Applying to BS/MD programs? When did you know that you wanted to be a doctor? For some premeds, they decided to become a doctor during their undergraduate studies, but for others, they knew they wanted to be a doctor from a very young age. As competition to get into medical schools continues to rise, applicants are seeking ways to secure their future career as a physician as early on as possible. BS/MD programs may provide this opportunity, so if you're considering applying to this joint program, you've come to the right place. 

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What is a BS/MD program? List of BS/MD and BA/MD Programs BS/DO Programs Is a BS/MD Program Right for Me?: Pros and Cons How to Get Into BS/MD Programs FAQs

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. 

Albany Medical College

Link: Albany Medical College

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA or top 10% of class

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: 45

Program Length: 7-8 years

Baylor College of Medicine

Link: Baylor College of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.7 GPA: 1430 SAT; 32 ACT

Program Type: BS/MD and BA/MD

Program Seats: 6

Program Length: 8 years

Boston University School of Medicine

Link: Boston University School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 2.2% acceptance rate

Program Type: BS/MD and BA/MD

Program Seats: 22

Program Length: 7 years

Case Western Reserve University

Link: Case Western Reserve University

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA

Program Type: BS/MD or BA/MD

Program Seats: 15-20

Program Length: 7 years

Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University

Link: Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University

Admission Stats: 4.3 Weighted GPA; 1490 SAT or 33 ACT; 12% acceptance rate

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: 12

Program Length: 7-8 years

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

Link: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA, 1360 SAT, 28 ACT

Program Type: BS/MD or BS/DO

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 7 years

CUNY School of Medicine

Link: CUNY School of Medicine

Admission Stats: N/A

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 7 years

Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Link: Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

Admission Stats: 3.7 GPA; SAT 1410 or 32 ACT

Program Type: BS/MD and BA/MD

Program Seats: 15-20

Program Length: 8 years

Drexel University College of Medicine

Link: Drexel University College of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; 1420 SAT; 32 ACT

Program Type: BS/MD or BA/MD

Program Seats: 32

Program Length: 8 years

George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Link: George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

Admission Stats: 3.6 GPA; 1390 SAT or ACT 30

Program Type: BA/MD

Program Seats: 20

Program Length: 7 years

Howard University College of Medicine

Link: Howard University College of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; 1300+ SAT; 28+ ACT

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: 12

Program Length: 6 years

Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Link: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; 1350 SAT; ACT 31

Program Type: BA/MD or BS/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 8 years

Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Link: Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.75 GPA; 1390 SAT; ACT 30

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: 13

Program Length: 7 years

Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

Link: Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

Admission Stats: 3.7 GPA ; 1450 SAT; ACT 32

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 7 years

Meharry Medical College School of Medicine

Link: Meharry Medical College School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.25 GPA

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 7 years

Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University

Link: Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University

Admission Stats: 3.9 GPA; 1490-1590 SAT; 35-36 ACT

Program Type: BS/MD or BA/MD

Program Seats: 4

Program Length: 8 years

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Link: Rutgers New Jersey Medical School

Admission Stats: 1400 SAT or 32 ACT; Top 10% of class; 28% acceptance rate

Program Type: BA/MD

Program Seats: 22

Program Length: 7 years

Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Link: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; SAT/ACT scores required

Program Type: BA/MD

Program Seats: 7

Program Length: 7 years

Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Link: Saint Louis University School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.65 GPA; 1330 SAT; ACT of 30; 9% acceptance rate

Program Type: BS/MD and BA/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 8 years

Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Link: Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

Admission Stats: Top 10% of class; 1570 SAT; 36 ACT

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: 25

Program Length: 7 years

State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine

Link: State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine

Admission Stats: N/A

Program Type: BA/MD

Program Seats: 15

Program Length: 8 years

The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences

Link: The University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences

Admission Stats: 3.8 GPA; 1410 SAT; 30 ACT

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: No limit

Program Length: 8 years

The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

Link: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University

Admission Stats: No minimum GPA; SAT and ACT scores optional

Program Type: BS/MD or BA/MD

Program Seats: 50

Program Length: 8 years

University of Alabama School of Medicine

Link: University of Alabama School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 4.34 GPA; ACT 33; 1470 SAT; 4.1% acceptance rate

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: 16

Program Length: 8 years

University of Central Florida College of Medicine

Link: University of Central Florida College of Medicine

Admission Stats: Students must be current Burnett Honors Scholars in good standing with the college and planning to attend medical school

Program Type: BS/MD and BA/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 8 years

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

Link: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.7 GPA; MCAT score 515+ for med school admissions

Program Type: BA/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 8 years

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Link: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; 1270 composite SAT; 27 composite ACT

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: 7

Program Length: 8 years

University of Colorado School of Medicine

Link: University of Colorado School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; 27+ ACT; 1185+ SAT; 10% acceptance rate

Program Type: BS/MD and BA/MD

Program Seats: 10

Program Length: 8 years

University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Link: University of Connecticut School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; SAT or ACT required; 4.8% acceptance rate

Program Type: BS/MD and BA/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 8 years

University of Florida College of Medicine

Link: University of Florida College of Medicine

Admission Stats: 1400 SAT and 32 ACT

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 7 years

University of Illinois College of Medicine

Link: University of Illinois College of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.85 GPA; 1310 SAT; ACT of 28; 6.4% acceptance rate

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: 45

Program Length: 8 years

University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine

Link: University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine

Admission Stats: Open only to current undergraduate students

Program Type: BS/MA and BA/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 7-8 years

University of Minnesota Medical School

Link: University of Minnesota Medical School

Admission Stats: Minnesota residents only

Program Type: BA/MD

Program Seats: 10

Program Length: 7 years

University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine

Link: University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.9 GPA; 1420 SAT; 32 ACT

Program Type: BA/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 6 years

University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

Link: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

Admission Stats: Program Temporarily Suspended

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: 12

Program Length: 8 years

University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Link: University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA, SAT 540 (Math section) and 510 (Reading section); 22 ACT

Program Type: BA/MD

Program Seats: 28

Program Length: 8 years

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Link: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Admission Stats: Top of class; 1490 SAT; 34 ACT

Program Type: BS/MD or BA/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 8 years

University of Rochester Early Medical Scholars Program

Link: University of Rochester Early Medical Scholars Program

Admission Stats: 3.95 GPA; IB and AP courses encouraged

Program Type: BS/MD or BA/MD

Program Seats: 10

Program Length: 8 years

University of South Carolina

Link: University of South Carolina

Admission Stats: N/A

Program Type: BS/MD or BA/MD

Program Seats: 10

Program Length: 7 years

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine

Link: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.8 GPA; 90th percentile SAT scores; *must be resident of South Texas*

Program Type: BS/MD or BA/MD

Program Seats: N/A

Program Length: 8 years

USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

Link: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

Admission Stats: 4.0 weighted GPA; 1500 SAT; ACT of 34

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: 15

Program Length: 7 years

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Link: Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; SAT scores optional

Program Type: BS/MD

Program Seats: 20-30

Program Length: 8 years

Wayne State University School of Medicine

Link: Wayne State University School of Medicine

Admission Stats: 3.5 GPA; 1310 SAT or 28 ACT; 5% acceptance rate

Program Type: BS/MD and BA/MD

Program Seats: 10

Program Length: 8 years

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:

FAQs

1. What are BS/MD programs?

BS/MD programs are joint degree programs which grant you a Bachelor of Science and an MD. They combine the traditional premed undergrad curriculum and the medical school curriculum.

2. How competitive are BS/MD programs to get into?

BS/MD programs are extremely competitive. They have stringent admission requirements and only admit a handful of matriculants per year (1-5% acceptance rate), and many receive hundreds or even thousands of applicants. 

3. What are the requirements for a BS/MD program?

To apply to a BS/MD program, you must maintain a high GPA in your high school years and earn high competitive scores on your SAT or ACT. Some programs also evaluate your science GPA or require you to be in the top of your class.

4. How long as BS/MD programs?

Most BS/MD programs are 7 to 8 years long, although a few rare programs are accelerated to 6 years.

5. Which schools have a BS/MD program?

Some of the best medical schools in the US have BS/MD programs, including the Ivy League medical schools and some of the top private and public universities in the US.

6. What GPA do I need for a BS/MD program?

BS/MD programs have high requirements for applicant GPAs, usually only accepting students who are in the top 5-10% of their high school classes. A GPA of 3.9 and above is recommended.

7. Do I need to take the MCAT to get in?

BS/MD programs often require the submission of SAT or ACT scores to be admitted. While some BS/MD programs do require you to take the MCAT, the score requirement will be lower than their average medical school matriculant.

8. How long is medical school?

Medical school curriculums are typically 4 years long. BS/MD programs can shorten your undergraduate curriculum but usually don’t shorten how many years medical school will be.

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting 


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tags: bs/md programs, Medical School Application, accelerated medical school programs, early assurance medical school programs, bs md