One of the most difficult tests you’ll ever take is the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). MCAT is a competitive entrance exam that AAMC conducts for admission to medical science courses offered by universities in USA and Canada. Some of the world’s most competitive medical schools consider it as an essential requirement for admission. If you are someone who wishes to avoid this grueling exam then here are some medical schools without MCAT to help you achieve your dream of studying medicine abroad!
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What is the MCAT Exam?
The MCAT is a crucial aspect of getting your foot in the door for most people interested in studying medicine. Many consider it to be the only way in. You’ve spent a lot of time preparing for this very important (and difficult) test. MCAT, commonly known as the Medical College Admission Test, has existed in some form or another for a long time. It has been a part of the medical school application process since 1928, notwithstanding a change in format in 2015. The MCAT has been a strong qualification element for medical schools for over 90 years. When assessing a prospective student’s credentials, admissions officials evaluate more than just that.
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How Hard is the MCAT Exam?
Students frequently underestimate the MCAT’s difficulty since they are accustomed to performing well on college or university tests. Therefore, they feel they will perform well on the MCAT as well. According to the AAMC, more than 85 percent of MCAT candidates took biology, biochemistry, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics courses before taking the test in the last 3 to 5 years so yes you need to be fully prepared before attempting the exam.
How to Study in Medical School Without MCAT?
Schools that don’t require the MCAT require a joint degree/MD and B/DO programs, which are essentially fast-track/dual degree programs (often 6-8 years) that are good because they guarantee admission to medical school after successfully completing a bachelor’s degree, negating the need to take the MCAT. If you do not want to take the MCAT, there is a list of medical schools that do not require it below.
Top Medical School Without MCAT
Check out the top medical schools without the need of MCAT.
Program Name | State | Length (Years) |
University of Alabama/University of Alabama School of Medicine | Alabama | 8 |
University of South Alabama | Alabama | 7 or 8 |
California Northstate College of Medicine | California | 6 or 7 |
University of Colorado Denver/University of Colorado School of Medicine | Colorado | 8 |
University of Connecticut School of Medicine/University of Connecticut at Storrs | Connecticut | 8 |
Howard University | D.C. | 6 |
George Washington University | D.C. | 7 |
Florida Atlantic University | Florida | 7 or 8 |
University of South Florida Honors College/USF Morsani College of Medicine | Florida | 7 |
University of Miami | Florida | 8 |
University of Illinois Chicago | Illinois | 8 |
Additional Routes to Medical School without MCAT
Other approaches to avoid taking MCAT while preparing the path to medical school are elaborated below.
Early Assurance Medical School Programs (EAPs)
Enrolling in an Early Assurance Program, or EAP is another approach to avoid taking the MCAT. Undergraduates already enrolled in four-year colleges can use EAPs to apply to medical school without first completing their degree. Non-medical fields of interest are available to students, and many of these programs do not require the MCAT before matriculating to medical school. The Early Assurance Program at Tufts University in Boston does not require MCAT results. Students must, however, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5.
They must have a 3.5 GPA in required science subjects, as well as a combined SAT reading and math score of at least 1300 or an ACT composite score of at least 30. For undergraduates interested in the Maine Track for MDs, Tufts University also provides an Early Assurance Program sans MCAT prerequisites. Students study in Maine and receive a combined Tufts and Maine Medical Center diploma. Graduates of these schools are encouraged to work in less wealthy areas of the state as primary care providers. A more thorough list of colleges that offer EAPs can be found here:
- 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
Medical Honors Programs
Finally, medical Honors programs are available. Currently, only one school, the University of Florida, offers this type of curriculum, known as the University of Florida Junior Honors Program. MCAT scores are not required for this route to medical school. You should note, however, that this program is extremely competitive. It’s basically a BS/MD curriculum rolled into one. This means that students are accepted straight from high school and must finish all of their requirements before being enrolled. In mathematics and science, a minimum GPA of 3.7 is necessary to enter this program. Medical experience is given special consideration by the admissions committee. This experience could be a study or volunteer work that you have done previously.
As you can see, many medical schools do not require the MCAT. As long as you put in the effort and are accepted into one of the programs listed above, there is no shortcut to knowledge or a medical degree. The coursework does not become less competent or shorter if the MCAT is skipped. To get a medical degree and subsequently practice medicine, students must go through the same rigorous process.
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Yeshiva University is one of the medical schools in US that does not require MCAT.
Yes, you can study medicine in Canada without MCAT. In fact, MCAT is not a requirement by any of the medical schools in Quebec, Canada.
MCAT is necessary for a lot of MBBS universities in USA.
Are you having trouble picking which studies abroad program is right for you? Contact our Leverage Edu consultants for complete support in gaining admission to your desired college. To schedule an appointment, call 1800572000 right now!