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 the MCAT 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.
Medical Schools That Don’t Require The MCAT in 2021
How hard is the MCAT?
Students often underestimate the difficulty of the MCAT, if they are used to doing well on college or university exams they naturally assume they will do well on the MCAT.
Unfortunately, the MCAT isn’t a pop quiz and requires countless hours of review and practice.
According to the AAMC, in the past 3 to 5 years, more than 85% of candidates who have taken the MCAT have taken courses in biology, biochemistry, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics before taking the test.
In addition, almost half of these applicants have completed a preparatory course for business, university, or medical studies.
However, of the approximately 185,000 students who took the MCAT during that time, nearly a quarter chose to take the test again, possibly in hopes of getting better results the second time around. How difficult is the MCAT? Very difficult, but not impossible.
With dedication, preparation and study, it is certainly possible to do well. If you choose to take the MCAT, then you need to read this article, What Is A Good MCAT Score? |See The Breakdown On How to Get It
If you’d rather skip the MCAT, read below for a list of medical schools that don’t require the MCAT.
US Med Schools That Don’t Require the MCAT
Here is the list of US medical schools with BA/MD or BS/MD Programs that do not require the MCAT.
Adelphi University
In collaboration with the SUNY Upstate, Adelphi University offers a 4+4 Guaranteed Entrance/ Accelerated Scholars combined medical degree program with no MCAT requirement. In the program, students can choose to complete either a BSc, BA, or BFA degree at Adelphi before moving directly into a medical degree at SUNY Upstate med.
Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
The University at Albany has begun offering a program that can send high school students on a direct path to medical school.
The “Guaranteed Entrance for Select Majors”’ program permits exceptional high school students who plan on studying Spanish, Chinese, or Engineering to “apply to UAlbany for their undergraduate education and simultaneously apply for admission into Upstate Medical University’s Doctor of Allopathic Medicine (MD) program.”
The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Brown University offers the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), the only combined baccalaureate/MD program in the Ivy League. Brown’s PLME is an eight-year program that permits students to “combine both their undergraduate and medical school education at Brown.”
The program is test-optional for the SAT or ACT, with no MCAT requirement.
Case Western Reserve University
Case Western offers admission to their Pre-Professional Scholars program to a small group of no more than 20 high-school seniors each year. The eight year program consists of four years in a bachelor’s degree with a major of the applicant’s choice, and four years completing an MD.
Students in the program do not have to complete the MCAT, but must successfully maintain an academic standard to maintain their acceptance to the program.
CUNY School of Medicine
The Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program is offered by The City College Of New York’s CUNY School of Medicine, and serves to enroll high-school students with outstanding academics into an eight year BS/MD program. No MCAT is required to enter into the program.
Drexel University College of Medicine
Drexel University offers a 4+4 BA/MD or BS/MD Early Assurance program to promising high-school seniors who meet the admission requirements. Students in the program must choose to major in one of the following subjects throughout their bachelor’s degree :
- Biological Sciences
- Chemistry
- Biomedical Engineering
No MCAT is required to enter into the BA/BS+MD program at Drexel.
George Washington University
In this program, the George Washington University Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Medicine and Health Sciences join forces to present an option for a small group of motivated high-school seniors.
Unlike other programs on our list, their BA/MD program is only seven years in length. While no MCAT is required, applicants must submit an MCAT practice test score along with other necessary test scores and application materials.
Hampton University
Hampton University offers a Joint BS / MD Program in collaboration with Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) in Norfolk, Va. Like the other programs on our list, Hampton’s BS/MD program has no MCAT requirement.
Preference is given to highschool students who exhibit not only excellent academic performance, but have a variety of extracurricular leadership experience. Examples of such include “scientific research, health care experiences through local hospitals, physician’s offices, and rescue squads.”
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
The Marshall University BS/MD program allows students to achieve both a bachelor of science and an MD in an accelerated seven year program.
Applicants must declare a major in biology and achieve a high level of academic proficiency to be accepted into the program. No MCAT is required, and medical school admission is guaranteed upon being accepted into the program.
Montclair State University
Montclair State University offers their Health Careers Program in collaboration with Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School (R-NJMS). Throughout the first four years of the program, students can major in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology before matriculating into medical school for the final four years.
The program targets students who are academically capable and show an early passion for medical school but may not have the financial means to attend. Comprehensive support is given to students throughout the baccalaureate portion of their degree.
Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
The Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and Northwestern University in Evanston work together to offer the Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME). Accepted students may take the three to four year baccalaureate portion of their degree at:
- Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences
- School of Communication
- McCormick School of Engineering on the Northwestern Evanston campus
Upon successful completion, students then automatically matriculate into the Feinberg School of Medicine for their four-year MD.
Purchase College
Similarly to Adelphi University, Purchase College works in partnership with SUNY Upstate Medical University College to provide their eight-year Baccalaureate/MD program.
Students participating in the program can select to complete a BA, BFA, or BS in their first four years before automatically matriculating into medical school at SUNY. No MCAT is required for admission to the program.
Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
In the BA/MD program offered by Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, pre-medical students with excellent academics may apply for the program in their sophomore year.
Students accepted into the program pay for only three out of four years during the bachelor’s portion of the program, and pay all four years of medical school. Although applicants must have already completed four semesters of college, no MCAT is required for admission.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
The accelerated BS/MD program offered by the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute grants students both a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree within only seven years.
The medical school portion of the degree is taken at Albany Medical College (AMC), which is within close proximity to Rensselaer. This BS/MD program is specifically tailored to creating physician-scientists, and has no MCAT requirement.
Rochester Institute of Technology
The Rochester Institute of Technology offers the Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS) program, which is an eight-year combined BA/BS and MD educational track. REMS students are automatically admitted to the University’s School of Medicine and Dentistry upon successful completion of the bachelor’s portion of their degree.
Spelman University
Spelman University is unique in offering multiple options for Medical School Early Assurance and BS/MD programs through multiple partner schools. Spelman offers combined baccalaureate/MD and early assurance programs with:
- 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
- University of Pennsylvania Perelman
Spelman has many options for early admissions and works with all of the fine institutions listed above as well as several others, which can be found on their website.
University of Florida College of Medicine
The University of Florida offers an accelerated seven year BS/MD program called The Medical Honors Program (MHP), formerly known as the Junior Honors Medical Program (JHMP).
The program is available only to residents of the United States who demonstrate excellent scholastic abilities and motivation to work in the medical field. No MCAT is required to participate in this program.
University of Missouri-Kansas City
The University of Missouri in Kansas City offers a BA/MD program designed to give academically skilled high-school graduates immediate exposure to their strong medical curriculum.
Yeshiva University
The Yeshiva University Honors Programs partners with the Albert Einstein College of Medicine to offer their medical BA/MD.
Like other BA/MD programs, Yeshiva offers academically inclined high school students the opportunity to complete a bachelor’s degree and automatically matriculate into medical school. There is no MCAT requirement for the BA/MD program at Yeshiva.
Other Medical School Programs with No MCAT Requirement
As mentioned above, BS/BA and MD programs are not the only way to attend medical school without taking the MCAT. Early Admissions Programs (EAP) also typically do not require an MCAT while guaranteeing admission. Here is a list of medical schools with EAPs and similar initiatives that do not require the MCAT.
- Brody School of Medicine Early Assurance Program
- Albany Medical College 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, FlexMed Program
- Syracuse University Early Assurance Program
- University of Pittsburgh Guaranteed Admission 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
It should be noted that EAP programs are highly competitive. If you’re applying for BS/BA + MD or EAP programs for medical school and are looking for assistance, make an appointment with an experienced admissions advisor.
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
CUNY School of Medicine
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
Medical Schools That Don’t Require MCAT| Complete Guide 2022
Medical Schools That Don’t Require MCAT: Are you aware there are some medical school programs that don’t require an MCAT? I bet you don’t!!! i guess that is why you ask questions like are there any medical schools that don’t require the mcat?
Well, if you are looking for how to get into medical school with a low MCAT, there are actually some schools you can apply to; where you will be able to skip the MCAT altogether.
Do you know an average MCAT test taker sits for the test at least twice or try to improve their score more than once?
why waste precious time when you can to totally choose to go to Medical Schools that don’t require the MCAT Test.
That being said, this article will provide a list of medical schools that don’t require the MCAT in the US and Canada.
Since this information changes frequently, it is important to check with the school that you intend to apply to.
Please also note that this list may not be exhaustive as new programs are often implemented and existing programs are sometimes removed.
Nonetheless; at end of this article you will learn about these medical schools don’t require the MCAT, how you can apply for them, and the differences between each of the programs!
So without further Ado let’s dive in…
Are There Really Medical Schools That Don’t Require The MCAT?
The short answer to this question is YES! there are medical schools that don’t require the MCAT.
For most students looking to study medicine, the MCAT is an important part of getting your foot in the door. Many see it as the only in. It is this very important (and difficult) test that you spend a lot of time preparing for.
The MCAT, also known as the Medical College Admission Test, has been around for a long time in one form or another. Although it changed its format in 2015, the MCAT has been part of the medical school application process since 1928!
For over 90 years, the MCAT has always been a great qualification factor for medical schools. That’s not the only thing admissions authorities consider when reviewing a prospective student’s credentials.
But it plays an important role in the school’s decision, as it is supposed to show a candidate’s competence in important subjects.
But despite its importance, there are ways to get a medical degree without passing the MCAT!
It may come as a surprise, but some schools have unique programs that do not require MCAT scores. These programs offer the same prestigious level of education and are practically identical to the standard programs.
In fact, you will likely study alongside fellow students who had to take the MCAT!
The difference initially depends on how you start studying medicine. Specialized programs allow you to bypass the traditional application process. So you don’t need to pass the MCAT!
#1. BA/MD & BS/MD Programs
One of the most common options for medical students to get admitted into the medical schools without writing the MCAT test is applying for a combined BS / MD or BA / MD program.
Traditionally, prospective medical students attend a four-year standard university to earn their Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts.
During this time, you can take a pre-medical course to better prepare for medical school. At the very least, students will take relevant courses related to the medical sciences.
After earning a bachelor’s degree, most students will take the MCAT and apply to medical school.
But what if you could just cut this process and finish your entire educational career at the same institute?
Combining a BA / MD or BS / MD is exactly possible. As you may have guessed, these programs are simply longer programs that work towards getting your bachelor’s and medical degrees from a school.
This process lasts roughly four to seven years in total. Some can last eight years even!
How Does The Combined BA/MD & BS/MD Programs work?
Either way, if you’re first accepted, you’re not technically a medical student. In the first three to four years of your training, the focus is on undergraduate studies. This includes your requirements in the liberal arts and foundation courses that prepare you for the MD part of the program.
But once you meet these study requirements, you will automatically enroll and move on to traditional medicine.
The biggest benefit of a combined BA / MD and BS / MD program is a focused program. The programs have a very clear and focused track that covers a wide range of topics that will be of use to you.
Generally, combination programs are developed by employees who also work on the MD program. Hence, the recommended courses are all that can better prepare you for the MD part.
The reason these programs don’t require MCAT scores is that they accept students straight out of high school! Students enroll in the middle of the program without having to reapply. Why should you take the MCAT if you are already in?
Is the combined BA/MD or BS/MD Tough?
Honestly; getting into a combined BA/MD or BS/MD can be tough. Medical schools want to admit the best students, so you need to show schools that you are here for the long term!
Admission requirements vary from school to school. Most require you to be in the top percentile of your class, while others just need a strong GPA score (you cannot participate with a low score). These GPA requirements can reach 4.0 on a weighted scale!
Admission juries will of course also deal with other matters. This includes everything from work experience to extracurricular activities. You need to have a strong application to be competitive for these programs.
So be ready to work hard throughout your high school year if you want a shot at the combined BA/MD or BS/MD program.
Available BA/MD & BS/MD Programs To Consider
Here is a list of Available BA/MD & BS/MD Programs To Consider. This list of medical schools offers a variety of medical program combinations that don’t require the MCAT.
- 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
Another method to get into Medical Schools That Don’t Require MCAT is through what is called Flexible Admissions Programs.
Flexible admissions programs are offered by a handful of medical schools that do not require an MCAT. These programs work a little differently than combined degrees.
You apply to them at an early stage in your bachelor’s degree. In most cases, second or first year students apply for it. After admission, you will automatically enroll after receiving your bachelor’s degree.
So what’s the benefit of a flexible admissions program?
Well, you don’t have to worry so much to get your prior knowledge. You already know that you will go in for your medical school immediately after your undergrad. studies. That means you can focus on extracurricular courses or other courses that are not focused on medical science.
Just like combined courses, these are difficult to get into. High cumulative averages and many completed prerequisites are essential.
Students who earn college credits during their high school years often have the best chance of going this route.
This allows them to take core courses in the first and second years before applying for 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
This is another way to get admitted into a medical school without MCAT.
The Early Assurance Programs otherwise called EAP for short is much like the Flexible Admissions Programs. They work practically the same!
The students are to apply at the end of their second year of bachelor’s studies for the EAP. Students can also apply at the beginning 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.
Early Assurance Medical school programs are often limited to students from a four-year specific university. This is not always the case, but you need to make sure you want to apply.
How flexible approval programs are pre-insurance programs very competitive. Approval fields will take a more holistic approach to the assumption of students. Thus, there is no MCAT request.
However, you need a high GPA, good extracurricular experience, and some of these ordinary organic classes.
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 health programs. This type of program is currently only available in a school, the University of Florida. Called the University of Florida Junior Honors Program. This path to medical schools do not require MCAT scores.
However, it should be emphasized that this program is very competitive. It is like a combined BS / MD program. This means that students accepted directly from high school and complete all their requirements before they are registered.
The minimum GPPA required to enter this program is 3.7 in mathematical and science. Admission board pay particular attention to medical experience. This experience could be a research or a volunteer work you have been taken in the past.
Medical Schools in Canada That Don’t Require MCAT.
Just like mentioned above, in canada ther are some medical schools that do not require MCAT. Thus; here are Allopathic medical schools that don’t require MCAT:
- University of Ottawa
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine
- McGill University *Baccalaureate degree must be completed within Canada
- Université Laval
- the Université de Montréal
- Université de Sherbrooke
CONCLUSION:
As you see, there are many medical schools that do not need MCAT. As long as they work hard and they are accepted by one of the above programs, they do not have to make this annoying test.
Depending on your situation, some programs could be a better option than others. Look at every one who looks interesting and see what is the best for you!
We strongly recommend that you do everything to make your application as attractive as possible. If you are interested in getting help and maximizing your chances, we want to talk to you!