Why the MCAT Still Matters in Holistic Medical School Admissions

As an increasing number of US medical schools adopt a more holistic approach to their admissions practices, traditional metrics like GPA and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) scores are no longer the only determinants of an applicant’s potential, according to Insight Into Academia. Admissions committees are gradually instituting a more holistic approach, emphasizing emotional intelligence, resilience, and community engagement as critical components of a future physician’s profile.

Yet, many schools that take this approach – including WAUSM – still require the MCAT. Why? Because when used thoughtfully, the MCAT remains a valuable tool for ensuring fairness, academic readiness, and long-term success in medical education.

A Common Academic Benchmark

Applicants come from diverse undergraduate institutions, majors, and life paths. The MCAT provides a standardized measure of academic preparation, helping admissions committees fairly assess readiness across this varied pool. It’s not about perfection, it’s about preparation.

Predicting Success and Identifying Support Needs

Research shows that MCAT scores, when considered alongside GPA and coursework, can help predict performance in medical school. Rather than serving as a barrier, the MCAT can be used to identify areas where students may benefit from additional support, especially in foundational subjects like biochemistry, physiology, and critical reasoning.

Equity Through Contextual Evaluation

While standardized tests can reflect disparities in access to resources, many institutions interpret MCAT scores in context. For example, Duke University’s Academic Resource Center offers MCAT prep and tutoring to help level the playing field for students. When admissions committees consider an applicant’s background, challenges overcome, and growth trajectory, the MCAT becomes part of a more equitable evaluation, not a one-size-fits-all metric.

Managing MCAT Retakes and Application Strategy

While the MCAT is important, taking it multiple times should not cause undue stress, especially if you have a strong overall portfolio. Admissions committees generally do not penalize applicants for retakes, and many view improvement as a sign of resilience and determination. According to Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) data, retaking the MCAT often leads to an average increase of two to three points, and about 35 percent of retakers improve by at least three points, which can significantly strengthen an application.

However, delaying applications to wait for a dream medical school can hurt your chances. Many US medical schools operate on rolling admissions, meaning seats fill continuously throughout the cycle. Applying late, even with a stronger MCAT score, may leave you competing for fewer interview spots. Waiting for perfection can backfire, reducing overall acceptance odds.

Student Perspectives: Why Waiting May Not Be Worth It

Real stories from WAUSM students highlight why moving forward matters:

Matthew Manfredo got tired of waiting to start his medical education. “We hear those stories of people applying to US medical schools and they do multiple cycles and still never get in. In that time, you could have started your medical education and I was not willing to wait one single second more once I hit January of the US application cycle.”

Tiffany Phan took the MCAT several times and was on her third application cycle when she decided to look into different options. “I was waitlisted to multiple schools every single round,” she said. “Even on the final round, I was waitlisted at a school in Virginia. But when I was able to visit WAUSM – I went on an Admitted Student Trip – I decided that even though I didn’t know what my waitlist status was I was tired of waiting. I’m so happy I chose WAUSM and wish I had known about this school earlier so I could have applied and gotten started on my medical journey quicker. But I’m happy where I am now.”

Milena Ghiday also applied to WAUSM on her third application cycle. “I had taken the MCAT several times and I was going to take it again. But I got an interview at WAUSM and the entire Admissions Committee heard my story. At the end of day, you are looked at as a person here, not a number,” she said.

These experiences underscore a critical truth: waiting for a dream school can delay your dream of becoming a doctor. Applying broadly and considering schools that value holistic admissions can help you start your journey sooner.

Preparing for Residency and Beyond

US residency programs do not require the MCAT as part of their application process. Instead, they focus on United States Medical Licensure Examination (USMLE) scores, clinical evaluations, and letters of recommendation. However, the MCAT remains essential because it is a prerequisite for admission to an accredited medical school, which is an absolute requirement for residency eligibility. In other words, taking the MCAT ensures that applicants can enter medical school and ultimately qualify for postgraduate training.

One Piece of a Bigger Picture

Holistic medical school admissions mean that no single factor, the MCAT included, determines acceptance. Admissions committees look at the whole person: their leadership, service, resilience, and motivation. The MCAT is simply one piece of the puzzle, helping schools ensure that students are ready for the academic demands of medical training.

WAUSM’s Approach

While many US medical schools are just now embracing this holistic paradigm, WAUSM has integrated it since its inception. We evaluates applicants beyond numbers, and while we consider life experiences, personal attributes, and commitment to medicine the MCAT is still required to ensure academic readiness and support student success.

In sum, requiring the MCAT within a holistic admissions process is not contradictory, it’s complementary. When used responsibly, the MCAT supports fairness, academic readiness, and long-term success, while still allowing schools to see and value the full story behind each applicant.

Key Takeaways:

• MCAT retakes are okay if they lead to meaningful improvement.
• Don’t obsess over perfection – a strong overall portfolio matters more than one flawless score.
• Apply broadly and early rather than waiting for one “dream school.” This increases your chances of fulfilling your ultimate goal: becoming an MD.