Reviewed by:
Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed: 10/13/23
Are you applying to med school with a below-average MCAT score? We’ll cover how to get into med school with a low MCAT score.
You've dreamed of becoming a doctor for as long as you can remember, but your MCAT score has you questioning if your aspirations are even possible. Don't let a less-than-stellar MCAT performance crush your dreams just yet! While the MCAT is undoubtedly an important piece of your medical school application, it's not the only factor that admissions committees consider.
In this article, we'll explore the lowest MCAT scores that have still led to acceptance letters. We'll also provide you with actionable tips and strategies to help you strengthen your application, even if your MCAT score isn't quite where you'd like it to be.
Don’t give up hope. Your dream of wearing that white coat is still within reach, and we're here to help you navigate the path to success. Let’s look at how we can make your med school application shine!
The lowest MCAT score accepted by most medical schools in the U.S. and Canada is typically in the range of 490-495. Scores below 490 are rarely, if ever, accepted.
It's important to note that while 490-495 is the minimum score accepted, the vast majority of applicants score well above this range. According to new data, the average MCAT score is around 506.5.
To be a competitive applicant, it's recommended to aim for a score that is above the average for the schools you are targeting. However, keep in mind that MCAT scores are just one factor in the admissions process, and other aspects of your application, such as GPA, extracurricular activities, and personal statements, also play a significant role.
Technically speaking, a low MCAT score would be anything below the national US average MCAT score, which is 506.5. That said, the national average may be considered to be a standard score for certain schools. So, what exactly is the lowest possible score to get accepted into med school?
Few medical schools accept students with an MCAT of lower than 490. If your MCAT score is dangerously low, you may be better off retaking the test or applying to no-MCAT medical schools. To know if your MCAT score is good enough for your target medical schools, take our MCAT pop quiz!
Certain medical schools don’t require the MCAT. Many schools outside of the US do not require the test, such as Caribbean med schools and certain Canadian schools. However, if you’re looking to stay in the US and not pass an MCAT score with your application, there are plenty of options. Below is a list of US MD programs that do not have an MCAT requirement:
While each of the schools above offer MD programs that do not require the MCAT, you should still focus on fleshing out the rest of your application. No matter which medical school you apply to, you will be expected to understand all of the concepts that are on the MCAT, with or without submitting actual test scores.
If you intend to practice medicine in the US or Canada, it’s important to consider attending an accredited medical school. Although it may be tempting to apply to med schools with low GPA and MCAT requirements, they must still be accredited because it may be very challenging to get into a residency program and obtain licensure otherwise.
Yes, it is possible to get into medical school with a low MCAT depending on the school and the strength of your other application materials. Below is a list of US medical schools with low minimum MCAT requirements.
Sources: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Howard University, Florida State University, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New Mexico, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, West Virginia University, University of Kentucky, Eastern Virginia Medical School, University of South Dakota (Sanford), University of Washington, Medical College of Wisconsin, University of Arizona - Tucson, UNC Chapel Hill, Oregon Health and Science University, University of Kansas Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, University of Missouri, University of Utah, University of Minnesota
If none of these schools appeal to you, know that you still have plenty of options. Many medical schools across the United States accept students with low MCAT scores. If you have a strong application otherwise, and if you can justify your low MCAT score in an essay or in an interview, you still have a good chance of getting in at most med schools in the US.
Many students are particularly concerned about receiving a low MCAT score and wondering what to do next for the upcoming cycle.
Don't apply early in the cycle if you receive a low MCAT score. Instead, apply later in the cycle once you’ve retaken the MCAT and received a score that you’re satisfied with. If you need help preparing for the MCAT, consider meeting with an experienced tutor to make sure you get your desired score.
A seasoned MCAT tutor will take time to get to know which sections of the MCAT are most challenging for you, and which areas you need to focus on. MCAT tutors also help you to build a detailed study schedule to keep you on track and reach your goals before the test. Above all, our experts will provide you with insider tips to ensure you succeed.
Getting into med school with a low MCAT is possible with hard work and dedication to your other application materials. Here are some of our top tips on getting into medical school despite having a below-average MCAT.
Admissions committees know that one bad test score isn’t necessarily representative of your academic standing. Your GPA is a critical part of your application, and you should focus on boosting it as much as you can to compensate for a low MCAT. To do so, you can hire a tutor, take extra credit, or retake some courses in the summer if necessary.
If you have a low MCAT and a low GPA, getting into medical school will be very challenging. By lifting up at least one of these numbers, you can demonstrate that you are still capable of understanding the necessary concepts for medical school.
Most schools have an optional essay that allows students to describe any part of their application in more detail. This is a great opportunity to share your honesty and address your low MCAT score. Being open about your circumstance and why your score is low is an excellent way to demonstrate maturity and self-awareness.
Explaining your score also allows you to explain how you intend to improve moving forward. A willingness to learn and grow from your mistakes is an admirable trait, and can work in your favor on your application!
Your essays are the piece of your med school application that really allows your personality to shine. This is where you can take time to craft the story of your personal journey and career goals. Demonstrating your passion for medicine through writing excellent med school essays can significantly boost your chances of acceptance.
Don’t gloss over your extracurriculars! If you’re wondering how to strengthen your application, consider signing up for internships, gaining more relevant work experience, and volunteering to boost your overall application. Showing that you have broad interests and are capable of balancing your schedule looks great on a med school application.
Hiring a seasoned medical school admissions coach can help you improve every aspect of your application while keeping you focused and motivated throughout the process. At Inspira, our team of coaches is packed with former admissions committee members and doctors who know exactly what med schools want to see.
If you have a below-average MCAT score, an admissions coach can help you strengthen your other materials and boost your chances of acceptance to your dream schools.
If your MCAT score is lower than you expected and your target schools are highly competitive, it might be worth waiting for the next cycle and retaking the test. There’s nothing wrong with taking the test more than once to get your best score.
Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the lowest MCAT score accepted by med school.
Any MCAT score below the US average of 506.5 is considered low. However, what constitutes a low score depends on your target schools' standards.
To determine if your MCAT score is competitive enough, research the average scores of the incoming classes at the schools you're applying to. This will give you a better idea of what is considered a low score for your specific situation.
Yes, it is possible to get into medical school with a low MCAT score, although it can be more challenging. Med school admissions committees take a holistic approach to evaluating applications, considering factors such as:
While a low MCAT score may be a disadvantage, strengthening other aspects of your application can help compensate for it.
A 503 MCAT score, while on the lower end, is far from the lowest score accepted by medical schools. If you have a 503, focus on improving other parts of your application, such as your GPA and essays, to increase your chances of acceptance.
A 495 MCAT score, which is below the national average, can make getting into medical school quite challenging. If you have a 495, consider the following options:
Remember to focus on strengthening other aspects of your application as well. While a 495 MCAT score presents a significant hurdle, it is still possible to overcome with determination and effort.
A 490 MCAT score is significantly below the national average and may present substantial difficulties in gaining admission to medical school. If you have a 490, consider:
Although a 490 is a considerable obstacle, it is not insurmou
A low MCAT score can make getting into med school more challenging, and you should work harder on the other pieces of your application to compensate. That said, gaining acceptance into medical school with a below-average MCAT is not impossible. Keep in mind that medical school admissions committees always take a holistic approach when considering applicants.
If you have a low MCAT, focus on improving your GPA, boosting your extracurricular activities, and quantifying your resume with research experience, shadowing, and/or internships. You should also do your best to write memorable essays, as this is an excellent way to boost your profile.
Retaking the MCAT is also always an option. Going to med school is a big decision, so it’s important to take your time and aim for schools that you can really see yourself going to rather than only considering programs that accept low MCAT scores. Slow and steady wins the race!
Good luck!
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