Our Top Picks for BS/MD Programs

Many students dream of becoming a doctor. It's a noble profession, wherein you are helping  people  and saving lives. It's true, most students go down the traditional path of completing an undergraduate degree,  taking the MCAT, and then going on to medical school. However, accelerated BS/MD programs are growing in popularity. In this article, we'll review our top picks for the BS/MD path.

There are around 60 BS/MD programs that are offered around the country. Students either earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree and a MD, taking between 6 and 8 years to complete both. These programs are competitive to get into, and the program is intensive. Following, many require that students maintain a high GPA. However, the benefit of the  BS/MD program is that students commence their first year of college knowing that they have been accepted into medical school. Additionally, for many programs, the MCAT is not required; this also  reduces some of the stress  that many students experience when preparing for the exam.  

BS/MD programs have different admission requirements and expectations. Application processes  differ, with some requiring interviews and/or supplemental essays and others not. Some programs put more emphasis on standardized scores and GPA while  others focus on the applicant's interest and commitment to medicine.    

We recently chatted with a colleague who attend the Rice Baylor BS/MD program. He provided  his  perspective on getting into the program, and his experience while studying there. Here are his key insights.

His academic profile includes being  a  solid student  with  A's and some B's. Additionally, his SAT test scores were 800 in math and 640 verbal; and SAT II scores were in the 700 range. Beyond curriculum, he  won a small scholarship to work in a research lab for one summer in high school.  Since many applicants didn't have research experience, this set his application apart from the others.  

Volunteering and shadowing is great exposure to medicine and  an activity that can help you decide whether medicine is really something you want to pursue.    

Don't be disheartened if you don't get into a BS/MD program. It does not mean you can't get into medical school.  In fact, those that study the BS/MD programs are a minority.  Most doctors take the traditional study path - undergraduate degree and then medical school.

The rigors of a BS/MD course-load are steep. The Baylor program  offers great support to ensure that students succeed. If they see students struggling, they try to address it early and provide the necessary support.  

The program offers students the opportunity to major in subjects not  typically pre-med. They encourage their students to study a variety of subjects  with the intention of producing  well-rounded physicians.

We've had several of our students get accepted into the BS/MD programs. Based on caliber, reputation and selectivity, our top picks for  BS/MD programs are as follows (in no particular order):

• Northwestern University: Honors Program in Medical Education
• Brown's Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)
• Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars Program
• Baylor2 Medical Track Program
• Case Western: Pre-Professional Scholars Program in Medicine
• Washington University in St. Louis: University Scholars Program in Medicine
• Penn State's Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program
• Boston University Seven-Year Liberal Arts/Medical Education Program
• University of Rochester: Rochester Early Medical Scholars
• University of the Pittsburgh: School of Medicine Guaranteed Admissions Program (GAP)
• Rutgers University: 7-Year BA/MD joint degree program
• University of Illinois: GPPA Medicine Program

Aren't sure about whether to apply to the BS/MD programs?  Read  our post "Should I Apply To BS/MD Programs?" to help  guide your decision!

Are you interested in studying for your BS/MD degree as well? These top picks for BS/MD options are a great place to start. If you would like a college counselor with experience in these programs, contact us below!