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Get answers to frequently asked questions about taking the MCAT® exam.
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Registration and Scheduling
How can I reschedule my exam due to concerns or restrictions related to COVID-19?
You may reschedule or cancel your exam up until 10 days before your exam date. After this time, you can submit an Emergency Refund Request in the MCAT Registration System. Please keep in mind that there are fees for rescheduling or canceling your exam.
If I know I will be unable to attend my exam after the 10-day deadline has passed due to COVID-19 or other emergency reasons, what should I do?
If you know you will be unexpectedly unable to attend your exam after the last deadline (less than 10 days before your exam date), please submit an Emergency Refund Request in the MCAT Registration System. Please provide the required documentation pertaining to your absence. An emergency refund request is NOT reversible. Once submitted, you will not be permitted into the testing center on the date. When you submit an emergency refund request, you will receive a case number - this is your receipt of submission sent to your email address on record in the MCAT Registration System. You can read more about this policy in the MCAT Essentials.
Your Emergency Refund Request may be reviewed after your exam date, and your exam may 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. 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: If submitting an emergency refund request for COVID-19 related reasons, you are required to follow the current guidelines about when you may sit for the MCAT exam.
How will I know if my test is canceled?
We are closely monitoring national, state, and local health and safety guidance in our testing locations. Restrictions that could impact exams include stay-at-home orders, curfews, civil unrest, restrictions on business operations, and limits on room capacity. Our goal is to provide examinees with at least 10 days’ notice if their exams need to be canceled. The AAMC will work with any affected examinees to help them find a new test date as soon as possible. At this time, we anticipate that very few exams will be impacted, although there may be times when emergency cancellations are required. If you would like to cancel or reschedule your exam, please review the rescheduling and cancellation fee deadlines. If you will be unable to attend your exam after the 10-day deadline, please fill out an Emergency Refund Request in the MCAT Registration System. Please see The Essentials for more information regarding Emergency Refund Requests.
Why is my exam canceled at a test center where MCAT exams are still being held?
Due to restrictions that could require us to reduce the capacity of our test centers even further, your exam may be canceled. In this situation, exams can continue but some may be canceled and rescheduled to adhere to the curfews and occupancy limitations.
I want to take my exam near my school and I will need to travel to get there. Is that OK?
The AAMC discourages you from traveling to take your exam. Before scheduling an exam that will require you to travel outside your area, please review your state’s travel requirements and those of the location where you wish to test. You should determine if you are able to adhere to any travel requirements before scheduling your exam.