Applying to medical school is expensive: applicants often spend thousands of dollars on application fees, tests, and interview travel. These costs include primary application fees, secondary fees, required situational-judgment tests, and interview expenses. To plan ahead, it helps to break down fees at each stage and use every discount possible. As a broke college graduate in my gap year, it definitely hurt my wallet. That being said, there are avenues to save money and reduce costs while applying smartly, which we will cover here.
Each application service charges a base fee plus per-school charges. For MD schools (AMCAS), the 2025–2026 cycle fee is $175 for the first school and ~$47 for each additional. For example, applying to 15 MD programs via AMCAS would cost about $175 + 14×$47 ≈ $843. DO programs use AACOMAS, which charges $198 for the first school plus $60 for each additional (2025–26 figures). So 10 AACOMAS schools cost $198 + 9×$60 = $738. Texas schools mostly use TMDSAS, which is simpler: a flat $220 fee total (covers all Texas programs). (Unlike AMCAS/AACOMAS, TMDSAS fees are non-refundable and non-waivable.)
In summary, a mixed slate of 10 MD (AMCAS) + 5 DO (AACOMAS) + Texas = $843 + $378 + $220 = $1,441 just in primary fees. Applying to 20-25 schools, which is our standard recommendation for most applicants, can easily lead to a cost of $1,500–$2,000.
After submitting primaries, many schools require secondary applications with an extra fee. Secondary fees vary widely by school – they may be as low as $0 (rarely), or up to ~$100–$200 at expensive programs. On average, med-school secondaries cost roughly $80–$100 each. (One analysis found they generally range from $30–$200, with most around ~$100.) Thus, if you receive 15 secondaries at $100 each, that’s $1,500 more, in addition to the primary costs noted above. Even if a few schools waive their secondaries, the total can easily top $1,000–$2,500.
Many schools require a situational-judgment test in addition to the MCAT. For MD schools that require CASPer (via Altus), the fee is $85 USD for the first school report, with an extra $18 for each additional school you choose to send scores to. (For example, sending CASPer scores to 5 schools costs $85 + 4×$18 = $157.) This $85 fee covers CASPer + Duet (Altus Suite) and includes distribution to up to 7 programs. By contrast, the AAMC’s new PREview exam (required by some MD/DO programs) has a flat registration fee of $100, which covers score reporting to unlimited participating schools.
Interviewing can be the priciest but also most variable cost. In a virtual interview season, costs are minimal (dress attire and a good internet connection). Most M.D. and D.O. programs (roughly 85%) are still administering virtual interviews. But for the minority, in-person interviews add travel and lodging expenses. Even one round-trip flight ($200–$400) plus a 1–2 night hotel ($100–$200 per night) easily runs $400–$700 per interview. You’ll also need at least one well-fitting suit or business outfit (often $200+).
Summing it all up, a realistic budget for 15–20 school apps is substantial. For example:
Primary fees: ~$800–$1,000 (AMCAS for ~10–15 schools) + possibly ~$600+ (AACOMAS for 5–10 DO schools) + $220 (TMDSAS) = ~$1,600–$2,000.
Secondaries: 15 schools × ~$100 = $1,500 (could be more with competitive programs).
Situational tests: CASPer (~$250) + PREview ($100) = $350 (less if fee waivers apply).
Interview travel: 3–5 interviews at ~$400 each = $1,200–$2,000.
This rough sum is $4,650–$5,850 in direct fees and travel.
Note that these totals exclude MCAT preparation (which itself can be $2,000+ without assistance). But focusing just on applications, expect to budget multiple thousands. As a rule of thumb, we recommend planning for at least $2,500–$3,000 to cover primaries, secondaries, and minimal interviews. If you plan to apply extensively (25+ schools), budget closer to $5,000 or more.
Yet, all hope is not lost. For low-iincome applicants, there are ways to offset these fees. Applicants can pursue several aid programs and strategies:
AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP): If you qualify (income ≤400% of poverty level, U.S. resident, etc.), FAP waives your AMCAS primary fee (up to 20 schools) and waives the first PREview exam. It also provides free MCAT prep products and other perks. (Be sure to apply early – benefits start upon approval and are not retroactive.)
AACOMAS Fee Waiver: The DO system has its own waivers. Approved applicants receive funds to cover the $198 AACOMAS primary fee. You would still pay $60 for each extra DO school. Check AACOM’s site for eligibility.
Altus (CASPer) Waivers: Fee waivers are available for both CASPer and PREview through established assistance programs. Applicants approved for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP), AACOMAS fee waivers, or the Texas Joint Admission Medical Program (JAMP) can take CASPer and its accompanying Duet assessment at no cost, saving at least $85. Similarly, AAMC FAP recipients receive a full waiver for their first PREview exam and a 50% discount on any retake. Outside of these programs, Altus (the company that administers CASPer) does not offer public scholarships, making it especially important for applicants to confirm whether a test is required before registering. Applicants should always verify their fee-assistance status prior to scheduling CASPer or PREview to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Secondary Fee Waivers: Many schools will waive or refund secondaries for FAP recipients. Check each school’s policy (often listed in MSAR). For example, if a school normally charges $100, it may waive it for you. Also, some programs offer discounts (e.g. Black Friday secondaries or early-submission deals), so watch school communications.
Strategic School List: Limit your list to 15–20 schools if severely budget constrained. Prioritize institutions where you have a realistic chance (based on fit, stats, residency) and that offer features you need (location, programs). Fewer schools means fewer secondaries and interviews. For in-person interviews, try to schedule multiple in the same region or on consecutive days to save on travel. Whenever possible, opt for virtual interviews to skip airfare.
Other Tips: Compare costs of interview travel (nonstop flights vs. layovers, off-peak hotels, rideshares). Reuse interview attire or buy second-hand suits. Apply for general scholarships or ask your premed office if any travel grants exist for interviews. Every bit of savings adds up.
