1. Be sure you have an MCAT®-Accepted ID that you can present on test day. If your ID doesn’t meet the necessary criteria, you will not be allowed to test. Make sure that your first and last name on your ID match the name you entered during registration! If they do not match, you must change your registration in the MCAT Registration system 10 days before your exam date. **If you have any problems obtaining the required identification, or if you have any questions, you must contact AAMC Services no later than three days before your exam (www.aamc.org/contactmcat).
2. Read the MCAT Essentials. Being knowledgeable of the information in this document is important to having a successful experience during your MCAT exam. It provides critical information about MCAT policies and procedures, and was required reading at the time you registered for the MCAT exam. Every examinee agrees to the terms listed in the MCAT Essentials by registering for the MCAT exam.
3. Bring food and drink to store in your locker. You may not leave the test center to go to your car or have food delivered during any breaks.
4. Review the many resources available to help you prepare for the MCAT exam. The AAMC offers both free and purchasable study materials that will help you at every stage of your preparation.
5. Practice with the exam features. Understanding the features and functions of the MCAT exam (highlight, strikethrough, etc.) will help you be more prepared before you arrive on test day. Use the Free Sample Test, Free Practice Exam, or the Practice with Exam Features Tool to familiarize yourself with the exam's functionality. Access these resources for free in the MCAT Official Prep Hub.
6. Plan to arrive at the testing center 30 minutes prior to the exam start time. Test center Administrators will start checking in examinees 30 minutes before your exam starts. It's best to plan and know how to get to your testing center and how long it will take. You are not allowed to tour the testing center prior to test day.
7. Read Honoring Your Examinee Agreement. The Examinee Agreement is required reading. On test day, you will be presented with a Certification Statement that reminds you of your obligations under the Examinee Agreement. By proceeding beyond the Certification Statement on test day, you will be certifying that you understand and agree to comply with these obligations. Be sure you understand why it’s important and what you are agreeing to when you take the exam.
8. Know what you can and can’t have in and out of the testing room. These test center regulations and procedures ensure the fairness and quality of testing conditions for all examinees.
9. Contact AAMC Services with questions. AAMC staff are available to assist MCAT examinees with any MCAT-related questions. Call 202-828-0600 between 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET on weekdays to speak with an AAMC staff member or contact us at aamc.org/contactmcat.
10. Relax and Practice Self-Care. Remember that your physical and mental health are just as important as studying for test day.