If you’re stressed about the MCAT, you’re not alone. Many future med students find the test long and overwhelming. But there’s good news: Some U.S. and Canadian medical schools actually don’t require MCAT scores. At SOS Admissions, we’ve helped many applicants find programs where they can skip the MCAT altogether. Let’s explore these schools and see if one of these routes could work for you.
(Disclaimer: SOS Admissions is independent—we’re not associated with any medical schools or testing organizations.)
Need advice?
Call 310-870-5428 or schedule your free consultation.
Why Do Students Want to Skip the MCAT?
There are several reasons applicants look for medical schools without the MCAT:
- Stress and Preparation Time: Studying for the MCAT is intense, costly, and takes months.
- Score Concerns: A lower-than-desired score might limit your med school options.
- Test Anxiety: Many excellent candidates simply don’t perform well on standardized tests.
Luckily, multiple pathways exist to bypass the MCAT requirement.
U.S. Medical Schools That Don’t Require MCAT Scores
BA/MD and BS/MD Programs
These combined undergraduate/medical programs admit high-achieving high school seniors directly into medical school—no MCAT required later.
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CUNY School of Medicine (New York, NY)
- Program: BS/MD
- MCAT: Not required
- Focus: Community medicine, underserved urban areas
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Drexel University College of Medicine (Philadelphia, PA)
- Program: BA/MD & BS/MD
- MCAT: Optional; SAT/ACT scores needed
- Focus: Research, clinical exposure, diverse student body
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George Washington University (Washington, D.C.)
- Program: BA/MD (7-year accelerated)
- MCAT: Only practice exam required
- Specialty: Public health emphasis
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Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (West Virginia)
- Program: BS/MD
- MCAT: Not required
- Specialty: Rural healthcare training
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Montclair State University (with St. George’s University, Grenada)
- Program: BS/MD
- MCAT: Not required; SAT scores accepted
- Feature: Direct path to international medical education
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Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (Rutgers, NJ)
- Program: BA/MD
- MCAT: SAT or ACT instead of MCAT
- Specialty: Community health and clinical research
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University of Missouri-Kansas City
- Program: BA/MD (6-year combined)
- MCAT: SAT/ACT scores used instead
- Highlight: Accelerated clinical experience
Early Assurance Medical Programs (No MCAT)
These programs admit undergraduates early, securing a med school seat without needing an MCAT score.
- Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
- University at Albany (partnership with Albany Medical College)
- Union College Leadership in Medicine (Albany Medical College)
- Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine
- Georgetown University School of Medicine
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (FlexMed)
- Syracuse University (with SUNY Upstate)
- University of Pittsburgh Guaranteed Admission Program
- Tufts University School of Medicine
- University of Rochester School of Medicine
- University of Toledo College of Medicine (MedStart)
Osteopathic (DO) Schools Without MCAT
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)
Instead of MCAT, LECOM uses your SAT/ACT plus GPA to create an Academic Index Score (AIS). You’ll need an AIS of at least 110.
Canadian Medical Schools Without MCAT
Several Canadian medical programs do not require the MCAT:
- University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine
- McGill University Faculty of Medicine
- Université Laval
- Université de Montréal
- Université de Sherbrooke
Should You Avoid Taking the MCAT?
Skipping the MCAT sounds appealing, but consider carefully:
Pros:
- Avoid stressful, expensive exam prep
- Early acceptance options available
Cons:
- Limits choices of medical schools
- Preparation for the MCAT builds helpful foundational knowledge for med school
- Medical school itself involves rigorous testing anyway—no permanent escape
Decide based on your own strengths, preferences, and academic goals.
FAQs About Medical Schools Without MCAT
Is it easier to get into medical schools without MCAT?
Not necessarily. These programs are highly competitive and usually look for strong GPAs, experiences, and leadership potential.
Can I apply to multiple programs that skip the MCAT?
Yes, but always confirm eligibility and requirements with each program.
Do these schools accept international students?
Some do; confirm directly with the program admissions office.
Are letters of recommendation still needed?
Yes, strong recommendations remain crucial.
What if my first-choice changes later on?
Most programs require firm commitments. Changing your mind could complicate things.
How SOS Admissions Can Help
At SOS Admissions, we frequently assist students navigating medical school admissions—including those who want to avoid the MCAT. Our expert advisors can help with:
- Selecting the right schools
- Application essays and personal statements
- Interview coaching and mock interviews
- Strategic admissions planning
Ready to talk? Call 310-870-5428 or schedule your free consultation online now.
(Reminder: SOS Admissions is an independent advising service not affiliated with any medical school or testing organization.)