collageFor students looking to get into medical school, the MCAT is one of the most important factors; but how can you know how to go about getting a good score? I’ve narrowed down the list of the top Md schools that accept low MCAT scores to save you some of your valuable time. You are likely competing against other high achievers, so don’t squander your limited time on activities that won’t help you get into medical school.
You can have trouble finding the proper information online, so we’ve provided the greatest and most recent information on md schools with low mcat reddit and md schools with low mcat. Learn more by reading on. We at collegelearners have all the details you require regarding the md schools with low mcat scores. Learn more by reading on.
Do MD Schools Accept Low MCAT
To most students’ surprise, the difference between getting accepted and rejected can fall to single digits.
Note that a low MCAT score does not get you into your dream medical program. All med schools have their own qualifications or requirements, and having a highly competitive score means that your results meet their standards.
The score range of the MCAT goes from 472 to 528. It is the combined score of 4 distinct sections.
These sections have scores ranging from 118 on the low side to 132 on the higher side. The average score you need to put yourself in the 50th percentile is 500, or 125 on each section – but even then, that score can be pretty low.
While 510 is generally a good score, your acceptance and admission to a particular med school would highly depend on other prospective students’ scores and attributes. It is on the cusp of being a good score. But if you’re aiming for a more competitive school or program, you will need a higher score.
Bonus: Want to learn how I got a 3.9 GPA in med school using a simple-to-follow study strategy? Get access to my exact study method from med school for free here.
Usually, any score less than 507 is considered too ‘low’ for MD programs. While the 3-point difference seems incredibly minor, it’s huge in the admission boards’ eyes. Some schools might not even review your application if you scored lower.
Students with a 506 score or below are less likely to be accepted. Those who scored around 501 should consider retaking the exam for better chances.
Though your MCAT score is essential, it does not entirely guarantee your chances of getting accepted. While having a 507 or less score does not guarantee your acceptance, neither does a score of 509.
Simply put, regardless of how high your MCAT score is, it does not technically guarantee you a spot at your med school of choice.
Your MCAT is a crucial application component but does not technically predetermine your chances. It is why getting into med school, even with a low MCAT score, is possible as long as you apply strategically.
Best Medical Schools With Low MCAT Requirements
For sure, by now, you are already aware that the medical school admission process is highly intense and stressful. As you prepare your application, you may be disappointed to discover that you acquired a low MCAT score.
What should you do if your score isn’t up to the mark required for the medical program you are gunning for? Your best bet is finding a medical school with low MCAT score requirements.
The median MCAT scores at top-league universities, like Stanford, Harvard, and Johns Hopkins, are all incredibly high. While it is true that the MCAT score is not the only deciding factor in getting into med school, it might be best to keep your options open when deciding on schools to apply to.
Bonus: Want better grades with more free time (and less stress)? Get access to our free 3-step study system here to see what other top students do that you may not be doing!
Here is a list of the best medical schools with low MCAT requirements (along with their average MCAT score) you can apply for:
University of Washington (509)
University of Missouri (508)
Wayne State University (509)
Augusta University (511)
University of Arizona – Tucson (507)
Medical University of South Carolina (510)
University at Massachusetts (509)
University of Nevada (508)
University of North Dakota (505)
University of Mississippi Medical Center (504)
University of Tennessee Health Science Center (510)
University of South Dakota (509)
University of New Mexico (506)
University of SUNY (Jacobs) (510)
Florida State University (505)
MD schools with low mCAT reddit
So currently I am having a huge dilemma where I had a pretty competitive school list however due to my MCAT score I definitely need to adjust the list and really need help with making my school list. (My application Just got verified). I was scoring 512/513 on practice tests however found out right before that my house is being repossessed by the bank and my family and I need to find somewhere new to live quickly(I am going to make sure to note this in applications). I took a late june mcat so that’s why my application is a little late. Also I am applying to public health programs focusing on health disparities and there are not alot of MD/PhD programs in those area (only around 20-30).
Here are my stats:
GPA
URM/ 1 st generation American/ worked full time my senior year and grad school.
Undergrad major: Philosophy
Cgpa: 3.65 sgpa: 3.45 (last two years of undergrad were 3.8+gpa + majority honors and grad classes)
Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology from a T15 school
Cgpa/Sgpa: 4.0
Research
2450 hours of research across 5 different research experiences. 2 of which I was the PI/first author.
SURP program at a T15 med school summer after my freshmen year
Publications: 1 first author publication. 1 submitted 5th author publication at top journal. 2 first author pubs in progress.
Presentations: 6 first author poster presentation(majority at scientific conferences); 2 oral presentations
Scholarships: 10 scholarships award; majority from my time in grad school recognizing my public health research
Community Service and Leadership
I was very involved in the community both around my school and in west Africa. I had 7 entries (4,380 hours) detailing my expereinces working with NGOS both domestically and abroad where I have helped to design and build health and education programs etc. Want to remain anon so can’t go into too much details about these.
I am currently spending my gap year working with the army to implement HIV prevention programs across Africa.
LOR
Majority of my LOR are coming from directors and associate professors at the school of medicine and school of public health at my school who I have very good relationships with. They all are pushing me to aim high however I am now very discouraged due to my MCAT score. I am applying to both md and md/phd programs to be safe.
Here is my school list for md/phd programs. Also I am a PA resident.
Emory
Chicago
Illinois
John Hopkins
Harvard
Michigan
Minnesota
Columbia
Upenn
Pitt
Vanderbilt
Morehouse
Maryland
Drexel
Ohio State
School list for regular MD programs:
Howard
Loyola Chicago
Temple
Geisinger
Meharry
MD schools with low mCAT
The table below outlines the best medical schools with low MCAT scores that fall among US News’ top 100 medical institutions. “Low” is an extremely relative term here—we’ve included schools where the MCAT median is 512 and below. By no means is 512 a low MCAT score, but the process for medical school admissions is so competitive that it has become a comparatively low score, considering the average MCAT score of all medical school matriculants in 2019-2020 was 511.5.
| Rank | School | MCAT Median |
|---|---|---|
| 13 | University of Washington | 509 |
| 23 | University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill | 512 |
| 27 | University of Wisconsin – Madison | 512 |
| 29 | Oregon Health and Science University | 510 |
| 30 | University of Alabama – Birmingham | 508 |
| 38 | University of Iowa (Carver) | 512 |
| 38 | University of Utah | 512 |
| 43 | University of Minnesota | 510 |
| 48 | Georgetown University | 511 |
| 48 | Indiana University – Indianapolis | 510 |
| 50 | Wake Forest University | 512 |
| 52 | University of Connecticut | 512 |
| 52 | University of Texas Health Science Center (McGovern) | 511 |
| 60 | Medical College of Wisconsin | 509 |
| 60 | Medical University of South Carolina | 510 |
| 60 | Temple University (Katz) | 512 |
| 65 | University of Arizona – Tucson | 507 |
| 65 | University of Nebraska Medical Center | 510 |
| 67 | University of Kansas Medical Center | 509 |
| 67 | University of Vermont | 510 |
| 67 | Virginia Commonwealth University | 512 |
| 70 | Rush University | 510 |
| 70 | University of Texas Medical Branch – Galveston | 508 |
| 72 | University of Kentucky | 506 |
| 75 | Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School–New Brunswick | 512 |
| 75 | University of SUNY (Jacobs) | 510 |
| 78 | University of New Mexico | 506 |
| 78 | University of Oklahoma | 508 |
| 78 | University of Tennessee Health Science Center | 510 |
| 78 | Wayne State University | 509 |
| 82 | University of Missouri | 508 |
| 83 | Texas A&M Health Science Center | 509 |
| 84 | Augusta University | 511 |
| 84 | Drexel University | 511 |
| 84 | University of South Dakota (Sanford) | 509 |
| 84 | West Virginia University | 508 |
| 88 | University of Central Florida | 512 |
| 89 | University of California – Riverside | 509 |
| 90 | Eastern Virginia Medical School | 507 |
| 90 | Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center | 506 |
| 90 | University of South Carolina | 506 |
| 94 | East Carolina University (Broady) | 507 |
| 95 | East Tennessee State University (Quillen) | 507 |
| 96 | Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine | 500 |
| 97 | Florida Atlantic University (Schmidt) | 512 |
| 98 | Florida State University | 505 |
| 99 | Howard University | 503 |
| 100 | Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine | 503 |
What to Do If Your MCAT Score is Low
- Retake the MCAT: The most obvious solution is to try again. If you took the MCAT early enough, chances are there is still time for you to increase your score by studying hard, reviewing problem areas, and preparing to retake the test. Make sure you’ve understood the test, made a daily and weekly schedule for studying, and reviewed everything you’ve studied. Finally, choose the test date that is ideal for you so that you can give it your best effort.
- Boost your GPA: If your MCAT score isn’t on par with the schools’ medians, aim to bring a high GPA to the medical school admissions game. Even if you’re applying to one of the best medical schools with low MCAT scores, a strong GPA helps. Whereas your MCAT result is the product of one day’s performance, you’ve worked hard to build up your GPA and it shows a sustained effort in terms of academics. On another note, even if your undergraduate GPA isn’t the best, you can take the time to pursue post-baccalaureate classes in order to strengthen your GPA so that your transcript impresses the medical school admissions committee.
- Strengthen your extracurricular experiences: Medical schools want to see students pursue clinical opportunities as part of their preparation for applications. Take initiatives around clinical experiences, volunteer work, research, or shadowing. There are plenty of chances out there to work with patients, such as becoming an EMT, medical scribe, or a clinical research assistant. The latter is an effective way to get research experience in a way that still allows for patient work. Patient interaction will make you more comfortable with the communication skills you need as a doctor. You can also seek out volunteering initiatives at hospitals. See if there are any blood drives, fundraisers, or even opportunities to assist nurses and physicians during medical emergencies. Reach out to local doctors and see if they would allow you to shadow them for a significant period of time. Shadowing can help you understand the schedule of a doctor better, and also give you time to talk to them about their work and medical school experience.
- Write a wonderful personal statement: Another place which allows your personality and goals to shine is the personal statement. Your medical school personal statement is your chance to tell your unique story to the admissions committee and provide them with context on why you want to pursue medicine. Writing a stellar essay that makes a highly compelling argument of why you’re a strong fit for both medicine and the specific program can sometimes take the attention off your MCAT score and bring to light your dedication to the profession.
- Look beyond just MD schools: It can be tempting to only apply to Ivy Leagues or the best ten medical schools in the country. However, if you have a low MCAT score, it’s also wise to be cautious and keep your options open. Consider keeping a few DO or Caribbean medical schools on your list. DO, or osteopathic medical schools, cover more of the holistic care of the body, looking at the patient as an individual rather than their organs. If your MCAT score is in the lower 500s, DO schools might be a good option for you. Caribbean medical schools, which are medical programs in the Caribbean, tend to be less selective than schools in the United States. If your score is in the high 400s and you don’t want to retake the MCAT or reapply in the next cycle, consider putting Caribbean schools on your list. Although acceptance rates at all medical schools are low—and there really is no safety—applying to medical schools where your MCAT lines up with the program median might help increase your chances.
- Explain any extenuating circumstances: Finally, if your MCAT score was affected by illness, the death of a loved one, or a change in your studying environment due to COVID-19 ,make sure you let medical schools know. You can do this through your AMCAS application or secondary essay prompts which specifically ask you to outline if there is additional information you want to share. This will help admissions committee members understand your circumstances better and evaluate your applications accordingly.
Medical Schools That Accept Low GPA and MCAT
Applying to a medical school program might seem intimidating at first. However, there are several programs across the country that accept low undergraduate grade point averages (GPAs). Learn more about these programs’ common courses and additional admittance requirements.
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine provides students with access to virtual labs and a state-of-the-art Smart Hospital complex to prepare future physicians for all types of patient care. Students need a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 to be admitted to the school’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
University of Missouri – Columbia
The University of Missouri’s School of Medicine provides a patient-based curriculum for its medical students. With a state-of-the-art simulation center, students have access to hands-on learning programs on how to improve patient care. Students may earn their MD degree and various Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees or combine medicine and basic sciences in an MD/PhD program. Students need a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 to gain admission to the school’s MD or MD/PhD programs.
University of Missouri – Kansas City
Students at the University of Missouri – Kansas City’s School of Medicine have access to clinical and research training. MD students interact with patients as a member of a docent team, in which they gain clinical experience at the school’s partner hospitals and simulation centers. To gain admission, students must have earned a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 during their bachelor’s degree program.
University of New Mexico
At the University of New Mexico’s School of Medicine, MD students benefit from community-based learning and early clinical skills training designed to improve their problem-solving skills. Entering students must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University’s Medical School prepares students to provide adaptive and ethical medical care in patient and family-centered settings. Students earn their MD degree while collaborating with other medical professionals through clinical experiences. The school looks for applicants with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
University of Arizona
The University of Arizona’s College of Medicine prepares MD students to improve patient care by providing them with problem-solving strategies, research skills, and the ability to participate in professional discourse. Students should gain new perspectives of the health care industry. The school requires applicants to have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
University of Utah
At the University of Utah’s School of Medicine, students in the MD program have access to a curriculum that emphasizes community-based health care, doctor-patient relationships, and evidence-based learning. Entering students must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
Howard University
Howard University’s College of Medicine prepares future physicians and health care professionals to serve patients from all population groups. The program focuses on teaching students to address health care disparities in underserved communities. Students can earn their MD degree. Students need a minimum science GPA of 3.0.
University of Oklahoma – Health Sciences Center
The University of Oklahoma – Health Sciences Center’s College of Medicine has a state-of-the-art simulation center, which provides students with the technology and experience needed to prepare for their medical careers. Students interested in earning their MD degrees should have a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be admitted.
University of South Dakota
The University of South Dakota’s School of Medicine provides medical students with hands-on clinical training that can include a rural medicine focus. Students can earn an MD degree, a PhD in Basic Biomedical Sciences, or a combined MD/PhD in the physician scientist program. Applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.1.
| SCHOOL NAME | PROGRAMS OFFERED | MINIMUM GPA | GRADUATE TUITION (2019-2020)* |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Doctor of Medicine (MD) | 3.0 | $5,959 in-state; $13,555 out-of-state |
| University of Missouri – Columbia | MD; MD/PhD | 3.0 | $9,264 in-state; $25,363 out-of-state |
| University of Missouri – Kansas City | MD | 3.0 | $9,542 in-state; $24,636 out-of-state |
| University of New Mexico | MD | 3.0 | $5,156 in-state; $17,407 out-of-state |
| Rutgers University | MD | 3.0 | $17,736 in-state; $30,144 out-of-state |
| University of Arizona | MD | 3.0 | $11,938 in-state; $32,065 out-of-state |
| University of Utah | MD | 3.0 | $7,211 in-state; $25,455 out-of-state |
| Howard University | MD | 3.0 | $31,309 |
| University of Oklahoma – Health Sciences Center | MD | 3.0 | $5,119 in-state; $19,778 out-of-state |
| University of South Dakota | MD; Ph.D. in Basic Biomedical Sciences; MD/Ph.D. | 3.1 | $6,062 in-state; $11,656 out-of-state |
Degree Information for Doctor of Medicine Programs
Doctor of Medicine programs are best suited for students who wish to become physicians. The programs require extensive research, patient-based training, and clinical experience. Students can expect to take a variety of courses during their first year, including introduction to patient care, structure and function of medicine, and cardiovascular systems classes.
Introduction to Patient Care
An introduction to patient care course typically introduces students to the clinical skills necessary for their future careers as medical professionals. It focuses on physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and patient communication. Students could learn in small groups while participating in lectures and laboratories.
Structure and Function
A course on the structure and function of medicine typically allows students to learn the musculoskeletal and peripheral nervous systems of the human body. Students use their anatomy training to communicate with their peers. This course will most likely introduce students to future discussions of other body systems.
Cardiovascular System
A course on the cardiovascular system typically reviews the medical sciences related to cardiology and serves as an introduction to the cardiovascular system. Students should learn more about the heart and vascular systems as well as related diagnostic procedures. The course correlates with other medical courses, including biomedical sciences, structure-function courses, anatomy, and more.
Admittance Requirements for Doctor of Medicine Programs
All medical students should complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Each program varies on its individual admission requirements, but prospective students should have completed prerequisite courses during their undergraduate education. These courses include biology, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. In addition, applicants should submit letters of recommendation and have volunteer clinical experience at hospitals or medical clinics.
Many medical schools accept applicants with fairly low grade point averages (GPAs), provided students can prove their ability to do well in biomedical sciences coursework. These programs are located across the United States and have curricula that require students to complete clinical practices and extensive research.
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