Medical school admissions are highly competitive
The Medical College Admissions Test is widely used as a major determinant in acceptance to medical school. The test measures a student's mastery of the subjects a doctor will study and excel in, such as biology and chemistry. Some schools do not require the test, however, you may place your application at a disadvantage by not including MCAT scores because admission to medical school is highly competitive and any proof you can furnish demonstrating your future success in the field is recommended.
International
International schools have much different admission criteria. While most international schools do not set arbitrary MCAT scores for admissions, some do not consider or require them at all. Some universities in the Caribbean, for example, do not require MCAT scores and approach admissions holistically, considering the student's GPA, coursework, research, employment and moral character. The University of Ottawa in Canada does not require MCAT scores because, as stated on the school's website, the required science coursework serves that purpose.
Dartmouth
Dartmouth College, located in New Hampshire, does not require applicants to have taken the MCAT but, as stated on the college's website, this puts students at a disadvantage. Dartmouth operates one of the top medical colleges in the United States and so admissions are highly competitive. Students who can demonstrate, through many means such as the MCAT, that they are excellent candidates will be accepted. If you choose to not take the MCAT, it is advisable you provide evidence of your excellence through other means such as GPA, employment history, ideally in the medical field. Research experience in the medical field is highly recommended to bolster an application.
Texas A&M
Texas A&M University System offers admission to prospective medical students without MCAT scores if students are residents of areas in Texas that are experiencing a shortage of medical personnel. The Partnership for Primary Care Program has a list of prerequisites, such as a minimum GPA of 3.5, minimum SAT/ACT scores and graduation in top 10 percent of high school class. Students must pledge that after medical school graduation they will work in an underserved area in Texas.
Provisional Acceptance
Provisional acceptance is acceptance into a medical school to undergraduate students, based on GPA and other standardized test scores such as SAT or ACT. According to Fair Test, there are over 30 programs in the United States that grant provisional acceptance without the MCAT. Students must simply maintain a certain GPA throughout the undergraduate degree and then move on to the university's medical school.
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