BS/MD Programs: A Guide for Premeds

What is a BS/MD program? 

A BS/MD program is a highly selective combined degree program that appeals greatly to students planning out their journey from high school to med school, as it allows them to earn both a Bachelor of Science (BS), or in some cases, a Bachelor of Arts (BA), and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. BS/MD programs are extremely competitive programs designed to give exceptional high school students, and in some cases, first or second-year undergrads, the chance to complete their baccalaureate degree and proceed directly into medical school to obtain their MD.

BS/MD programs typically streamline the pathway to becoming a physician by offering conditional acceptance into medical school directly from high school, eliminating the need for a separate med school application later.

So, how long does it take to become a doctor? This combined program CAN speed up the process, which typically takes 9-15 years. The BS/MD program length varies, usually ranging from six to eight years, and includes an undergraduate phase followed by medical school. Designed for students committed to pursuing a medical career early on, BS/MD programs provide a seamless educational experience while offering rigorous training across both undergraduate and medical curricula.

List of BS/MD and BA/MD Programs

This list is comprised of BS/MD programs that are available to high school students and it includes each school's admission statistics, available positions, and program duration. The SAT, ACT, and GPA scores below are the minimum requirements for consideration unless otherwise specified. 

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Admission Stats

Program Type

Program Seats

Program Length

BS/MD and BA/MD Programs

School	Admission Stats	Program Type	Program Seats	Program Length
No Data Available

BS/DO Programs

A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Admission Stats: Min. 3.5 GPA; Min. SAT 1065; Min. ACT 23
• Program Length: 7 years

Illinois Tech/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine Midwestern University

• Admission Stats: Min. 3.5 GPA; 32 ACT or 1400 SAT; Top 10% of class
• Program Length: 8 years

Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Admission Stats: 3.25 Cumulative GPA; 3.5 Science GPA; 24 ACT
• Program Length: 8 years

Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM)

• Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; SAT 1240; ACT 26
• Program Length: 7-8 years

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Admission Stats: 3.9 GPA; 1270 SAT or ACT 28
• Program Length: 7-8 years

Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; 30 ACT; 1360 SAT
• Program Length: 7-8 years

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine through Adelphi University

• Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; SAT Min. 670 on each section
• Program Length: 8 years

Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine through Rutgers-Camden

• Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; SAT 1400; 31 ACT
• Program Length: 7 years

Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (JAMP)

• Admission Stats: Only open to Texas residents; 2.35 GPA; Test scores no longer required
• Program Length: 7 years

University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Admission Stats: Varies by undergraduate college
• Program Length: 7 years

Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

• Admission Stats: 3.25 GPA
• Program Length: 7 years

Is a BS/MD Program Right for Me?: Pros and Cons

Knowing whether a BS/MD program is right for you is a tricky question to answer. While there are some benefits to enrolling in one of these programs, there are also factors that are important to consider. Take a look at some DO and MD opinions (from our consultants) below, and weigh some of the pros and cons associated with BS/MD programs:

“Pros would be assurance towards education into medicine. The cons are that many young individuals, especially those of high school age eventually discover that clinical medicine is not necessarily what they want to do career wise.” – Dr. Tony Huynh, DO

Pros of BS/MD

• Guaranteed Spot
• Save Time, Money and Hassle
• Small Class Sizes
• Scholarships
• Fast-Track to Medicine

The main draw for students applying to BS/MD programs is having a “guaranteed” spot at a medical school early on. As long as students maintain a satisfactory GPA and test scores throughout their undergraduate studies, they will continue to medical school without having to apply the traditional way.

"Probably the largest pro is guaranteed admission to medical school usually with the perk of not having to take the MCAT or requiring a lower score. Guaranteed admission is huge as acceptance to medical school is incredibly difficult. Having your spot secured can be a big weight off and allow you to focus on other things during college rather than trying to achieve a well-rounded medical school application." -- Dr. Monica Taneja, MD, University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Cons of BS/MD

• Early Commitment
• Fewer Medical School Choices
• Intensive Courseload
• Gaps in Experiences or Knowledge

The thought of picking a career and being 100% sure of it at only 17 or 18 is pretty daunting. What we think we want to do at a young age isn't always what we end up doing as we get older. Our ideas and priorities change often as we grow and develop over time. We are constantly experiencing new things and evolving, so BS/MD programs can stunt the exploration of different career paths as it requires a serious commitment from the start, considering how hard medical school is.

"I started to consider a BS/MD program when I was a junior in high school. At that time I was already thinking about going into medicine and had started exploring clinical opportunities. However, there were only a few locations that I was interested in and some of those locations still required you to take the MCAT, so I didn't really see a benefit in doing the program ... At the end, I really wasn't 100% committed and I felt that this was the major reason not to apply." – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD

How to Get Into BS/MD Programs

Getting into a BS/MD program is just as challenging as getting into medical school, and in some cases even more so. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to get accepted into a competitive program:

1. Show Academic Excellence

Maintain a high GPA throughout high school, particularly in challenging courses such as AP or IB classes, especially in science and math. You should also achieve high scores on standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT. Some programs also require the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Most programs only accept students who are in the top 5-10% of their class.

2. Get Healthcare Experience

Gain experience in healthcare settings through volunteering, shadowing medical professionals, or by participating in medical internships for high school students. This demonstrates your commitment to and understanding of the medical field.

“Clinical experience is a bonus because most schools like to know if a candidate knows what they are signing up for. Medicine is a long and arduous journey, so commitment is key.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD.

 3. Maintain Strong Extracurricular Activities

Participate in extracurricular activities, especially those related to science and healthcare, such as science clubs, research projects, or health-focused volunteer work. Show your leadership skills through your extracurriculars for medical school. Initiatives that you start or lead, particularly those related to healthcare or science, can be especially impactful. 

“It is important to do what you enjoy rather than simply for the ‘“title’” or for the sake of doing it … Ideally, the more relevant they are, the better. For instance, volunteering at the hospital, long-term care center, or leading a medical student club at your school are all great options that allow you to be exposed to the healthcare setting.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD. 

 4. Secure Letters of Recommendation

Obtain strong letters of recommendation from teachers, especially in science subjects, and from professionals you've worked with in healthcare settings. These should speak to your academic abilities, character, and suitability for a career in medicine.

5. Ace Your Personal Statement and Essays

Write compelling personal statements and essays that highlight your passion for medicine, your understanding of the profession, and why you want to become a doctor.

6. Prepare for Interviews

Prepare thoroughly for interviews, which are a critical part of the application process. Be ready to discuss your interest in medicine, your experiences, and what you bring to the program. It is also common for these programs to use multiple mini interviews (MMI), so it’s a good idea to review this unfamiliar interview format!

 "From my experience, showing emotional maturity is key. Applicants are high schoolers who do not have much 'real life experience' as compared to traditional medicine applicants." – Dr. Sona Nuguri, MD

MMI interview coaching can help you prepare! Here’s how:

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To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting