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?
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: 7 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.
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17 Comments
Deborah Nwabor
Hi!! I am wondering if people applying to bs/md programs for the year of 2022 will need to take to SAT's?
ReplyDeborah Nwabor
Hi! I just emailed! Thank you for choosing me as a winner!
ReplyDouyana
hi, I am a junior right now in high school.I really trying to get expected into a bs/md program specifically Howard University program.I believe that I am on track but I am still scared.Also I have been wondering do you have to accept the school to b invited to the program?
ReplyDex Honega
Hey, I am wondering how expensive these programs are?
ReplyMaitra
Hi, I am a sophomore in Canada. But, there are no Advanced placement courses in my school. Can I still get into a bs/md program? And are there any that don't accept international students?
ReplyNora Fotuhi
hello! I am in the class of 2023 and was wondering if I apply going into junior year or going into senior year?
Replykaty
very informational article! thanks
ReplyStef Mauler
Just checking - is that acceptance rate at Rutgers accurate? It seems very high. Can you please provide the source?
ReplyAnonymous
Hi! During this pandemic, I was unable to volunteer at a hospital, will this affect my acceptance to a bs/md program
ReplyTanish Jain
Hi, is the rutgers combined program acceptance rate really that high? Can you update/clarify that?
ReplyNora Ancer
Hello! Not sure if I'm too late but here are my stats: US junior, 1530, 13 total APs in high school, 4.0uw and 6.0w Gpa, over 150 hours of volunteering (25 from the hospital and the rest through a long term cultural organization thing), dance for the past 8 years, possibly will do some shadowing, 1 junior varsity sport, and a couple of medicine/volunteering clubs through school. I think that's it for the major parts of my profile. Would I have any chance at acceptance into bsmd programs?
ReplySanaullah Mohammed Hayath
I completed my studies till Grade 10 in India now I came back to Canada as I am Canadian so there is no SAT in my School also I am graduating in 2023 so shall I go to America for studying BS /MD or shall I be in Canada to do it. Also, I want to become a Neurosurgeon is it good to go with BS/MD.
ReplyAbdul Mohammad
Is the above university list complete? I knew some universities offered 7 year BS/MD but they are not listed here. For eg., Texas Tech Lubbock, also another one in Florida.
ReplyAsal
Hi, I’m a junior living in turkey and im planning to apply for bs/md programs. I’m currently doing the Ib diploma program. I wanted to ask if it is enough just to have a good IB score or do i have to take the SAT
ReplyShanta Sondur
My daughter is in 11th and from India.. we are looking for bsmd program in USA.. plz guide us on the opportunity and how to prepare
ReplyKate
Hi!! If I am a student that is already at a university for undergrad, am I able to transfer to a BS/MD / BS/DO?
ReplyAhmadiyah Lewis
Hi I’ve been out of high school for 5 years, but I’m currently enrolled in an institute for medical assistant. Would they still need my high school transcripts, or can they use my current transcripts from the institute and apply that to my application?
Reply