If people have specific criteria for what they are looking for in a BS/MD program the most common criteria is typically that the program not require the MCAT. So the obvious question is, what BS/MD programs don’t require the MCAT?
Here is the list:
University of California San Diego
St. Bonaventure University/George Washington University School of Medicine
University of Missouri Kansas City
Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education/Various medical colleges
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute/Albany Medical College
Siena College/Albany Medical College
Union College/Albany Medical College
Case Western Reserve University
University of the Sciences in Philadelphia/Commonwealth Medical College
University of Pittsburgh (unless applying for merit scholarships or MD/PhD program)
University of Texas Dallas/University of Texas Southwestern
Although these BS/MD programs do not require the MCAT, there are many other BS/MD programs that, while they require the MCAT, do not require a particularly high minimum MCAT score to advance to the medical school.
I have read several of your articles and have a 7th grader. Do you consult children that young for bs/md track? Create a roadmap and a future layout plan. Thanks
Urmi,
Thanks for the note. I typically do not start working with students until just before 9th grade to answer questions about what classes students should take in high school. If you have general questions before that time I am happy to talk with parents and their students.
I’m a third year medical school student from Mexico and i’m looking to apply for medical school here in the states. Are there any opportunities for me to enter a medical school (in texas specifically) without having to take the MCAT?
Jerry,
I am not aware of any medical schools that will waive the MCAT for international students.
Do you consult over the phone?
Ani,
When working with students we work using the phone, email and webcam. For an initial consultation, it is typically done by telephone or webcam. If you would like to set something up, send me an email with some times that work for you and we will find a time that works for all of us. My email address is at the bottom of every page on the website.
Hello,
Can you please tell all the medical schools in California that not required MCAT ?
Thanks
Ali,
To the best of my knowledge there are no medical schools in California that don’t require the MCAT under normal circumstances. The exception is for students in the UC San Diego Medical Scholars Program. They do not need to take the MCAT.
Ali,
To the best of my knowledge there are no medical schools in California that don’t require the MCAT under normal circumstances. The exception is for students in the UC San Diego Medical Scholars Program. They do not need to take the MCAT.
can you provide us with a list of colleges that have BS/MD program (without the MCAT)?
Hello Mr.Johnson,
First of all thank you for your time…
So I know you do not like to “chance” people on BS/MD admssion b/c there are a variety of factors.. Recently I got a supplement from AMC through RPI.. I did not apply to the other two college Siena and Union as you said that AMC would then see your application twice or even thrice and then question your real motives.. That being said these are my statistics below.. Do I have a decent “chance” of acceptance into RPI’s program?
Background:
Location:NY(Affluent Community with Top Public School)
School Type-Competive Public that is Nationally ranked Top 50 when compared to other charter and magnet schools..
Income Bracket: Decent 100K+
Academics:
School Rank: N/A( Maybe top 15%)
GPA(UW): 3.7-3.8
SAT I(Single Sitting):2300
SAT I(Super-Score):2330
CR:760
Math:770
Writing:800
SAT II’s: Bio(M)-770
Bio(E)-770
Math 2-730
Chem-700(Probably won’t submit)
AP’s:
Euro:5
Bio:4
Chem:4
Seniors AP’s
*AB Calc
*Physics 1
*Statistics
Essay: Good
Recommendations:Good/Great(Have 2 Reccs)
EC’S
1)540 Hours Volunteering in Third World Country
*Volunteered/Community Service in India for the Less Fortunate
2)Shadowed a team of surgeons lead by Dr.Michler at Montefiore Medical Center
3)Project with a Professor of Biochemistry/Molecular Biology. Science Competitions to be entered include INTEL ISEF,SIEMENS and WESEF(Internship at New York Medical College)
4)Greet people entering the service,Seat attendees,Collect the tithes and offering,Keep order at the entrance,Clean and prepare the Church, and pray(Church Usher)
5)1st Place Divison 2, Berkeley College of Music Jazz Festival(Performing Jazz Chamber Choir)** 2 YEARS IN A ROW**
6) The United Nations Children’s Fund(UNICEF)-The aim is to educate,advocate and fund raise on behalf of the World’s Children
7)Summer Volunteer for Vacation Bible School(VBS)-Work with Small Children, Including cooking and preparing food,leading them in groups from and to classrooms, coordinating session of play and teaching
8)1st DAN Black Belt(Martial Arts)
9) Piano-Classical Music for years..
* I am in the Science Research Program at my school..
Rice/Baylor site FAQ for Medical scholar programs says MCAT is required.
11. Will the MCAT be required of Rice/Baylor Scholars?
Yes, the MCAT will be required of Rice/Baylor Scholars who matriculate to Rice beginning the fall 2014.
Linda,
You are correct that Rice made the decision to require the MCAT. Unfortunately, they had not made that decision when I wrote the article. I forgot to remove them after I found out about the change in policy. I am removing Rice from the list.
Is there MCAT for university of california -San Diego?
Vani, There is no MCAT for the medical scholars program at UCSD.
Does not doing the MCAT put me at a disadvantage for Brown/ UCSD?
Katy,
Brown and UCSD do not require the MCAT for the students in the BS/MD program so it is no disadvantage at all.
Hi,
Does the UCSD program (that does not require an MCAT) only accept California residents?
Yes, this program is for California residents only.
I am going to finish a bachelor in science by this December, 2015. I want to start med school in the fall of 2016, but I am already late to apply because I have not taken the MCAT. Is the BS/MD convenient for me, or I better wait another year and start med school the fall of 2017?
Please what do you think is the best thing for someone to study in college to have the best chance of passing the MCAT and should I take a year of after my bachelor degree to study for the MCAT. Thank you.
Raymond,
BS/MD programs are designed for high school students only so you would not be a candidate for one since you will have a bachelor’s degree.
Faith,
I don’t think there is an ideal major for the MCAT. The courses required by medical schools will give you the background to take the MCAT. As for taking a year off to study for the MCAT, that is a personal decision. I have seen students do this but I have also seen many students take the MCAT as a junior. It depends on your schedule and when you feel you will have time to adequately prepare.
Hi,
What are all of the colleges in Florida that do not require an MCAT?
There are no BS/MD programs in Florida that do not require the MCAT.
There are no BS/MD programs in Florida that do not require the MCAT.
I am biologist and chemical formed by the University of kansas city. My GPA and 3.3. I want to get into medical school, my MCTA has expired, would have to make another. But now I work all day and do not have much time to devote to study deeply for MCTA. I speak two languages, lived and worked for six months in Argentina. And also participated in a volunteer project for 4 years. Even I accompanied a doctor for 180 hours. What would be my chances of getting into a school that does not ask the MCTA as mandatory. thanks for attention. we could dial a phone schedule to talk about my situation?
Hi,
I am in junior year of high school and just want to know if there are any other schools that don’t require the MCAT?
Thank you
Daniel,
Unfortunately, it would be highly unlikely that you would get into a medical school without an MCAT requirement.
Hasan,
There are a few medical schools that say that an MCAT is not absolutely required, but it is extremely unlikely that they would admit a student without an MCAT at most medical schools.
Hi,
How difficult is gaining admission to UMiami’s program that does not require an MCAT?
hi sir,
am from india.And i recently completed my diploma in pharmacy and my aim to study in us medical universities.And, i want to know that how to get admission for md in us?
and i want to complete md study within 4yrs.plz sir help me.
Ramesh,
Admissions to US medical schools typically require a specific set of courses in the sciences and the MCAT exam. Different medical schools have different course requirements but in general terms they want a year of biology, a year of general chemistry, a year of organic chemistry, a year of physics, a year of calculus and courses in psychology and sociology. Biochemistry is also often required. If you have all of these courses and a bachelors degree and the MCAT has been taken it is just a matter of applying to the medical schools.
Hi
Am an optometrist presently have a degree in Doctor of Optometry. I would like to further to get an MD degree. Please which of the schools do u advice that do not require MCAT and have an affordable school tuition fee for international student.
Thanks.
Kaycee,
Virtually all of the medical schools require the MCAT. A few say it is optional but almost never accept someone without it. Also, no medical school could be considered affordable. Only a handful provide any scholarships and most only have loans available for US students.
I want to know if i can work and school @ the same time as an international student in other to lessen the burden on my people back home. I hope the medicine course duration is 4 years cos I already have my first degree.
Would one prefer to take the guarantee interview with the admissions Committee during the Fall of the 4th year or take the MCAT? What are the advantages and disadvantages? ~ Thanks.
Wendy,
If you are in a BS/MD program they don’t always require an interview and if they do it is usually very basic. The MCAT on the other hand takes a great deal to prepare for and getting a high score can be a challenge. The answer to your question depends on the personal preference of each student but going the guaranteed route is typically much less work with a guaranteed outcome that you don’t have taking the MCAT.
Our green card is under process. My son is currently a sophomore. Can he get admission to any of the med schools lsiter above
Chandrani,
Once a student has a green card they will be treated like a US citizen for most BS/MD programs so as long as he has one by the time he applies in senior year he will be fine. As far as admissions that depends on the GPA, test scores and all of the activities. These are extremely competitive programs and even the strongest students don’t always get admitted.
My question was if the student does not get the green card at the time of admission what happens?
Hello. I am in 9th grade and have a GPA over 4. I was wondering what the requirements are to join these programs and if there are specific classes I need to take. I am interested in joining the university of texas dallas.
Marc,
Generally BS/MD programs want students with very strong grades and test scores in addition to significant health care related volunteering, doctor shadowing experience and ideally research experience. For classes you should try to get 4 years of English, math, science, history/social studies and a single foreign language. Math should be through calculus, either AB or BC and the sciences should include biology, chemistry and physics if possible.
Hello,
1) My daughter will complete 12th grade in INDIA by 2017.
She is a USA citizen by birth.
I would like to know for applying to a medical school or pre-med school,
will she be considered as a Domestic student or International student?
2)She was born in California and she studied till 5th grade in California after which we moved to INDIA. Will she be eligible for in-state tution for her college if she gets into a college in california?
Nagaraja,
As long as the student is a US citizen she will be considered a domestic student for college admissions. A few of the BS/MD programs require the student to have gone to high school in the US but this is the exception.
Being born in California does not as such establish state residency for college tuition purposes. If you have maintained a state residency in the US even while in India that state would most likely grant in state status for tuition. This is typically done by maintaining a house in the state or paying taxes in that state but this can vary from state to state.
Hi, Are there any schools that require you to take the MCAT in high school? Thanks!
Soumya,
There are no colleges that require the MCAT in high school since student’s will not have had any of the classes taken by that point.
I’m a soon to be junior in high school. I am interested in going into the medical school. Any tips on what classes I should be focusing on? Also how hard is it to get into a BS/MD program?
Dear Todd,
I have BA International Relation, MA in international business with 10 experience but I’m interest MD school and I don’t want take the Mcat. What’s my option?
Hannan,
Typically colleges like to see a year each of the three sciences, biology, chemistry and physics if at all possible. This is particularly true of BS/MD programs. In addition, calculus is an expected class if you are looking at BS/MD programs and good to have for other colleges. Other than that, most colleges like to see 4 years of each of the 5 core subjects if possible. These are English, science, math, history/social studies and a single foreign language.
BS/MD programs are generally considered the most difficult programs in college admissions with acceptance ranges from 1% to about 8% of the students who apply.
Jonas,
Although there are a few medical schools that say they don’t require the MCAT the reality is that without an MCAT score you will not generally be considered a competitive candidate for medical school. You should take the MCAT if you wish to go to medical school.
Dear Mr. Johnson
I am a sophomore who is aiming for Northwestern HPME.
I have taken only 2 AP courses so far and this year I am taking 6.
Although I am aiming for a good grade this year, my freshmen GPA was 3.81 out of 4.0 and I rank in at least top 15% of my grade.
Currently I have not taken either SAT or ACT but I am planning to in Junior year.
I am also a club leader of the school’s Asclepian Society (Medical Club) and have a CPR instructor certificate.
I have consistently been volunteering at a library and local foster home.
Right now I feel a bit behind from other young scholars who has the same goal and I really do not have any idea to prepare. Also, I have moved to America 2 years ago so my writing skill is also terrible.
The question I want to ask is how should I prepare in my sophomore year and will I have a slight chance of making into Northwestern HPME. If I do not, are there any other combined programs that are less competitive that I could make in? Also, if I am applying for residency in the future, will the name of the medical school be important?
Thank you for your time in advance. I hope you could have a wonderful day.
-Luke-
As a Canadian (32y.o) I have a science and “premedical” BSc but this was done 4 years ago. Are there schools in the USA or West Indies that DO NOT require MCAT scores as part of their admissions process?
Hi I am interested in going to medical school. I have graduated from college and currently working. I wanted some opinions about my situation. If you could please email me so I can fully explain my situation. Thank you!
Luke,
Grades and the classes you take for those grades are the biggest issue in any admissions including BS/MD programs. The freshman year GPA will probably make a program like HPME difficult but there are a number of other BS/MD programs that would be an option if you can get better grades going forward. For other activities, make sure you are engaged in health care related volunteering, doctor shadowing and ideally some type of science research.
Good luck.
Talii,
Technically there are medical schools in the US that do not require the MCAT. That being said, almost never do they actually admit students without the MCAT.
Maryam,
You can email information about your status and I will respond as soon as possible. My email is on the bottom of every page of the website.
Hi Todd,
I was wondering, my son does work in a retirement community and he is 16 years and they do pay for the for every hour he works there for 80hrs for month. My questions is, when we apply for collages , how is this type of service considered , in which category does this type of service come or considered. Is this helpfull when applying for medical collages.
Thanks & Regards,
RP
Dear Mr. Todd
I am currently a sophomore in Ashburn VA. I am interested in the medical program and have gone and researched many items regarding steps and requirements in order to get an understanding, but some of the requirements still confuse me.
I have heard lots about doctor shadowing, health care volunteering, and research, but I frankly don’t know where to start. Is there any special requirements in order to shadow a doctor or is it some sort of program? Which specific health cares allow sophomores to volunteer and is there any specific type of information I need to know in order to volunteer properly other than the basics of science?
Thank you for your time in reading this and have a nice day
Ashwin
Ashwin,
Doctor shadowing is simply following a doctor around while they work. You will need to find a doctor that will allow you to follow them around. I suggest you start by talking to your family doctor.
Research can be done with a local college or university professor that you would need to arrange or it can be at one of the various colleges around the country that do summer research programs. At the latter programs, you typically need to apply and if accepted pay for the cost of attending the program.
Volunteering can be at any health care setting including a hospital, clinic, nursing home or any other similar type of facility. Again, you need to contact some of these facilities to see if they will let you volunteer. For most students, nursing homes are often the most likely to let you volunteer and you can do such things as visit with residents, feed them or read to them. There isn’t anything related to science in the volunteering.
RP,
If your son is getting paid it is considered a job. Yes, medical schools do like to see this type of work or volunteering. Either is fine.
Hello there,
I’m a 9th grader from PA. I wanted to know what courses would be beneficial for preparing me college. I am planning on shadowing, volunteering and having mentorships.
Hello! Mr.Johnson I am currently a senior in high school. I am a refugee who want to be a doctor. It is possible for me to get in to BS/MD programs right after high school.
Kavita,
In general terms, BS/MD programs, and highly selective colleges, like to see 4 years of each of the core subjects: math, English, science, history/social studies and a single foreign language. More specifically for the BS/MD programs you will want math through calculus and ideally at least one AP in bio or chem or both if possible.
Anita,
The BS/MD programs are designed for current high school seniors so if you haven’t already applied for one you would not be a candidate for such a program.
Thank you for your time that really helped to understand.
Ok thank you so much for your help!
Hello,
Is it detrimental that all of my volunteer work is of short duration? This is due to the fact that all volunteer programs I have taken part in have been short-term by design (e.g. 1-2 month summer programs). Also, will BS/MD programs see any of the activities I will be involved in the first semester of senior year? I have only been able to obtain a research position for senior year, and all of my competitions that are likely to prove “hooks” are for senior year as well. Lastly, does being from an underrepresented state help in admissions?
Thank you so much,
Edward
Also, I forgot to add, is it best to take all of the “hard” classes junior year, or will the “hook” classes still be looked at by BS/MD programs if they are taken during senior year? Basically, my question is, does anything I do senior year matter for admissions, or should I try to do everything junior year?
Thank you so much!
Hi. I’m a future student from Pakistan and am interested to know if their is any medical school in which I can get into without having to pass any kind of entrance test such as the MCAT.
Edward,
Short duration volunteering is much less helpful than long term, regular volunteering. This is because BS/MD programs know that it is easier to volunteer in the summer than during the school year when students are busier. However, that is exactly why volunteering throughout the year is a better option. Volunteering when it isn’t as easy shows a stronger desire to help people which is core to BS/MD programs.
As for activities, most applications will have a space to indicate what activities you are doing senior year as well, even if you haven’t done them yet.
Being from a geographically underrepresented state may have a very small influence on the admissions decision as even BS/MD programs like to see various kinds of diversity. But this is only if you already have the grades, test scores and activities to be a strong candidate to begin with.
Edward,
Like activities you will need to record what classes you are taking senior year and ultimately they will see the grades which need to be strong just like the grades from earlier years.
Name,
There are some US medical schools that say they don’t require the MCAT but in reality almost no students are admitted without having taken the MCAT. If you are interested in medical school in the US, to be successful, you should plan on having to take the MCAT.
Todd:
Are you familiar with any medical schools (anywhere in the world, so long as instruction is in English ) that DO require MCAT or some other, similar test, but do NOT require the course prerequisites? I’m 58, had a heart attack, and want to change careers. After four years of medical school, or longer in some countries, plus a residency, I will be well into my 60’s. That doesn’t bother me, but it would be a quicker start if I could just take the test and enter based on my scores (and other life achievements) without spending the two years or so doing the pre-reqs. My undergraduate and graduate record is nearly perfect, but lack most of the science requirements.
Thanks.
I can only comment on US medical schools but one of the major points of the academic requirements is to prepare for the MCAT. Without the required science courses, very few students would have a strong enough MCAT score to be considered.
Hi Todd,
University of Florida’s Medical Honors Program does not require the MCAT, in case you’d want to add it to the list. Thank you.
Dani
Dani,
Thank you for the note. There are several early assurance programs, like UF, that don’t require the MCAT but the article is limited to the BS/MD programs that don’t require the MCAT.