MCAT Requirement
Minimum total MCAT score requirement is determined in relation to GPA.
To be considered eligible for admission, your MCAT score must meet the minimum requirement for the applicant category in which you are applying.
For residents of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick & Prince Edward Island:
GPA |
3.3 |
3.4 |
3.5 |
3.6 |
3.7 |
3.8 |
3.9 |
4.0 |
Total MCAT |
499 |
498 |
497 |
496 |
495 |
494 |
493 |
492 |
Minimum MCAT category scores required are 123. That is, applicants with any category score less than 123 are not considered, regardless of total MCAT score.
Examples for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island applicants:
MCAT BBLS |
MCAT CPBS |
MCAT PSBB |
MCAT CARS |
TOTAL MCAT |
GPA |
Eligibility |
118 |
126 |
130 |
123 |
497 |
3.5 |
INELIGIBLE – BBLS category score <123 |
125 |
123 |
123 |
124 |
497 |
3.3 |
INELIGIBLE – total minimum MCAT score required is 499, based on GPA |
123 |
123 |
123 |
123 |
492 |
4.0 |
ELIGIBLE – minimum category score met, minimum total MCAT score 492 met, based on GPA |
124 |
124 |
120 |
123 |
491 |
3.9 |
INELIGIBLE – category score < 123, minimum total MCAT score required is 493 |
124 |
124 |
123 |
123 |
494 |
3.8 |
ELIGIBLE – minimum category score met, minimum total MCAT score 494 met, based on GPA |
Applicants who qualify under the Indigenous Admissions Pathway
The Indigenous Admissions Subcommittee requires sufficient academic data to determine applicant suitability for the study of medicine, but Dalhousie Medical School recognizes that the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) poses a significant barrier for many Indigenous applicants. As such, it is considered an optional requirement under the Indigenous Admissions Pathway.
Applicants who do not submit an MCAT score are required to complete prerequisite courses as follows:
- Those who have a major in science are required to have completed at least two full-course equivalents in arts, social sciences, and/or humanities within their degree program.
- Those who have a major in arts, social sciences, and/or humanities are required to complete at least two full course equivalents in science within their degree program.
Any applicant may choose to provide an MCAT score to strengthen their academic profile. While there is no minimum score required, the Indigenous Admissions Subcommittee may use general MCAT requirements as a point of reference during the holistic review process.
Applicants are encouraged to connect with the Program Manager of Keknu’tmasiek Ta’n Tel Welo’ltimk to make an informed decision on writing the MCAT. Financial resources may be available for those who choose to write this exam.
Applicants who qualify under the Black Learners Admissions Pathway
An MCAT score completed within the past 5 years is required. No MCAT thresholds are required for eligibility under the Black Learners Admissions Pathway but the Black Learners Admissions Subcommittee may use general MCAT requirements as a point of reference.
Applicants who qualify under the Rural Applicant Pathway
An MCAT score completed within the past 5 years is required. No MCAT thresholds are required for eligibility under the Cape Breton Medical Campus Rural Applicant Pathway but the Rural Admissions Subcommittee may use general MCAT requirements as a point of reference.
Please note:
- MCAT scores are eligible for five years from the date written. If, at the time of application, your scores are older than 5 years, you will be required to rewrite the MCAT.
- MCAT scores must be released from AAMC-MCAT to Dalhousie Medicine Admissions annually. It is the applicant's and re-applicant's responsibility to authorize AAMC-MCAT to release MCAT scores to Dalhousie Medicine for each application cycle. Dalhousie Medicine cannot access your MCAT scores without the applicant's notification of release to the AAMC. MCAT scores from previous application cycles will not be automatically applied in future application cycles. Applications without an official score released by AAMC to Dalhousie Medicine Admissions for the intended application cycle will not be considered.
- Find out our MCAT testing date deadlines
- MCAT Fee Assistance Program for Canadians. Application opens September to January. Applicants who qualify will receive reduced scheduling, reshceduling, and cancellation rates. For more information, please click here
- For the most up to date information for MCAT, including preparation, practice tests and test registration please visit the Medical College Admission Test website.