What To Bring To The MCAT | Your Complete Guide - Inspira Advantage

What to Bring to The MCAT

Here’s a concise list of what to bring on MCAT test day and some supporting notes on the dos and don’ts of each item!

Valid ID

This is the most important item you need to bring on test day. The types of IDs accepted and what’s written on them are non-negotiable. Failure to present an acceptable ID may mean being denied access to the testing center.

This is a simple mistake that’s all too easy to make, and spending money to retest isn’t always the solution test-takers are happy about. To avoid problems, these are the MCAT ID requirements:

• The name(s) on your ID must be an exact match to the one(s) used to register for the MCAT (including the order in which your name is written on the ID/registration)
• Valid and not expired (expiration date must be printed on the ID)
• Contains a photo that can be used to positively identify you
• Issued by a government agency
• Written in English
• Whole and tangible with no proof of tampering (holes, clipped corners, etc.)

Examples of Acceptable ID Include:

• State/Provincial driver’s license
• Passport
• Green card
• Employment authorization document

Examples of Unacceptable ID Include:

• Credit card
• Birth certificate
• Social security card
• School ID

Take a look at this MCAT ID chart prepared by the AAMC:

Source: AAMC

Becoming familiar with these rules helps determine whether your ID meets test day standards.

Food & Water

Although required to be stored in your storage locker and only available during scheduled breaks, ensuring you bring plenty of water, a good lunch, and snacks is essential to performing well on test day.

The MCAT can be mentally demanding and physically taxing. The last thing you want is to be distracted by a growling stomach on a day when you need to concentrate! 

We recommend eating foods that will fill you up for longer and give you the energy you need to ace the test. However, avoid trying out new foods or diets on test day – stick to what you know makes you feel good! 

Other Items Not Requiring Prior Approval

There are several other items allowed in the testing room, should you need them, that don’t require prior approval. These include:

• Auto-injectors such as an EpiPen or Glucagon pen
• Inhaler
• Pills
• Braces/Casts/Slings
• Eyeglasses (without the case)
• Pillow/Cushion
• Insulin Pump
• Canes/Crutches/Walkers
• Wheelchairs

Items Provided by the Test Center

Certain items will be provided to you by staff members on test day. These include:

• Earplugs (personal earplugs aren’t allowed)
• Storage locker and key
• Noteboard booklet
• Fine-point marker

Should you need any additional adjustments during testing (for example, due to a medical condition), you may apply for accommodations through the AAMC.