AAMC Med School Application Fee Assistance

Applying to medical school is an expensive process, which is why the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers a Fee Assistance Program (FAP) to cover some of the costs. Learn about the benefits of the AAMC Fee Assistance Program, including how much money you can save if you meet the program requirements. We’ll show you how to apply for AAMC Fee Assistance and what deadlines to be aware of. If you’re looking for additional financial aid, we’ll also discuss Kaplan’s Fee Assistance Program and how eligible students can get a discount on our MCAT prep courses.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

• How much does it cost to apply to medical school?
• What is the AAMC Fee Assistance Program?
• Who is eligible for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program?
• When should you apply for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program?
• How do you apply for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program?
• How to Prepare for the MCAT on a Budget
• Kaplan’s Fee Assistance Program for MCAT Courses

How much does it cost to apply to medical school?

Here’s what you can expect to pay throughout the medical school application process:

• Access to the Medical School Admission Requirements™ (MSAR®) website: $28 for one year of access.
• The Official Guide to Medical School Admissions: The 2024-2025 version is free to access. 
• MCAT Practice Materials: The price depends on where you get the materials. Kaplan has a course fee assistance program. Students who qualify may save up to 60%* on Kaplan MCAT products. 
• AAMC MCAT Fee: $345; you must register at least ten days before the test date. This AAMC fee covers your test and the distribution of your scores to the medical schools you choose to apply to.
• Primary AAMC Application Fee: $175 for the first school you’d like to apply to, plus $46 more for each additional school. 
• Secondary AAMC Application Fee: Fees vary depending on the medical school, but plan to spend approximately $100 on each.
• Medical School Interviews: Most schools currently offer virtual interviews. If you attend in-person interviews, you will pay for associated travel and lodging costs.

[ Keep Reading: What’s the Real Cost of Medical School? ]

What is the AAMC Fee Assistance Program?

The AAMC wants to ensure that cost isn’t a barrier to potential medical school applicants. They’ve created the AAMC Fee Assistance Program to cover some of the basic costs of applying to medical school so that applicants with limited funds aren’t prevented from applying due to financial barriers.

The following is a list of what the AAMC Fee Assistance Program covers if you meet the eligibility requirements:

• Access to the Medical School Admission Requirements website: Complimentary 2-year subscription to the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) ($36 value).
• AAMC MCAT Official Prep products: $365 value, which includes all online MCAT Official Prep products. Note that this benefit package is subject to change.
• Reduced MCAT Fees: MCAT registration fee reduced from $345 to $140. If you need a medical evaluation to qualify for MCAT accommodations, the Fee Assistance Program will cover up to $1,000 of the cost. 
• Waiver of AMCAS application fees: $1,049 value, enabling your application to be sent to up to 20 schools.
• AAMC PREview^® benefit: Waiver of PREview exam registration fee ($100 value).

Who is eligible for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program?

The AAMC Fee Assistance Program is open to anyone with a U.S.-based address. Applicants must submit proof of a U.S. address, such as a utility bill or student loan statement. The application also asks for general personal information and financial information. Visit the AAMC website to review the complete list of what you’ll need to apply to the AAMC Fee Assistance Program.

You are eligible for AAMC Fee Assistance in 2025 if each household listed on your application has a total family income that is less than or equal to 400% of the 2024 national poverty level for the size of your household. You can refer to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines for current data to see if you are eligible.

When should you apply for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program?

If you are eligible for the AAMC application fee waiver, the AAMC recommends you apply before you register for the MCAT and submit your AMCAS application. AAMC fee assistance will be available to you until December 31st of the calendar year after the year in which you receive approval. For example, if you receive fee assistance starting in July of 2025, you’ll have access to that assistance until December 31, 2026.

You can apply for the AAMC fee assistance program once per calendar year and be awarded up to five times in your life. The fee assistance isn’t retroactive; if you’ve already taken the MCAT or sent in your applications and then realize that you would have qualified for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program, you won’t be able to apply and be reimbursed.

How do I apply for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program?

The process for applying to the AAMC Fee Assistance Program is subject to change, so be sure to check the AAMC’s website for the most up-to-date process. In general, the steps for completing your AAMC Fee Assistance Program application are shown below:

Step 1: Create an AAMC Profile and begin the application.

Ensure the information you provided when you first registered for an AAMC account is accurate and complete. This information will auto-populate the first page of the FAP application.

Step 2: Fill out personal information.

This will include contact information and proof of a U.S.-based address.

Step 3: Fill out personal financial information.

You’ll be required to provide the following information: 

You’ll be required to provide the following information: 

• Marital status
• Family size
• Taxable income
• Educational financial aid you’ve received
• Housing and food assistance you’ve received
• Income earned while living abroad
• Social Security benefits
• Other federal, state, or county benefits (such as food stamps or housing vouchers)
• Financial gifts
• Alimony/spousal support/child support/other financial support

Step 4: Fill out parental financial information (if applicable)

If you are under 26 years of age at the time of submission, you’ll be required to submit your parents’ financial information, regardless of your tax filing status.

Step 5: Review your application

Read the application summary and double-check that the information you provided is correct. If you see something that needs to be edited, you can make changes by clicking the pencil icon in the header.

Step 6: Accept the terms and submit your application

Read through and accept the Certification Statement terms by selecting “I agree,” and submit your application to the AAMC.

Once you submit your FAP application, your application status will be “Submitted” and “On Hold.” If you’re deemed eligible, AAMC may ask for supporting documentation such as child support documentation, financial aid award letters and cost of attendance info, Social Security documentation, or W-2s. Once you’ve submitted the requested documentation, your application status will change to “Submitted” and “Pending Verification.” You will then be informed of AAMC’s decision. If you’re approved for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program, congratulations! If you’re denied, you can only appeal if you entered information incorrectly on your application.

How to Prepare for the MCAT on a Budget

Since the cost of applying to medical school (not to mention attending medical school) is so high, it’s natural to want to save money wherever possible. Here are a few ideas for how to prepare for the MCAT on a budget:

Kaplan’s Fee Assistance Program for MCAT Courses

If you are preparing to take the MCAT and have already been approved for AAMC’s Fee Assistance Program, you may also be eligible for up to 60%* off Kaplan MCAT courses. Kaplan’s Fee Assistance Program is available for students seeking enrollment in an On Demand, Live Online, or In Person MCAT course. Visit our website to learn more about the program’s eligibility requirements, how to apply, and whether you qualify for a discount on our MCAT test prep offerings.

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Written by Kaplan experts, reviewed by Maria Lofftus, JD and Claudia Mikail, MD, MPH. Maria has extensive experience in graduate admissions and was part of the AAMC’s National Committee on Diversity. Dr. Mikhail is a practicing physician, professor, author, diplomate of the American Board of Preventive Medicine, and a member of the American College of Medical Genetics.

*When combined with the AAMC Fee Assistance Program.