Thursday, April 30, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the MCAT Exam

2020 MCAT TESTING CALENDAR (MAY 29 -- SEPTEMBER 28, 2020)
We know how disruptive the COVID-19 pandemic has been to MCAT examinees during these critical weeks and months as they prepare for their journey to medical school. The AAMC is expanding the testing calendar to help students impacted by recent cancellations as a result of COVID-19. Three new dates have been added to the calendar (June 28, September 28, and September 29) and three test appointments will be held per date. The AAMC has temporarily shortened the MCAT exam to increase capacity and follow social distancing practices in all test centers.
Registration will open on May 7 for the updated MCAT Testing Calendar. This update is based upon current information, as of April 24, 2020, about the spread of COVID-19 and the anticipated ability for in-person testing. The AAMC will provide further updates should circumstances change.

SHORTENED EXAM FOR MAY 29 – SEPTEMBER 28 ADMINISTRATIONS
A shortened exam will be administered from May 29 to September 28 to accommodate three test appointments per test date at test centers. The exam will be 5 hours and 45 minutes. Examinees will be tested on content from all four sections of the exam and are responsible for knowing the same concepts and skills that are tested on the full-length exam.
Scores will not change. You will receive five scores from the shortened version of the exam: one from each of the four sections and one combined total score, just like examinees who took the full-length test. Learn more.

TEST RESCHEDULING AND CANCELLATIONS
All rescheduling fees for all exam dates have been waived until further notice to provide examinees with the flexibility to prepare for their new exam date and follow health and safety guidance in their local communities. If your exam was canceled due to COVID-19, you may elect to reschedule or receive a refund. Please submit an Emergency Refund Request. See the FAQs on Cancellations and Rescheduling for more information.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Your health and safety are our top priority. When testing resumes, robust health and safety measures will be in place at all test centers, and examinee workstations will be six feet (2 meters) apart. Please see Pearson VUE’s website for more information.

ACCOMMODATIONS
For information on COVID-19 and MCAT Accommodation Services, please visit the Accommodations Homepage.

SUPPORTING STUDENTS DURING COVID-19
The AAMC is committed to supporting examinees throughout the MCAT testing and application process.

  • We have waived all MCAT rescheduling fees so you can adjust your test date to accommodate your preparation and health and safety needs. See FAQs on Cancellations and Rescheduling.
  • We have extended all subscriptions to MCAT preparation products through the end of the year to provide access to materials to support your adjusted exam date. Visit www.aamc.org/mcatprep.
  • As of April 20, 2020, the AAMC Fee Assistance Program has expanded its eligibility guidelines to help more students with financial need qualify for benefits. Visit www.aamc.org/fap.
  • MSAR is updating medical school admissions policies with COVID-19 information readily available to students without a subscription. Visit www.aamc.org/msar