MCAT requirements: who can take it and which classes help

Who can take the MCAT?

Anyone preparing to apply to a health professions program that accepts MCAT scores, such as MD, DO, podiatry or veterinary programs, who isn’t currently or previously enrolled in one. If you’ve been accepted to a program but haven’t started classes, you don’t need permission. You must ask the AAMC for special permission if:

• You want to take the exam for any other reason.
• You’re enrolled, or were enrolled, in a health professions program and want to change schools.
• You can’t follow all the AAMC’s testing procedures for a reason other than a disability or medical condition. Those go through accommodations instead.

You request it through “Submit another service request” in the MCAT Registration System. The AAMC usually reviews requests in five business days. Testing without permission when you needed it can lead to cancelled scores or a ban.

What classes do you need for the MCAT?

None are required to register or test. The AAMC says the content is covered in introductory courses at most colleges: introductory biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics, plus first-semester psychology, sociology and biochemistry. It suggests asking your prehealth advisor which courses to take, and when.

Medical schools’ own course requirements are a separate list. The AAMC’s MSAR database gives each MD school’s required and recommended premed courses.

Can high school students take the MCAT?

The MCAT Essentials sets no age or grade rule. What decides it is the eligibility statement above: you must be preparing to apply to a program that accepts MCAT scores. Since the content comes from introductory college courses, the AAMC’s advice on timing applies: take it when you’ve covered the content and you’re ready.

What are the MCAT requirements for international test takers?

The same as for everyone else. The AAMC says international examinees have no extra eligibility rules, and people in or holding a degree from an MBBS or equivalent program can register without special permission. Testing outside the US, Canada and US territories adds a $130 international fee.