Medical Schools that Accept Low MCAT Scores (30 Options)

List of Medical Schools that Accept Low MCAT Scores

The following medical schools have lower average accepted MCAT scores compared to most MD programs. These schools may be more realistic options for applicants whose MCAT scores fall below the national matriculant average, provided the rest of their application is competitive.

Not sure what your MCAT scaled score is? Check out our MCAT scaled score calculator!

What’s Considered a Low MCAT Score for Medical School?

Any MCAT score below the 50th percentile is considered low and uncompetitive, meaning an MCAT score below 502 is generally a low score at even the easiest medical schools to get into. 

Very few medical schools have average accepted MCAT scores below 503, so if your score is below 502, consider retaking the MCAT to achieve a higher score.

Otherwise, you can apply to medical schools that don’t require the MCAT. Or, you can consider DO schools, since osteopathic medical schools typically have average accepted MCAT scores between 500-510.

However, this does mean your options will be more limited when it comes to getting into medical school. And, while you can still apply to medical schools with a below average MCAT score—provided you meet the minimum required score—it does mean your chances of acceptance will be a bit lower.

What is the Lowest Score Accepted by Medical Schools?

You’ll need a minimum score in the 490-495 range to be accepted into any medical school that requires the MCAT. Anything lower than 490 is very unlikely to be acceptable.

It should be noted, though, that very few test-takers score in this range. According to the data from the most recent years of MCAT test-takers, the average MCAT score for all med school applicants is around 505-506. But the average MCAT score of all medical school matriculants is 511-512!

Whether you’ve decided to retake the MCAT or are anxious about writing it in the future, chances are you will score higher than anticipated. Especially if you prepare yourself well ahead of time.

How to Get into Medical School with a Low MCAT Score

Here are a few strategies you can use to tilt the odds of acceptance in your favor and offset a low MCAT score.

1. Apply to Osteopathic Schools or Caribbean Medical Schools

For the best chance of getting into medical school with a low MCAT score, consider applying to DO schools or Caribbean medical schools because they tend to have lower MCAT score requirements.

Keep in mind:

• DO schools look for applicants who are passionate about this field, not just seeking low MCAT acceptance, so you must demonstrate a strong interest in osteopathy

Caribbean schools may make practicing in the US or Canada require some additional steps, so be sure that you understand the potential outcomes

2. Apply to Schools that Don’t Require the MCAT

If your low MCAT is a problem, you can apply:

• Exclusively to schools that don’t require the MCAT
• To medical schools with lower average MCAT scores

Applying to these schools, though, isn’t a guarantee of admission. You’ll still need to meet all other medical school requirements and create a stellar medical school application.

3. Use Your Application Materials Strategically

You can offset a low MCAT score with a competitive GPA and an otherwise strong application. Even medical schools that accept low MCAT scores want to see that you’ve put thought, time, and consideration into your application, and getting medical school application help can make that process much easier. Make sure your:

• Personal statement
• Recommendation letters
• Extracurriculars 
• Secondary essays

are all strengths in your application.

Some schools offer applicants the opportunity to discuss difficult circumstances which affected their score, such as the AMCAS statement of disadvantage. Use every tool at your disposal to keep a too-low MCAT score from sinking your application.

4. Retake the MCAT

If you have time to retake the MCAT and you need a higher score to get into your dream program, it may be worth doing so to improve your chances and avoid medical school rejection. Be sure you know how many times you can take the MCAT and research how your target school assesses multiple MCAT scores, since this may affect your application.

One of our former students took this route, and was successful after his second attempt:

“I was aiming for over 510 [on the MCAT] but initially scored 497. After a month off, I prepped for six more months, improving to 510 nearly a year later.” – Kannan, Former BeMo Student

If you’re unsure whether a retake makes sense based on your score and timeline, the infographic below breaks down key factors to consider.

How to Improve Your MCAT Score

MCAT Strategy #1: Know What’s on the Test

Knowing what is actually on the MCAT, how it’s organized and what to expect is the first step to conquering it. Find out how long the MCAT is, what the high-yield MCAT topics are, how many questions are in each section and how much time you’ll have to write it. This is all important information that will inform your study sessions and preparation. Essentially, once you become familiar with the test, it will be much easier to start breaking it down into manageable sections.

MCAT Strategy #2: Start Preparing Early

The answer to when to start studying for the MCAT is: as early as possible. Give yourself as much time as you can to learn the ins and outs of the test’s format and content and to stockpile MCAT study resources. Starting early also means you’ll have more leeway if you decide to retake the test or if unforeseen circumstances come up.

MCAT Strategy #3: Create a Solid Study Plan

To start studying for the MCAT, we recommend trying an MCAT diagnostic test to help focus and refine your study plan. We recommend between 4-6 months of intense MCAT studying. Create a detailed study plan for every week you spend studying for the MCAT and implement proven MCAT study strategies. You may need to dedicate more time to subjects that aren’t your strong suit:

 “I focused on high-yield strategies [during my MCAT prep]. I knew that because I didn’t come from a science background, that science subjects would require my greater focus. I worked with an in-person prep company in my hometown.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, University of Maryland School of Medicine.

The AAMC website has several great practice resources for test-takers! Once you have a general application timeline and MCAT study schedule nailed down, you’ll know when you should take the MCAT, too.

MCAT Strategy #4: Seek Out Expert Help

Acing the MCAT on your own is doable, but having some experienced help in your corner is a big bonus. Take a look at an MCAT tutor or MCAT prep course as just some of the options available to your for MCAT prep help. You can certainly learn how to study for the MCAT on your own and make use of free study resources, but getting some expert MCAT prep might make the difference between a good score and a great score.

The video below walks through additional strategies for strengthening your application if your MCAT score is below average.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, your decision of whether to apply to medical schools that accept low MCAT scores shouldn’t only be based solely on the average accepted MCAT scores and requirements. This can be quite limiting, and you may end up applying to medical schools that aren’t the right fit. Don’t be afraid to explore all your options and remember that your MCAT score isn’t everything. It’s possible to get into a medical school that seems out of reach, even with a low MCAT score. Research, do your due diligence and consider getting some expert advice from a medical school admissions consultant before you start applying.

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BeMo Academic Consulting