If you're looking for a list of medical schools that don't require the MCAT, you've come to the right spot. Are you feeling stressed about writing the MCAT? Did you know that on average, 24% of all test takers write the MCAT more than once, trying to improve their scores? Are you trying to figure out how to get into medical school with a low MCAT? What if there was a way to skip MCAT test prep all together? Well, you may be in luck. This blog discusses the difficulty of getting a good MCAT score and provides a list of medical schools that don't require the MCAT in the US and Canada.
As this information changes frequently, it's important that you verify with the school to which you are considering applying. Additionally, please note that this list may not be exhaustive, as new programs are frequently implemented, and existing programs are sometimes removed.
Please note: although we have made every effort to provide the most accurate information, admissions information changes frequently. Therefore, we encourage you to verify these details with the official university admissions office. You are responsible for your own results. BeMo does not endorse nor affiliate with any official universities, colleges, or test administrators and vice versa. If you see an error here, please notify us with the updated information, and we’ll send you a FREE copy of a BeMo ebook of your choosing! You can receive our Ultimate Guide to Med School Admissions, our Ultimate Guide to MMI Prep, our Ultimate Guide to Medical School Personal Statements & Secondary Essays or our Ultimate Guide to CASPer Prep! Please email us at content [at] bemoacademicconsulting.com with any corrections, and we’ll arrange to send you your free ebook upon confirming the information.
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How hard is the MCAT?
Students often underestimate the difficulty of the MCAT, if they're used to performing well on their college or university tests, they assume that naturally, they'll perform well on the MCAT. Unfortunately, the MCAT is no pop quiz and takes countless hours of review and practice in order to succeed. According to the AAMC, in the last 3-5 years, over 85% of examinees who took the MCAT completed courses in biology, biochemistry, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics prior to taking the test. In addition, nearly half of those test-takers completed a commercial, university or medical school preparation course. With that said, out of roughly 185,000 students who wrote the MCAT during this period, nearly a quarter of them decided to take the test again, likely in hopes of scoring better the second time around. So how hard is the MCAT? Very hard, but not impossible. With dedicated preparation and study, it is certainly possible to do well. If you do decide to take the MCAT, check out our blog to find out MCAT test and release dates. If you'd rather skip the MCAT, keep reading below for the list of medical schools that don't require the MCAT.
Is It Possible to Get into Medical School Without the MCAT?
While the MCAT is one of the most common medical school requirements in the US and Canada, it is possible to become a doctor without taking this test. In the US, this route is usually reserved for those who have known that they want to become a physician for a while. There are several accelerated medical school programs like BS/MD and BA/MD and early assurance programs, such as Flexmed, that forgo the MCAT. Typically, only students who are certain of their choice early on in their academic career apply to these options.
Additionally, there is one DO medical school, the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, that may forgo the submission of an MCAT score in lieu of an Academic Index Score. The latter is calculated by using your undergrad and grad GPAs along with your ACT or SAT Critical Reading and Math section scores. The catch is, of course, that you would need to have sat the SAT or ACT and have attended a graduate program.
In Canada, the situation is slightly different. There are actually medical schools in Canada that do not require the MCAT, as you will see below. And while there is an accelerated program in Canada that does not require the MCAT, QuARMS, the rest of the schools we list below are all full-fledged MD programs traditional premeds and non-traditional medical school applicants can pursue.
USA
BA/MD and BS/MD programs that don't require MCAT:
These joint programs offer the opportunity for exceptional high school students to secure a spot in medical school before even beginning undergraduate studies. Essentially, students will obtain either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and will then proceed directly into medical school to obtain a Doctor of Medicine degree (MD).
University at Albany/Upstate Medical University
Drexel University College of Medicine
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
University of Florida College of Medicine
University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
List of Early Assurance Medical School Programs (EAP's) that don't require MCAT:
Early assurance programs allow academically strong undergraduates the opportunity to apply to medical school at the end of their second or start of their third year of undergraduate study. This can act as a fast track into medical school as students can often bypass traditional requirements for admission.
Albany Medical College Early Assurance Program
Brody School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
Dartmouth University Geisel School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
Georgetown University School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Flex Med Program
Tufts University School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
University of Rochester School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
University of Toledo College of Medicine MedStart Program
CANADA
Allopathic medical schools that don't require MCAT:
Northern Ontario School of Medicine
McGill University *Baccalaureate degree must be completed within Canada
Should You Avoid Writing the MCAT?
Many students wonder whether they can skip the MCAT to get into medical school. And it’s no wonder. In addition to the challenging process of MCAT test prep, there are impressive MCAT costs to consider as well. Some students look to avoid the MCAT because they want to get into medical school without a science background. If you majored in something other than the physical sciences, the prospect of MCAT biology passages or MCAT physics equations may be intimidating.
Others may be more concerned with how long the MCAT is and how challenging it is to do well on such a massive exam. This is also understandable. The test covers a myriad of subjects and disciplines, so the preparation it takes to succeed is significant. Plus, there’s the MCAT CARS section – a section everyone dreads. So in addition to content review, you must simultaneously work on a strong MCAT CARS strategy.
But does all of this mean that you should avoid the MCAT? The answer is up to you, but consider the following:
MCAT gives you a solid foundation
If you did not major in the physical sciences, the MCAT may be the biggest reason for you to complete and do well in your medical school prerequisites. And even if you are one of those students looking to get into medical school with limited science knowledge, you cannot avoid the sciences if you decide to pursue medicine. So by skipping the MCAT, you are still not in the clear, so to speak. Needing to study and take the MCAT will give you a solid foundation for your years in medical school and beyond.
MCAT is far from being your last extensive exam if you go to medical school
Whether you pursue an MD or DO program, the MCAT is far from being the last test for you. So if you are avoiding the test because of its length, size, prep commitment, and so on, medical school might not be the best choice for you. USMLE Step 1, USMLE Step 2 and 3, as well as different shelf exams and OSCE exams are going to be your constant companions throughout medical school and beyond. And if you are planning to be a medical school student in Canada, prepare to take on the extensive MCCQE Part 1, as well as the NAC OSCE if you are an international medical graduate.
So, if you are trying to avoid the MCAT because you do not like tests, face the fact that you will be required to complete and do well on many other exams once you are in medical school. The MCAT might seem like a pop-quiz compared to licensing exams.
MCAT cost
The MCAT is not cheap. And I do not even mean the administrative fees you pay to actually take the exam. MCAT test prep is a significant expense. Whether you do the prep on your own or hire an MCAT tutor, it will cost you. If you are studying independently, even if you use the cheap or MCAT prep free resources, you will still need to access MCAT prep books, practice tests, and so on. Your expenses will increase if you are looking to work with MCAT teachers or MCAT prep courses. And while your first reaction may be to avoid this professional prep help, we want to warn you that retaking the MCAT or reapplying to medical school because of a bad MCAT score is even more expensive. So do keep this in mind when you plan your prep.
Food for thought: no matter how much money you may try to save by avoiding the MCAT or applying to medical schools that do not require CASPer, or looking for schools without secondary essays, or even applying to the cheapest medical schools out there, attending medical school will still be expensive. You just have to accept this and plan out your budget.
Check out our video for a recap:
Final Thoughts
The desire to avoid applying to a school because MCAT is a requirement is understandable. However, you also want to remember that you want to apply to and attend schools where you are the perfect candidate. The MCAT is a challenge, but if you decide to become a doctor, it’s just one of the many, many challenges that you will have to face. We encourage you to check out our list of medical schools that do not require the MCAT, but we also encourage you to choose schools where you will be a happy and successful medical school student, even if it does ask for your MCAT score.
FAQs
1. Are there medical schools that do not require the MCAT?
There are some BS/MD programs, early assurance programs, and medical schools in Canada that do not require the MCAT. If you are an American looking to apply to med school in Canada, make sure to check which Canadian medical schools accept US students.
2. Are there any US MD programs that do not require the MCAT?
Currently, there are no MD programs in the US that do not require the MCAT.
3. Should I avoid taking the MCAT?
It’s up to you, but you should consider the reasons for avoiding it. Is it the difficulty or the length? The MCAT is not going to be your last exam and your licensing exams in medical school may be even more challenging. Is it the cost? Medical school is going to be expensive no matter on how many application aspects you try to save. Is it because you are not strong in physical sciences? Science is going to be your companion in medical school, so it’s going to be hard to avoid.
Additionally, remember that you significantly limit your pool of schools to apply to if you choose to only apply to medical schools that do not require the MCAT.
4. Can I get into medical school without a science background?
It is possible. However, remember that science is a huge part of medicine, so you need to know the basics to do well in medical school.
5. How much does the MCAT cost?
The fee to take the MCAT is USD$325. This includes the fee for taking the test and for distribution of your schools to schools.
6. Can I prepare for the MCAT on my own?
You can. Every student is different. Some may require some personalized help, while others are fine studying on their own.
7. Is the MCAT required in medical schools in the UK or Australia?
Some medical schools in the UK may accept the MCAT, but generally, most UK and Australian schools require the submission of your UCAT, BMAT, and other similar scores.
8. How important is my MCAT score for admissions?
Your MCAT score is used as one of the indicators of you academic and intellectual prowess, so it is considered an important application component. However, remember that the MCAT is not everything. A high MCAT score will not compensate for poorly written application components or for a bad interview performance.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
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30 Comments
maithili rakesh mhatre
I AM PRASENTLY STUDYING BSC CARDIAC PERFUSION IN INDIA CAN I BE ELIGIBLE FO MEDICAL COLLEGES IN CANADA AFTER COMPLETEING MY UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM IN INDIA
ReplyCHERYL LYNN DAVIS
Hi, So these schools are geared towards high school students, right? If so, are there any schools that are for adults to enter? Press advise. Thank you.
ReplyAbigail
Hey there! Thanks so much for taking your time to compile all this information into one website page. I have a quick question, is there any way I could go into Medical School in the United States as an IMG (international student) without a MCAT score? I have been with the British syllabus from high school up until now in university and I feel like it would be absolutely hard for me now to try to go back and do MCAT all over again, and then following up to all the crazy USMLE exams after during the actual Medicine course, on top of normal classes. Let me know, I'm absolutely desperate at this point haha! Take care :-)
ReplySpgk
Hi, i have a degree dentistry and i practiced dentistry for 5 years. Currently im in Canada and looking forward to write mcat, do i have chance of getting admission in the universities?
ReplyFarheen Zahra
Do these schools accept students studying at an undergrad school in US but are still waiting for their green card??
ReplyAreeba
Assalam u Alaikum Me humera i completed my fsc education in Pakistan so how can i apply for MBBS without MCAT
ReplyDaniel
Hey I'm studying in Nigeria as an MBBS student, is it possible to switch at my 400l to a medical school in the us/Canada without my MCAT?
Replysana
I am currently in the 5th year of an MD program abroad can I transfer to US medical universities for the rest ( 2 last year ) of my studies??
ReplyMarirose
I graduated with a 3.9 GPA-BS degree. How do I apply to one of these schools in order to attend Med School?
ReplyMarirose
Thanks for your response but I think I should be more clear on my question. I have graduated with a BS Summa Cum Laude from the Univ of Miami. I took the MCAT once and got a 497. I didn't want to retake it so I chose to start Medical School at AUA. Is it possible for me to transfer to a US med school or do I have to start the application cycle over? My only flaw on my application was the MCAT score.
ReplyEdwin Lin
When would it be the best time to hire a medical consultant?
ReplyNUR LIYANA BINTI ZAKARIA
hello, im looking for opportunity to enrol in medical school that does not require mcat. Also any loans that i can apply to support my study.thank you.
ReplyKimberly
My daughter graduated with a Bachelors in Health Science. She graduated Cum Laude from Columbus State University in Columbus, GA. She has Aspergers and has taken the MCAT twice scoring almost the exact score. She knows facts and finds the structure of the MCAT difficult. In a perfect world, if they could sit and just ask her direct questions she would probably score amazingly. That being said, is there somewhere she could apply at this stage without a high score?
ReplyTanvi Naik
If I am an mbbs from India , am I supposed to appear for mcat to get into any of the US universities?
ReplyMeghal Raval
In the case of without MCAT hii, i am 3rd year medical student (mbbs) from gujrat ,india .And i m interested in doing my master course (pg) in canada. I have a such exam related que. exam , is there any need of ilets ?....and if yes than how many band required for admission in canada. And during master course is there any stipend or job for students .and is University give the stipend to the students ?? Please ans me as soon as possible.
ReplyOlabode
My son graduated from secondary school in Nigeria can he get medical school in Us or Canada that does not require MCAT thanks
ReplySHamim
Hi, I'm a nursing student in my final year. I really want to go to medical school but I do not have MCAT and my GPA is abundant 3.2. Is it possible for me to get accepted if I apply for Medical schools that doesn't require MCAT
Replyayan ahmed
hi, my name is ayan. i have always wanted to become a physician ever since i was 14 years-old ! i just did not know how to become one in the easiest way? removing the mcat as a requirement from some of these medical schools makes me more relaxed .
ReplyLexus Mueller
Hello! I am about to graduate from undergraduate school in May with my BS. I saw most of these BS/MD programs are for high school students, would I still be able to apply to these programs so I do not have to take my MCAT, or would I need to apply as a regular medical applicant at this point? Thanks!
ReplyMARY DANIELLE
Hello :) I am on my 4th year College of Pharmacy here in the Philippines. I plan to study Medicine abroad, would I be eligible to enter one of these schools without an MCAT score?
ReplyTarek
Hello, I am currently in my Junior year in undergrad as a biology major, I have taken majority of the science pre reqs but just do not want to go back and prepare for the MCAT is there anyway right now as a junior I can transfer and get into one of those programs?
ReplyTahani
Hello, my daughter is in her second-year of general medicine at the Beirut Arab University in Lebanon. After she finishes the third year she will sit for the IFOM exam. Can she transfer to another university in USA, Canada, or Europe based on her 3 years general medicine and IFOM exam result?
Replychelle
Hello, I plan on taking psychology at University in US. I plan on applying early to med school. Is it possible to apply to these US med schools in my third year to secure a spot?
ReplyCollet nandoa
Can I study medicine in Canada, I mean Ontario with a GPA of 3.12 in Medical Laboratory technology without MCAT?
ReplyMin
Hi! Thank you for this and for clarifying that these are not geared toward high school students, as I also thought that initially. I would like to get into a surgical program, maybe ophthalmology, but I tend to struggle on exams despite knowing material well. Do you know if any of the above schools , I than Baylor) rank higher in surgical programs than others? I have a couple of schools off my radar that I’m interested in but also am hoping to leave the northeast. Also, as a non trad student I’m hoping to find a way to not go into insurmountable debt—any tips on that? Thank you so much for all the information you have provided here! I’m new to the site :) Best
ReplyChantal Carnes
If I already have my BS, will these BS to MD programs accept my existing BS, or do I have to get a BS with them? For an academically strong candidate.
Replysafia malik
kindly let me know about mbbs programme without mcat and scholarships and fee structures
ReplyAlrin
now i am studying in 12th in bangladesh i want to go canada and complete my Undergraduate and then i want to appy for medical school but I dont want to do tha MCAT exam as its very hard and stressfull is there any chance to get into medical school after undergradute in the same country as an international student? AND how would that cost medical school without MCAT ?
ReplyCHERYL DAVIS
Hi, As I read the material, I noticed that you must be a high school student, in order to enroll in these colleges without the MCAT? Are there any options for older adults with a Master degree or a few classes shy of his or her DBA degree? Please send me whatever information one may have concerning this? Thank you so kindly.
ReplyMahesh Chandra Agrawal
Plz suggest md schools in usa and Canada which accept low mcat score like 507 with cars of 122, and rest as 128/9. FOR 2023 SESSION. Of I wish your assistance then cost for each step in detail.
Reply