CAA programs that don't require an entrance exam
This is a short list, and that is the useful part: only 2 of the 28 accredited or developing CAA programs that publish an exam policy require no entrance exam at all. Most — 25 of them — accept either the GRE or the MCAT, which means you usually get to choose the cheaper, shorter exam rather than being forced into the MCAT. If you are trying to avoid testing entirely, these are your options.
1 program in the directory doesn't publish an exam policy and isn't counted here. Exam requirements also change between cycles — confirm on the program's own admissions page before you plan around this.
Programs accepting the GRE or the MCAT
You choose which to sit. The GRE is cheaper and shorter; the MCAT can carry more weight if your science coursework is thin, and transfers if you are also considering medical school.
Programs requiring the MCAT specifically
No substitution. If one of these is a target, the MCAT goes on your timeline early — it is the longest lead-time item in most CAA applications.
Get an honest read on your candidacy against every program above — free, no card.
CAA programs that don't require an entrance exam — FAQ
Not always. 25 of the 28 programs publishing a policy accept either the GRE or the MCAT, and 2 require no entrance exam at all (Bluefield University–VCOM (Auburn), Bluefield University–VCOM (Spartanburg)). Only a small number require the MCAT specifically. So for most applicants the honest answer is that you need one standardized exam, and you usually get to pick which.
Where a program accepts both, the GRE is the pragmatic choice for most applicants: it costs less, takes less time to prepare for, and is scored on material closer to general graduate admissions. The MCAT is worth the extra effort if you are also applying to medical or PA school, or if a strong science score would offset a weaker science GPA.
Yes, at 2 programs — Bluefield University–VCOM (Auburn), Bluefield University–VCOM (Spartanburg). Note that no exam does not mean easier admission: those programs still weigh prerequisite coursework, science GPA, shadowing, and the interview, and removing an exam often means the remaining criteria carry more weight.
Compare programs another way
Get CASAA deadlines before they sneak up
CAA application tips, program updates, and deadline reminders. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.