Medical Schools with the Lowest MCAT Requirements (2025 Guide)

Where Lower MCAT Scores Can Still Lead to a White Coat

The MCAT is one of the most intimidating parts of applying to medical school—and for good reason. It’s a 7.5-hour standardized test that plays a huge role in admissions decisions. But here’s the truth: a lower MCAT score doesn’t mean your medical dreams are over.

In this guide, we’ll explore medical schools in the U.S. and Canada that either have lower MCAT averages, minimum cutoffs, or MCAT-optional policies for certain applicants. We’ll also show you how internships abroad can help make up for a lower MCAT score by giving you actual clinical experience.

> Explore Go-Elective’s PreMed, Pre-PA, and Medical Internships Abroad

What Is Considered a Low MCAT Score?

The MCAT is scored between 472 and 528, with the average test-taker scoring around 501. Most competitive medical schools expect 510+, but there are programs with:

Lower minimum cutoffs (498–502)
Lower average accepted scores (500–505)
Special consideration for in-state or mission-driven applicants
Holistic review policies that emphasize experience, resilience, and service

U.S. Medical Schools with Low or Flexible MCAT Requirements

Here are several MD and DO programs known for accepting applicants with MCATs below 506, especially if other application components are strong.

MD Programs with Lower Average MCAT Scores:

University of Mississippi School of Medicine

Avg MCAT: ~503

Strong preference for Mississippi residents; holistic review process.

Louisiana State University – Shreveport

Avg MCAT: ~504

Favors in-state students with strong community ties.

University of North Dakota School of Medicine

Avg MCAT: ~505

Focus on rural, Indigenous, and underserved health applicants.

East Carolina University (Brody School of Medicine)

Avg MCAT: ~505

Accepts only North Carolina residents; mission-focused on primary care.

University of Missouri – Kansas City (6-Year BA/MD Program)

Avg MCAT: Not always required (entry after high school)

Early assurance model reduces reliance on MCAT for some applicants.

DO Programs with Lower MCAT Averages:

Many osteopathic (DO) schools are known for holistic admissions and lower MCAT cutoffs. Most accept MCAT scores in the 497–504 range.

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)

Minimum MCAT: ~497

Offers Early Acceptance Program (EAP) without MCAT for select students.

West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM)

Avg MCAT: ~500

Focus on rural medicine and underserved areas.

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)

Avg MCAT: ~502

Holistic review with emphasis on service and non-traditional applicants.

A.T. Still University – Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (KCOM)

Avg MCAT: ~501

Prior clinical experience strongly valued.

Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

Avg MCAT: ~502

Welcomes international and diverse applicants.

Tip: Gaining hands-on global experience through internships, like those with Go Elective, helps DO applicants demonstrate real-world readiness.

MCAT-Optional or MCAT-Waiving Medical Schools (Special Programs)

While rare, some schools offer MCAT waivers or conditional acceptance without MCAT under specific conditions:

University of Florida Medical Honors Program

For select undergraduates; no MCAT required if accepted early.

CUNY School of Medicine (BS/MD)

Combines undergrad and medical school with no MCAT required.

Howard University College of Medicine

Occasionally waives MCAT for international, mission-based programs.

Canadian Medical Schools with No or Low MCAT Requirements

In Canada, several schools do not require the MCAT, especially for Quebec-based or Francophone applicants.

McGill University (for Quebec residents in French track) – No MCAT required
Université Laval – No MCAT
Université de Sherbrooke – No MCAT
University of Ottawa – No MCAT for all applicants
Memorial University of Newfoundland – Low emphasis on MCAT

Note: For schools that do require the MCAT, competitive Canadian applicants still typically score 125+ per section, or a total of 500–505.

How to Strengthen Your Application with a Lower MCAT

If your MCAT isn’t ideal, your goal is to stand out everywhere else. Here’s how an international internship through Go Elective can help:

Show initiative by pursuing immersive clinical experience abroad
Demonstrate cultural competence by adapting to low-resource settings
Gain physician LORs from real-world hospital supervisors
Strengthen your personal statement with impactful global stories
Build your confidence for interviews with firsthand clinical insights

> Explore pre-med internships

Final Thoughts

While the MCAT is important, it’s not the only factor that determines your future in medicine. If your score is lower than average, choose schools that look at the whole picture—and make that picture as compelling as possible.

With the right school list and strong clinical experience from programs like Go Elective, a lower MCAT can still lead to a white coat and stethoscope.

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