Approximately 25% of students who write the MCAT will need to rewrite it, even when discussing highly prepared students. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, 85% of premedical students take different courses in biology, biochemistry, chemistry and physics to prepare for the MCAT.
However, 25% of these students choose to write it again, which gives you an idea of how difficult the MCAT is. For this reason, many people look for medical schools that don’t require the MCAT, as it will save you a lot of time and stress and allow you to concentrate on other aspects of the application.
Some schools in both the United States and Canada will not require the MCAT for admission to their training programs.
How difficult is the MCAT?
Many students underestimate the difficulty of the MCAT and assume that it is a test just like any other college test. Unfortunately, it isn’t easy and requires many hours of practice to get it right.
Remember that it is very difficult, but it is not impossible. To pass it, you will have to dedicate a lot of preparation and study to get it right. If you decide to take the MCAT, it will be your decision, but if you choose to avoid it, it is best to opt for one institution that does not require it.
Schools in the United States
There are different schools in the United States where you will be able to access this type of program without the MCAT. Among the main ones are:
BA/MAd and BS/MD programs.
When you are accepted into one of these programs, you will be able to begin your undergraduate studies right after finishing high school. In addition, upon completion of your bachelor’s degree, you will go directly to medical school.
These programs allow you to skip the MCAT and also will enable you to skip the school application process that usually comes at the end of your studies. Some of the schools that currently do not require the MCAT are:
- University at Albany/Upstate Medical University.
- CUNY School of Medicine
- Drexel University College of Medicine
- Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
- Northwestern University The Feinberg School of Medicine
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences
- The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
- University of Florida College of Medicine
- University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Ideally, you will apply to several other programs and then to several regular programs. However, you will need to take the MCAT for these programs, being a precaution you should take. It will always be best to apply to several schools to have a better chance of getting into medical school for the application cycle.
Early Assurance Medical Programs
These are programs that allow you to apply early to medical school. You don’t have to wait until your senior year because you can use it as early as your sophomore year.
You will be accepted as long as you meet the medical school’s requirements for you to start. Therefore, you should see if you must obtain certain grades in specific classes. Failure to meet the needs could affect your ability to get into the program, and you could lose acceptance or be deferred.
Even if the MCAT can be avoided, there will be other important factors for each school to consider with some of these programs. Ideally, evaluate the risks you want to take. Among the schools that offer these types of programs are:
- Albany Medical School
- Brody School of Medicine
- Dartmouth University Geisel School of Medicine
- Georgetown University School of Medicine
- Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine
- Tufts University School of Medicine
- University of Rochester School of Medicine
- University of Toledo College of Medicine
Schools in Canada that do not require the MCAT
In Canada, we find allopathic schools that grant Doctor of Medicine degrees to worthy individuals. These schools are noted for having a great reputation and providing the same education as schools in the United States. Among the schools that do not require the MCAT are:
- University of Ottawa
- Northern Ontario School of Medicine
- McGill University
- Laval University
- University of Montreal
- University of Sherbrooke
Of these universities, McGill University requires that you complete your undergraduate studies at a Canadian university. You can complete your undergraduate courses at a U.S. university and then transfer to a Canadian school for your MD.
However, applying to a Canadian medical school will involve some legal issues that you will have to deal with. If you do not have dual citizenship, you will need a lot of paperwork to study in this country.
Is it a good idea to opt for this method to avoid this requirement?
Applying to any medical school can be a big problem because it is slow and complex. If you want to skip the MCAT, it is possible, thanks to the programs we have mentioned throughout this post.
However, bypassing the MCAT may not be the best option for everyone. If you do not know which path to take, you should consider a medical school admissions consultation.