MCAT Registration in Nigeria

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a crucial exam for students who wish to pursue medical school in the United States or other countries that require the exam. This guide provides all the necessary details regarding MCAT registration in Nigeria, including fees, test structure, required identification, test centers, and preparation tips.

Cost of MCAT Registration for International Applicants

The MCAT registration fee for international applicants is typically around $490. Additional fees may apply for services such as rescheduling, score reports, and other administrative charges. International applicants, including those from Nigeria, should verify current pricing and additional charges by visiting the official Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website or MCAT registration portal.

Format, Structure, and Timing for MCAT Exam

The MCAT is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam divided into four main sections, which test knowledge and skills related to medical school readiness:

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: This section focuses on general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, with 59 questions in 95 minutes.
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): This section evaluates reading comprehension and critical thinking, with 53 questions in 90 minutes.
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: This section tests biology and biochemistry knowledge, with 59 questions in 95 minutes.
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior: This section assesses psychology, sociology, and biology, with 59 questions in 95 minutes.

The total testing time is approximately 7.5 hours, including breaks. The exam is typically taken in one sitting, and it is important to prepare for the length and stamina required to complete the test.

Do You Need to Register First or Receive Training and Then Register for the MCAT Exam?

You can register for the MCAT directly through the official AAMC website. While formal training is not required for registration, extensive preparation is recommended. Most students choose to take preparation courses, study independently using MCAT prep books, or use online resources to improve their test-taking strategies and content knowledge. It is essential to prepare thoroughly before taking the exam due to its comprehensive and rigorous nature.

Acceptable ID Requirements for MCAT Exam

For the MCAT exam, you must present a valid government-issued photo ID at the test center. The ID should match the name you used during registration. Acceptable IDs include a passport or national identity card. The ID must be unexpired and free from any alterations to ensure you are admitted to the testing center. No other forms of identification will be accepted.

Rescheduling Policy for MCAT Exam

If you need to reschedule your MCAT exam, you can do so through the AAMC registration system. You can reschedule up to 48 hours before your scheduled exam date, but you will incur a rescheduling fee. Fees for rescheduling depend on how close to your original test date you make the change. If you reschedule within a few days of your exam date, the fee may be higher. For the most accurate rescheduling fees, refer to the AAMC website.

Late Registration Fee for MCAT Exam

Late registration for the MCAT incurs an additional fee. If you register after the standard deadline but before the late registration deadline, you will be charged a late fee of approximately $100. To avoid late registration fees, it is advisable to plan ahead and register well before the deadline.

Preparation for MCAT Exam

Preparation for the MCAT is essential, and many students begin studying several months before the test. Common preparation strategies include:

Official MCAT prep materials: The AAMC offers official practice tests, question banks, and study guides that are aligned with the actual exam format.
Third-party prep courses: Many students opt to take prep courses offered by organizations like Kaplan, Princeton Review, or other local providers.
Self-study: A lot of students prefer self-study using MCAT preparation books, online platforms, and review materials from various sources.

Effective preparation focuses on content review, test-taking strategies, and practicing with full-length mock exams. It’s important to tailor your study plan to address any weak areas and ensure you’re well-prepared for all sections of the exam.

Approved Test Centers for MCAT Exam in Nigeria

The MCAT is administered at approved Pearson VUE test centers. In Nigeria, the primary test center for the MCAT is located in Lagos. It is essential to register early to secure a spot at your preferred center, as availability can be limited. The test centers meet strict security protocols to ensure a fair and secure testing environment.

What Items to Bring to MCAT Centers

On test day, make sure to bring the following:

A valid, government-issued photo ID (passport or national ID)
Your MCAT appointment confirmation (printed or digital)
Approved medical equipment or accommodations, if applicable (e.g., medication or a medical device)
Personal items like bags, electronic devices, food, and drinks must be left in designated areas, as they are not allowed in the testing room.

The test center will provide you with a locker to store personal belongings.

How to Confirm Your MCAT Registration Status

You can confirm your MCAT registration status by logging into your AAMC account. Here you can check your exam date, time, and test center location. It’s essential to double-check this information before your test day. You will also receive a confirmation email with the details of your registration.

Sample of MCAT Questions

Sample MCAT questions typically include multiple-choice questions from each section of the exam. For example:

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: “Which of the following is most likely the product of a chemical reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid?”
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): “According to the passage, the author suggests that cultural norms influence societal expectations in which of the following ways?”
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: “Which enzyme is responsible for catalyzing the conversion of glucose to glucose-6-phosphate?”
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior: “Which of the following psychological theories best explains the behavior described in the passage?”

These examples illustrate the depth and variety of questions you can expect in each section of the MCAT. Practicing sample questions can help you familiarize yourself with the test format and enhance your test-taking skills.

Other Services

MCAT Registration in Nigeria

Do you have a need to write the MCAT test soon? If yes, we can register you for the exam within 24 hours. We have provided free study resources which other students have used to score in the range of 490-510 in MCAT. See the past test scores of our students. Cost of MCAT Registration in Nigeria We register MCAT at $435 including study materials (print or soft copy) Do I Need To Register Now for MCAT Or Get Some Training First? It depends on the time you are willing to submit your application to your choice school. Generally, it is better you apply as early as possible This is so because any available funding is released on a first come first served basis. So, you should register first for the test and follow it up with adequate preparation and training. From our experience, registering first for the test drives our students to brace up and work harder as they look forward to their MCAT test dates. Sample of The MCAT Score Report Wondering what the MCAT score report looks like? Check samples of MCAT score report Sample of The MCAT Question You might be curious to know what the MCAT questions look like! Here are a few samples of the MCAT questions Structure and Timing of The MCAT Test The MCAT test is composed of four sections:

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

The sections have standardized, multiple-choice, computer-based questions Minimum time required for MCAT preparation You will need to prepare for at least six months. However, the stipulated time is at best indicative as you may require more or less time. It depends entirely on factors such as your level of preparedness, length of prior training and if you are conversant with the content/ skills tested in the exams. Acceptability of MCAT For Admission Into Schools Abroad The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an entrance test which prospective students take to in order to gain admissions into medical schools in the United States, Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean Islands Countries It has a unique advantage as universities and colleges abroad use your MCAT score to measure how ready you are to succeed in your choice program of study. This is the reason MCAT is accepted in over 1,000 universities and different establishments in more than 10 countries. These include the United States of America, Australia and Canada MCAT Score Range The total obtainable score for MCAT computer-based Test is 528. The MCAT test is composed of four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. The maximum score for each section is 132, and for the four sections is 528. Acceptable MCAT Score For Admission Which MCAT score is acceptable for admission is relative. Each school sets the minimum MCAT score that is acceptable, and it typically differs according to programs. However, on the average, the minimum acceptable score is 500. Please, bear in mind that you will need to score in the range of 510 and above to secure admission into top schools. These include Stanford University, Cornell University, Harvard University, University of California Berkeley, to mention just a few. Locations of Approved MCAT test centres in Nigeria There are no approved MCAT test centres in Nigeria. You can only register for the exam here in Nigeria and travel to South Africa to take the exam. See the available MCAT centres and test dates to pick a test date that is most favourable to you. Rescheduling MCAT Test in Nigeria You can reschedule your MCAT test at least 8 days before your test date. Preparation For MCAT Test Here are some tips that can help you with your test preparation:

At least six months of good preparation is suggested for the MCAT test.
Pick a test date that is at least 2 months before your earliest application deadline.
Practise! Practise!! Practise!!! There are more than enough free study materials that are available for your practice. Read and practice thoroughly.
You can also buy on this website, very affordable video courses for MCAT. They are delivered by qualified tutors with more than a decade of experience actively tutoring students all over the world.
Our MCAT online training will help you to score very high. It can be group (3-20) or private (one on one). For more information, see MCAT online training.

Identification (ID) Requirements for the MCAT Test When you register for your MCAT test in Nigeria, you’re required to enter your ID information. The details of your registration must match exactly with those on the ID you are bringing to the test place. If the details don’t match, you will not take the test, and your test fee will not be refunded. Acceptable ID For MCAT Test in Nigeria Test takers in Nigeria will need an international passport as an identifying document upon their arrival at the test centre. Unacceptable ID Documents For MCAT Test These documents are not acceptable as primary or supplemental ID under any condition:

International driver’s license
Draft classification card
International student ID
Credit/debit card of any sort
Notary-prepared letter or document
Birth certificate
Social Security card
Employee ID card
Any temporary ID card
Diplomatic, consulate or embassy ID card
Library Card
Virtual or Digital ID
Veteran ID (VIC)
Paper ID

Note: If your ID document isn’t written in English language and the test centre administrator can’t read it, you will most likely be unable to take the test, and your test fee won’t be refunded. MCAT Test Duration The MCAT test spans 7 hours 33 minutes which includes the check-in process. It is important to note that this test is a test of endurance and it’s wise you plan your test day appropriately. You should not fix any other serious engagement for the day. What To Bring To Your MCAT Test Centre When your online registration is completed, you’ll get a confirmation email with the test date, start time and test centre address. Please print the email confirmation for your registration. You will take the printed email confirmation and your unexpired international passport to the test centre. How To Confirm MCAT Registration Status You can confirm your registration status by login to your AAMC account with your login details. If you don’t know your login details, simply ask for it from us or the agent that registered you for the exam. Also, plan to check the status of your registration the day before your test to ensure that none of the registration details has changed (for instance, a different start time or venue than initially scheduled).