Applying to medical school is not only time-consuming and cognitively and emotionally draining – but it is also very expensive. The cost of applying to medical school can be a major barrier for many aspiring students.

From the application fees to the cost of sending official transcripts and standardized test scores, the expenses can quickly add up. On top of that, there are also expenses associated with traveling to interviews (when Zoom interviews are not offered), purchasing interview outfits, and even hiring a professional editor to review your personal statement. Aspiring medical students need to budget and plan accordingly to ensure they can cover these costs during the application process.

Firstly, there are the primary application fees which can range from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars depending on the number of schools you apply to. These fees are non-refundable and can quickly add up, especially if you are applying to multiple schools. For each school that you receive an invite to complete a secondary application, there is another fee per school.

In addition to the application fees, there are also other expenses to consider. For example, you may need to send official transcripts from your undergraduate institution, which often come with a fee. Standardized test scores, such as the MCAT, incur a hefty cost when it comes to preparation materials and sitting for the exam on the actual test day.

Furthermore, there are expenses associated with traveling to interviews. This was a much bigger expense pre-Covid and most schools, if not all, conduct interviews over Zoom. However, many medical schools ask that applicants travel to their campus for additional exploration of the campus or a “second look.” These costs can include airfare, accommodation, and meals.

Even the process of preparing for interviews can be costly. Applicants may need to purchase professional interview outfits, which can be quite expensive. Additionally, some applicants choose to hire a professional editor to review their personal statements, which is another cost to consider.

Let’s Break Down The Cost:

MCAT:

  • MCAT is $330 to schedule (unless you have FAP)
  • AAMC bundle including books, practice question banks, and practice tests – $294. This is the LEAST amount of prep to purchase for the exam. See how I used it in my study plan here! This is also discounted if you have FAP
  • Third-party exams or test prep can range from $25 for one exam to $7300 for an immersive test prep program

Total for MCAT: $624+

Primary AAMC Application:

  • AAMCAS application service – $140
  • AAMCAS cost per school – $40 per school x average of 16 = $640
  • Casper – $85 + $16 per school

Total: $880+

Secondary AAMC Application:

  • Range per school from $30 to $200 x 16 schools

Total: at least $480 for 16 schools

AACOMAS Application (DO Schools):

  • AACOMAS application service – $198
  • AACOMAS cost per school – $55 per school
  • Secondary application ranges from $0 to $200 per school

Total: at least $253 for one school, then an additional $55 per school

Interviews (assume no travel, zoom interviews):

  • Conservatively priced suit for interviewing – $100-$200

Total: $100+

In total, a conservative student could spend around $1800 to apply to 16 schools. This could easily increase with higher MCAT prep costs. This could easily double with applications sent to more than 16 schools, higher secondary application costs or more DO school than MD school applications.

Overall, the costs associated with applying to medical school can be overwhelming. Scholarships and financial aid options may also be available to help alleviate some of the financial burdens. The Fee Assistance Application for either the MD application (AMCAS) or the DO application (AACOMAS) is also an option for eligible low-income students.

Happy spending! (*sigh*)

XO Melmo