Table of Contents
A BS/MD is a dual-degree program in which an undergraduate school partners with a med school to provide high school seniors with conditional acceptance into medical school after completing their undergrad. BS/MD programs are for students who show a focused interest in medicine through their high school career and demonstrate remarkably strong academic qualifications.
BS/MD students receive a Bachelor’s degree and then immediately enroll in the linked medical degree program, assuming they maintain the program requirements during undergrad.
Typically, these are 6-8 year programs, in contrast to the traditional 4 years of undergraduate plus 4 years of medical school when going the traditional route. BS/MD’s main benefit is a fast track into medical school, whether it be by reducing the number of years you’ll spend in school or the time you save not applying to medical school during or after undergrad.
68% of our clients get accepted into one or more BS/MD programs — find out how you can, too!
BS/MD Programs: An Overview
A BS/MD program provides a streamlined path for students to earn both their undergraduate degree (Bachelor of Science) and their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
Note: BS/MD programs are one type of direct medical program (sometimes called baccalaureate-MD programs). Many institutions also offer BA/MD (a Bachelor of Arts) or BFA/MD (a Bachelor of Fine Arts), which are essentially the same except that the undergraduate degree is more in line with a liberal arts education. You can also find baccalaureate-DO programs, listed as BA/DO or BS/DO.
In general, the term “BS/MD” is broadly used to refer to all similar programs that confer a Bachelor’s degree and an MD or DO degree by the time the program is completed.
Read Next: MD vs. DO: What’s The Difference + How To Choose
Let’s take a look at the primary features of how these programs work.
Conditional Acceptance
High school students apply to BS/MD programs. If they are accepted, they immediately gain conditional acceptance to medical school in the future. The BS/MD application process is highly competitive, which I describe in more detail a little later in this article.
Undergraduate Studies (Years 1-3 or 1-4)
Students complete undergrad coursework, often in the sciences. These years should provide a strong foundation in sciences and include prerequisites for a college of medicine. Extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and internships should reflect a commitment to healthcare.
The student’s conditional acceptance into medical school is contingent on maintaining specified academic standards during the remainder of their studies, typically including a high undergraduate GPA and sometimes a minimum MCAT score.
Depending on the program, some BS/MD students are not required to take the MCAT during their undergraduate career.
ON-DEMAND WEBINAR: MCAT 101: Everything You Need to Know About the MCAT
Medical School (Years 3-6, 4-7, or 5-8, Depending on the Program)
Students will transition into the medical school curriculum. Clinical experience becomes a focal point, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world medical settings.
Students take USMLE Step 1 and 2. They begin to prepare for the residency application process, honing in on their chosen specialty.
In general, medical school for BS/MD students is often the same as for any other medical student. A select number of schools offer accelerated medical school programs in just 3 years, but these accelerated programs aren’t necessarily limited to only BS/MD students.
How Are BS/MD Programs Different From Traditional Med School?
BS/MD programs differ from the traditional medical school route in several ways:
| BS/MD Program | Traditional Med School | |
| When to apply | During senior year of high school | During 3rd-4th year of undergrad, or after undergrad if taking one or more gap years |
| Program length | 6-8 years; accelerated programs may require summer classes | 4 years or more (after 4 years of undergrad + gap years) |
| Medical school choices | Must attend the medical school associated with your undergraduate institution | Unlimited unless applying early assurance |
| Competitiveness | Acceptance rates at individual BS/MD programs are typically around 3% (other students may be deferred to standard application) | Around 41% of applicants are accepted to med school any given application cycle |
| MCAT requirements | MCAT is not required before applying to BS/MD; some programs require students to take the MCAT and meet a score requirement as part of their course of study | Test required to apply, score expectations vary by school, scores 511+ are typically considered competitive (lower scores may be competitive at some DO programs, while much higher scores are needed to qualify for most Ivy League medical schools) |
| Cost | Cost for a full undergraduate degree plus medical school; less expensive for accelerated programs (6-7 years) | Cost for full medical school degree, plus undergrad degree cost |
Financial aid is generally the same for most BS/MD degree programs compared to traditional undergrad and med school financial aid. Some programs may offer specific scholarships to BS/MD applicants only and some aid to traditional students only, but I find it basically balances out.
BS/MD programs often have specific application cycles aligned with standard college application timelines.
Does a BS/MD Program Mean I Don’t Have to Take the MCAT?
Waived MCAT requirements were a previously common benefit of many BS/MD programs. But today, most BS/MD programs require students to take the MCAT before entering their medical program.
In some cases, baccalaureate-MD programs require students to achieve a minimum MCAT score, while other programs do not specify a minimum score but still require you to take the MCAT.
Of the many dual-degree programs in the U.S., 15 totally waive the MCAT requirement for med school.
Competitiveness
Many BS/MD programs take 5-20 students per year. To matriculate, applicants must have a high GPA, strong SAT or ACT scores, stellar extracurriculars, and solid letters of recommendation. Admissions want to see the applicant’s commitment to a career in medicine.
How hard is it to get into a BS/MD program? It is very difficult. Only 3.3% of med school graduates came from BS/MD programs in 2022, up from the 2.8% that matriculated in 2018.
Most BS/MD programs are tight-lipped about their acceptance rate. But it’s clear from the institutions that do share their admissions data that BS/MD programs are extremely competitive.
Drexel University’s BA/BS+MD Program has stated that it admits roughly 2.5% of applicants. Brown University’s Program in Liberal Medical Education said that it offered 3.6% of applicants admission in 2019, a number that has surely dropped even lower since then.
No organization compiles official acceptance data on the applicant pool as a whole, so it’s impossible to know what percentage of BS/MD applicants get one acceptance or more. But based on acceptance rates at individual schools, that number is likely to be quite low as well.
To be competitive, you’ll need a very strong high school GPA, especially in math and science coursework. The programs also look for a strong portfolio of extracurricular activities, volunteer work, and research experience.
These programs are competitive because admissions committees are looking for the rare few students with enough maturity and focus to successfully tackle a compressed curriculum.
Is This the Right Path for You?
As a BS/MD medical student, you are essentially doing everything as you would if you were a traditional pre-med. The main difference is that you will do that work in a slightly condensed format, with the benefit of less pressure concerning whether or not you’ll get into medical school.
Is a BS/MD worth it? In theory, a BS/MD is very worth it, but only if you have the particular qualities required to excel in an accelerated program.
Read through our checklist below and ask yourself honestly, “Does this sound like me?” If it does, a BS/MD program might be your perfect path.
- I maintain good grades in school, especially in science classes.
- I do well on tests like the SAT/ACT.
- I have experience shadowing doctors and, ideally, some clinical experience with direct patient interaction.
- I have volunteering and research experience, especially research experience related to medicine.
- I know exactly why I want to be a doctor, and I’ve felt this way for a long time. It’s the only career path I have any interest in pursuing.
- I’m confident that I want to attend a specific undergraduate school and its associated medical program.
- I am a natural leader and can take charge as needed in school or community groups.
- I can handle a busy school schedule while balancing other life factors like self-care and meaningful relationships.
- I am ready to commit to being a doctor, and I understand how long and tough medical training can be.
- I am interested in research, and I genuinely want to discover new things in medicine.
- I could easily get strong letters of recommendation from teachers, especially in science.
- I have excellent interview skills and feel very comfortable discussing why I love medicine.
- I understand and am ready to fulfill the costs associated with a BS/MD program, including tuition and cost of living during school.
Think you could excel at a BS/MD program or an elite undergraduate school? Let us help you get into your dream program.
While BS/MD programs offer a unique path for students set on a future medical career, they come with their own set of pros and cons.
Pros
- Early medical school admission: High school seniors who secure undergraduate admission to these programs are ensured a place in medical school, provided they keep a specific GPA and meet minimum MCAT standards.
- Lenient MCAT requirements: Certain BS/MD programs either exempt students from the MCAT or mandate the test without specifying a minimum score requirement. This approach aims to alleviate the stress related to MCAT preparation.
- Time efficiency: Some programs integrate undergraduate and medical education within 6 or 7 years, as opposed to the conventional 8 or more. This expedited route not only conserves time and reduces tuition expenses but also enables students to begin earning money in their medical careers sooner.
- Focused curriculum: With admission to medical school ensured, students in BS/MD programs usually dive straight into a curriculum centered on health sciences. This helps students establish a solid educational foundation from the start.
Cons
- Highly competitive: Because of their distinctive advantages, BS/MD programs can be highly competitive. To distinguish themselves in the BS/MD college admissions process, applicants often require a strong GPA and high school extracurricular activities linked to healthcare. Acceptance rates at BS/MD programs are typically less than 5%.
- Geographical limitations: The binding nature of these programs often requires students to commit to the same institution or a partner institution for both undergraduate and medical school. You might see that as a drawback if you want to attend undergrad and med school at two different institutions.
- In-state residency requirements: Some programs are only open to students who reside within that state.
- Limited flexibility: These programs may not offer much room for exploration. This structure can be a disadvantage for students who later decide they want to pursue a different path or those who want a broader undergraduate experience.
- Less prestige: Apart from Brown University, none of the Ivy League schools offer a BS/MD program. BS/MD’s tend to be more common at less selective schools, probably as a way to attract high-performing applicants. If prestige is a factor for you, just keep in mind that applicants who are competitive for BS/MD programs are also qualified for these elite schools. Those who decide to attend a direct medical program usually do so at the expense of earning a more prestigious undergrad degree as a traditional student.
Some schools might reserve your spot in medical school while you take a few years off to pursue other graduate degrees, while others don’t allow you to do so. This depends on the school’s philosophy.
For example, REMS at the University of Rochester encourages students to take gap years to pursue fellowships or other graduate degrees because they believe this will eventually help them become better doctors. Learn more by contacting individual programs directly.
4 Tips for Getting Accepted
BS/MD programs are known to be some of the most competitive programs in the country. Some of their acceptance rates make Stanford and Harvard’s 4% acceptance rate sound like a cakewalk.
While there’s no trick for guaranteed admission, there are 4 things you can do to make yourself a top-tier applicant.
1. Start Early!
Most students who are serious about getting into these programs don’t just wake up one morning of their senior year and make a spur-of-the-moment decision to apply. The top percentile of BS/MD matriculants know before they even step foot into high school.
It is important to stay involved with health-related activities during your high school years so that…
- …you can decide this field isn’t for you after all, or
- …you have the experience to back it up.
Whether it’s research, volunteering at a hospital or simply shadowing your family physician for clinical mentoring, it’s never too early to enter the field of medicine. Don’t wait until your senior year to go all in!
2. Get Those Grades
Keep your GPA high and study hard for your ACT/SAT tests. As previously mentioned, some of these programs have single-digit acceptance rates, which means having a strong GPA and a high ACT/SAT score is of utmost importance.
Some schools (such as Drexel University, Case Western, Penn State/Jefferson) require BS/MD applicants to be in the top 10% percent of their graduating class in terms of GPA and to have standardized test scores above a certain number.
A 1600 SAT score and 4.0 GPA will not guarantee your acceptance into any BS/MD program. However, high academic statistics are an indication of academic maturity and will greatly increase your chances of being considered.
3. Organize Yourself
My greatest piece of advice is to narrow down your list of colleges early — and by early, I mean by the end of the summer before senior year, at the latest.
Then, create an Excel sheet noting all the important information in separate columns. It may be a pain to sit down one day and spend hours researching all the specific submission details for each university you are applying to, but it will largely pay off in the long run.
For example, indicate which BS/MD programs require you to submit essays through email and which ones have apps or website application portals you can submit through. Application deadlines may vary, too.
Each of these little details is unique to the program and can be easily missed. Rather than having to Google every time you forget one tiny detail, having an easy-access document with all the necessary information is much simpler.
Read Next: BS/MD Essays — Pre-Writing, Writing, and Editing Like a Pro!
4. Be Resilient
Rejection is never easy. Remember not to take a BS/MD rejection personally. Most of these programs accept only a handful of students out of the hundreds or thousands of applicants.
These programs can only admit a small group of students and, as such, are looking for the most qualified candidates they can find. You might be on track to be valedictorian, but if you don’t have the extracurriculars that an institution was looking for that year, they may pass you up. Don’t worry – if you’re competitive enough to even consider applying to a BS/MD program, odds are good that you’ll get into a fantastic undergrad program!
Program Cost
The cost of a BS/MD program is essentially the same as a regular undergrad to med school track. It’s not necessarily cheaper unless you do an accelerated program (i.e., a 6- or 7-year BS/MD program) rather than an 8-year option.
For cost reasons, accelerated programs are worth considering if you can handle the condensed workload. Graduating and entering the workforce sooner means less debt and an earlier start to paying off those student loans — if you had any.
Smaller but still noteworthy savings come in the form of bypassing the med school application program, since BS/MD programs offer conditional acceptance to medical school. Application fees to multiple programs and other expenses associated with travel and board can add up to thousands of dollars, fast.
BS/MD Programs in the United States
The following is a list of all available BS/MD programs and similar baccalaureate-MD programs in the United States as of December 2024.
| Program Name | MCAT Required? | State | Program Length | Minimum GPA | Minimum Test Scores |
| University of Alabama/UAB School of Medicine | Yes, 506 minimum | AL | 8 years | Not specified | Not specified |
| University of Arizona/College of Medicine -Tucson | No | AZ | 7 years | 3.7 | Not specified |
| California Northstate University/CNU College of Medicine | Yes, 510 minimum | CA | 7 to 8 years | Not specified | Not specified |
| University of Colorado Denver/ University of Colorado School of Medicine | Yes | CO | 8 years | 3.5 | ACT 27 SAT 1185 (Evidenced-Based Reading, and Writing + Math) |
| University of Connecticut/ UConn School of Medicine | Yes, minimum score in 80th percentile rank; no subtest scores below 55th percentile rank | CT | 8 years | 3.5 | Not specified |
| Florida Atlantic University/ The Schmidt College of Medicine | Not specified | FL | 7 to 8 years | 4.3 (weighted) | ACT 33 SAT 1490 |
| Florida International University/ Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine | Not specified | FL | 7 Years | 3.7 (unweighted) | ACT 31 SAT 1350 (no section below 600) |
| Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia | Yes | GA | 7 to 8 years | Not specified | ACT 32 SAT 1450 |
| University of Illinois Chicago Guaranteed Professional Program | Yes | IL | 8 years | Not specified | ACT 28 (recommended not required) SAT 1310 (recommended not required) |
| Indiana State University/Indiana University School of Medicine (open to residents of rural Indiana only) | Yes, minimum score must meat the mean score of the previous year’s matriculants | IN | 8 years | 3.5 | ACT 27 SAT 1270 (Evidenced-Based Reading, and Writing + Math) |
| University of Evansville/IU School of Medicine Evansville | Yes | IN | 8 years | 4.0 | ACT 29 SAT 1350 |
| Grambling State University/Meharry Medical College (open to Black/African-American students only) | Yes, score must meet the current minimum MCAT score (changes yearly), no section may be less than 122 | LA/TN (undergrad in Louisiana, medical school in Tennessee) | 7 to 8 years | 3.25 (no grade under C in science courses) | Not specified |
| Wayne State University/Wayne State School of Medicine | Yes, score must be no less than the 70th percentile | MI | 8 years | 3.5 | ACT 28 SAT 1310 |
| Missouri Southern State University/Kansas City University | No | MO | 7 years | 3.7 (overall, unweighted) 3.5 (math and science, unweighted) | ACT 28 (22 in math) SAT 310 (540 in math) |
| St. Louis University/SLU School of Medicine (does not offer guaranteed admission to the school of medicine but does increase chances of acceptance) | Yes, a score of at least 508 must be achieved. | MO | 8 years | Not specified | Not specified |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City/UMKC School of Medicine | No | MO | 6 years | Not specified | ACT 24 SAT 1160 Writing sections not considered for either exam. |
| Caldwell University/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | Yes, students must receive a competitive score | NJ | 7 years | 3.5 | SAT 1470 |
| Caldwell University/St. George’s University | Yes, students must receive a competitive score | NJ | 7 years | 3.5 | SAT 1270 |
| The College of New Jersey/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | Yes, no minimum score required | NJ | 7 years | 3.8 (unweighted) | ACT 30 SAT 1400 (Evidence-Based Reading and Math sections only; no super scores) |
| Drew University/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | Yes, no minimum score required | NJ | 7 years | 3.8 (unweighted) | ACT 34 SAT 1500 (Critical Reading and Math) |
| Monmouth University/St. George’s University School of Medicine | Yes | NJ | 8 years | 3.4 | ACT 30 |
| Montclair University/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | Yes, students must receive a competitive score | NJ | 8 years | 3.0 | SAT 1100 (550 on both Evidenced-Based Reading, and Writing + Math) |
| New Jersey Institute of Technology/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | Yes, no minimum score required | NJ | 7 years | Not specified | ACT 33 SAT 1490 No super-scores considered. |
| Rowan University/Cooper Medical School | Yes | NJ | 7 years | 3.5 (unweighted) | ACT score equivalent to SAT requirement (super-scores are accepted) SAT 1350 (Math & Critical Reading sections) |
| Rutgers University/Rutgers New Jersey Medical School | Yes | NJ | 7 years | Not specified | ACT 32 SAT 1400 (Critical Reading and Math) |
| University of New Mexico School/ University of New Mexico School of Medicine | Yes | NM | 8 years | Not specified | ACT – Math 22, Reading 19, Science 19, English 19 SAT – Math 540, Reading 410 |
| Brooklyn College/SUNY Downstate College of Medicine | Yes, 509 minimum score | NY | 8 years | Not specified | Not specified |
| The City College of New York/CUNY School of Medicine | Not specified | NY | 7 years | Not specified | Not specified |
| Hofstra University/Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine (for underrepresented in medicine (URM) and economically disadvantaged pre-med students) | Yes, a score equivalent to or greater than the 80th percentile at the first sitting must be achieved | NY | 8 years | 3.7 | ACT 32 SAT 1410 (Evidenced-Based Reading, and Writing + Math) Casper exam required |
| Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute/Albany Medical College | No | NY | 7 years | 3.5 | ACT (No minimum) SAT (No minimum) |
| Siena College/Albany Medical College | No | NY | 8 years | Top 10% of graduating class | ACT 30 SAT 1360 |
| St. Bonaventure University/George Washington University School of Medicine | Yes | NY | 8 years | Top 10% of graduating class | ACT 30 SAT 1390 (Evidenced-Based Reading, and Writing + Math) |
| Stony Brook University Scholars for Medicine Program | Yes | NY | 8 years | Not specified | ACT 35 (recommended, not required) SAT 1490 (recommended, not required) |
| Union College/Albany Medical College | No | NY | 8 years | Not specified | ACT 30 SAT 1410 |
| University of Rochester/University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry | No | NY | 8 years | Not specified | None specified |
| Case Western Reserve University/Case Western Reserve’s School of Medicine | No | OH | 8 years | Not specified | Not specified |
| University of Cincinnati/University of Cincinnati School of Medicine | Yes | OH | 8 years | Not specified | ACT 27 SAT 1270 (excluding writing portion; super-scores not considered) |
| University of Toledo/University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences (guaranteed medical school interview if requirements are met; not a guaranteed acceptance) | Yes, a score in the 65th percentile or greater guarantees an interview | OH | 7, 8, or 9 years | 3.8 | ACT 30 SAT 1410 |
| The University of Oklahoma/University of Oklahoma College of Medicine | Yes, a score equal to or higher than the average of the previous year’s incoming medical school class (approx. 509) | OK | 7 to 8 years | No, based on “very high overall academic achievement” | No, based on “very high overall academic achievement” |
| University of Tulsa/University of Oklahoma College of Medicine | Yes, minimum score must meet the average of incoming medical school class (approx. 510) | OK | 8 years | 4.0 | None, successful applicants typically score in the top 5% on either ACT or SAT |
| Drexel University/Drexel University College of Medicine | Yes, a score of 511 or a total of 513 with no section score less than 127 | PA | 8 years | 3.5 (weighted) | ACT 32 SAT 1420 |
| Penn State/Sidney Kimmel Medical College | Yes, 508 minimum required with no less than 126 in CARS and no less than 127 in all other sections | PA | 7 years | “Strong GPA” required, no specifics | ACT or SAT must be submitted, no minimum requirement (successful applicants typically score SAT 1570 or ACT 36; super-scores not considered) |
| Temple University/Lewis Katz School of Medicine | Yes, minimum 509 required with no section less than 126 | PA | 7 years (Health Scholar program) 8 years (BA/MD program) | Not specified | ACT 31 SAT 1350 |
| University of Pittsburgh/University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine | Only required if student is accepted without an SAT or ACT score, score is only used for advising (not admission) purposes | PA | 8 years | Not specified | ACT 34 SAT 1490 |
| Brown University/Warren Alpert Medical School | No | RI | 8 years | None | None |
| Baylor University/Baylor College of Medicine | Yes, minimum 501-507 score required with no section under 125 | TX | 8 years | 3.7 (unweighted) | ACT 32 SAT 1430 Recommended scores, more than minimums |
| Texas Tech University/ Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine | No | TX | 8 years | None, but preference is given to top 10% of your high school class | ACT 30 SAT 1360 |
| George Washington University/GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences | No, but they do require an MCAT practice exam score | Washington, D.C. | 7 years | None specified | ACT or SAT score must be in the top 10% of test-takers |
| Howard University College of Medicine | Yes, 504 minimum required | Washington, D.C. | 6 years | 3.5 | ACT 28 SAT 1300 (at least 650 in each section) |
FAQs
All of these programs allow high school students to apply to an undergraduate institution with conditional acceptance into a medical school down the line. Below are the differences:
- A BS/MD program lets students earn a Bachelor of Science, then a Doctor of Medicine.
- A BA/MD program lets students earn a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Doctor of Medicine.
- A BS/DO program lets students earn a Bachelor of Science, then a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
- A BA/DO program lets students earn a Bachelor of Arts and then a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.
- A BFA/MD program lets students earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts, then a Doctor of Medicine.
These three types of programs are all ways to increase your odds of earlier-than-normal admissions to a medical school. Below are the differences:
- BS/MD programs are designed for high school seniors to apply for a dual-degree program spanning their entire undergraduate and medical education.
- Early decision (ED) admissions programs allow med school applicants to select a single medical program in exchange for early, guaranteed acceptance. These choices are binding — meaning if you apply ED, you may not apply anywhere else unless your ED application is rejected. If your application is rejected, you’ll have to apply after October 1 in your cycle, which is late and disadvantages your application against others. That’s why I almost never suggest students apply early decision to med school.
- Early assurance (EA) programs are typically programs in which pre-screened applicants may be offered the opportunity for early acceptance by specific medical colleges. Unlike ED, these only include students invited by an institution (any student may not simply apply via early assurance). Similar to BS/MD programs, EA is very competitive with just a few spots available at any given medical institution each year and are binding agreements once accepted.
The terms “early decision,” “early assurance,” and “early action” are occasionally used interchangeably, so check any individual program’s requirements and purpose to be sure you know how you’re applying.
I haven’t heard anyone complain about having a harder time studying for the USMLE because they entered a BS/MD program that didn’t require taking the MCAT.
Even though some BS/MD students don’t have to take the MCAT, they’ve learned all the same material and undergone the same classroom testing needed to prepare for the USMLE.
Additionally, it seems that BS/MD students place successfully into their top residency choices just as often as their classmates. Even if they were at a slight disadvantage with USMLE preparation, it doesn’t seem to impact their career in any way.
While BS/MD programs do not contractually lock you into a particular medical school, they do typically accept students on the assumption that they will attend an associated medical school. In certain cases, this might mean having a selection of schools within a particular system.
Typically, you are able to opt out of going to a BS/MD’s associated medical school. However, why would you want to go through the highly competitive BS/MD application process if you didn’t want to avoid the competitive and uncertain medical school application process?
Assuming that you do want to apply to different medical schools as a BS/MD student, just keep in mind that doing so may mean forfeiting your seat at that BS/MD’s medical school. Also consider that other schools might know that you’ve applied out of your BS/MD and consider it bad form. If you are considering opting or applying out, be cautious and get one-on-one support from a trusted academic advisor.
Not all BS/MD programs lock you into their medical school. Some schools, like the University of Rochester School of Medicine, will continue to reserve a spot for you if you apply to other schools. But generally these are pretty rare — most programs will take away your reserved spot if you apply elsewhere.
The best way to find your answer is to ask questions during the application and interview process and decide what is ultimately of greater importance to you: flexibility of choice, or certainty of admission to med school.
No, an accelerated program will not put you at a disadvantage for med school. In contrast, students often say that accelerated programs are better because you have less time to forget the material you just learned.
In an accelerated program, you take more classes during the summer, and you take related science classes within a shorter time. Both of these facts should actually advantage you.
On the other hand, the primary disadvantage for accelerated program students is the potential for burnout. However, I expect anyone who makes it into a BS/MD program will be a well-organized, dedicated student who knows how to avoid exhaustion.
Keep in mind that most accelerated programs offer you the chance to delay your entry into medical school by a year or so if you feel the program’s pace is too fast.
While a BS/MD program doesn’t necessarily lock you into one career path, most people who choose this route do so because they want to be locked into a medical career path.
With accelerated programs, it can be slightly more difficult to pursue non-science majors since you’re expected to complete a set number of science classes in a limited amount of time.
The purpose of BS/MD programs is to offer you a less-pressured, more guaranteed route to medical school. But if you decide that this isn’t the right path for you, there is no contract agreement binding you to it. The choice is always yours to change your direction in life.
The Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) is an 8-year program within Brown University that integrates undergraduate and medical school education. Students pursuing the PLME can
Next Steps
Now you know what to expect and what not to expect if you choose to commit to a BS/MD combined program. If you want to pursue BS/MD, we have lots of resources to make your application as good as it can be.
Your next step is to speak with a member of our enrollment team who can help you get into a competitive BS/MD medical program. 68% of our BS/MD clients get an acceptance!
Kachiu Lee, MD
Dr. Lee specializes in BS/MD admissions. She was accepted into seven combined bachelor-medical degree programs. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Northwestern University and proceeded to Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, IL. After completing a dermatology residency at Brown University, Dr. Lee pursued a fellowship in Photomedicine, Lasers, and Cosmetics at Massachusetts General Hospital and was a Clinical Fellow at Harvard Medical School. Academically, she has over 100 peer-reviewed publications and lectures internationally.
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