Every MCAT examinee agrees to the AAMC’s Examinee Agreement, which the AAMC describes as a legally binding contract. It incorporates the rules in The MCAT Essentials and prohibits a range of conduct, including disclosing exam content. When the AAMC suspects a violation, or concludes a score may be invalid, the consequences can range from a held score to a canceled one, and in investigations, to a report that reaches medical schools. For a future physician, that connects the MCAT directly to the medical school admission process.
A note on rules: the AAMC updates The MCAT Essentials and its policies each testing year, and the rules that govern a particular matter are the ones in effect for that matter. This article describes the AAMC’s process as the AAMC has published it. The AAMC’s current materials and any notice received are the controlling sources.
What Does an AAMC Investigation Involve?
The AAMC’s published investigation procedures state that an examinee who is the subject of an investigation must fully cooperate, including producing requested documents and materials and submitting to an interview at the AAMC’s request. The AAMC states that it will notify the examinee before issuing an investigation report, and that it may share the report’s factual findings with legitimately interested parties, such as medical schools.
The AAMC lists actions it may take for policy or rules violations, including placing MCAT scores on hold, canceling an existing registration or score, and suspending registration eligibility for a limited period or permanently. The AAMC’s published procedures also address arbitration.
Can the AAMC Cancel a Score?
Yes. The AAMC states that if it determines a score is invalid for any reason, it may cancel the score at its sole discretion, that it will notify the examinee of a potential cancellation, and that canceled scores are not disclosed to the examinee or to medical schools. The AAMC also states there is no appeal of a cancellation decision, but that when scores are canceled through no fault of the examinee, it may allow a retest or a refund.
Why Does Discussing the Exam Matter?
The AAMC’s guidelines state that examinees may talk about their general exam experience but may not disclose exam content, such as specific questions, answers, or topics, in any way that violates the Examinee Agreement. The AAMC notes that it reserves the right to enforce the Examinee Agreement if it interprets a post or other communication as a violation, which makes social media and online forums a source of risk.
Common Misconceptions
“An investigation only affects my score.” The AAMC may share investigation findings with legitimately interested parties, such as medical schools.
“Every cancellation can be appealed.” The AAMC states there is no appeal of a cancellation decision.
“Talking about the exam online is harmless.” The AAMC prohibits disclosing exam content and reserves the right to enforce the agreement against posts it views as violations.
“A held score means I’m accused.” The AAMC notes that scores can also be held while it investigates test center concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would the AAMC hold my MCAT score?
The AAMC may place scores on hold during an investigation, including investigations of test center concerns.
Can the AAMC cancel my MCAT score?
Yes. The AAMC states it may cancel a score it determines is invalid, at its sole discretion, and that there is no appeal of that decision.
Will medical schools learn about an investigation?
The AAMC states it may share investigation findings with legitimately interested parties, such as medical schools.
Can I discuss MCAT questions online?
The AAMC prohibits disclosing exam content, including specific questions, answers, or topics.
Representation in MCAT and AAMC Matters
Every matter turns on its specific facts and on the rules in effect at the time, and AAMC policies change each testing year. Attorney Richard Asselta is a student defense attorney who represents test takers in standardized testing disputes nationwide, including ACT arbitration matters. Call 855-338-5299.