MCAT Exam Eligibility 2026: Complete Guide (Rules, Requirements, Fees, Dates & FAQs)
- Rajesh Kulkarni
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
Planning to take the MCAT in 2026? Before you book a test date, it’s important to understand what “eligibility” actually means in AAMC terms—because it’s not about age limits or minimum degrees. Instead, eligibility is tied to why you’re taking the exam and which programs you’re applying to, plus a few strict identity and policy rules that can block you from testing if ignored.
This guide covers MCAT exam eligibility 2026, who can take the test, who needs special permission, the most important test-day ID rules, attempt limits, 2026 scheduling deadlines, and official fee details—using the latest available AAMC (official) information.
What does “MCAT eligibility” mean in 2026?
The MCAT is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). For 2026, AAMC’s eligibility is based mainly on whether you’re taking the exam to apply to an eligible health professions program that accepts MCAT scores for admission.
If you do not meet the eligibility statement at registration, you may need to request special permission from AAMC before testing.
MCAT exam eligibility 2026: Who can take the MCAT?
You are eligible to sit for the MCAT if you are preparing to apply to and attend a health professions program that accepts MCAT scores, and you are not currently or previously enrolled in a health professions program (more on this below).
AAMC lists the main eligible program types as:
MD (Doctor of Medicine) programs
DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs
Podiatric medicine (DPM) programs
Veterinary medicine (DVM) programs
Any other health-related program that accepts MCAT scores to satisfy an admissions test requirement
The key registration statement (important!)
AAMC notes that during registration you must agree to a statement verifying you are taking the exam solely for the purpose of applying to and attending an eligible health professions program.
That statement is the foundation of MCAT eligibility in 2026.
Who is not automatically eligible (and may need special permission)?
You must apply for special permission if any of these are true:
You want to take the MCAT for any reason other than applying to and attending an eligible health professions program.
You are currently or previously enrolled in an eligible health professions program and want to change schools. (If you’re accepted but haven’t enrolled in classes yet, special permission is not required.)
You’re unable to comply with AAMC testing procedures for reasons other than a medical condition or disability (accommodations are handled separately through the accommodations process).
How to request special permission (2026)
AAMC states special permission requests are submitted through the MCAT Registration System using the “Submit another service request” option, and the typical review time is five business days.
Important consequence: AAMC warns that failing to obtain special permission (when required) can result in investigation, appointment cancellation, score cancellation, and/or being barred from testing.
You are eligible to sit for the MCAT if you are preparing to apply to and attend a health professions program that accepts MCAT scores, and you are not currently or previously enrolled in a health professions program (more on this below).
AAMC lists the main eligible program types as:
MD (Doctor of Medicine) programs
DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs
Podiatric medicine (DPM) programs
Veterinary medicine (DVM) programs
Any other health-related program that accepts MCAT scores to satisfy an admissions test requirement
The key registration statement (important!)
AAMC notes that during registration you must agree to a statement verifying you are taking the exam solely for the purpose of applying to and attending an eligible health professions program.
That statement is the foundation of MCAT eligibility in 2026.
Who is not automatically eligible (and may need special permission)?
You must apply for special permission if any of these are true:
You want to take the MCAT for any reason other than applying to and attending an eligible health professions program.
You are currently or previously enrolled in an eligible health professions program and want to change schools. (If you’re accepted but haven’t enrolled in classes yet, special permission is not required.)
You’re unable to comply with AAMC testing procedures for reasons other than a medical condition or disability (accommodations are handled separately through the accommodations process).
How to request special permission (2026)
AAMC states special permission requests are submitted through the MCAT Registration System using the “Submit another service request” option, and the typical review time is five business days.
Important consequence: AAMC warns that failing to obtain special permission (when required) can result in investigation, appointment cancellation, score cancellation, and/or being barred from testing.
MCAT eligibility checklist (2026) — simple table
Eligibility Item (2026) | What you must meet | What happens if you don’t |
Program intent | Taking MCAT to apply to a program that accepts MCAT scores | May need special permission |
Current/previous enrollment | Not currently or previously enrolled in a health professions program (unless special case) | Special permission may be required |
Registration statement | Agree you’re testing solely for eligible program admissions | Registration can be blocked / investigated |
Valid test-day ID | Government-issued, unexpired, exact name match | Not admitted; counted as a no-show/attempt |
Attempt limits | Stay within AAMC limits (year/two-year/lifetime) | Can’t register beyond limits |
The most overlooked “eligibility” rule: Your ID name must match exactly
Even if you’re eligible academically and program-wise, you can still be refused entry on test day if your name doesn’t match.
AAMC states:
Your first and last name(s) on your ID must EXACTLY MATCH the name and order in your MCAT registration.
Middle names/initials are not required in registration even if they appear on ID.
If you registered with a nickname/partial name/misspelling, you will not be admitted.
AAMC also explains that if the ID doesn’t match, you won’t be allowed to test, you’ll be considered a no show, you won’t get a refund, and it counts toward testing limits.
Quick ID requirements (AAMC)
Your ID must be: government-issued, unexpired, have a printed expiration date, and include a photo that can identify you.
MCAT attempt limits (2026): How many times can you take it?
AAMC’s official attempt limits are:
Max 3 times in one testing year
Max 4 times across two consecutive testing years
Max 7 times in a lifetime (policy applies beginning with April 2015 test dates)
Also, you may hold only one MCAT appointment at a time.
2026 MCAT registration: key dates you should know
AAMC notes that registration for January–September 2026 MCAT dates is open (as shown on their 2026 update pages).
For the 2026 testing year, AAMC also posted regional registration opening days on:
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025
Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025(All at 12 p.m. ET)
2026 MCAT test dates and score releases (official AAMC table excerpt)
AAMC publishes a full U.S. testing calendar with scheduling deadlines and score release dates. Below is a selected, high-utility excerpt (real dates) to help you plan early-to-late season choices.
Tip: Deadlines are tied to your local test center time, and fees increase as you get closer to test day.
Sample planning table (U.S. calendar excerpt — 2026)
MCAT Date (2026) | 60-day deadline | 30-day deadline | 10-day deadline | Score release |
Jan 9 | Nov 10, 2025 | Dec 10, 2025 | Dec 30, 2025 | Feb 10 |
Jan 15 | Nov 16, 2025 | Dec 16, 2025 | Jan 5, 2026 | Feb 17 |
Feb 13 | Dec 15, 2025 | Jan 14, 2026 | Feb 3, 2026 | Mar 17 |
Mar 20 | Jan 19, 2026 | Feb 18, 2026 | Mar 10, 2026 | Apr 21 |
Apr 11 | Feb 10, 2026 | Mar 12, 2026 | Apr 1, 2026 | May 12 |
May 2 | Mar 3, 2026 | Apr 2, 2026 | Apr 22, 2026 | Jun 2 |
Jun 13 | Apr 14, 2026 | May 14, 2026 | Jun 3, 2026 | Jul 14 |
Jul 24 | May 25, 2026 | Jun 24, 2026 | Jul 14, 2026 | Aug 25 |
Aug 21 | Jun 22, 2026 | Jul 22, 2026 | Aug 11, 2026 | Sep 22 |
For international and U.S. territories scheduling, AAMC also publishes a separate 2026 calendar by country (score release dates reference the U.S. calendar).
MCAT fees in 2026 (registration, reschedule, cancellation) — official AAMC numbers
AAMC’s 2026 scheduling fees page lists:
Standard registration: $355 (USD)
Fee Assistance Program registration: $145 (USD)
International fee: $130 (USD) extra if testing outside the U.S., Canada, or U.S. territories (not refundable upon cancellation).
Rescheduling & cancellation fee table (AAMC, 2026)
When you change/cancel | Standard reschedule fee | Standard cancellation refund | FAP reschedule fee | FAP cancellation refund |
60+ days before exam | $55 | $175 | $25 | $75 |
30–59 days before exam | $110 | $175 | $45 | $75 |
10–29 days before exam | $210 | $0 | $85 | $0 |
AAMC also states:
10 days prior is the last day you can schedule an exam, and no changes are allowed less than 10 days before the test date.
Fee Assistance Program (FAP) and eligibility impact
AAMC’s Fee Assistance Program exists to help applicants who could not otherwise afford the MCAT and medical school application costs.
AAMC lists MCAT-related benefits such as the reduced MCAT registration fee from $355 to $145 for approved examinees. AAMC also notes you must have final approval before selecting your test date and location to receive the benefits.
Practical eligibility tips for 2026 (so you don’t lose money or attempts)
Register using your ID name exactly (same order, spelling).
If you’ve been enrolled in a health professions program before, check if you need special permission.
Don’t “just try” the MCAT for practice—AAMC ties eligibility to program intent, and attempts are limited.
Choose dates with enough buffer so you can still reschedule without heavy penalties.
If you may qualify for FAP, apply early—AAMC notes review takes about five business days and you need approval before booking at the discounted rate.
FAQ: MCAT Exam Eligibility 2026
1) What is MCAT exam eligibility 2026?
MCAT exam eligibility 2026 means you’re taking the MCAT for the purpose of applying to and attending an eligible health professions program that accepts MCAT scores—and you meet AAMC policy requirements (including special permission rules where applicable).
2) Can international students take the MCAT in 2026?
Yes. AAMC allows testing at international locations and publishes a 2026 international/territories calendar by country, but international examinees pay an additional $130 international fee (on top of the base registration fee).
3) Do I need a minimum age or a specific degree to be eligible?
AAMC eligibility is not described as an age/degree minimum in their primary eligibility statement; it is based on program intent and policy compliance.
4) When do I need special permission from AAMC?
You need special permission if you want to take the MCAT for a reason other than applying to an eligible program, or if you were previously/currently enrolled in an eligible health professions program and want to change schools (with specific exceptions).
5) How many times can I take the MCAT?
AAMC limits are 3 times per testing year, 4 times across two consecutive testing years, and 7 times in a lifetime.
6) What happens if my name on registration doesn’t match my ID?
AAMC states you won’t be admitted to test, you will be considered a no-show, you won’t get a refund, and it counts toward attempt limits.
CTA: Next steps (official links)
If you want the safest, most accurate path for 2026, use AAMC’s official pages below first—then plan your study timeline around your ideal test date and score release.
Register for the MCAT (AAMC): https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/register-mcat-exam
U.S. 2026 MCAT Calendar + deadlines + score releases (AAMC): https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/us-mcat-calendar-scheduling-deadlines-and-score-release-dates-0
MCAT Scheduling Fees (2026) incl. reschedule/cancel (AAMC): https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/mcat-scheduling-fees
Eligibility + special permission rules (MCAT Essentials 2026, AAMC): https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/publication-chapters/eligible-health-professions-programs-and-requesting-special-permission
Valid ID requirements (AAMC): https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/valid-identification-mcat-examinees
Fee Assistance Program (AAMC): https://students-residents.aamc.org/fee-assistance-program/fee-assistance-p
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