For most prospective medical students, the MCAT is required for medical school acceptance. But for a select few, there are other ways to get into medical school without the MCAT.
Many popular medical school tutoring and consulting services provide very inaccurate lists of schools that don’t require medical students to complete the MCAT. I’m Dr. Ken Tao, an MCAT expert for MedSchoolCoach, and I’m going to set the record straight.
There are currently 15 baccalaureate-MD programs and 12 EAPs in the United States that may admit students without taking the MCAT, for a total of 25* medical and osteopathic schools:
Keep in mind that each of these programs is incredibly competitive and has limited spots. The MCAT is waived only because accepted students have shown academic and extracurricular success in other ways.
Note: Data in this section is as of March 2024. Programs frequently adjust their requirements, and not all of these are immediately updated online. To verify whether or not your chosen program requires the MCAT, check with the school’s admissions office.
*Yes, we know 15 + 12 doesn’t equal 25. One of the medical schools on the list, Albany Medical College, partners with three separate baccalaureate-MD programs, which is why the total number of schools is lower than the number of individual programs.
Yes, there are technically 3 ways to get into medical school without taking the MCAT:
Note: Some schools abroad do not require the MCAT, but they may not be accredited or allow for a straightforward pathway to a U.S. license. We strongly advise against choosing this route if you plan on returning to the United States to practice medicine.
Whether you’re a high school student considering your future, a pre-med in the application process, or aren’t a great test taker, you have reasonable options. Let’s take a look at your options and the list of medical schools you should consider.
B/MD, or baccalaureate-MD programs, including BS/MD, BA/MD, BS/DO, and BA/DO, are dual-degree programs that provide a streamlined path for students to earn both their undergraduate degree (a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science) and their Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree. High school students with strong academics apply to these programs and, if all requirements are met during undergrad, seamlessly transition into the connected medical program.
Several of these programs typically do not require the MCAT but still have very competitive admission requirements and few spots. Many B/MD programs take only 5-20 students per year. Applicants must have a high GPA, strong SAT or ACT scores, stellar extracurriculars, and solid letters of recommendation. In many cases, these programs are only open to US residents or residents of a particular state, and some qualify only economically- or educationally-disadvantaged students.
Although it wasn't always the case, most B/MD programs in 2024 actually do require students to take the MCAT before moving to their medical program and may or may not have a minimum score requirement.
Baccalaureate-MD enrollees are typically required to maintain a very high college GPA, especially in math and science coursework. The programs also look for a strong portfolio of extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or job experience related to healthcare. Admissions committees want to see the applicant's commitment to a career in medicine.
Baccalaureate-MD programs typically take seven or eight years to complete, with undergraduate studies usually taking three or four years, and the medical degree the standard four years. A few of these programs offer accelerated six-year programs.
Students on a B/MD or similar path bypass the traditional medical school application process in their senior year of undergraduate studies. The workload can require students to attend classes over the summer, but in the end, it can reduce the overall stress and uncertainty of medical school admissions.
WATCH: Admissions to Medical School Without the MCAT
While B/MD programs offer a unique path for students set on a future medical career, they come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks.
Benefits of B/MD Programs:
Drawbacks of B/MD Programs:
There are a total of 49 dual-degree programs across the US. According to the latest available data, 15 of these waive the MCAT requirement to get into med school or do not specify this requirement as a condition of medical school acceptance.
In some cases, B/MD programs require students to take the MCAT and achieve a minimum score or to take the MCAT but do not specify a score requirement.
| Program Name | MCAT Required? | Degrees | State | Program Length | Minimum High School GPA | Undergrad GPA Requirement | Minimum Standardized Test Scores |
| University of Alabama/UAB School of Medicine | Yes, 506 minimum required | BS/MD | AL | 8 years | Not provided | 3.6 (overall) 3.5 (math and science courses) |
|
| University of Arizona/College of Medicine – Tucson Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education (APME) | No | B/MD | AZ | 7 years | 3.7 | ||
| California Northstate University/CNU College of Medicine | Yes, 510 minimum required | BS/MD | CA | 7 to 8 years | Not provided | 3.5 | |
| University of Colorado Denver/ University of Colorado School of Medicine (open to Colorado residents only) | Yes | BS/MD BA/MD |
CO | 8 years | 3.5 | 3.5 | ACT 27 SAT 1185 (Evidenced-Based Reading, and Writing + Math) |
| University of Connecticut/ UConn School of Medicine Special Program in Medicine | Yes, minimum score in 80th percentile rank; no subtest scores below 55th percentile rank | BS/MD BA/MD |
CT | 8 years | 3.5 | 3.6 | |
| Florida Atlantic University/ The Schmidt College of Medicine | Not Specified | BS/MD | FL | 7 to 8 years | 4.3 (weighted) | ACT 33 SAT 1490 |
|
| Florida International University/ Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine | Not Specified | BS/MD | FL | 7 Years | 3.7 (unweighted) | ACT 31 SAT 1350 (no section below 600) |
|
| Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia | Yes | BS/MD | GA | 7 to 8 years | Not provided | 3.4-3.7 (varies by program year) | ACT 32 SAT 1450 |
| University of Illinois Chicago Guaranteed Professional Program(open to IL residents only) | Yes, minimum score must be comparable to mean MCAT scores for traditional applicants (historically 513) | BS/MD BA/MD |
IL | 8 years | Not provided | 3.6 | ACT 28 (recommended, not required) SAT 1310 (recommended, not required) |
| Indiana State University/Indiana University School of Medicine (open to residents of rural Indiana only) | Yes, minimum score must meet the mean score of the previous year’s matriculants | B/MD | IN | 8 years | 3.5 | 3.5 | ACT 27 SAT 1270 (Evidenced-Based Reading, and Writing + Math) |
| University of Evansville/IU School of Medicine Evansville (open to IN residents only) | Yes, minimum score must meet the mean score of the previous year’s matriculants | B/MD | IN | 8 years | 4.0 | 3.5 | ACT 29 SAT 1350 |
| Grambling State University/Meharry Medical College(open to economically or educationally disadvantaged Black/African-American students only) | Yes, score must meet the current minimum MCAT score (changes yearly) and no section may be less than 122 | BS/MD | LA/TN (undergraduate in LA; medical program in TN) | 7 to 8 years | 3.25 (no grade under “C” in science courses) | 3.25 | |
| Wayne State University/ Wayne State School of Medicine | Yes, score must be no less than the 70th percentile | BA/MD BS/MD |
MI | 8 years | 3.5 | 3.5 | ACT 28 SAT 1310 |
| Missouri Southern State University/Kansas City University(called an EAP but functions as a BS/DO program) | No | BS/DO | MO | 7 years | 3.7 (overall, cumulative unweighted) 3.5 (math and science, cumulative unweighted) |
ACT 28 (22 math) SAT 1310 (540 math) |
|
| St. Louis University/SLU School of Medicine(does not offer guaranteed admission to the school of medicine but does increase chances of acceptance) | Yes | MO | 8 years | Not specified | 3.65 (including a 3.65 math/science GPA) | ||
| University of Missouri-Kansas City/UMKC School of Medicine | No | BA/MD | MO | 6 years | Not specified (average of accepted BA/MD students is 3.9 unweighted) | ACT 24 SAT 1160 Writing sections not considered for either exam |
|
| Caldwell University/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | Yes, students must receive a competitive score (determined by medical program) | BS/MD | NJ | 7 years | 3.5 | 3.5 | SAT 1470 |
| Caldwell University/St. George’s University | Yes, students must receive a competitive score (determined by medical program) | BS/MD | NJ | 7 years | 3.5 | 3.4 | SAT 1270 |
| The College of New Jersey/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | Yes, no minimum score required | BS/MD | NJ | 7 years | 3.8 (unweighted) | 3.5 | ACT 34 SAT 1400 (Evidence-Based Reading and Math sections only; no super scores) |
| Drew University/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | Yes, no minimum score required | BA/MD BS/MD |
NJ | 7 years | 3.8 (unweighted) | 3.4 (B- or higher required for all pre-medical courses) | ACT 34 SAT 1500 (Critical Ready and Math only) |
| Monmouth University/St. George’s University School of Medicine | Yes, minimum score is required | BS/MD | NJ | 8 years | 3.4 | ACT 30 | |
| Montclair University/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (open to financially and/or educationally disadvantaged residents of NJ only) | Yes, students must receive a competitive score | BS/MD | NJ | 8 years | 3.0 (B average overall and in science/math) | 3.5 overall 3.0 in all science courses required for medical program entry |
ACT scores not considered SAT 1100 (at least 550 on both Evidenced-Based Reading, and Writing + Math) |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | Yes, no minimum score required | BS/MD | NJ | 7 years | Not specified | 3.5 overall 3.0 in all science courses required for medical program entry |
ACT 33 SAT 1490 No super-scores considered |
| Rowan University/Cooper Medical School | Yes, minimum score required (exact requirement is provided to students by spring of sophomore year) | BS/MD BS/DO (available to international applicants) |
NJ | 7 years | 3.5 (unweighted) | 3.6 | ACT score equivalent to SAT requirement (super-scores are accepted) SAT 1350 (Math & Critical Reading sections) |
| Rutgers University/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | Yes, but score is not used to determine admission | BA/MD | NJ | 7 years | None | 3.5 overall 3.0 in all science courses required for medical program entry |
ACT 32 SAT 1400 (Critical Reading and Math) |
| University of New Mexico School/ University of New Mexico School of Medicine (open to NM residents or Navajo National tribal members only) | Yes, minimum score required | BA/MD | NM | 8 years | Not specified | ACT – Math 22, Reading 19, Science 19, English 19 SAT – Math 540, Reading 410 |
|
| Brooklyn College/SUNY Downstate College of Medicine Coordinated BA-MD Program | Yes, 509 minimum score required (specific section requirements may vary yearly) | BA/MD | NY | 8 years | Not specified | 3.5 (including a 3.5 science GPA) | |
| The City University of New York/CUNY School of Medicine | Not specified | BS/MD | NY | 7 years | Not specified | ||
| Hofstra University/Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine(for underrepresented in medicine (URM) and economically disadvantaged pre-med students) | Yes, a score equivalent to the 80th percentile at the first sitting must be achieved | BS/MD BA/MD |
NY | 8 years | 3.7 (unweighted) | 3.6 (including 3.6 science GPA with no grade lower than a B in science courses) | ACT 32 SAT 1410 (Evidenced-Based Reading, and Writing + Math) Casper exam required |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute/Albany Medical College | No | BS/MD | NY | 7 years | 3.5 | ACT (No minimum) SAT (No minimum) |
|
| Siena College/Albany Medical College | No | BA/MD | NY | 8 years | None (must be in top 10% of graduating class) | ACT 30 SAT 1360 |
|
| St. Bonaventure University/George Washington University School of Medicine Dual Admittance Program | Yes | BS/MD BA/MD |
NY | 8 years | 90% or higher (3.6-3.7 unweighted) | 3.6 (math/science courses) B- or higher in all courses |
ACT 30 SAT 1390 (Evidenced-Based Reading, and Writing + Math) |
| Stony Brook University Scholars for Medicine Program | Yes, minimum score required | B/MD | NY | 8 years | None (successful applicants average 98-99%) | 3.2 (science) 3.4 (cumulative) |
ACT 35 (recommended, not required) SAT 1490 (recommended, not required) |
| Union College/Albany Medical College Leadership in Medicine (LIM) | No | BS/MD MS or MBA also included |
NY | 8 years | Not specified (must rank near the top of your graduating class) | 3.5 (may not receive a C in more than a single course; a single D or F may lead to dismissal) | ACT 30 SAT 1410 |
| University of Rochester/ University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry Early Medical Scholars (REMS) | No | BS/MD BA/MD |
NY | 8 years | None (strong applicants typically have a 3.95 unweighted GPA and are in the top 3% of their graduating class) | None (standardized test scores may be submitted, but are not required) | |
| Case Western Reserve University/Case Western Reserve’s School of Medicine Pre-Professional Scholars Program | No, and if you choose to take it, your score must be above the 94th percentile | B/MD | OH | 8 years | Not provided | ||
| University of Cincinnati/University of Cincinnati School of Medicine Connections | Yes, minimum score required | BS/MD | OH | 8 years | None | 3.5 (cumulative) 3.5 (BCPM) |
ACT 27 SAT 1270 (excluding writing portion; super-scores not considered) |
| University of Toledo/University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences (guaranteed medical school interview if requirements are met; not a guaranteed acceptance) | Yes, a score in the 65th percentile or greater guarantees an interview | B/MD | OH | 7, 8, or 9 years | 3.8 | 3.7 with MCAT score requirement guarantees an interview | ACT 30 SAT 1410 |
| The University of Oklahoma/ University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Medical Humanities Scholars Program (MHSP) | Yes, a score equal to or higher than the average of the previous year’s incoming medical school class (approx. 509) | BA/MD | OK | 7 to 8 years | None (evaluated on the basis of ‘very high overall academic achievement’) | Must be equal to or higher than the average GPA of the previous year’s incoming medical school class (approx. 3.72) | None (evaluated on the basis of ‘very high overall academic achievement’) |
| University of Tulsa/ University of Oklahoma College of Medicine Early Careers in Medicine (ECM) | Yes, minimum score must meet the average of incoming medical school class (approx. 510) | B/MD* *Students must also choose a minor |
OK | 8 years | 4.0 (weighted), OR rank in the top 5% of the graduating class | 4.0 | ACT or SAT must be submitted, no minimum requirement (successful applicants typically score in the top 5%) |
| Drexel University/Drexel University College of Medicine (called an EAP but functions as a BS/MD program) | Yes, a score of 511 or a total of 513 with no section score less than 127 | BS/MD BA/MD |
PA | 8 years | 3.5 (weighted) | 3.6 (cumulative) 3.6 (BCPM) No grades less than a C; repeated courses not allowed |
ACT 32 SAT 1420 |
| Penn State/Sidney Kimmel Medical College Accelerated Pre-Medical Program | Yes, 508 minimum required with no less than 126 in CARS and no less than 127 in all other sections | BS/MD | PA | 7 years | Not specified (“strong GPA” required) | 3.5 | ACT or SAT must be submitted, no minimum requirement (successful applicants typically score SAT 1570 or ACT 36; super-scores not considered) |
| Temple University/Lewis Katz School of Medicine | Yes, minimum 509 required with no section less than 126 | BA/MD | PA | 7 years (Health Scholars Program) 8 years (BA/MD Program) |
3.8 (Health Scholars Program) None (BA/MD Program) |
3.6 (cumulative) 3.6 (science) |
ACT 31 SAT 1350 |
| University of Pittsburgh/University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP) | Only required if student is accepted without an SAT or ACT score, score is used for advising (not admission) purposes | B/MD | PA | 8 years | Not specified (must earn the ‘highest grade point average available’) | 3.75 (cumulative) 3.75 (BCPM) |
ACT 34 SAT 1490 |
| Brown University/Warren Alpert Medical School Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) | No | B/MD | RI | 8 years | None (applicants with a GPA under 3.0 are unlikely to gain acceptance) | None (holistic competency requirementsare used instead) | None (but students are encouraged to take advantage of AP/Honors courses in HS) |
| Baylor University/Baylor College of Medicine Baylor2Baylor Medical Track Program | Yes, minimum 501-507 score required with no section under 125 | B/MD | TX | 8 years | 3.7 (unweighted), OR in the top 5% of the graduating class | 3.5 | ACT 32 SAT 1430 Scores must be submitted, but these are recommended, not required, score minimums |
| Texas Tech University/ Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative (UMSI)(open to TX residents only) | No | B/MD | TX | 8 years | None, preference given to students ranking in the top 10% of their high school class | 3.7 (cumulative) 3.6 (science) No science courses with less than a B are accepted, but a course may be retaken |
ACT 30 SAT 1360 |
| George Washington University/GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences | No, but an MCAT practice exam score is required | BA/MD | Washington, D.C. | 7 years | 3.6 (cumulative) No score of C or below in any science courses |
ACT or SAT score must be in the top 10% of test-takers | |
| Howard University College of Medicine | Yes, 504 minimum required | BS/MD | Washington, D.C. | 6 years | 3.5 | 3.5 (overall) 3.25 (science) |
ACT 28 SAT 1300 (at least 650 in each section) |
The Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) is an eight-year program that integrates undergraduate and medical school education. Brown is the only Ivy League school that offers an MCAT-free path to their medical school, The Warren Alpert Medical School.
Students pursuing the PLME can specialize in either sciences or humanities, with the program encouraging the pursuit of honors or advanced placements. Brown has adopted a holistic model for application and competency requirements, which means the requirements for a specific GPA, SAT, ACT or MCAT score are all waived.
The Pre-Professional Scholars Program in Medicine at Case Western provides conditional commitments of admission to 15-20 high school seniors each year. The entire program involves eight years of study.
Pre-Professional Scholars are expected to meet specific GPA requirements and excel in personal and professional development. Successful completion leads to admission to the University Program of the School of Medicine.
Together with the Baylor College of Medicine, high-performing high school students can apply for the Baylor2 Medical Track. This program is one of several medical track programs that Baylor University offers for high-performing high school students.
With more efficient medical studies, it reduces the traditional pre-med route from eight years to seven. As of 2024, the MCAT is now required for medical school matriculation (although the minimum score is much lower than similar programs).
Baylor2 for medical students is highly competitive, requiring strong academic records and a demonstrated commitment to the medical field. Only six students are accepted to this track each year.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute partners with Albany Medical College to offer the Rensselaer Med Program, a combined BS/MD path for future physician-scientists. This accelerated program spans seven years, where students spend three years at Rensselaer for undergraduate studies and then four years at Albany Medical College for the MD portion.
This program has a strong focus on innovation and technology and suits those interested in the intersection of medicine and engineering.
In the Rensselaer Med Program, the MCAT requirement is waived, but students must maintain a strong GPA and demonstrate a commitment to the medical profession during their undergraduate studies.
The University of Missouri (Mizzou) offers the only accelerated six-year BA/MD program in the US. Partnering with the University of Missouri School of Medicine, this program allows students to complete their bachelor's degree and Doctor of Medicine degree in record time.
For the first two years, students take undergrad courses with a pre-med focus at Mizzou before moving on to four years of professional study in the School of Medicine.
Admission into this program is highly selective, with candidates expected to show not only high academic achievements but also a passion for the medical profession.
The University of Rochester offers a unique BS/MD program through its Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS). This eight-year program integrates a robust undergraduate education with a comprehensive medical curriculum at the University of Rochester School of Medicine.
Accepted students spend their first four years completing an undergraduate degree in any field of their choice at the university. Following undergrad is four years of intensive study at the School of Medicine.
Candidates must demonstrate excellent academics, a passion for medicine, extracurricular activities, and leadership capabilities to be considered during the admissions process.
George Washington University’s Dual BA/MD program is a seven-year educational program for a select group of highly qualified applicants. Students spend three years at the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences followed by four years at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Candidates are expected to demonstrate an exceptional academic record, a 90th percentile or higher high school GPA, and a demonstrated passion for healthcare through extracurricular experiences.
Although an official MCAT score is not required, this path does require a practice MCAT test score to be submitted.
Just one program offers this unique opportunity to only Black/African-American students interested in pursuing medicine: Grambling State University's BS/MD Program. Applicants must show that they are economically or educationally disadvantaged to be eligible.
Upon successfully completing their BS degree at Grambling in Louisiana, students in this program will attend Meharry Medical College in the heart of Nashville, TN for their MD.
No standardized test scores are required for application to this BS/MD program. Students must get a minimum MCAT score to successfully transfer to Meharry, but the requirement is adjusted regularly to meet current standards.
Wondering where your scores would be if you took the MCAT today? MedSchoolCoach offers a free practice exam to gauge your performance and future study needs.
Early Assurance Programs (EAPs) provide an opportunity for students to secure a spot in a partner medical school during their second year of undergraduate studies.
Applicants may only apply to one program at a time but gain the benefit of not taking the MCAT if accepted. If they are accepted, students may decline entrance to the chosen program.
Note: Some EAPs now have an MCAT requirement or are introducing one in the near future.
The aim of these programs is to allow students to focus on their undergraduate studies and deepen their learning experiences. These programs often look for applicants with a commitment to extracurricular activities, especially those related to medicine.
All EAPs operate differently and have their own eligibility requirements. What sets them apart from baccalaureate MD programs is that early assurance programs:
You apply to EAPs after being accepted and/or attending an undergraduate institution. Baccalaureate-MD programs, on the other hand, require students to apply as part of their undergraduate application process, accept applicants to their undergraduate institution, and offer provisional acceptance to the school of medicine at the same time.
Below is a list of each of the 19 EAPs available to students in the United States. Of these, 12 do not require the MCAT.
| Program | Eligible Applicants | State |
| University of South Alabama College of Medicine | All med school applicants (preference given to Alabama residents and students residing in the service areas of Mississippi and Florida) with a 3.5 cumulative GPA; minimum ACT/SAT requirements vary by in- or out-of-state classification; must score at least 504 on the MCAT | AL |
| UC Riverside School of Medicine’s Thomas Haider Early Assurance Program | UC Riverside undergraduate students or recent graduates with a 3.4 cumulative and BCPM GPA | CA |
| University of Florida Medical Honors Program | All med school applicants who have completed their second year with a 3.9 cumulative and BCPM GPA; SAT of 1400 or ACT of 32 is also required | FL |
| Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Early Assurance Program | All Northwestern undergraduate students | IL |
| University of Chicago Loyola Stritch School of Medicine Early Assurance Program | All Loyola University Chicago undergraduate students with a 3.5 cumulative and GPA; must score at least 507 on the MCAT | IL |
| University of Kentucky Early Assurance Program | Sophomores at one of the UK College of Medicine EAP partner universities with a cumulative and BCPM 3.6 GPA who wish to practice medicine in Kentucky | KY |
| Boston University Early Medical School Selection Program | All med school applicants, with a focus on Black, Brown, Latino, and Pacific Islander student representation; must take the MCAT (no minimum score specified) | MA |
| Tufts University School of Medicine Early Assurance Program | Sophomores at Tufts University (traditional MD program) or sophomores at Bates College, Bowdoin College, Colby College, and all University of Maine campuses (Maine track only); waived MCAT applies to students accepted to this program prior to the 2027/28 academic year and will be required afterwards | MA |
| Michigan State University College of Human Medicine Early Assurance Program | Junior pre-med students at Michigan State University partner schools with preference given to first-generation college students and those with financial disadvantages; must have a minimum and BCPM GPA of 3.0 and score at least 500 on the MCAT with no subscores under 125 | MI |
| Brody School of Medicine Early Assurance Program | ECU Honors College applicants who are legal NC residents; must maintain 3.5 overall and science GPA | NC |
| Wake Forest School of Medicine Early Assurance Program | Wake Forest University undergraduates who have completed sophomore year; must maintain 3.5 overall and science GPA and score the School of Medicine's minimum MCAT requirement | NC |
| Dartmouth University Geisel School of Medicine Early Assurance Program | Dartmouth University juniors | NH |
| Albany Medical College Early Assurance Program | Union College undergraduates who have completed their sophomore year; must maintain a 3.5 overall and BCPM GPA and have an ACT score of 31 or SAT score of 1400 | NY |
| The FlexMed Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai | All med school applicants entering their second full-time year of college; must maintain a cumulative 3.5 GPA and have an ACT or SAT score available | NY |
| The University of Rochester School of Medicine Early Assurance Program | All sophomore med school applicants at Spelman College with a 3.6 cumulative GPA | NY |
| University of Toledo Medstart Program | All incoming junior med school applicants at a US college or university with a 3.7 cumulative and 3.5 science GPA; must have ACT/SAT scores to submit (ACT 30 or SAT 1350 are strongly recommended) | OH |
| Penn State College of Medicine Early Assurance Program | Second-year Penn State Behrend students with a cumulative 3.6 GPA and SAT score of 1360; must take the MCAT and perform at or above the mean score of the previous entering class | PA |
| Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine Early Assurance Program | Students enrolled at Temple University, Washington & Jefferson College, DeSales University, Lehigh University, Moravian College, or Muhlenberg College with a 3.6 overall and science GPA; must sit for the MCAT (no minimum score specified) | PA |
| Georgetown University School of Medicine Early Assurance Program | Fourth-semester Georgetown University pre-med students; must maintain a 3.6 overall and BCPM GPA | Washington, D.C. |
This program allows college sophomores from any major to apply for early assurance of acceptance to their School of Medicine. The FlexMed program aims to attract future physicians with an interest in human rights and social justice.
Students apply for this medical honors program in their second year of undergraduate studies at the University of Florida. If accepted, they’ll spend the next two years completing their bachelor’s degree while also fulfilling medical school prerequisite coursework.
Once they’ve completed their bachelor’s degree, students then transition to the University of Florida's College of Medicine. Here students will also participate in clinical experiences, community service, research opportunities, and professional development, all under the mentorship of faculty and practicing physicians.
At the end of sophomore year, Georgetown’s students become eligible to apply for Georgetown’s EAP, regardless of their major. Students must have completed specific coursework with a high GPA, but no MCAT is required.
The MedStart Program is designed to accept a select group of talented students into the College of Medicine and Life Sciences during their second year of undergraduate studies.
One distinct feature of this program is its focus on cultivating physicians who are dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities in underserved communities.
They encourage applicants who demonstrate a strong commitment to community service and have a clear vision of how they plan to make a significant impact in the medical field.
Spelman College is an HBCU empowering women as they continue into the medical and dentistry fields. Spelman students have various pathways to medical school, allowing them to benefit from a liberal arts education while providing them with a direct route to a medical degree.
Medical schools that partner with Spelmen to offer dual degree programs and EAPs include:
If you are a qualified applicant who has a good chance of getting into a US medical school, you should go that route. However, international medical school may be appropriate for three specific circumstances:
International medical graduates (IMGs) must typically complete residency in the States or restart residency if they wish to practice in the US. They also may have to repeat other parts of their medical education.
In May 2023, Governor Bill Lee of Tennessee signed a bill into law that makes Tennessee the only state that does not require IMGs to repeat residency to become licensed in the state. According to Stat News, other states are expected to follow Tennessee’s lead.
Prospective doctors who want to practice medicine in Tennessee may now consider an international medical school (including residency), many of which don’t require an MCAT score. In TN, physicians who studied abroad must still prove equivalent training, pass licensing exams, and otherwise be fully licensed in good standing to practice medicine.
Can I practice medicine in the US if I went to medical school in Canada? It’s possible to practice medicine in the United States if you go to a Canadian medical school. The easiest way to accomplish this is by completing a US-based residency.
However, there may be additional barriers, like visa requirements, to consider. Some physicians who went to medical school in Canada report that they felt like “second-tier” applicants in the Match. It may be more difficult to pass US licensing exams, as some of the terminology and areas of focus differ.
Read Next: Pros & Cons of Caribbean Medical Schools (Plus, a List of the Best)
Applying to medical school without an MCAT score is possible, but it requires careful planning, strong academic achievement, and a deep commitment to the field of medicine. Becoming a medical professional requires extensive knowledge, hands-on experience, and dedication to providing healthcare to those in need.
You must choose to apply to dual-degree programs while you’re still in high school, and deadlines to apply to EAPs are very strict (and may also occur during your high school career). Applying to medical school outside of these options without an MCAT score can be tricky.
Is it bad to apply to med school without an MCAT score? Your AMCAS can still be verified without an MCAT score, but schools that require this score will not review your application until it is added.
There are many reasons why you may be searching for schools that don’t require an MCAT score. Not everyone is a great test taker, but it is still in your best interest to at least try a practice test. After all, you’ll need to be well-versed in the topics on the MCAT to pursue a future in healthcare.
Will a low MCAT score affect my chances of getting into medical school? A low MCAT score can impact your chances of getting into medical school. The good news is that the test can be retaken, and there are other aspects of your application, like your personal statement and extracurricular activities, that can help you stand out.
What is the lowest MCAT score accepted into DO school? The lowest MCAT scores that will be accepted into a DO school depend on the school itself and the scores of the other applicants. In general, a 490 is the lowest acceptable MCAT score.
There is one DO school that will accept an alternative to the MCAT score. The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine will instead take your ACT/SAT scores and GPA to calculate an Academic Index Score.
If you have your heart set on specific medical schools or want the ability to choose where you will study, it is in your best interest to start a study schedule for the MCAT.
Starting your medical journey early can be advantageous, and high school is a prime time to begin laying the groundwork for your future career in medicine.
Here are some steps you can take during your high school years to prepare for a path toward medical school, particularly if you're considering a BS/MD, BA/MD, or an Early Assurance Program:
By demonstrating academic excellence, dedication to healthcare, and a well-rounded skill set, you can increase your chances of gaining admission into a program that bypasses the MCAT and sets you on the path toward your dream career in medicine.
For students that are still undecided in high school, you always have the opportunity to choose to pursue medical school at a later date and our friends at MedSchoolCoach can help you prepare.
Schedule a meeting with our enrollment team to see how we can help you boost your MCAT score.