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Most medical schools in the USA mandatorily require you to clear the MCAT and present the exam scores as part of the admission process. However, the good news is that it is possible to get into medical schools without the MCAT in the USA. That is, if you intend to avoid the traditional route. Some highly specialized programs offer an alternative pathway to exceptional students to gain admission without ever taking this difficult exam.
In this blog, we will cover the two main types of programs in the USA that can help you get a medical degree: Baccalaureate-MD Programs and Early Assurance Programs. You will also learn about the top schools for these courses.
This Blog Includes:
Medical School Programs Without MCAT
MCAT is required for most of the regular MD and DO programs. However, there are very few schools in the USA that waive this requirement. The exception is if you intend to take an accelerated or certain other specialized program. They are as follows:
Baccalaureate-MD (BS/MD) Programs
Baccalaureate-MD is a combined medical school program meant for high-achieving students. You must have completed high school to enrol in this program. If you are selected, you can either receive a conditional or a guaranteed seat in the medical school after completing your bachelor’s degree. The benefit is that you do not have to sit for the mandatory exam, and can take admission in a medical school without the MCAT. However, it is essential to note that this program spans approximately 8 years. If you are enrolling in an accelerated program, it will still take you approximately 6 to 7 years.
Who Should Apply?
The BS/MD program is for students with outstanding academic performance in high school. This means you need to meet the following requirements.
- You must have an excellent GPA,
- A near-perfect score on the SAT/ACT,
- Have taken up rigorous coursework like IB classes
- Besides this, you must be able to demonstrate a strong passion for a career in medicine. For example, volunteering, research, and clinical shadowing experience.
These are general requirements. Admission to these medical school programs without the MCAT is competitive. At times, more competitive than applying for a top-notch undergraduate college for admission.
List of Medical Schools Without MCAT (BS/MD Programs)
According to the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges), there are more than 50 combined Baccalaureate-MD (BS/MD) programs in the United States. However, only a few of these colleges provide BS/MD programs without the MCAT. Note: Tuition fees vary by program length. Some figures below represent annual tuition, while others represent the total program cost.
| S.No | University | Program | QS World University Ranking 2025 | Estimated Annual Tuition Fees For International Students |
| 1 | Brown University | Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) | 58 | USD 73,150 (Medical School) |
| 2 | Case Western Reserve University | Pre-Professional Scholars Program | 259 | USD 68,660 (Undergraduate), USD 74,112 (Medical School) |
| 3 | CUNY School of Medicine | The Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program | NA | USD 41,600 (Medical School) |
| 4 | University of Missouri-Kansas City | BA/MD Program | 1001-1200 | USD 186,500 (Total for entire program) |
| 5 | Northwestern University | Northwestern Undergraduate Premedical Scholars Program (NUPSP) | 31 | USD 65,000 (Undergraduate), USD 69,000 (Medical School) |
| 6 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program. | 401-500 | USD 60,051 (Undergraduate) |
| 7 | Rochester Institute of Technology | Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS) program. | 601-800 | USD 58,324 (Undergraduate) |
| 8 | George Washington University | BA/MD Program | 201-250 | USD 64,990 (Undergraduate), USD 67,420 (Medical School) |
| 9 | Hampton University | Hampton University / Eastern Virginia Medical School Joint BS/MD Program. | NA | USD 26,198 (Undergraduate) |
| 10 | Drexel University | BA/BS+MD Early Assurance Program | 721 | USD 62,462 (Undergraduate) |
Also Read: MBBS in USA After 12th: Universities, Fees, Application Process
Early Assurance Programs (EAPs)
The Early Assurance Program (EAPs) is another program you need to take up if you want to enrol in a medical school without the MCAT. While the BS/MD programs are meant for high school students, the EAPs are meant for undergraduate students. This program is also meant for highly qualified students. Generally, it’s for students who want admission at the end of their sophomore year (In the Indian context, the end of their 2nd year in a bachelor’s degree program). This course is often granted in agreement between a specific undergraduate college and a medical school.
Who Should Apply?
The Early Assurance Programs (EAPs) allow you to get admission to a medical school in the USA without the MCAT. This means you need to demonstrate the following:
- Excellent academic performance, like an outstanding GPA
- Commitment to medicine in the first year of college. For example, research work experience, clinical work experience, and more.
These courses are for students who have already succeeded in their pre-med coursework. Moreover, you must know the clear medical path.
List of Medical Schools without MCAT in the USA (Early Assurance Programs)
The Early Assurance Programs (EAPs) allow strong undergraduates to get conditional admission to medical schools before completing their degree. Here are some of the top schools in the USA that provide entry into EAPs without the MCAT.
| S.No | University | Program | QS World University Ranking 2025 | Estimated Annual Tuition Fees (International Students) |
| 1 | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai | FlexMed Program | 174 | USD 60,405 (Medical School) |
| 2 | Tufts University School of Medicine | Early Assurance Program | 344 | USD 68,946 (Medical School) |
| 3 | Georgetown University School of Medicine | Early Assurance Program | 201-250 | USD 67,420 (Medical School) |
| 4 | Brody School of Medicine | Brody Scholars Early Assurance Program | NA | Full scholarship (covers tuition and fees, primarily for NC residents) |
| 5 | University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences | MedStart Program | 601-800 | USD 50,000 (Medical School) |
| 6 | Dartmouth College (Geisel School of Medicine) | Early Assurance Program | 168 | USD 69,207 (Medical School) |
| 7 | Marshall University | MD Early Assurance Program | NA | USD 40,000 (Medical School, per year) |
| 8 | Syracuse University (in partnership with SUNY Upstate Medical University) | Early Assurance Program | 401-500 | USD 58,400 (Medical School, per year) |
To learn more about Early Assurance programs and their pros and cons, watch this video:
Credit: @BeMoAcademicConsulting
BS/MD vs. Early Assurance Programs (EAPs)
Enrolling in direct medical programs in the USA is not possible without the MCAT. Hence, BS/MD and EAPs are the best alternatives available. These courses will allow you to enrol in a medical school program without the MCAT. However, before you apply, you must know which course is better for you. Hence, we have provided a comparison between both programs to help you choose the right course for you.
| S.No | Feature | BS/MD Program | Early Assurance Program (EAP) |
| 1 | Who Can Apply? | High school graduates aiming for a direct medical pathway | Current undergraduates (typically in 2nd year) |
| 2 | Entry Point | Direct entry after high school into a combined bachelor’s + MD program | Apply during undergraduate studies for conditional acceptance to med school |
| 3 | Duration | 6–8 years total (bachelor’s + medical school) | 4 years undergrad + 4 years medical school |
| 4 | MCAT Requirement | Usually waived | Often waived (depends on institution) |
| 5 | Academic Requirements | Exceptional high school GPA, high SAT/ACT, rigorous coursework (IB/AP) | Strong undergraduate GPA (usually 3.6+), solid performance in pre-med prerequisites |
| 6 | Extracurriculars | Volunteering, research projects, and physician shadowing during high school | Research experience, volunteering, and clinical exposure during undergrad |
| 7 | Flexibility | Low. Commitment to medicine starts in high school | Higher, the better, as students can explore other interests before committing |
| 8 | Competitiveness | Extremely selective, tougher than top college admissions | Highly selective but offers more entry opportunities than BS/MD |
| 9 | Best Suited For | Students who are certain about becoming doctors early on | Students who confirm their interest in medicine during undergrad and maintain high performance |
Also Read: What is GAMSAT? Exam Format, Scoring, Registration, and Top Universities Explained
Is This the Right Path for You?
These programs provide a compelling alternative to the traditional pre-med path. They allow you to enrol in a medical school without the MCAT. However, this path is not for everyone. Here are some of the things you need to consider before enrolling in such a program.
- Limited Flexibility: The BS/MD or EAP programs limit your career scope. You cannot explore other career options, take a gap year, or even change your mind. You have to follow a strict academic schedule and timeline.
- Intense Competition: Secondly, getting admission to these programs is not easy. In fact, it is more competitive to get into these programs than to enrol in a traditional medical school. You will have to compete with the best students for a few seats.
- High Expectations: To be in any of these programs, you need to meet a very high standard. For example, you must maintain a strong GPA throughout your undergraduate studies to secure your seat!
- No Guarantee: If you don’t get into the medical schools without the MCAT that offer these programs, you will have to eventually take the MCAT to apply to the majority of the universities in the USA.
Truth is, the MCAT is an unavoidable test if you want to enrol in a medical graduate school. Only a few outstanding students with a high GPA and an overall strong application can get admission to the BS/MD or EAP programs. These are the only programs that allow you to enrol in a medical school without the MCAT.
Even if a school doesn’t require the MCAT, it is recommended that you take it. A strong MCAT score can make your application stand out in the crowd.. Moreover, it can make up for a lower GPA and increase your chances of securing an interview and getting admission to a top-tier college in the USA.
FAQs
Yes. There are medical schools in the USA that provide special programs that do not require you to clear the MCAT. Certain colleges offer early assurance or BA/BS-MD programs. For example, Brown University and Marshall University.
If you do not take the MCAT, you cannot apply to regular MD/DO programs. Your options will be limited to BA/BS-MD programs or early assurance programs. There are only a few colleges in the USA that provide these courses with an MCAT waiver. Hence, your options will be very limited.
Yes. MCAT is a compulsory graduate medical entrance examination in the USA. This means if you want admission in medical school, particularly for M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) and D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) programs, you need to clear the MCAT.
A few medical schools in Texas without MCAT are as follows: Baylor College of Medicine (Baylor-to-Baylor program), and the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ( Early Assurance Program). These are limited-entry programs and are not available for all applicants.
In the USA, there is no MBBA program. Instead, you have the option to enrol in an MD or DO program. For these courses, you must clear the MCAT. So, yes. MCAT is compulsory.
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