Medical College Admission Test
AcronymMCAT
TypeComputer-based standardized test
Developer / administratorAssociation of American Medical Colleges
Knowledge / skills testedPhysical sciences, biological sciences, verbal reasoning.
PurposeAdmissions to medical colleges (principally in the United States and Canada; 15 other countries).
Year started1928 (1928)
Score / grade range118 to 132 (in 1-point increments) for each of the 4 sections (Chemistry and Physics, Biology/Biochemistry, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, and Psychology and Social Sciences). So total score on scale of 472 to 528.
Score / grade validityUsually 2 to 3 years (depends on medical college being applied to).
Offered25 times from January 2017 through September 2017.
Restrictions on attemptsCan be taken a maximum of 3 times in a one year period; 4 times in a two year period; and 7 times for life.
Countries / regionsUnited States, Canada and 19 other countries.
LanguagesEnglish
Prerequisites / eligibility criteriaCandidate must be preparing to apply to a health professional school (otherwise, "special permission" is required). Fluency in English assumed.
FeeGold zone (registration about 1 month or more prior to test date): US $310

Reschedule fee: US $75Cancellation refund: US $155
Silver zone (registration about 3 to 4 weeks prior to test date): US $310
Reschedule fee: US $135Cancellation refund: n/a
Bronze zone (registration about 1 to 2 weeks prior to test date): US $360
Reschedule fee: n/aCancellation refund: n/aInternational testing: US $100 in addition to above.

("Fee Assistance Program" available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents or refugees, demonstrating financial need.)
Scores / grades used byMedical colleges (mostly in United States and Canada).
Websitestudents-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/