15 Medical Schools That Don’t Require the MCAT (Yes, Really)

For many students, the MCAT feels like the biggest hurdle on the road to becoming a doctor. It’s long, it’s tough, and it requires months (sometimes years) of prep.

But here’s the good news: Some medical schools actually waive the MCAT requirement—through special programs designed for high-achieving, motivated students who commit to medicine early.

Here are 15 options to consider if you want a more direct route to med school.

📚 BS/MD and BA/MD Programs (No MCAT Required)

These combined programs allow students to apply directly from high school and secure a spot in medical school, bypassing the MCAT.

1. Brown University – Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)

2. Northwestern University – Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME)

3. University of Rochester – Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS)

4. Rice University/Baylor College of Medicine (Partnership)

5. Boston University – Seven-Year Liberal Arts/Medical Education Program

6. Case Western Reserve University – Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP)

7. University of Miami – Health Professions Mentoring Program

8. St. Louis University – Medical Scholars Program

9. University of Pittsburgh – Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP)

10. Drexel University – BA/BS + MD Early Assurance Program

🧪 Early Assurance Programs (College Students Can Apply Before MCAT)

These programs let college students apply to med school in their sophomore or junior year—before taking the MCAT.

1. Albany Medical College Early Assurance Program

2. SUNY Upstate Medical University Early Assurance

3. Dartmouth – Geisel School of Medicine Early Assurance

4. Tufts University School of Medicine Early Assurance

5. Georgetown University School of Medicine Early Assurance Program

🎯 Pros of Choosing a No-MCAT Path

• Less Stress: Skip the most daunting pre-med exam.

• Security: You lock in a med school spot early, reducing uncertainty.

• Time: Focus more on academics, research, or extracurriculars instead of MCAT prep.

• Holistic Review: These programs often focus more on GPA, activities, and passion for medicine.

⚠️ Things to Keep in Mind

• These programs are extremely competitive (single-digit acceptance rates).

• Many require you to maintain a minimum GPA in undergrad.

• Some may require internal assessments or interviews instead of the MCAT.

• You must be 100% sure about medicine—there’s less room to “explore” majors.

🧭 Final Thoughts from College Refocus

Skipping the MCAT isn’t an option for everyone, but for the right student, these programs can provide a direct, less stressful path to becoming a doctor. If you’re committed to medicine and willing to plan ahead, this route can save you time and energy on the long pre-med journey.

🎯 Call to Action

Thinking about a BS/MD or early assurance program?
📅 Book a Pre-Med Planning Session with College Refocus and we’ll help you choose the right path, strengthen your profile, and maximize your chances.