A BS/MD program is a direct pathway from high school into medicine. In these programs, high school seniors are accepted into college and medical school at the same time (though conditions apply, based on success in college, academic metrics, leadership, maturity, and clarity of commitment to medicine). BS/MD programs are highly competitive, with acceptance rates typically less than 5%. They seek future physicians in formation, not solely “smart” students. The best candidates are not those who set out to impress. Rather, they are “inevitable” – imbued with emotional insight, curiosity, dedication, and ethical reflection.

What exactly does that look like? High school students who have a very clear picture of where they are going (i.e., they want to be physicians) have already gained exposure to medicine and vulnerable populations since ninth or tenth grade. In high school, these students likely focus on the sciences and STEM subjects, and they demonstrate academic success in these disciplines. They have already gained early exposure to healthcare, whether volunteering at a food bank, a shelter, or a nursing home. They participate in summer programs geared toward community health or community service, join research teams, and shadow physicians or health practitioners. Some even attain certification as an EMT, CNA, phlebotomist, or crisis hotline worker. Such healthcare-oriented extracurricular activities demonstrate these students’ value for the human side of medicine as a service profession. Highly competitive BS/MD programs were created for these students.

A BS/MD program can be very appealing to some students. Typically, a BS/MD program requires less time to complete undergraduate studies and medical school, which means lower tuition costs overall. These programs eliminate the need to apply to medical school as a college junior, reducing costs and stress. Additionally, some programs eliminate the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) requirement.

Table of Contents:

• Choosing a Major
• Advantages and Disadvantages of BS/MD Programs
• Gaining Admission to BS/MD Programs

Choosing a Major

There are multiple pathways for high school students with medical school aspirations. At many colleges, premed is not a major; it is a series of courses that students must take to sit for the MCAT and apply to medical school. Many of these classes dovetail with university requirements for a biology-related major, but you don’t need to major in science to apply to medical school. 

Generally, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the MCAT requires introductory biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and first-semester psychology, sociology, and biochemistry. Research methods and statistics are often prerequisites to science classes and labs, as are introductory psychology and sociology courses. Bench research experience is important as well. As long as you have fulfilled these prerequisites, you can pursue any major you wish. 

Some medical schools encourage students with majors outside of biology or chemistry to apply. Consider the value of a major such as English, anthropology, or sociology, for instance, and what that brings to the table about understanding health, illness, health disparities, and social determinants of health. Be honest with yourself about where you stand with multidisciplinary perspectives toward healthcare – because healthcare is multidisciplinary. Are you interested in biomechanical engineering? Health policy? Sports medicine? Human nutrition? Economics? It’s all good, as long as you can talk about the connections meaningfully.

Advantages and Disadvantages of BS/MD Programs

If you are committed to the idea of pursuing a medical career, a combined BS/MD program might seem to offer the best of both worlds: an abbreviated undergraduate experience and a guaranteed seat in medical school without having to apply. With one BS/MD or BS/DO application, you can assure yourself a future medical career and eliminate uncertainty and stress during your undergraduate years. It is easy to see why these combined programs are so highly sought after. 

Admission to many of these hybrid programs is more competitive compared to traditional college programs, even the most selective colleges. Additionally, these programs do not obligate you to attend medical school nor do they prevent you from applying to other medical schools down the road.

Traditional applicants to medical school pursue a bachelor’s degree, complete their premedical requirements, and apply to medical school in their junior year of college. Others prefer to take a “gap year,” delaying the application process one or two years to benefit from having more time to immerse oneself in research or health-related community work. The additional few years can enhance maturity, growth, readiness, and life perspectives. 

Here are a few things to consider: Is there an area of the country that you prefer? Are you interested in serving a specific population? Know the focus of the medical schools associated with the BS/MD programs that interest you. Some medical schools emphasize family practice, while others focus more on scientific research, academic careers, or medical innovation, engineering, and technology. If you choose to pursue a combined program, be certain that you align your goals with the schools’ missions while assessing the undergraduate and medical school experiences they offer.

Gaining Admission to BS/MD Programs

Early planning is essential to being accepted to BS/MD programs, which have varying admission requirements. Here are three tips that can help improve your chances of submitting a successful application:

1. Consider your math and science curriculum. Outstanding grades are a must, as is a commitment to maintaining them in college. Many BS/MD programs will look carefully at your entire transcript, paying extra attention to your math and science preparation.
   
2. Plan for standardized testing. Test requirements vary by school. Find out the program requirements for the schools you are considering. If you need time to prepare for the SAT or ACT, allow for it, and research your test prep options.
   
3. Focus on research or health-related experiences beyond academics. Your exposure to healthcare is paramount in affirming your commitment to medicine. Competitive students are not necessarily the most appealing applicants. Your activities do not just “check boxes”; rather, they demonstrate the strength of your character and show your dedication to healing humanity and righting social determinants of health that predict poor health outcomes. What you do and how you reflect on these experiences speak toward your fortitude while building a coherent story for your medical path and interests. 

If you’re applying to medical school this season, the year ahead could change your life forever. Get started right and stay on top of things, and you’ll help ensure the year is both enjoyable and momentous.

Do you need help with your medical school application? Work one-on-one with an Accepted advisor who will help you create a strong, successful, admission-worthy application. Request your free consultation today!

Related Resources

• Four Tips for High School Students Interested in a Career in Medicine
• Admissions Straight Talk podcast for medical school applicants
• Med School Selectivity Index, a free tool