MCAT not required

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DizzyJon

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I'm sure the answer is on this site somewhere, but with thousands of threads it's just very time consuming and my searches come up with to much info. What schools (US) don't require the MCAT?
 
DizzyJon said:
I'm sure the answer is on this site somewhere, but with thousands of threads it's just very time consuming and my searches come up with to much info. What schools (US) don't require the MCAT?
Click to expand...

I'm pretty sure they all do. The exception to this (I think) are schools that have a combined B.S./M.D. program where you go straight through as long as you keep your grades up. I can't remember any school name(s) though.

Check out the MSAR book, it'll tell ya. 🙂
 
Is that a funny thing to ask? The web site says that "almost all" require the MCAT. I'm just assuming that means that there are some that don't. Yeah, I know that some of the combined programs don't require it, like Texas A & M has one.
 
I think it's probably funny because if there was a way to get around the MCAT we would have found it, believe me! 😀

I think this is a safe rule of thumb: if you wanna go to med school, you're gonna have to take the MCAT. Period.

It sucks and it'll be HELL but the truth is, it's the first step in a long line of sucky hells on the way to becoming a doctor. 😳 :luck:
 
DizzyJon said:
I'm sure the answer is on this site somewhere, but with thousands of threads it's just very time consuming and my searches come up with to much info. What schools (US) don't require the MCAT?
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Dartmouth is the only school that says it's "recommended" but if you did not take it, they will ask why. The MCAT is a right of passage; If the fear of this exam is so high, medical school will be torture with such an attitude.

FWIW, Rochester and Hopkins used to list the MCAT as optional, but both now require it.
 
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you don't need MCAT scores to get in.. that's just a myth created by gunners to scare people out of the medical field
 
There are a few schools in Canada that do not require the MCAT. University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, McMaster University, Sherbrooke, Laval, Université de Montreal, and some students at McGill University don't need the MCAT. The MCAT is not a right of passage. There are a number of schools in Canada (all very good) that don't require the MCAT. Since I know how much everyone loves McGill, surprising that some students get in without it.

There are ways to get around the MCAT if you want, its more challenging, but in the US, I'd say its almost impossible.
 
akinf said:
There are a few schools in Canada that do not require the MCAT. University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, McMaster University, Sherbrooke, Laval, Université de Montreal, and some students at McGill University don't need the MCAT. The MCAT is not a right of passage. There are a number of schools in Canada (all very good) that don't require the MCAT. Since I know how much everyone loves McGill, surprising that some students get in without it.

There are ways to get around the MCAT if you want, its more challenging, but in the US, I'd say its almost impossible.
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The MCAT is a right of passage and, unless entered via a special premed program, medical school entry in the U.S. as a regular applicant is not possible (not "almost" impossible) without a reasonable showing on the MCAT.
 
You said impossible to get in unless you do reasonably well...I was challenging that. I agree that its impossible if you do not do it, but you can get in even if you don't do so well.
 
akinf said:
You said impossible to get in unless you do reasonably well...I was challenging that. I agree that its impossible if you do not do it, but you can get in even if you don't do so well.
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Your words: "There are ways to get around the MCAT if you want, its more challenging, but in the US, I'd say its almost impossible."
My point: The MCAT is an absolute requirement for regular matriculation. Peace out.
 
I know at least 1 place (Duke, I'm pretty sure it was) doesn't require it for the early decision... I really have no clue if that's the case elsewhere. Pretty attractive...!
 
akinf said:
There are a few schools in Canada that do not require the MCAT. University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, McMaster University, Sherbrooke, Laval, Université de Montreal, and some students at McGill University don't need the MCAT. The MCAT is not a right of passage. There are a number of schools in Canada (all very good) that don't require the MCAT. Since I know how much everyone loves McGill, surprising that some students get in without it.

There are ways to get around the MCAT if you want, its more challenging, but in the US, I'd say its almost impossible.
Click to expand...

Just to clarify, the only medical schools in canada that do not require the MCAT are: Sherbrooke, Laval, Universite de montreal (all 3 are in the French system), University of Ottawa, McMaster (though there are rumors they will only be looking at the verbal section in the future). As far as I am aware, Calgary requires the MCAT. McGill requires the MCAT for those applicants with an undergraduate degree (there is a special entry program for those applying into the premed program out of CEGEP).
 
OK.. read the OPs post VERY carefully. It says, "what schools (US) don't require the MCAT"

Answer:

Air conditioner repair school
Veterinary Technician School
Beauty School
Elementary School
Law School
etc. etc.

Notably absent from this list is medical school (hence the M in MCAT). If you want to go to medical school - ya gotta take the MCAT.
 
Yeah, I'm sure it's possible to find an exception to the rule, but it's conventional knowledge that an MCAT score is needed for admission to medical schools in the US, if you are applying traditionally (that is, not through a combined BS/MD program, etc.).

You might be able to get away from this requirement if you apply to a Caribbean school, but most of the decent ones require it now, too.

Also, if go down the path of a physician, be prepared to take many tests. The MCAT is just the first in a long series of standardized tests.
 
I know one post-bacc program that has linkage where you can get in without taking the MCAT (you only need the GRE) and that is about the only school I know that you can technically not take the MCAT.
 
mshheaddoc said:
I know one post-bacc program that has linkage where you can get in without taking the MCAT (you only need the GRE) and that is about the only school I know that you can technically not take the MCAT.
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I really don't want to take both the GRE and the MCAT.
 
To the OP, I think I know the reason for your confusion. The website that says MCAT is required for 'most' med schools is probably referring to the BS/MD programs such as UMKC which ONLY takes high schoolers (six year condensed med school program) and hence do not require the MCAT since the MCAT requires knowledge in college level work. Those med schools ONLY accepts high school students. However, at the moment, there is only a handful of these 'straight from high school' six/seven year programs and so if you did not get into them as a high schooler, you will need to take the MCAT.

The only other med schools which do not require the MCAT for applicants are the combined BS/MD programs and you also need to enter them as a high schooler and maintain a certain GPA (sometimes). Some of these BS/MD programs even require you to take the MCAT too!

FYI, the MCAT is the first in a series of long exams you will need to take throughout your medical career. Each of the finals at my med school was 2-3 hours long, and the medical boards will be just as long as the MCAT. When I shadowed my doctor back in high school, I was told it was a 2 day long exam, although I'm not sure how long it is now. Don't fear the MCAT, think of it as a "rite of passage" for premeds. 😀
 
Thank you all for clearify this. I'm not afraid to take the MCAT, but read that statement "most" and just wanted to know if there are actually traditional routes (non BS/MD) to take in the US without having the MCAT.
 
akinf said:
There are a few schools in Canada that do not require the MCAT. University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, McMaster University, Sherbrooke, Laval, Université de Montreal, and some students at McGill University don't need the MCAT. The MCAT is not a right of passage. There are a number of schools in Canada (all very good) that don't require the MCAT. Since I know how much everyone loves McGill, surprising that some students get in without it.

There are ways to get around the MCAT if you want, its more challenging, but in the US, I'd say its almost impossible.
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how can that be? MCAT scores are worked into their scoring algorithm for interview invitations. You forgot to mention NOSM - there's 6 schools in ON, 3 req the MCAT, the other 3 don't.
 
The only way is the linked programs from highschool, but if you are intelligent enough to get into one of those then you wouldn't have to worry about slaying hte MCAT beast anyway because you would prob get a 42 hung-over.

The other option is one of those online degree factories that will print any degree you want based on a fee and "life experience."
 
I don't understand this MCAT angst.. If you're afraid of national standardized tests or don't do well on them you shouldn't go to med school. Period. The USMLE steps I & II make the MCAT seem like a walk in the park & your national board exams and state board licensing exams are even worse. Then think about getting reaccredited every so often by retaking board exams or having CME tests. Save yourself the grief and forget about being a doctor.
 
The MCAT is a fun way to spend a Saturday, especially now that you get to play with computers.
 
Actually there are a couple ways to do so. I, in fact, did it.

There are a few schools (~10) that have some early entry programs for sophomores or juniors that don't require the MCAT. Instead you use ACT/SAT scores. I'm at the University of Toledo (applied before the merger when it was still Medical College of Ohio), there's one at Wake Forest (I have a friend that interviewed for it), the University of Louisville does something similar, and I want to say Buffalo maybe? I can't remember exactly, but there was a thread about this a couple years ago that listed off a few of the schools. There are some that are coupled with an undergraduate program and some aren't.

The program I did was called MedStart at the University of Toledo. You apply during your junior year. Basically it's the same as applying the normal way except you apply with the students that will be a year ahead of you and you have no MCAT. It tends to be dominated by Ohio residents coming from the University of Toledo, Case Western, OSU, Miami University, Cincy, etc., but that's not a requirement at all. They accept out of state students as well. Total number accepted will be roughly 15 a year. The downside is you can't be considered for scholarships b/c you didn't take the MCAT, but I probably wouldn't have gotten the necessary 35+ to get a scholarship anyway.

Also of note: Some people contend that it's a negative not taking the MCAT when it comes time for Step I. The whole lack of experience thing..... However, the top score in the country last year (a 273) came from a MedStart student at Toledo, so it evidently didn't hurt him.
 
DizzyJon said:
Thank you all for clearify this. I'm not afraid to take the MCAT, but read that statement "most" and just wanted to know if there are actually traditional routes (non BS/MD) to take in the US without having the MCAT.
Click to expand...

Plan on taking the MCAT if you want to attend med school in the US. There really aren't any realistic options.
 
Hallm_7 said:
However, the top score in the country last year (a 273) came from a MedStart student at Toledo, so it evidently didn't hurt him.
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Do you have something you can link to that says this? Scores are not published, and the highest score each year tends to be a matter of speculation rather than fact. If you do a google search, there are many suggestions as to what the highest score was, and most suggest it was actually higher than 273. Not saying you are necessarilly wrong, just curious.
 
As for those canadian schools that don't require the MCAT...notice they're mostly in quebec,which means you pretty much have a 0.001% chance of getting in if you're not from quebec anyway.

Don't limit yourself...
 
By the way, here's the link for the MedStart program at the University of Toledo that I mentioned above. I would also mention that applying to this program and getting accepted limits your options of applying elsewhere without paying a fairly hefty financial penalty and giving up your acceptance at UT. You can apply and then check the school out on your interview if you want without penalty. You just won't accept the acceptance if/when it comes, but once you accept your position you need to be committed to matriculating there.

http://hsc.utoledo.edu/med/admissions/medstart.html

Law2Doc said:
Do you have something you can link to that says this? Scores are not published, and the highest score each year tends to be a matter of speculation rather than fact. If you do a google search, there are many suggestions as to what the highest score was, and most suggest it was actually higher than 273. Not saying you are necessarilly wrong, just curious.
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The deans made the announcement to us back sometime in October (?) and I've talked to the student about it as well. He said the NBME contacted the school to let them know and the school then told him. It was also mentioned in an guest column in the Toledo Blade by the University of Toledo's president (and former president of the Medical College of Ohio before the merger) talking up the benefits of the merger. He listed this guy's accomplishment among others as evidence that everything is going well with the institution. I'll try to look that up, but it's been archived so I have to try to get it for free.
 
I think the posters on this thread are mistaken... there are several ways to get into medical school without taking the MCAT:

1. Start shagging a medical school dean.
2. Marry a Bush or Kennedy (it worked for George W. and John John)
3. Find a cure for somthing... avian flu, AIDS or somthing would be good
4. Sell your soul and retain the services of a Mr. D. Webster
5. Buy a used MD degree from ebay
 
stewart university: school of medicine lol.
 
Law2Doc said:
Do you have something you can link to that says this? Scores are not published, and the highest score each year tends to be a matter of speculation rather than fact. If you do a google search, there are many suggestions as to what the highest score was, and most suggest it was actually higher than 273. Not saying you are necessarilly wrong, just curious.
Click to expand...

That student could be a genius. Mozat probably would have been allowed to play at Carnegie Hall without a single lesson, but not many other people would.

More interesting would be the mean (or even the average) Step I score of students in medical school who did not take the MCAT.
 
Hallm_7 said:
Also of note: Some people contend that it's a negative not taking the MCAT when it comes time for Step I. The whole lack of experience thing..... However, the top score in the country last year (a 273) came from a MedStart student at Toledo, so it evidently didn't hurt him.
Click to expand...

I think the only way to validate your point would be a side by side comparison of USMLE scores between students who took the MCAT and students who did not. A sample of one does not mean much.
 
I realize it's anecdotal, but I've seen no reason to think those that didn't take the MCAT are scoring lower on Step I. The dean of admissions seems pretty pleased with the quality of students the program brings in (it was originally implemented to attract students that were choosing higher ranked schools), and he has access to the Step I scores.
 
Why in the world would not taking the MCAT hurt your future Step 1 anyways? MCAT is everything you learned in Undergrad + some reasoning ability. Unless your telling me things I learned from Physics and Ochem are important for this exam -- which I'm pretty damn sure it's not -- then it doesn't matter...

Hey Hallm_7...I just applied to Medstart a cpl weeks ago and I got accepted a couple days ago 🙂...I will definitely be attending in Fall 09' for the Class of 2013
 
akinf said:
There are a few schools in Canada that do not require the MCAT. University of Ottawa, University of Calgary, McMaster University, Sherbrooke, Laval, Université de Montreal, and some students at McGill University don't need the MCAT. The MCAT is not a right of passage. There are a number of schools in Canada (all very good) that don't require the MCAT. Since I know how much everyone loves McGill, surprising that some students get in without it.

There are ways to get around the MCAT if you want, its more challenging, but in the US, I'd say its almost impossible.
Click to expand...

This is very misleading. Every applicant to McGill MUST take the MCAT UNLESS you are a QC resident whose had completed the pre-university 2-year CEGEP degree and is applying for entry into the fast-track 5-year "pre-med" MD program (NO bachelor's degree awarded.)

If you are a normal applicant, i.e. Anyone whose has not gone through the QC highschool system you must take the MCAT for McGill.

Prag said:
Just to clarify, the only medical schools in canada that do not require the MCAT are: Sherbrooke, Laval, Universite de montreal (all 3 are in the French system), University of Ottawa, McMaster (though there are rumors they will only be looking at the verbal section in the future).
Click to expand...
This is correct. Good luck trying to get into those schools though! Mac is the number one applied to school in Canada I think and U Ottawa is nearly impossible to get into unless you went to highschool in Ottawa. At the french schools, you have to speak french and be from QC. They are also impossible to get into unless you are a Quebecois person.

As far as I am aware, Calgary requires the MCAT. McGill requires the MCAT for those applicants with an undergraduate degree (there is a special entry program for those applying into the premed program out of CEGEP).
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That's right.
 
NonTradMed said:
To the OP, I think I know the reason for your confusion. The website that says MCAT is required for 'most' med schools is probably referring to the BS/MD programs such as UMKC which ONLY takes high schoolers (six year condensed med school program) and hence do not require the MCAT.
Click to expand...

UMKC is a combined BA/MD program and they do accept a small number (usually 8-10) of four year MD students who have undergrad degrees, but you have to take the MCAT to be considered.

Just thought I'd clarify that.
 
Having the MCAT not required really depends on the college you go to and their relationship with that medical school. After I do the summer undergraduate research program at the University of Rochester School of Medicine, I'm guaranteed a interview without MCAT scores although I'm taking the test anyway and applying to other schools also. The only reason I have this option is because of Rochester's relationship with the university I attend.
 
Old Grunt said:
UMKC is a combined BA/MD program and they do accept a small number (usually 8-10) of four year MD students who have undergrad degrees, but you have to take the MCAT to be considered.

Just thought I'd clarify that.
Click to expand...

i thought you didn't have to take the mcat to get into their 4 year?? Basically you are just taking the spot of some kid who opted out of their six year program. I called them and they said it isn't required (but i have a feeling it could strongly help your chances especially when they only take like 10 students a year).
 
hum3a said:
i thought you didn't have to take the mcat to get into their 4 year?? Basically you are just taking the spot of some kid who opted out of their six year program. I called them and they said it isn't required (but i have a feeling it could strongly help your chances especially when they only take like 10 students a year).
Click to expand...

I think someone gave you bad information. You have to take the MCAT to be considered as a four year MD student. Also, if you are interested in the program, the pre-reqs are a little different than the normal AMCAS. You are required to take Biochem, Cell Biology, and Genetics.

You are taking the spot of a 6 year who dropped out of that program, but they require an MCAT score since you have a degree and have the ability to sit for the test. At least, they required it of me and everyone else I knew who applied to the program. I suppose stranger things have happened, but if you are interested in that program, I'd plan on taking the MCAT.

You can go here and look at the application to see what they require:
http://www.med.umkc.edu/prospective/sections/program/mdonly.html

Some people go and do a year of college elsewhere and then transfer into the 6 year program. I know a couple of people who have done that. Those people don't have to take the MCAT since they are considered a 6 year. However, you can only do that if you have taken less than a certain number of credit hours. Maybe that was what they were talking about.
 
Not to be rude or anything...maybe you (the OP) should stop trying to figure out how to dodge the MCAT, and start studying for it. If the rest of us had to be tortured with it...you should too :meanie:

The test completely sucks...I'm not gonna lie, but as far as I see it, you pretty much have to take it, unless you're going into a straight program (right outta highschool). Good luck!
 
realbeast87 said:
Why in the world would not taking the MCAT hurt your future Step 1 anyways? MCAT is everything you learned in Undergrad + some reasoning ability. Unless your telling me things I learned from Physics and Ochem are important for this exam -- which I'm pretty damn sure it's not -- then it doesn't matter...

Hey Hallm_7...I just applied to Medstart a cpl weeks ago and I got accepted a couple days ago 🙂...I will definitely be attending in Fall 09' for the Class of 2013
Click to expand...

Dude, when you revive a year old thread, please mention that fact in your post so that subsequent folks don't keep responding to folks who haven't been on SDN in quite a while...
 
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