Lowest MCAT Score Accepted By Med Schools

In this article, we'll explore the lowest MCAT scores that medical schools accept and how to optimize your chances of admission with low scores.

What Is the Lowest MCAT Score Accepted By a Med School?

The lowest MCAT score accepted by most medical schools in the US is 490-495. Scores below 490 are seldom accepted. That said, just meeting the minimum won’t make you competitive. 

According to the AAMC, the median MCAT score for all applicants is 506.1, while the median for matriculants is 511.8. In practical terms, anything below 506 is considered low, and to be truly competitive, you should aim for 512 or higher.

To be a competitive applicant, it's recommended to aim for a score above the average scores for the schools you are targeting. However, remember 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.

List of Med Schools that Don’t Require the MCAT

Many schools outside of the US do not require the MCAT, such as Caribbean med schools and certain Canadian schools. However, if you’re looking to stay in the US and not pass the MCAT score with your application, there are plenty of options.

• Brown University
  
  • Program: Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)
  • MCAT: Not required
  • Details: An eight-year program combining undergraduate and medical education, focusing on a broad liberal arts education. 
• Case Western Reserve University
  
  • Program: Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP)
  • MCAT: Not required
  • Details: Provides conditional admission to the School of Medicine, contingent on meeting academic and MCAT requirements.
• CUNY School of Medicine
  
  • Program: BS/MD (7-year program)
  • MCAT: Not required
  • Details: Targets students committed to serving underserved communities. Emphasizes primary care and community health.
• Dartmouth University Geisel School of Medicine
  
  • Program: Early Assurance Program
  • MCAT: Not required
  • Details: Targets five students a year to enrol in a four-year program.
• Drexel University College of Medicine
  
  • Program: BA/MD and BS/MD
  • MCAT: Not required; SAT/ACT scores required
  • Details: Offers a pathway for high school seniors to secure a spot in medical school, contingent on maintaining academic standards during undergraduate studies.
• George Washington University
  
  • Program: BA/MD (7-year accelerated)
  • MCAT: Not required; submission of a practice MCAT score is part of the application process
  • Details: Designed for students demonstrating academic excellence and a commitment to the medical profession.
• Georgetown University School of Medicine
  
  • Program: Early Assurance Program
  • MCAT: Only a practice exam is required
  • Details: Georgetown undergraduates can apply and receive admission to Georgetown's School of Medicine at the end of their sophomore year.
• Hampton University / Eastern Virginia Medical School
  
  • Program: BS/MD
  • MCAT: Not required
  • Details: Provides a pathway for Hampton students to enter EVMS without the MCAT, emphasizing service in underserved communities
• Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
  
  • Program: Northwestern Undergraduate Premedical Scholars Program (NUPSP)
  • MCAT: Not required
  • Details: Offers early acceptance to Feinberg for Northwestern undergraduates demonstrating academic excellence and commitment to medicine.
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute / Albany Medical College
  
  • Program: BS/MD (7-year program)
  • MCAT: Not required
  • Details: Offers a combined program emphasizing research and innovation in medicine.
• University of Rochester School of Medicine
  
  • Program: Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS)
  • MCAT: Not required
  • Details: Provides early assurance to outstanding high school students, integrating undergraduate and medical studies.
• Spelman College / SUNY Upstate Medical University
  
  • Program: Early Assurance Program
  • MCAT: Waived for ASP Scholars.
  • Details: Offers early assurance to Spelman students, focusing on increasing diversity in medicine.
• Syracuse University/ SUNY Upstate Medical University
  
  • Program: Early Assurance Program
  • MCAT: Not required
  • Details: Easy transition from Syracuse University to Upstate’s M.D. program.
• Tufts University School of Medicine
  
  • Program: Early Assurance Program
  • MCAT: Not required
  • Details: Students are offered medical school admission without an MCAT score.
• University of Missouri–Kansas City
  
  • Program: BA/MD (6-year combined)
  • MCAT: Not required; SAT/ACT scores used instead
  • Details: Offers an accelerated program integrating undergraduate and medical education. 
• University of Toledo College of Medicine
  
  • Program: MedStart Program
  • MCAT: Not required for accepted applicants
  • Details: Provides students with the opportunity to learn more about the community
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai – FlexMed Program
  
  • Program: Early Assurance (FlexMed)
  • MCAT: Not required
  • Details: Open to college sophomores from any major. Applicants are evaluated holistically, focusing on academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal attributes

Note that MCAT requirements are typically suspended for some BS/MD, BA/MD, and early assurance programs as well.

FAQs

1. What Is Considered a Low MCAT Score?

Any MCAT score below the US average of 506.1 is considered low. However, what truly 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 your applying schools. This will give you a better idea of what is considered a low score for your specific situation.

2. Is It Possible to Get Into Med School With a Low MCAT Score?

Yes, it’s possible to get into medical school with a lower MCAT score, particularly at schools that use a holistic admissions process. A strong GPA, impactful personal statement, excellent recommendation letters, and meaningful clinical or research experience can help offset a weaker score. 

You may also improve your chances by applying to DO programs or accredited Caribbean medical schools, which tend to have more flexible requirements. If you want to strengthen your academic profile further without retaking the exam, consider a post-baccalaureate or special master’s program to demonstrate your readiness for medical training.

3. Can I Get Into Medical School With a 503 MCAT Score?

Yes, you can get into several medical schools with a 503 MCAT score. Many medical schools accept scores as low as 494, though students with a 503 will likely be more competitive at DO programs than MD programs.

4. Can I Get Into Med School With a 495 MCAT Score?

It is unlikely you will get into medical school with a 495 MCAT score. While there are some schools that have minimum MCAT scores of 495, they typically still accept students with scores above 500. 

Students with scores this low should strongly consider retaking the exam or applying to DO schools like the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine or Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, which have average MCAT scores of 498.1 and 499.5, respectively. 

5. Can I Get Into Med School With a 490 MCAT Score?

No, you will not be able to get into medical school with a 490 MCAT score. All medical schools require an MCAT score of 494 or higher. A 490 places you well below this minimum threshold for consideration. You should consider retaking the exam or applying to the few schools that don’t require the MCAT at all.

Final Thoughts

A low MCAT score can make getting into med school more challenging. That said, getting accepted 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. Remember, slow and steady wins the race!