. The sole issue for arbitration
shall be whether the AAMC acted reasonably and in good faith in making its decision.

In addition to issuing and disseminating the investigation report, the AAMC may take actions for policy or
rules violations including but not limited to:

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▪ Terminating an exam administration.
▪ Issuing a warning letter to an examinee.
▪ Cancelling an existing MCAT registration or score.
▪ Placing MCAT scores on hold.
▪ Suspending MCAT registration eligibility for a limited period or permanently.

The AAMC may, at its sole discretion, file a civil lawsuit against you for material breaches of the
Examinee Agreement that cause damage to the AAMC and/or a third party or for any other violation of
the AAMC’s legal rights. In addition, the AAMC may, at its sole discretion, refer you to one or more
federal, state, or local prosecuting attorneys for criminal investigation and prosecution when it has a
reasonable basis to conclude that you may have committed a crime in the course of violating the
Examinee Agreement.

The AAMC reserves the right to investigate you if there is evidence that you may have
engaged in any behavior that may be considered detrimental to a fair and secure testing
process or impacts the testing environment, security, and integrity of the exam. If you
violate procedures or engage in irregular behavior, it will be reported to the AAMC.

“To Be Determined” Test Centers


“To Be Determined” Test-Center sites — shortened as “TBD sites” — are generalized locations in
metropolitan areas as decided by Pearson VUE. These sites do not have determined addresses at the
time of scheduling. TBD sites exist for the sole purpose of offering as many seats as possible on each
test date. TBD sites should only be chosen if you have the flexibility to travel up to a 40-mile radius within
a metropolitan area from the central location. Examinees who register for a TBD site will not be eligible for
a free reschedule to another site when they find out the actual location of the TBD site.

You will be sent the TBD site address no less than 30 days before to your exam date via email. The
address information will also appear in the MCAT Registration System at that time.

Changing Your Appointment


You may make changes to your appointment online until the Bronze Zone scheduling deadline via the
MCAT Registration System or by calling 202-828-0600. If you do not receive an email confirming your
rescheduled appointment within 24 hours of rescheduling, please check your spam filter first and then
contact us immediately.

Please note: Applicable zone fees will apply regardless of how soon a change is
requested after your initial scheduling. No exceptions will be made. (Refer to Scheduling
Fees.)

Making all your changes at one time will save you money. For example, if you make a simultaneous
change to both test date and test center, you will only be charged one rescheduling fee; however, if you
make the changes separately, you will be charged a fee for each change.

You may change your test date and/or test center, provided:
▪ Scheduling has opened for the desired exam date.
▪ Space is available. Current availability can be found online via the MCAT Registration System.
▪ Changes are made before the Silver Zone scheduling deadline for the exam you are currently
scheduled to take.

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▪ Changes are made before the Bronze Zone scheduling deadline for the exam you wish to
reschedule into. Once that exam date is past the Bronze Zone deadline, scheduling is no longer
allowed.

Zone Benefits and Conditions


Gold Zone: The lowest price for base registration and rescheduling fees. If you choose to cancel during
this zone, you will receive a partial cancellation refund and your attempt will be saved.
Silver Zone: Rescheduling fees increase, but the base registration fee remains the same. If you choose
to cancel during this zone, you will not receive a cancellation refund, but your attempt will be saved.
Bronze Zone: The highest price for base registration fees, and there are no options to reschedule. If you
choose to cancel during this zone, you will not receive a cancellation refund, but your attempt will be
saved.
NOTE: After the Bronze Zone deadline, which is eight days before an exam date, you may not schedule,
reschedule, or cancel your exam or make any name changes. Please see the emergency refund request
process if you experience an emergency situation and would like your case reviewed for a refund.

When rescheduling an exam to or from an area where taxes are collected (international locations outside
the United States and Canada), you may be prevented from completing your transaction online. If this is
the case, contact us by phone as soon as possible for assistance with rescheduling your appointment.
The base fee to reschedule will be the same, but the amount of tax on that fee may change depending on
the location of the new test center.

You cannot reschedule into a future testing year.

Cancellations and Refunds


Cancellations may be made online through the MCAT Registration System before the Bronze Zone
deadline. You will receive an email confirming your cancellation. If you do not receive an email within 24
hours of your cancellation request, please contact us immediately.

If you wish to cancel your appointment, you must do so by the Bronze Zone scheduling
deadline associated with your current exam date. If you do not cancel your appointment
and you do not sit for the exam, you will lose an attempt. It may take up to 24 hours after
your original appointment time before you’re able to schedule a new appointment. You
will be required to pay the full, initial scheduling fee.

If you cancel before the Gold Zone scheduling deadline associated with your exam date, you will
receive a refund in accordance with the current year’s scheduling fees found in Scheduling and Fees. If
you cancel after the Gold Zone scheduling deadline, you will not receive a refund.

Additional fees paid for rescheduling or for international sites are nonrefundable, and
we will not extend any deadlines for any reason.

Refunds are automatically applied to the credit or debit card used for the initial scheduling. Depending on
the card company’s policy, the funds may take a few days to clear.

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Emergency Refund
Refunds due to an emergency may be requested after an exam if one of the following occurs after the
Silver Zone scheduling deadline:
▪ You are hospitalized.
▪ You experience a death in your immediate family.
▪ You are unexpectedly called away to active military service.
▪ You are unexpectedly called away for health care service duties related to a catastrophic
event.
▪ You are called to jury duty the day of your exam.
▪ You are displaced from your residence due to a natural disaster.
The maximum emergency refund amount is the current year’s Gold Zone cancellation refund. This exam
may still count as one of your attempts toward your testing limits. If you know you will be unable to
take your exam, you are encouraged to cancel your appointment before the Bronze zone deadline, if
possible, to guarantee your attempt is not counted.

You will be asked to provide supporting documentation with your request. Supporting documentation
includes any hospital records, official requests for deployment or jury duty, funeral program or death
certification, and/or proof of displacement. Complete requests for emergency-related refunds,
including all necessary accompanying documentation, must be received no later than three weeks
(21 days) after your scheduled exam date. Please submit the Emergency Refund Request Form
through the MCAT Registration System in the Service Requests section.

The AAMC will email you the decision about your request within two weeks of receipt of the required
documentation. Approved refunds will be applied to the method of payment used during the initial
scheduling process; it is not possible to return the funds to a different method of payment. Refunds are
not guaranteed and are issued at the AAMC’s sole discretion.

MCAT Appointments Are Subject to Change or Cancellation


The AAMC and its test-delivery administrator, Pearson VUE, make every attempt to ensure all facilities
are properly equipped and fully functional on test day and that access to the test center is available to
examinees. On those rare occasions when we are unable to administer the exam due to situations
outside our control, it may be necessary for the AAMC to reschedule to new locations and/or dates based
on availability. Situations outside our control include:

• Technical or equipment issues.


• Power outages.

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• Civil unrest, including protests and/or demonstrations.
• State or local government mandates, including applicable stay-at-home orders.
• Weather or environmental hazards, including hurricanes, unsafe road conditions (for example,
icy), tornados, wildfires, and flooding.

The AAMC understands that late cancellations are stressful. We will work with displaced examinees to
secure an alternate test date and/or location as appropriate. You will not be responsible for rescheduling
fees in this situation. If rescheduling is not possible, you will receive a full refund, and if in the process an
attempt is exhausted, it can be returned, if needed. Keep your contact information current so that the
AAMC or Pearson VUE can contact you in the unlikely event that we need to notify you of a change. If
you have questions about the status of your exam, please contact us at mcat@[Link].

The AAMC and Pearson VUE will not administer make-up exams after the testing year ends, reimburse
for lost wages, or compensate for travel expenses. Additionally, the AAMC is not responsible for missed
application deadlines and will not expedite the release of scores as a result of a rescheduled
appointment.

If the AAMC or Pearson VUE cancel your appointment for any reason, you must reschedule a new
appointment or request a refund within the same testing year in which the cancellation occurred. In cases
where rescheduling is not possible, especially late in the testing year when fewer opportunities remain,
your registration fee will be fully refunded. The fee CANNOT be applied toward a future testing year.
If you are rescheduled to a new appointment and decide to make additional changes or cancel,
you must do so by the deadlines associated with the new appointment and submit any
applicable fees.

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What You Need to Know About Test Day

The AAMC is deeply committed to ensuring the accuracy and validity of test scores by providing fair,
consistent, and secure testing conditions for all examinees. To do so, the staff at each test center strictly
adheres to a set of test-day procedures.

Arriving at the Test Center


Report to the test center at least 30 minutes before your exam start time to ensure you have enough time
to check in, store your personal belongings, and prepare to test. If you arrive more than 30 minutes
before your start time, the test center may not yet be open. If you arrive after your exam start time, you
may not be allowed to test. There are no refunds granted for late arrivals or missed exams (“no-shows”).

Due to the nature of the check-in process, not all examinees will begin testing precisely at the scheduled
start time. This will not affect your total testing time.

Test-Center Current Address


The current address of your test center is available in the MCAT Registration System. On rare occasions,
a test-center address or location may change. If such an address change occurs, the AAMC or Pearson
VUE will make every effort to notify you via email before your test date.

It is best to plan ahead by locating the test center before test day. You will not be allowed
to enter the testing center, but you will know how to get there and how long it will take.
Please note: Outside guests are not allowed in the testing center at any time.

Time Zones
Know what time zone your test center adheres to, especially if you are crossing a state or county line. It
may be different from what you expect. For example, daylight savings time is not adhered to by all U.S.
states or local regions within a state.

No-Shows
If you are late or do not sit for an exam you registered for, you will be considered a “No-Show.” No-Shows
will not be reported to schools or programs to which you are applying, but they will count toward the
maximum number of test attempts you are allowed (see “Testing Limits”).

Your scheduling fee will not be refunded if you are a No-Show. This policy also applies to examinees
who are not admitted due to improper identification or other policy violations.

Inclement Weather and Other Test-Center Closures


Unless otherwise notified, test centers will be open even in the event of inclement weather, and
examinees will be expected to report for their appointments. Scheduling fees will not be refunded if you
are delayed or unable to reach the test center, so please allow sufficient travel time to reach your test
center safely. You will receive an email from Pearson VUE if a test center is closed for any reason. If you
have questions or concerns about weather affecting your ability to reach the test site, please call the
AAMC at 202-828-0600 in advance of your exam.

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Check-In Rules and Procedures
Examinees will be checked in and seated in the testing room one at a time by the Test Administrator. The
check-in process consists of the following steps, although the order of the steps may vary slightly.

Review of Test-Center Regulations


You will be presented with the AAMC Candidate Rules Agreement, which outlines the standard test-
center rules and regulations, for your review. In addition to the AAMC Candidate Rules Agreement, each
testing center may have its own regulations regarding expectations of you while you are in that facility.
Failing to comply with the AAMC Candidate Rules Agreement or test-center regulations may result in the
termination of your exam.

Verification of ID
To be admitted into the exam, you will need to provide an MCAT-Accepted ID, as detailed earlier in this
document. At the test center, your ID may be digitally authenticated. The Test Administrator may scan the
ID, in whole or in part, and information stored digitally on the ID may be collected.

Digital Signature
You will be required to provide a digital signature during the check-in process that will be used to verify
that the person who registered for the MCAT exam is the person sitting for the exam. Your signature also
indicates your agreement to adhere to the AAMC Candidate Rules. The digital signature may also be
used as part of the AAMC’s investigation procedures.

Palm Vein Scan


A scan of your palm veins will be taken at check-in. Palm vein biometric recognition examines the unique
patterns in the veins of your palms using a safe, near-infrared light source like that in a TV remote control.

Palm vein recognition allows Pearson VUE to detect people trying to take exams under assumed tester
identities. By preventing proxy testers, the technology helps Pearson VUE maintain the integrity of
examinations, which maintains the validity of your MCAT scores.

Photo Capture
A digital passport-style photo of you will be captured during the check-in process. The test-day photo may
also be used as part of the AAMC’s investigation procedures.

Storage of Personal Belongings


Unless authorized by the AAMC prior to your test date, all personal items must be stowed in the provided
secure storage as directed by the Test Administrator. You will be required to store cell phones and small
electronic devices in sealed bags given to you at the test center. The bag must remain sealed until a Test
Administrator opens it at the conclusion of your exam. Neither the AAMC nor Pearson VUE will be
responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

The AAMC recommends that you bring as few personal items as possible, including
jewelry and watches, to the test center on test day. You will be asked to remove these items
on test day. You will be required to turn out your pockets to demonstrate they are empty.

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You may bring ONLY the following personal items into the testing room:
▪ Eyeglasses — subject to visual and physical inspection by Test Administrators.
▪ MCAT-Accepted ID.
▪ Items provided by the test center:
o Earplugs (personal earplugs are not allowed).
o Storage key.
o Noteboard booklet.
o Fine-point marker.

No other items are permitted unless approved by the AAMC.


If you require an item in the testing room for medical reasons, you must obtain prior approval from the
AAMC through the accommodations request process. (See Testing With Accommodations.) If you believe
that you require an electronic medical device in the testing room due to a medical condition or disability,
please review the MCAT Exam With Accommodations website and contact accommodations@[Link].
You are encouraged to contact us as early as possible in advance of your test date to ensure we have
enough time to review your request.

Personal items that appear suspicious may be photographed or confiscated.

Noteboard Booklets
You will be provided with a noteboard booklet for note-taking during the exam. It contains nine 14-by-8.5-
inch wet-erase pages.

Noteboard booklet usage and guidelines:


● The noteboard booklet must remain on your desk and in one piece.
● You may not
o Rip, tear, or separate the noteboard booklet.
o Conceal or remove the booklet, in whole or in part, from the exam room, including during
any breaks or at the end of the exam.
o Wipe or erase any of your notes from the booklet.
o Use your noteboard booklet to “brain dump” upon returning from a break prior to
beginning the next section.
● If you require an additional noteboard booklet during the exam, please raise your hand to alert the
Test Administrator, who will exchange your original booklet for a new one.

Entering and Exiting the Testing Room


Every time you enter the testing room, you will be asked to provide your ID and place your palms on the
scanning device. You will also be required to pat yourself down to show the administrator you do not have
any prohibited items in your clothing and to turn your pockets inside-out to show that they are empty. You
may be asked to remove sweaters or sweatshirts for inspection and/or be scanned with a metal-detector
wand. If you refuse, you may not be allowed to test.

You will be required to begin your exam immediately upon sitting at your workstation. Due to the volume
of examinees at your test center and check-in procedures, the actual start times will vary by individual.

Any time you wish to leave the testing room, whether you have completed your exam or wish to take a
break, you must raise your hand to alert the Test Administrator and remain seated at your workstation

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until the Test Administrator escorts you out of the testing room. You will be required to provide your palm
vein and/or ID every time you leave the testing room.

Test-Day Certification Statement


On test day, before you begin taking the MCAT exam, you will be presented with an on-screen
Certification Statement. The Certification Statement reminds you of the obligations under the Examinee
Agreement and The MCAT Essentials to which you agreed when you registered for the exam. By clicking
the circle indicating that you agree with the Certification Statement, you will be certifying that you have
read and agree to abide by all rules and policies set forth in the Examinee Agreement and The MCAT
Essentials. The full text of the Certification Statement that you will see on test day is as follows:

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In the Testing Room
● Your MCAT-Accepted ID must be visible on your desk at all times.
● Time is counted down by section. If you finish a section early, you may continue to the next
section, but additional time will not carry over to any subsequent sections or breaks. You will not
be able to return to a previous section once it has been completed.
● You must follow all directions and verbal instructions provided by the testing staff.
● Test Administrators constantly monitor the testing room. Each exam station is monitored and
recorded via closed-circuit digital video recording (DVR).
● If you require assistance or encounter a problem while taking the exam, raise your hand
immediately. The Test Administrator will come to you and, if needed, may escort you out of the
testing room.

Breaks, Food and Drink


The MCAT Exam contains two optional 10-minute breaks and one optional 30-minute midexam break.
If you take an unscheduled break at any other time, the testing time will not stop. You will be responsible
for tracking your break time using the clock in the test center waiting area. If you do not see a clock, you
may ask the test-center staff where you can monitor your time.

You are not permitted to leave the test-center building or floor during a break for any
reason.

Should you finish a content section early, you must end that section before you take your scheduled
break. Any remaining time in the section may not be used to extend any subsequent sections or breaks.

If you return from a break before the break time expires, you will be prompted to continue
the exam immediately upon being seated. Any remaining break time will not be applied to
subsequent sections of the exam or future or scheduled breaks.

Follow the exam schedule carefully. (See MCAT Exam Content.) Taking breaks longer than the allotted
time can lead to repercussions, including loss of exam time or ability to void the exam. If your break
exceeds the time allotted for the break, any overage may be subtracted from the time you have to take
the following test section. You will need to allow time for check-in procedures when you return from
your break.

You are permitted to bring your own food and drinks; however, these items must be stored outside the
testing room in your assigned locker or other storage provided to you at the test center. You may access
them on your breaks. You will not be permitted to leave the test-center floor or building to retrieve food or
drink, nor will you be permitted to have food or drink delivered to the testing center after you start the
exam. There are no microwaves or refrigerators available in the test centers for your use.

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Scoring or Voiding Your Exam
On test day, you have the option to void your MCAT exam if you do not want your test to be scored.
When you finish your exam, you will see the screen below.

You will have ONE opportunity to score or void your exam. Once you select “Next” to
submit your selection, your decision cannot be reversed.

Please note:
▪ If you do not want your exam scored, you must select “I wish to VOID my MCAT exam” when
prompted on your computer screen. Notifying the Test Administrator of your intent to void your
exam is not sufficient. Voiding or scoring cannot be reversed after the exam.
▪ If you are not presented with the void-exam question, you must ask the Test Administrator to file
a report before leaving the test center and submit a Test-Center Concern for the situation to be
investigated.
▪ If you must leave before completing your exam due to illness or unforeseen circumstances, the
AAMC advises you to click through your exam in order to void it. Otherwise, you must ask the
Test Administrator to file a report before you leave the test center, and, after you leave the test
center, you must submit a Test-Center Concern so that the AAMC may void your exam for you.
▪ Failure to properly void your exam may result in the release of your incomplete scores. These
scores cannot be removed from your testing history.

What Happens After You Void Your Exam?


▪ Information from voided exams is not included on score reports sent to medical schools.
Indication of a voided exam will be displayed in the MCAT Score Reporting System after the
scheduled score release date for only you to see.
▪ A voided exam does count toward your testing limits. (See Testing Limits.)
▪ Voiding an exam is not grounds for a refund.
▪ Your score or void decision will be included in the confirmation letter you receive from the Test
Administrator.

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▪ The AAMC Services Contact Center may not have the information about your decision to score or
void your exam until at least five days after the test date.

After the Exam


After you complete your exam and are escorted out of the testing room, you must hand the Test
Administrator your sealed digital device bag(s) to be opened, present your ID again to the Test
Administrator, and return all materials supplied by the test center. After returning these items, a Test
Administrator will provide you with a completion confirmation letter. This letter is for your records and is
proof that you sat for and completed the exam.

Registering for Another Test Date


There is a 48-hour waiting period once you complete your MCAT exam before you are permitted to
register for another exam through the MCAT Registration System. Any attempts to register for another
exam before the MCAT Registration System makes that option available to you, such as using a new or
different AAMC ID, is a violation of MCAT policies that may be subject to the AAMC’s investigation
procedures.

Once the waiting period is complete, the MCAT Registration System will allow you to register or schedule
another test date.

Attempting to register for another test date before the end of the waiting period is a
violation of MCAT policies.

Testing Irregularities
The MCAT exam is a standardized test, which requires that certain aspects of the exam remain constant
across the entire testing population, including, but not limited to, the number of questions, the subject
areas covered, the difficulty of the exam overall, and the conditions under which the test is administered.
In the rare event an irregularity occurs that results in one of the standardized aspects of your exam being
altered to an extent that you may have been unfairly impaired or advantaged, the AAMC may, at its sole
discretion, cancel your scores. In such cases, the raw or scaled score will not be disclosed to you,
medical schools, or any other interested parties. The AAMC will make every effort to find you a test date
to retake your exam. If you wish to retake your exam, you will be required to retake it in full. In cases
where rescheduling is not possible, especially late in the testing year when fewer opportunities remain,
your registration fee will be fully refunded. The fee CANNOT be applied toward a future testing year.

The AAMC and Pearson VUE will not reimburse for lost wages or compensate for travel expenses.

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Issues Preventing Completion or Scoring of Your Exam
If you are unable to complete your exam due to workstation outages, power outages, or other test-day
issues, you are encouraged to submit a Test-Center Concern.

If an Error Occurs

The AAMC takes great care to ensure registrations are properly processed and exams are properly
prepared, handled, and scored. In the unlikely event that an error occurs, the AAMC will, if possible,
correct it.

Please note: The remedies described within this section are the exclusive remedies available for errors in
registrations, exam information, scoring (including score reporting), testing disruptions, and potential
compromises to exam content by one or more examinees through prior access to the exam.

Reporting a Test-Center Concern


If you believe that test-center conditions interfered with your performance on the exam and you wish to
have the AAMC research what occurred, you must do both of the following:
▪ Ask the Test Administrator to file a case report at the time the incident occurs.
o The test center is not responsible for researching or resolving any problem(s) you
experienced (only the AAMC can do that); however, filing the case report the day of is
necessary for the AAMC to act on your Test-Center Concern.
o Ask the Test Administrator to provide you with the case report number. Please
include this in your Test-Center Concern.
o If you do not ask the Test Administrator to witness and document your concern at the
time the problem occurs, the AAMC may not be able to confirm the problem.

▪ Submit the MCAT Test-Center Concern form through the MCAT Registration System no later
than five (5) calendar days after your exam. Concerns received after five calendar days or sent
via other channels will not be investigated.

An MCAT Test-Center Concern submitted within five calendar days of your exam will receive a written
response via email detailing the findings of the investigation. Investigations are typically concluded before
the exam score release date. If a testing irregularity is confirmed, you may provide the AAMC’s written
response to any interested party as documentation of the incident.

Your score may be “held” until the investigation is fully concluded. A score on “hold” means you will not
be able to view or release your score until the investigation is complete or change your decision to void or
score your exam. The MCAT Program will not report your score over the phone or in email.

The AAMC will not reverse your decision to void or score your exam in the event of a confirmed test-
center problem. Furthermore, if you complete the exam and submit it for scoring despite the occurrence of
a testing irregularity, you are not eligible for a refund or a free retest.

If it is determined that a testing irregularity occurred that invalidates a score, the AAMC reserves the right
to cancel your score. You will receive verbal and written communication if such an instance occurs.

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Below is an example of a Test-Center Concern form from the MCAT Registration System website:

Test Question Challenges


Please notify the AAMC no later than five (5) calendar days after your exam if you believe a question
was flawed, ambiguous, redundant, or repetitive.

You may submit an MCAT Test Question Challenge through the MCAT Registration System. Challenges
received after five calendar days will not be investigated.

The AAMC will provide a written response via email to test question challenges submitted in a timely
manner. You may expect a written response within two to three weeks from the date we receive your
correspondence.

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Discussion of the MCAT Exam
The AAMC developed a set of guidelines to help you understand the prohibition on disclosure of exam
content and how you may appropriately share your exam experience.
What IS permitted:
▪ Commenting on your general exam experience, such as test-center conditions or how you felt
about a particular test section.
▪ Describing the exam with the same level of detail as in the What’s on the MCAT Exam?
What is NOT permitted:
▪ Describing in more specific detail than in the What’s on the MCAT Exam?: exam questions,
passages, graphics, incorrect responses, correct answers, topic lists, and frequency and order of
exam topics.
▪ Outlining the steps or process to answer a question.
▪ Speculating about which questions are field-test or experimental questions.
▪ Assisting anyone else in doing any of the above.

While you may read or hear other guidelines inconsistent with these statements, keep in mind that the
information contained herein, and in the binding MCAT Examinee Agreement, is directly from the AAMC.
By following these guidelines, it is possible to share your MCAT experience without committing a
violation.

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MCAT Scores

Exam Scoring
You will receive a separate score for each of the four sections of the MCAT exam, as well as a total
score.
● Your raw score on each of the four multiple-choice sections is based on the numbers of questions
you answer correctly in each section. There is no penalty for guessing.
● The raw score for each section is then converted to a scaled score ranging from 118 (lowest) to
132 (highest).
● Your total scaled score is the sum of the four individual section scores and will range from 472 to
528.
● Every test form of the MCAT exam measures the same basic concepts and skills. However, each
form is different in the specific questions it uses. While care is taken to make sure that each form
is about equivalent in difficulty, one form may be slightly more or less difficult than another. The
conversion of raw scores to scaled scores, through a process called equating, compensates for
small variations in difficulty between sets of questions and ensures that scores have the same
meaning, no matter when you test or who tests at the same time you did.
● A percentile rank is reported along with each section and total score. The percentile ranks of
scores are the percentages of test-takers who received the same score as or lower scores than
you did. Updates to the percentile ranks will be made on May 1 each year. The percentile ranks
will be updated with all examinees’ scores from the most recent three years.

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For additional information on exam scoring, including a short video and an example of a score report,
please visit our MCAT scores webpage.

Receiving and Sending Scores


How to Receive Your Test Scores
Your test scores will be available for viewing no later than 5:00 p.m. ET on the day of the score release
for your exam. You can view your scores by signing in to the MCAT Score Reporting System. You will not
see your recent exam date(s) in the history section of the MCAT Score Reporting System until scores are
released. See 2021 Calendars, Scheduling Deadlines, and Score Release Dates for tentative release
dates.

AAMC staff will not provide scores over the phone or via email. The AAMC is not responsible for any
claims for damages resulting from delayed transmission of test scores for any reason.

Score Reporting Through Your AMCAS Application


If you are applying to medical school through the American Medical College Application Service®
(AMCAS®), you do not need to take any additional steps to add your scores to your AMCAS application.
Please note that medical schools want to see your entire testing history, so you cannot withhold current or
prior scores from your AMCAS application.

If you have taken the exam previously, check the application policies of each school you are interested in
to see if they will accept your previous scores.

As of April 2003, the AAMC has followed a full-disclosure policy. This means that all tests taken from April
2003 onward will be included in score reports or will be made available through your AMCAS application.
Pre-2003 scores that have previously been released to AMCAS will also be included in your AMCAS
application.

To contact AMCAS, email amcas@[Link] or call 202-828-0600.

Rescoring
The process to compute and report MCAT scores is rigorous, and the AAMC conducts a variety of quality
control procedures to verify score accuracy. The possibility for error in the scoring process is extremely
low. However, if you believe that a scoring error has been made, you may request that your answers be
independently rescored by hand to double-check the accuracy of your scores.

To request a rescore, you may submit an MCAT Rescore Request through the MCAT Registration
System no later than 30 calendar days after the score release date. After submitting a Rescore
Request, you will receive an invoice for payment via email. A Rescore Request is not complete until full
payment is received. The price associated with a rescore request is $65 for the 2021 testing year.
The AAMC will respond to your email request within three (3) weeks of its receipt. The response letter will
either confirm your original scores as reported or inform you of the corrected scaled scores for each test
section. We will not disclose your raw scores or provide any additional feedback on your exam
performance.

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Contacting Us
AAMC customer service specialists are available to assist you with the registration process, test-day
procedures, and score reporting. To help ensure resolution of your question or concern before your test
date, contact us no later than the Silver Zone scheduling deadline associated with your test date.
Please allow up to two business days for a reply to your email.

MCAT Program
AAMC
655 K St. NW, Suite 100
Washington, DC 20001-2399

Telephone: 202-828-0600

Contact Form: [Link]/contactmcat

Hours:
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. ET
Closed Wednesday, 3-5 p.m. ET

On MCAT test days, staff are available at a minimum from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. ET.
These hours are subject to change. Please visit the MCAT website for the most up-to-
date information.

The months of June, July, August, and September are peak testing months. During this
time, you may experience wait times that are longer than usual.

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