BS/MD Programs That Don’t Require The MCAT

MCAT: The mere mention of that acronym induces stress for many students considering medical school. It’s a draining exam, over six hours long, taken by more than 85,000 students a year, that requires intense preparation. 

The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is a multiple-choice computer-based standardized exam required for admission to medical schools in the U.S. and Canada. It is developed and administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to provide med schools with standard measures for comparing applicants’ qualifications and preparedness for obtaining a Doctorate in Medicine. 

Medical school admissions committees look at MCAT scores, along with an applicant’s academic record and supporting materials, to determine the student’s ability to complete the program and enter the healthcare field as a physician. But there are opportunities to gain acceptance to med school without taking the MCAT, including enrolling in a BS/MD or direct medical program.

BS/MD Programs

BS/MD programs allow for a smooth shift from undergraduate learning directly into medical school. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) and then move directly into a medical program for a Doctor of Medicine (MD). 

Each BS/MD program will vary in length. Hofstra University and Baylor University follow the traditional timeline: four years in undergraduate then four years in medical school. However, some BS/MD programs, like those at The College of New Jersey and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, offer a seven-year program. MORE FOR YOUThe 20 Best Places For Americans To Live, Invest, Work In EuropeBS/MD Admission Insights From The 2020-2021 CycleA Guide For Pursuing Independent Scientific Research Opportunities In High School

For students who want a faster path to medicine, programs like the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s BA/MD Program and Howard University’s B.S./M.D Dual Degree Program allow students to earn their BA and MD in just six years. This type of accelerated program means a more intense learning journey: Students likely will have to attend summer school to complete all the necessary undergraduate requirements before matriculating into medical school. 

The Covid-19 Impact On Medical School Admissions

As Covid-19 continues to wreak havoc on the medical system and society in general, the MCAT and medical school admissions are in flux. Like the ACT and SAT, the AAMC has suffered delays and cancellations in administering the MCAT at its testing centers. There are still concerns around adequate safety precautions while students take the MCAT. Top

Is Covid-19 a back-door way to gain admittance to medical school without taking the MCAT? Not exactly. This cycle, a few prominent universities did change their policies regarding the MCAT. For example, for the 2021 application cycle, Stanford Medical School applicants who were unable to take the test could still apply, and that “the MCAT will not be part of the screening and initial review process for interview decisions.” However, students who took the MCAT still had to submit the score as part of their application. 

Whether these test-optional policies for the MCAT will continue for the 2022 application cycle has not yet been announced. 

Some of the medical schools that didn’t require the MCAT for this past cycle include: 

• Stanford University School of Medicine
• University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
• University of Minnesota Medical School
• University of Washington School of Medicine

Ironically, there’s actually been an increase in medical school applications during the 2020-21 admissions cycle. According to AAMC, applications to the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) were up more than 15% from the previous cycle. The reasons for this trend are varied and include undergraduate students with more time to consider and attempt medical school applications to the so-called “Fauci effect,” where students have been inspired to consider a medical career by the nation’s most visible physician. As acceptance rates into medical school plummet, high school students might be even more inclined to secure an early spot at a med school. Therefore, taking advantage of direct medical programs, which allow students to bypass the expensive and lengthy medical school application process, might become an even more attractive option. 

BS/MD Programs And The MCAT Requirement

BS/MD programs guarantee undergraduate enrollees admission to medical school after completing certain criteria. High school students apply when they are in the 12th grade, which means they can fill out one application for their undergraduate degrees and medical school combined. Essentially, a high school student is being conditionally accepted into medical school while still in high school.

While some BS/MD programs waive the MCAT requirement altogether, others require that students achieve a minimum score on the MCAT. Luckily, this requirement is often less than the average score for students who matriculate into medical school.

There are also a handful of BS/MD programs that require the MCAT but have no minimum score. This allows for flexibility on the part of the school, but also the student. Instead of spending months preparing for the MCAT in order to secure a top percentile score, students can instead focus on extracurricular activities like volunteering at hospitals, research or physician shadowing. 

BS/MD Programs That Do Not Require The MCAT 

• Adelphi University
• Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
• Brown University
• Case Western Reserve University
• George Washington University
• Hampton University
• Marshall University
• Montclair State University
• Northwestern University
• Purchase College
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
• Rochester Institute of Technology
• Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program
• Spelman University
• SUNY Polytechnic Institute
• Syracuse University
• University at Albany
• University of Missouri-Kansas City
• University of Pittsburgh
• University of Rochester
• University of Toledo
• Yeshiva University

BS/MD – A Direct Pathway To Becoming A Physician 

The reasons are obvious why a student would prefer to skip the MCAT. For a student that is certain medicine is their chosen career path, BS/MD programs are a fast track way to avoid the MCAT and still get on the pathway to become a physician

Medical Schools That Don’t Require The MCAT (Full List)

A lot of students don’t realize that there are plenty of medical schools that don’t require the MCAT. As long as you get into certain programs, you can skip the test entirely!

So if you’re looking to take a different path and steer clear of the MCAT entirely, these medical schools are your best bet.

Since students don’t know much about these medical schools (and the specific programs they offer), we thought it made sense to put together this handy resource.

It will teach you what medical schools don’t require the MCAT, how you can apply, and the differences between each of the programs!

Are There Really Medical Schools That Don’t Require The MCAT?

For most students looking to study medicine, the MCAT is a big part of getting their foot in the door. Many see it as a right of passage! It’s that all-important (and hard) test that you spend a long time preparing for.

The MCAT, also known as the Medical College Admission Test, has been around in some form for a long time. While it recently changed formats in 2015, the MCAT has been a part of the medical school application process since 1928!

For more than 90 years, the MCAT has always been a big qualifier for medical schools. It’s not the only thing that admissions panels consider when going over a prospective student’s credentials. But, it plays a bit factor in the school’s decision because it’s meant to show an applicant’s proficiency in important topics.

But despite its importance, there are ways to get into medical school without taking the MCAT at all!

It may come as a surprise, but some schools have unique programs that don’t require MCAT scores to get in. These programs offer the same level of education in prestige and they’re virtually identical to standard programs

In fact, you’ll likely be studying alongside medical student peers who did have to take the MCAT!

The difference comes down to how you get into medical school in the first place. Specialty programs allow you to bypass the traditional application process. Thus, you get to skip taking the MCAT!

Make no mistake: these programs are not a walk in the park to get into. Some would argue that they are more difficult to get into than the traditional four-year MD program!

However, if you’re committed to getting that education and know that being a physician is in your future, these programs are a great way to bypass MCAT and get that acceptance early on.

1. BA/MD & BS/MD Programs

One of the most common ways medical students get in without taking the MCAT is through a combined BS/MD or BA/MD program.

Traditionally, future medical students go to a standard four-year university to obtain their Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts degree.

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During this time, you might complete a pre-med track to better prepare you for medical school. At the very least, students will take pertinent courses related to medical sciences.

It’s after graduating with an undergraduate degree that most students will take the MCAT and apply to medical school.

But what if you could just bypass that process altogether and complete your entire educational career at one institute?

With a combined BA/MD or BS/MD, you can do just that. As you might have guessed, these programs are simply lengthier programs where you work towards your undergraduate degree and medical degree at one school.

Most of these last four seven years in total. Some may last for eight years!

Whatever the case may be, you’re technically not a medical school student when you first get accepted. The first three or four years of your education are going to focus on undergraduate studies. This includes your liberal arts requirements and core classes that will prepare you for the MD portion of the program.

But once you complete those undergraduate requirements, you’ll automatically matriculate and shift towards the traditional medical school curriculum.

The biggest benefit that a combined BA/MD and BS/MD program offers is a focused curriculum. The programs have a very clear and focused track that covers a wide range of topics that will benefit you.

Generally, the combined programs are developed by staff who work on the MD program as well. As a result, the recommended classes are all ones that can better prepare you for the MD portion.

The reason these programs don’t require MCAT scores is that they accept students straight out of high school! Students matriculate in the middle of the program with no need to reapply. So, why would they take the MCAT?

Now, getting into a combined BA/MD or BS/MD can be tough. Medical schools want to accept the brightest students possible, so you have to show schools that you’re in it for the long haul!

The admissions requirements vary from school to school. Most require you to in the upper percentile of your graduation class while others simply need a solid GPA score (you can’t get in with a low one). Those GPA requirements can be as high as 4.0 on a weighted scale!

Of course, admissions panels will look at other things as well. This includes everything from job experience to extracurriculars. You have to have a solid application to be competitive for these programs.

So, be prepared to work hard throughout your high school career if you want to take a stab at a combined BA/MD or BS/MD program!

Available BA/MD & BS/MD Programs To Consider

Here is a list of medical schools that don’t require the MCAT as long as you make it into their BA/MB or MS/MD program. As you can see, it’s quite long!

• University of Alabama School of Medicine
• University of South Alabama
• California Northstate College of Medicine
• University of Colorado School of Medicine
• University of Connecticut School of Medicine
• Howard University
• George Washington University
• Florida Atlantic University
• University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
• University of Miami
• Northeastern University
• University of Illinois Chicago
• Indiana University School of Medicine
• Meharry Medical College
• Boston University School of Medicine
• St. Louis University School of Medicine
• University of Missouri Kansas City
• Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine
• University of Reno
• St. George’s University
• Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
• Caldwell University/St. George’s University
• University of New Mexico
• SUNY Downstate Medical
• SUNY Upstate Medical University
• Hofstra University/LIJ School of Medicine
• Albany Medical College
• CUNY School of Medicine
• Stony Brook University School of Medicine
• University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
• Case Western Reserve School of Medicine
• Northeastern Ohio Medical University
• University of Cincinnati School of Medicine
• Drexel University College of Medicine
• Jefferson Medical College
• Temple University of Medicine
• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
• The Commonwealth Medical College
• Penn State College of Medicine
• Brown Alpert Medical School
• Baylor College of Medicine
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
• Texas University Medical Branch
• Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
• Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
• Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
• A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
• New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

2. Flexible Admissions Programs

Flexible Admissions Programs are offered by a handful of medical schools that don’t require the MCAT. These programs work a bit differently than combined degree programs.

You apply to them early on in your undergraduate career. Most often, students will apply for these during their sophomore or junior year. Once accepted, you automatically matriculate after completing your undergraduate degree.

So what’s the benefit of a Flexible Admissions Program?

Well, you don’t have to worry so much about getting your prerequisite courses in. You already know that you’re moving on to medical school after graduation. This means you can focus on extracurriculars or other courses that aren’t centered around medical science.

Like combined degree programs, these are tough to get in. High GPAs and plenty of completed prerequisites are a must.

Oftentimes, students who complete some college credits during their high school years have the best chance of going this route. That way, they can do core classes during their freshman and sophomore years before applying to a Flexible Admissions Program.

Available Flexible Admissions Programs

• University of Toledo Medstart Program
• ICahn School of Medicine Flex Med Program at Mt. Sinai

3. Early Assurance Medical School Programs

Early Assurance Medical school programs (also known as EAPs) are very similar to Flexible Admissions Programs. They operate virtually the same way!

Students apply to an EAP at the end of their second year of undergraduate studies. Students can also apply at the start of their third year.

If accepted, students get on a fast-track to medical school and automatically matriculate after graduation. Because successful applicants are still at undergraduate school, they can focus on non-medical interests while still maintaining the track established for the EAP.

EAPs are often limited to students at a specific four-year University. This isn’t always the case, but you should make sure before attempting to apply.

Like Flexible Admissions Programs, Early Assurance Programs are highly competitive. Admissions panels will take on a more holistic approach to accepting students. Thus, there are no MCAT requirements.

However, you will need a high GPA, good extracurriculars, experience, and have some of those core biology classes taken care of.

Available Early Assurance Programs

• SUNY Upstate EAP
• SUNY Buffalo EAP
• Wake Forest EAP
• Georgetown EAP
• Tufts Medical School
• Maine Track at Tufts Medical School EAP
• Drexel College of Medicine EAP
• University of Rochester
• Albany Medical College EAP
• Brody School of Medicine
• Loyola Stritch School of Medicine EAP
• Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program
• Boonshoft School of Medicine
• Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine EAP
• Penn State College of Medicine EAP

4. Medical Honors Programs

Finally, we have Medical Honors Programs. This type of program is currently only available at one school, The University of Florida. Called the University of Florida Junior Honors Program, this route doesn’t require MCAT scores.

But it’s worth pointing out that this program is very competitive. It’s like a combined BS/MD program. This means students are accepted straight out of high school and complete all of their prerequisites before matriculating