Medical Schools That Don’t Require MCAT
Are you tired of studying for the MCAT exam? If you're looking for no-MCAT med schools, you've come to the right place! Stay tuned to learn about med schools that don't require MCAT and the ways you can enroll into one.
There are people who have attempted the MCAT test more than once without success. Even when they've tried to improve their scores, they still have no luck. And that's no surprise, considering how hard the MCAT is.
The MCAT is a computer-based exam required for admission to any of the medical schools in the USA, Australia, and Canada. It's existed for the past 90 years. Every year, more than 85,000 prospective medical students take the test.
The test's breadth, depth, length, and complexity all make it difficult to score high. In fact, a near perfect score is as likely as winning the lottery!
What if you had the option to skip the entrance exam and still achieve admission to medical school? Are no MCAT med schools just a dream? Luckily, there indeed are med schools that don't require the MCAT.
List of Medical Schools That Don't Require MCAT
There are plenty of medical schools that don't make taking the MCAT a requirement for admission. Here's a comprehensive list of schools available for BA/MD & BS/MD Programs without requiring the MCAT.
- St. George’s University (COVID-19 relief measure)
- University of New Mexico (Joint BA/MD)
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine (Early Medical School Acceptance Program)
- CUNY School of Medicine
Although these schools don't require the MCAT, admission into any of these schools is no walk in the park. You will fight tooth and nail to score an acceptance letter, and you'll need to be armed with stellar SAT and ACT scores.
Additionally, most no-MCAT medical schools require applicants to enroll in a joint degree program.
Joint BA/MD programs and BS/MD programs (as well as BA/DO and BS/DO programs) entail students enrolling in while in high school, and transferring to medical schools after meeting a required number of hours towards their joint degrees.
How to Get Into Med School Without the MCAT?
There are two ways to apply for medical school without having completed the MCAT entrance exam.
We highly recommend students thoroughly consider the various aspects of each option and make a decision that best suits their needs. Furthermore, a student's decision should be based on their aptitude and ability to adhere to the requirements laid out by the option.
- Method A: Through this method, you can apply directly after your undergraduate graduation to one of the no-MCAT medical schools. A benefit of this option is that there is no gap between the completion of your undergraduate degree, and medical school.
- Method B: Through this method, you can achieve peace of mind by applying even earlier to a no-MCAT med school, specifically at the start of your final year of study. If you take this route, it's usually assumed that you plan to attend medical school the semester following your graduation.
Aiming for Med School? But what about financing your dream education?
Medical Schools often have very high tuition costs, which can be a financial strain for many. Scholarships can help you ease that burden.
BA/MD and BS/MD Programs That Don’t Require MCAT
Medical schools that don’t require the MCAT require a combined degree.
These combined programs provide the chance 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). The difference between BA/MD and BS/MD lies in the varying curriculum of these programs, primarily due to the differences between BA and BS degrees.
Medical Honors Programs (MHP)
The Medical Honors Program (MHP) is a 7-year B.S./M.D. This course is provided by the University of Florida, and is applicable only to students who are US residents.
Students should have a minimum 3.7 GPA score in all math and science subjects, experience in research, and volunteer experience in a medical setting.
Flexible Admissions Programs
The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City offers a unique FlexMed program named after Donald and Vera Blinken. The program attracts students from diverse academic majors.
Admission decisions are made holistically, and consider standardized test scores, letters of recommendation, work history, and scholarly accomplishments. The MCAT is not required. Students apply and receive a decision letter in the last semester of their sophomore year.
Early Assurance Medical School Programs (EAPs)
Early Assurance Programs (EAPs) and joined BS/MD programs also allow prospective students to skip the MCAT.
Students who want to skip MCAT can apply for an EAP, upon their completion of college. This can act as a fast track into medical school.
Tufts University in Boston provides an Early Assurance Program that doesn’t require MCAT scores. However, students must have an overall 3.5 GPA. Specifically, they must have a 3.5 GPA in required science classes, along with a combined score above 1300 on the SAT reading and math sections, or an ACT composite score higher than 30.
Tufts University also offers an Early Assurance Program without MCAT requirements for undergraduates interested in the Maine Track for MDs.
Students study in Maine and earn a combined diploma from Tufts and the Maine Medical Center.
Graduates of these programs are encouraged to practice primary care in less-affluent parts of the state. Here is a more comprehensive list of colleges providing EAPs:
- Albany Medical College
- Brody School of Medicine
- Dartmouth University Geisel School of Medicine
- Georgetown University School of Medicine
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, FlexMed Program
- University of Rochester School of Medicine
- University of Toledo College of Medicine MedStart Program
Conclusion
There is no short-cut to attaining knowledge, or a medical degree. Skipping the MCAT does not shorten or decrease the competency of the coursework. Students must endure a similar stringent regime to earn, and eventually practice with, a medical degree.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1.How to Get Into Med School Without the MCAT?
There are two ways to apply for medical school without having completed the MCAT entrance exam. Method A: Through this method, you can apply directly after your undergraduate graduation to one of the no-MCAT medical schools. A benefit of this option is that there is no gap between the completion of your undergraduate degree, and medical school. Method B: Through this method, you can achieve peace of mind by applying even earlier to a no-MCAT med school, specifically at the start of your final year of study. If you take this route, it's usually assumed that you plan to attend medical school the semester following your graduation.
