How Much Does the MCAT Cost in 2025

You already know the MCAT is a huge part of your med school journey—but what often catches students off guard is how much it can cost. Between registration fees, rescheduling charges, and prep materials, the total expense can quickly climb higher than you expect.

If you’re juggling tuition, rent, and application fees, the last thing you need is surprise costs from the MCAT. Knowing the full picture helps you plan ahead, avoid unnecessary spending, and focus your energy where it really counts—your preparation.

So, let’s break it all down clearly: how much the MCAT costs in 2025, what fees to expect, and how to study efficiently without wasting a dollar.

How Much Does the MCAT Cost in 2025?

The MCAT is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which sets the test fees each year. In 2025, the standard registration fee is $340. But there’s more to the story depending on when and how you register.

MCAT Registration Fees (2025)

For initial registration, an Early registration fee applies when the registration is completed more than 60 days before the test date, costing $340 USD. If the registration is done late, meaning less than 10 days before the test date, the Late registration fee is higher, at $395 USD.

Similarly, rescheduling fees are tiered based on timing. If a candidate reschedules more than 60 days before the test date, the fee is $100 USD. However, if the rescheduling occurs closer to the exam, specifically within 30 days of the test date, the fee doubles to $200 USD.

Key takeaway: The earlier you register, the more you save.

Additional Costs to Consider

• Prep Materials: Quality prep resources can range from $100 to $1,000, depending on whether you use online bundles, books, or private tutoring.
  
• Transportation and Lodging: If your testing center isn’t local, budget for travel and possibly a hotel stay the night before.
  
• Retake Costs: Each retake requires another full registration fee. With limited attempts (up to 7 in your lifetime), it pays to prepare thoroughly the first time.
  

 

What About the AAMC Fee Assistance Program?

If you’re worried about costs, the AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP) can reduce your financial burden significantly.
Qualified applicants can receive:

• A reduced MCAT registration fee (around $140 instead of $340)
  
• Free access to the MSAR (Medical School Admission Requirements) database
  
• Free or discounted MCAT Official Prep materials
  

Eligibility is based on household income, typically at or below 400% of the federal poverty level. If that might apply to you, it’s worth checking before you register.

What Are the Hidden Costs of the MCAT?

Beyond the official fees, there are a few “hidden” costs that students often overlook.

1. Lost Time

If you have to delay your test or retake it, that means more months of studying—and potentially lost income or opportunities from work or research.

2. Application Cycle Timing

If your MCAT plans change late in the cycle, you may miss early application deadlines. That can delay your entire med school timeline by a year, which is a big financial and emotional cost.

3. Inefficient Study Materials

Many students spend hundreds on random prep books or question banks that don’t fit their learning style. The result? Wasted money and time without better scores.

That’s why using organized, high-yield resources that actually match how the MCAT is structured is crucial.

How to Make the Most of Your MCAT Investment

If you’re paying $340 (or more) for a single exam, every study session should count. The best way to maximize your return on that investment is to study smarter, not longer.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

1. Follow a Structured Schedule

Cramming never works for the MCAT. Create a 3- to 6-month study plan that balances content review, practice tests, and rest days.

2. Use Visual, Integrated Study Resources

The MCAT isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about applying concepts. Tools that connect physiology, pathology, and biochemistry together make recall and reasoning easier under pressure.

3. Focus on Practice, Not Just Reading

Every hour you spend reading should translate to applied understanding. Use practice passages and timed review sessions to build stamina and real test readiness.

4. Choose Quality Over Quantity

Instead of buying every book you see, invest in one comprehensive set of materials that cover all the essential content.

That’s where Med School Bro’s Complete MCAT Bundle stands out—it consolidates high-yield topics into concise, easy-to-understand visuals and mnemonics so you don’t have to waste hours piecing together information from multiple sources.

Can You Save Money on MCAT Prep?

Absolutely. Many students prepare efficiently without spending thousands.

Here’s how:

• Start early: Give yourself time to use free or low-cost resources before investing in premium materials.
  
• Use proven tools: Choose materials known for integrating content across subjects (like Med School Bro’s MCAT Bundle) instead of buying separate books for each section.
  
• Take full-length practice tests wisely: Too many can cause burnout and cost extra; 4–6 solid attempts are enough if spaced correctly.
  
• Study in groups: Share resources, discuss hard topics, and cut costs collectively.
  

What Happens If You Need to Retake the MCAT?

If your first attempt doesn’t go as planned, don’t panic. Many students retake and score higher the second time—but plan carefully.

You can take the MCAT:

• Up to 3 times per year
  
• 4 times in two years
  
• 7 times in a lifetime
  

Before scheduling a retake, evaluate your weak areas, adjust your study plan, and give yourself at least 3–4 months for focused improvement.

Study Smarter and Save Money

The MCAT is one of the most important—and expensive—parts of your premed journey. But with the right approach, you can keep costs low and confidence high.

Use the Complete MCAT Bundle from Med School Bro to study smarter, master the content faster, and make every dollar count toward a higher score.