Medical Schools Open to Low MCAT Scores (2025 Guide)

For many pre-med and medical school hopefuls, the MCAT can feel like the biggest obstacle standing between them and their white coat. However, as of 2025, several medical schools are shifting their admissions philosophies, opting to view applicants more holistically—beyond just a test score.

Go Elective has helped hundreds of pre-med, pre-health, and medical students bridge gaps in their applications by providing impactful, in-person clinical internships in Kenya and Tanzania. If your MCAT score is lower than you'd hoped, don’t panic—you have options.

What is a Low MCAT Score in 2025?

In general:

• MCAT scores below 502 are considered below-average.
• Scores between 490–500 fall on the lower end for both MD and DO schools.
• Below 490 is unlikely to be competitive at accredited U.S. or Canadian schools.

While the average MCAT score for matriculants is around 506.5, many schools are open to candidates with lower scores if other parts of their application shine.

The Holistic Admissions Shift

Increasingly, medical schools are embracing holistic admissions, which evaluate:

• Life experiences and personal background
• Clinical exposure and global health experience
• Commitment to service and leadership roles
• Resilience, adaptability, and soft skills

This is where programs like Go Elective give applicants an edge—providing real-world clinical shadowing, cultural immersion, and mentorship abroad that helps tell a stronger story during interviews and in your personal statement.

Medical Schools Accepting Lower MCAT Scores in 2025

Here’s a sample of medical schools known to admit students with MCAT scores below the national average:

Tip: DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) schools are more likely to accept MCAT scores in the 495–502 range while focusing heavily on your motivation and alignment with osteopathic principles.

Should You Consider DO Schools or International Medical Schools?

If your MCAT is below 500, you might:

• Apply to osteopathic (DO) programs, where lower MCATs are often acceptable alongside strong GPA and clinical exposure.
• Consider Caribbean or international schools, but be mindful of challenges such as IMGs (International Medical Graduates) facing a steeper path to competitive U.S. residencies.
  
  

Schools Waiving the MCAT (or Accepting Alternatives)

Some programs waive the MCAT entirely for select tracks:

• NYU Grossman School of Medicine (NY) – MCAT optional for certain pathways
• CUNY School of Medicine (NY) – BS/MD with no MCAT requirement
• Brown University PLME Program – MCAT-free 8-year program

Note: These pathways often have early assurance or specialized eligibility criteria.

The Go Elective Advantage: Strengthening Low-MCAT Applications

If your MCAT score is holding you back, strengthen your application through Go Elective's global health internships in East Africa. Here’s how we can help you stand out:

• In-person clinical shadowing at leading hospitals in Kenya and Tanzania
• Mentorship from experienced healthcare professionals who can also provide recommendation letters
• Unique global health experience, demonstrating resilience and cross-cultural competence
• Community outreach programs, showing commitment to underserved populations

Explore our clinical internship programs in Kenya and Tanzania designed to give your application a competitive edge.

Additional Ways to Stand Out with a Low MCAT

• Boost your GPA: A high GPA can offset a low MCAT in holistic review processes.
• Craft an exceptional personal statement: Highlight global health work or unique service experiences.
• Secure standout letters of recommendation: Especially from physicians you've shadowed or worked with internationally.
• Gain additional certifications: EMT training, medical assistant programs, or Go Elective internships can boost your profile.
  
  

Why Some Schools Lower MCAT Cutoffs

Many schools are adapting their admissions processes to:

• Address healthcare provider shortages, especially in rural or underserved communities.
• Increase diversity and inclusion, offering more opportunities to historically underrepresented groups.
• Prioritize character and service, recognizing that academic metrics aren’t the sole indicators of success.
  
  

Ready to Strengthen Your Application?

Your MCAT isn’t the whole story—and it doesn’t need to be the end of your medical school dream. By taking steps like shadowing internationally with Go Elective, demonstrating leadership and service, and applying to schools that align with your values and experience, you can still secure a spot in a respected program.

Learn more about our internships designed to boost your medical school application and prepare you for global healthcare challenges.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 7, 2025