Feeling the pressure of taking the MCAT? You’re not alone! It’s no secret that the MCAT has a reputation as a potential roadblock in your journey to med school success. A low score can shut the door on your dream schools. And having to retake it (like I did when my score expired after taking a three-year gap) may feel like climbing Mount Everest, especially if you don’t have an effective study plan.
What if you could skip the stress of taking the MCAT and still achieve your med school dreams? Actually, you can! Across the United States and Canada, various programs and medical schools offer applicants the option to bypass the MCAT requirement.
This guide provides a comprehensive list of programs and schools that don’t require the MCAT for admission. I’ll also break down the struggle of scoring well on the MCAT and help you explore your options for getting into medical school without an MCAT score.
This post is all about medical schools that don’t require MCAT.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
List of Medical Schools That Don’t Require MCAT
What is the MCAT, and do I really need to take it?
The MCAT, short for the Medical College Admission Test, is a standardized exam that assesses your knowledge of basic scientific concepts, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving abilities. Most medical schools in the US and Canada typically ask for MCAT scores as part of the admissions process to gauge your readiness for the rigorous coursework that lies ahead. Additionally, health profession schools and graduate programs recognize MCAT scores as an alternative to other standardized tests.
How hard is the MCAT?
The MCAT is difficult (to say the least!), especially compared to other exams you have taken in your life. It’s a marathon of a test, clocking in at a grueling 6 hours and 15 minutes, with a total seated time of close to 7.5 hours. It contains a whopping 230 questions covering a wide range of topics in a passage-based format, which means you’ll be tackling questions tied to lengthy passages rather than straightforward facts you can simply regurgitate. Plus, being timed adds an extra layer of pressure that may mean scrambling to complete certain sections.
Is it possible to get into medical school without an MCAT score?
Yes, there are a few options available to pursue your dream of becoming a doctor without undergoing the rigors of taking the MCAT.
BS/MD, BA/MD, and BFA/MD Programs
Attend a university that offers a Baccalaureate-MD program. These combined programs provide a unique chance for outstanding high school students to secure a place in medical school before starting their undergraduate studies.
Essentially, students will earn a Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), or a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree first and then seamlessly transition to medical school to pursue a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, all without the requirement of an MCAT score. Some of these programs are accelerated meaning it will take less than 8 years to complete. These programs also are set up as a cohort, which means you will take classes with the rest of the students admitted into this program which helps provide a close community but you will not have a lot of flexibility in scheduling your classes.
Keep in mind that a combined degree pathway requires you to choose this route by junior year of high school so if you are already in college or have applied as a regular premed, this is not a viable option.
Early Assurance Programs (EAP)
This unique opportunity can help you secure a spot in medical school well in advance, often without submitting an MCAT score. These programs differ from BS/MD programs, because you will take classes with regular science majors and will take 4 years to complete a degree and 4 years to complete medical school.
This setup allows prospective students more time to consider their options and reduces the stress of maintaining a perfect GPA throughout their undergraduate studies. However, getting into an EAP can be pretty challenging, as it’s based on academic achievements, impressive volunteer and extracurricular experiences, and possibly SAT or ACT scores.
Note that Early Assurance Programs allow you to apply in high school or your first two years of college.
But what if you are already past those deadlines?
If you are already getting ready to apply to medical schools but feel stuck with a lower MCAT score, you still have options! Keep in mind that besides tons of great strategies to improve your score after all, you can also balance a slightly lower score by strengthening all other aspects in your application.
If you do end up with a lower score after all, there are still soooo many options to boost your chances and get accepted! One of the big ones is selecting schools that don’t have such high MCAT requirements. But also the small things like applying early. writing stellar essays, nailing your interviews etc. help you to stand out among the crowd, even with lower stats.
Just last week, two of our Road to Acceptance students shared how they both already got accepted to three medical school despite an MCAT score below 500, by improving all other factors in their control!
If you want to learn the key strategies they used, I share the exact steps in my Free Premed Workshop.
You’re gonna learn the tips that helped me earn 10 medical school acceptances, despite several “red flags” like a lower GPA, 5 Cs in undergrad and even an institutional action.
A must-attend if you are a non-traditional applicant, if you doubt your medical school potential or simply want to maximize your chances to the fullest and get into your dream schools!
What are US medical schools that don’t require MCAT scores?
Here’s a comprehensive list of medical schools in the United States that offer specific programs that will not require you to take the MCAT. I’ve included brief descriptions of each school, their programs, and unique requirements to help you decide which ones to pursue.
Adelphi University
- Partners with SUNY Upstate to offer a unique 4+4 Guaranteed Entrance/Accelerated Scholars medical program
- No MCAT is required
- Students can earn a BSc, BA, or BFA at Adelphi before pursuing a medical degree at SUNY Upstate
- Learn more about Adelphi University
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science
- The “Guaranteed Entrance for Select Majors”’ program
- For high school students interested in Spanish, Chinese, or Engineering
- Apply for undergraduate studies while at the same time applying to Upstate Medical University’s MD program
- For more information, visit Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Science
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- Eight-year Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)
- The only combined baccalaureate/MD program in the Ivy League
- Students can integrate their undergraduate and medical education at Brown without needing to submit SAT, ACT, or MCAT scores
- Discover if The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University is right for you
Case Western Reserve University
- Offers admission to their Pre-Professional Scholars program to a select group of up to 20 high school seniors annually
- Eight-year program allows students to earn a bachelor’s degree in their chosen major followed by a MD degree, without needing to take the MCAT
- To remain competitive, students must maintain high grades throughout the program
- Explore the possibilities of Case Western Reserve University
CUNY School of Medicine
- The Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program
- Part of The City College of New York
- Admits high-achieving high school students to an eight-year BS/MD program without needing to take the MCAT
- Find out more about CUNY School of Medicine
Drexel University College of Medicine
- 4+4 BA/MD or BS/MD Early Assurance program
- For high school seniors who meet admission requirements
- Students select a major in Biological Sciences, Chemistry, or Biomedical Engineering for their bachelor’s degree
- No MCAT is needed to join the program
- Learn all about the program at Drexel University College of Medicine
George Washington University
- Seven-year BA/MD program
- Through a partnership between the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- High school seniors can apply without an MCAT score, but they must submit an MCAT practice test score and other required application materials
- Investigate whether George Washington University interests you
Hampton University
- BS/MD joint program with Hampton University and the Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA
- For high school students who demonstrate academic excellence and impressive extracurricular activities with an emphasis on healthcare
- Program does not require an MCAT score
- Learn if Hampton University is right for you
Marshall University & Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
- BS/MD program offers an accelerated route to earn a Bachelor of Science and MD in seven years
- Applicants need to major in biology and demonstrate strong academic performance for acceptance
- No MCAT is needed, and admission to medical school is guaranteed
- Uncover more information about Marshall University and the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
Montclair State University
- Montclair State University partners with Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School to offer a Health Careers Program
- Students can major in select fields for the initial four years and then transition to medical school for the final four years
- This program is designed for academically strong students with a passion for medicine, providing support and guidance throughout their undergraduate studies
- See if Montclair State University is right for you
Northwestern University & The Feinberg School of Medicine
- The Northwestern Undergraduate Premedical Scholars Program (NUPSP) at Feinberg School of Medicine offers early MD acceptance to high achieving Northwestern undergraduates
- Must have a GPA of 3.7 or higher after completing two years of study and showing a commitment to medicine
- No MCAT required, and accepted students matriculate at Feinberg School of Medicine upon completion
- Check out The Feinberg School of Medicine and Northwestern University
Purchase College
- Partners with SUNY Upstate to offer an eight-year BC/MD (similar to Adelphi University)
- Students can choose between a four year BS, BA, or BFA degree program
- No MCAT is required for this program
- Get more information about this program from Purchase College
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Offers a BA/MD program for pre-medical students with strong academics
- Sophomores can apply, with the opportunity to save on tuition for three out of four undergraduate years
- No MCAT is needed for admission, but applicants must have completed four college semesters
- For more information, go to Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Rensselear Polytechnic Institute
- An accelerated BS/MD program in just seven years
- Allows students to earn both a bachelor’s and medical degree at Albany Medical College
- This program is designed to produce physician-scientists and does not require the MCAT
- Discover the possibilities at Rensselear Polytechnic Institute
Rochester Institute of Technology
- Offers Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS) program
- An eight-year BA/BS and MD combined educational track
- REMS students are guaranteed admission to the School of Medicine and Dentistry after completing their bachelor’s degree
- Find further information at Rochester Institute of Technology
Spelman University
- Offers multiple Medical School Early Assurance and BS/MD programs through partner schools
- Partner schools include Boston University, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, State University of New York Upstate College of Medicine, University of Rochester, and University of Pennsylvania Perelman
- Visit Spelman University for a full list of options and admissions details
University of Florida College of Medicine
- Offers the Medical Honors Program (MHP)
- A seven-year BS/MD program for US residents with strong academic skills and a passion for medicine
- No MCAT is needed to apply
- Learn more information at University of Florida College of Medicine
University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Provides a BA/MD program
- For high-achieving high school graduates to jumpstart their medical education
- No MCAT required for the challenging medical curriculum
- Get more details at University of Missouri-Kansas City
Yeshiva University
- Yeshiva University’s Honors Programs have a BA/MD partnership with Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- This program allows high school students to earn a bachelor’s and seamlessly transition into medical school without needing to take the MCAT
- Explore more information by visiting Yeshiva University
What are medical schools with EAPs (and similar initiatives) that do not require the MCAT?
As I explained above, Early Admissions Programs (EAP) are a great option – they can guarantee your admission without needing the MCAT. Here’s a list of medical schools with EAPs and similar programs that don’t require the MCAT. Check them out and see if they’re right for you!
- Albany Medical College Early Assurance Program
- Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program
- Brody School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- Dartmouth University Geisel School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- Drexel University College of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- The FlexMed Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Georgetown University School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, FlexMed Program
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Early Assurance Program
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- Penn State College of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- Quillen Honors Scholars Early Assurance Program
- Syracuse University Early Assurance Program
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- Tufts University School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- UC Riverside School of Medicine’s Thomas Haider Program
- University at Buffalo SUNY Jacobs School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- University of Chicago Loyola Stritch School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- University of Arizona Early Assurance
- University of Florida Medical Honors Program
- University of Pittsburgh Guaranteed Admission Program
- University of Rochester School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- University of Toledo Medstart Program
- Upstate Accelerated Scholars
- Wake Forest School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Are medical schools that don’t require the MCAT the right option for me?
If you are already past high school and your first 2 years of college, you might have to face the fact that the MCAT is going to part of your medical school path.
Don’t worry though, I also wasn’t an A+ student (my 5 Cs in undergrad can serve as proof) and still reached my personal target score of 516 on the MCAT. And you don’t need to hit such a competitive score to show admission committees that you are medical school material!
So, my advice? Don’t choose one of the other routes JUST because you are afraid of the MCAT. The programs I shared about above are not a walk in the park to get into and if you decide to go down that road, it should be for a number of reasons, not just the MCAT.
What is the average MCAT score worth aiming for?
Out of a possible perfect score of 528, the average score resides between 506 and 507. However, ideally, set your sights on a score of 511 or higher, placing you in the 81st percentile of all MCAT scores and in the best position to be accepted into medical school. Conversely, a score below 500 and definitely below 490 might cut off your chances of acceptance.
What can you do if your MCAT score is too low?
The good news (depending on your point of view about the amount of work involved) is that you can take the MCAT again. For example, I initially earned a 509 on my first MCAT exam and then jumped to a 516 (93rd percentile!) on my retake three years later.
AAMC states that you can take the MCAT exam up to three times in a single year or four times over two years. However, you can’t take it more than seven times in your lifetime. And missing an exam or getting a voided score still counts as one of your attempts toward that lifetime limit.
The right study strategy can help you achieve your dream MCAT score. Start early, stay organized, and be consistent in your study routine, giving yourself breaks to rest and recharge. My course, MCAT Roadmap gives you step-by-step study guidance so you can create the perfect plan of attack for the MCAT.
What can I already tackle in high school to boost my chances for medical school?
If you’re still in high school and dreaming of a medical career, starting early can help you get ahead. If you plan to apply to schools that require the MCAT or not, with these steps you will build a solid foundation for your future in healthcare.
Select Challenging Academic Courses
Take a rigorous course load that includes biology, mathematics, chemistry, physics, and any other related Honors, Advanced Placement (AP), or Dual Enrollment (DE) courses available to you. These subjects will be your best friends in medical school, preparing you for the science-heavy curriculum. Plus, they’ll show admissions committees that you’re ready for the academic rigors ahead.
Engage in Volunteer Work, Extracurricular Activities, and Leadership Roles
These experiences can help you develop essential skills such as communication and empathy and show your commitment to serving others. The energy and enthusiasm you put into these activities will impress admissions committees and set you apart from the crowd.
Consider Applying for BS/MD or BA/MD Programs
You’ll be able to earn both your bachelor’s and medical degrees in a condensed time frame, often guaranteeing admission to medical school after completing your undergraduate studies. These programs are competitive, but they can fast-track your journey to becoming a doctor if you’re committed to the field.
Want more advice on preparing for med school in high school? Check out my blog post, “Recommended High School Courses for Pre-Med Students,” where I share all the details on setting yourself up for success in a medical career.
Final thoughts on medical schools that don’t require the MCAT
While most medical schools in the US and Canada require MCAT scores, many schools offer different pathways. You can always retake the MCAT if you need to improve your score. Otherwise, you can choose to attend a university with a Baccalaureate-MD program or explore Early Assurance Programs (EAP). One main determining factor may be how far along you are in your educational journey.
Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to getting into medical school. It’s all about finding the path that works best for you and your goals. So, explore your options!
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