Eligible Health Professions Programs
You may sit for the MCAT exam if you are preparing to apply to and attend a health professions program that accepts MCAT scores for admission and you are not currently or were not previously enrolled in a health professions program.
These programs include:
- MD programs.
- DO programs.
- Podiatric medicine programs.
- Veterinary medicine programs.
- Any other health-related programs that accept MCAT scores to satisfy a test score admission 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.
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:
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You wish to take the exam for any reason other than applying to and attending an eligible health professions program.
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You are currently or previously enrolled in an eligible health professions program and want to change schools. 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.
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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.
Requesting Special Permission
Special permission to take the MCAT exam must be requested through the “Submit another service request” option in the MCAT Registration System. Provide as much relevant detail in your request as possible and complete the “Personal Information” tab of your MCAT registration to prevent processing delays. The typical time frame for AAMC review 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. Refer to the Registration and Scheduling Violations section to learn more about the AAMC’s investigation process.
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