Are you aware that there are programs and medical schools that don’t require you to have MCAT scores to get admission?
Are you looking for answers on how to boycott the Medical College Admission Test?
Have you tried this exam over and over again and you are no longer interested in trading again?
What if I told you there is a way you can become a medical doctor without writing the MCAT examinations?
What if I told you there are programs in medical schools that don’t require MCAT test scores?
I bet you’re surprised and even saying it’s impossible!!! But the fact is knowledge is all you need to walk that career path without MCAT.
If you will let me, this guide elucidates all you need to know to m be able to skip the MCAT.
An average medical student takes the MCAT twice before he/she passes it. Frankly, not everyone has such time.
In fact, why waste such precious time when you have an alternative to go to Medical Schools that don’t require the MCAT scores?
Really, we are interested in helping you make that a reality hence the essence of this post. We have provided a list of medical schools and programs that don’t require the MCAT test score in the US and Canada.
Although attending MCAT-free schools is a good option, passing the MCAT examinations is a great feat. All you need is dedication, preparation and study.
With that being said, let’s walk you through this not-so-popular option for medical school.
Sit tight and get informed!!!
Also Read: Medical Schools Admissions Requirements: All you need to get Admitted
What is an MCAT?
I’m sure as a student who wants to take the path of medicine as a professional career, you must have heard about MCAT.
On the flip side, many do not know what it is and how important it is. For those who know, MCAT is one of those admission criteria that is a “rule of law” for medical students.
MCAT is important to get your foot in the door of medical school. Some see it as the only way to become a medical student. Many have their proposition of what an MCAT is, but the big question is “What is MCAT?”
MCAT is an abbreviation for the term Medical College Admission Test. Though it has taken different formats since 1928, in 2015, the MCAT scores became a stringent part of the medical school application process.
Is MCAT the Only Qualifying Factor to Get into Med School?
Although MCAT has been around for over 90 years, it’s been one of the qualifying factors to get into med school.
However, it is not the only thing admissions authorities consider when reviewing your credentials.
Without a doubt, it plays an important role at the admission decision table but some medical schools don’t require MCAT these days.
In fact, there are different ways to get a medical degree without passing the MCAT!
Are There Really Medical Schools That Don’t Require The MCAT?
Yes, there are some med schools that do not require you to have an MCAT to get admission.
It may come as a surprise to you, but some medical schools have unique programs that don’t require your MCAT scores to get in.
Interestingly, these med school programs offer the same high level of education and are practically identical to the standard programs.
If push comes to shove, students who do not have the MCAT get to study alongside students who had to take the MCAT!
Also Read: 15 Free Tuition Medical Schools that Charges No Tuition! 2024
Why Skip MCAT – Is it Hard?
Just like the actual medicine program, MCAT requires a lot of dedication and commitment to get past it.
If you’re used to getting straight”A’s” in college, you might want to lower your confidence level when it comes to MCAT.
MCAT is not like the other examinations or pop quizzes you excelled at. Without mincing words, it is pretty difficult!!! MCAT requires countless hours of review and practice.
Following the report made by AAMC, more than 85% of MCAT candidates have taken courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, biochemistry, and physics before taking the test.
Also, half of them have completed a preparatory course for business, university, or medical studies.
However, just ¼ of 185,000 students are taking the test again with hopes of getting better results.
This shows how difficult the MCAT exam can be. But it’s possible to get past it. Hence many students look for medical schools that don’t require the MCAT.
List of Medical Schools That Don’t Require MCAT in 2024
If you choose to wade off the MCAT exam, you need to go to med schools that don’t require the test score.
Here are some of the programs and schools that offer them that you do not need to have an MCAT to study.
The list includes;
#1. BA/MD & BS/MD Programs.
Applying for a combined BS/MD or BA/MD program is one way to get admission into med school without MCAT.
Unlike the traditional 4 years, it takes to get a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts, combining a BA / MD or BS / MD takes roughly 4-7 years. Some can last 8 years.
It allows you to get your bachelor’s and medical degrees all at once.
The BA/MD & BS/MD Programs don’t require MCAT scores because they accept students into medical schools straight out of high school.
List of medical schools that offer the BA/MD & BS/MD Programs that don’t require you to have an MCAT.
- Howard University
- University of Miami
- Meharry Medical College
- Northeastern University
- Florida Atlantic University
- University of South Alabama
- University of Illinois Chicago
- George Washington University
- 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
- Boston University School of Medicine
- St. Louis University School of Medicine
- California Northstate College 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 Colorado School of Medicine
- University of Connecticut School of Medicine
- The University of Alabama School of Medicine
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine
- Indiana University School of Medicine
- University of Missouri Kansas City
- Washington University in St. Louis School 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.
Also Read: 17 Medicine Schools in New York (Allopathic and Osteopathic)
#2. Flexible Admissions Programs.
Another way to get into medical schools that don’t require the MCAT is through getting in through flexible admissions programs.
Flexible admissions programs work differently than combined degrees. You get to adopt this when you’re in the early stage of your bachelor’s degree.
However, some schools require you to be in your first one second year to apply for it. Once you get admission, you will automatically enrol after receiving your bachelor’s degree.
List of medical schools that offer Flexible admissions programs that don’t require you to have an MCAT.
- The 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 is one of the ways to get into med school without the MCAT.
Although the EAP differs a little from the Flexible Admissions Programs. They work practically the same!
Students who want to boycott the MCAT exams can enrol for EAP at the end of their 2nd year or the beginning of their 3rd year of bachelor’s studies.
Once you’re in, you can fast-track to medical school and matriculate after graduation.
List of medical schools that offer Early Assurance Medical School Programs that don’t require you to have an MCAT.
- Wake Forest EAP
- Georgetown EAP.
- SUNY Upstate EAP
- SUNY Buffalo EAP.
- Tufts Medical School
- The University of Rochester.
- Brody School of Medicine
- Albany Medical College EAP.
- Boonshoft School of Medicine.
- Drexel College of Medicine EAP.
- Penn State College of Medicine EAP.
- Loyola Stritch School of Medicine EAP.
- Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine EAP
- Maine Track at Tufts Medical School EAP.
- Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program
Also Read: 11 Medical Schools with High Acceptance Rates in 2024
#4. Medical Honors Programs.
Last on our list of programs you can offer without MCAT is the medical honours program.
Sadly, this is only available at the University of Florida sub-schools called the University of Florida Junior Honors Program.
Following this path to medical school does not require MCAT scores. However, it’s ideal. You know it’s very competitive.
You can compare it to a combined BS / MD program. What this means is that students are accepted directly from high school.
To get into the Medical Honors Programs at the University of Florida, you need to have a GPA requirement of at least 3.7 in mathematics and science.
Also, you should know that the Admission board pays special attention to the medical experience you gathered over the years. Such could include research or volunteer work.
Are there Medical Schools in Canada That Don’t Require an MCAT?
Yes, there are Canadian medical schools that do not need you to have an MCAT score to get admission.
Some of these medical schools in Canada that do not require MCAT are allopathic medical schools.
They include;
- Université Laval
- McGill University
- University of Ottawa
- Université de Montréal
- Université de Sherbrooke
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine.
Note: All Baccalaureate degrees must be completed within Canada.
What’s the Difference Between A Student Who Got Into Medical School Without MCAT and Students Who Had MCAT?
There is not much difference between the duo. However, the major distinguishing factor is how both parties start medical school.
If you’re running specialized programs, you will be allowed to bypass the traditional application process. So you don’t need to pass the MCAT!
Also Read: 15 Best Schools For Pre-Med 2024
Conclusion
You must be relieved to know that there is a way around this hard MCAT examination.
From the outline above, you can see that there are a lot of medical schools that do not meet the MCAT requirement for you to get admission.
Once you get admitted into any of the programs we have listed above, you can gladly boycott the MCAT test.
Since this information changes frequently, it is important to check with the school that you intend to apply to.
As long as you are sure this is the path you want to take, we hope this guide helps you.
Good luck!!!