Pursue your BS/MD with confidence.
Pre-med takes more than grades. BS/MD programs want clear, demonstrated interest.
Why It Matters
What is a BS/MD program?
In short, a Bachelor of Science/Master of Science program is a combined undergraduate and medical track that streamlines your path to pursuing a Doctor of Medicine. Whether you want to run your own medical practice one day, work as a primary care physician, specialize in neurosurgery, or do something in between, getting into a BS/MD program provides numerous benefits as you pursue your dream career such as:
Guaranteed medical school admission
Seamless education curriculum
Reduced timeline
Financial benefits
Less pressure during undergrad
Early clinical exposure
Cohort-based learning
Peace of mind
The Challenge
How competitive are BS/MD programs?
BS/MD programs are extremely competitive. Most programs accept only 5-20 students per year (the most selective programs accept less than 5% of all applicants), making them more competitive to get into than some Ivy League schools. If you’re a student looking to increase your chances of acceptance to a top program, you could juggle as many as 12-15 applications.
This process can be overwhelming and requires ample time, effort, and support.
Helping you reach your college dreams
The great news is you don’t have to navigate the BS/MD journey alone. Here at Empowerly, our experienced counselors will collaborate with you on a personalized strategy and guide you through every step of the application process.
Our Results
Empowerly students have gained acceptance to top BS/MD programs over the years.
Brown Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)
University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry
Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
Baylor College of Medicine
How We Help
Your roadmap for BS/MD admissions
Research Scholar Program (RSP)
Work 1-on-1 with a PhD mentor to produce an independently-
developed research project in your field of interest.
Passion Project
Transform your pre-med passion into an impactful project that showcases your creativity and demonstrates your unique story.
The Empowerly Effect
One student’s success story
BS/MD Student
GPA: 4.0
SAT: 1580
AP Courses: 8
Interests/activities: Clinical internship, Science Olympiad, Math team, Soccer team
Overview:
This student had excellent academics but lacked the medical experience that top BS/MD programs expect. With only a school healthcare club on their resume, they felt behind post-pandemic and were eager to build a stronger pre-med profile.
How We Helped:
- Designed a focused summer plan with clinical volunteering in Costa Rica.
- Helped the student gain admission to competitive, medicine-focused summer programs.
- Secured a research role in bioinformatics at a Harvard-affiliated lab.
- Guided the launch of a nonprofit offering free college and career counseling.
- Helped craft a strong personal essay linking faith and science.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BS/MD program and how is it different from a traditional pre-med track?
A BS/MD program is a combined Bachelor’s and medical school pathway that guarantees medical school admission, offers a streamlined curriculum, early clinical experience, and often reduces timeline and stress compared to the traditional pre-med route.
Who is eligible to apply for BS/MD programs?
Typically, candidates are high school seniors with top-tier qualifications – top 5-10% of class, strong GPA, excellent SAT (e.g. 1400+) or ACT (e.g. 33+) scores, and demonstrated medical commitment (e.g., AP science courses, clinical volunteering, research)
How competitive are BS/MD admissions?
Extremely competitive. Many programs accept only 5–20 students per year, and some have acceptance rates under 5%, making them more selective than many Ivy League programs.
What GPA and test scores do I need for BS/MD or pre-med admissions?
Competitive applicants usually have near-perfect academic records. Expect SAT scores around 1400–1550+, ACT 33–34+, and a high GPA – often in the top percentile of their class – all while taking advanced coursework (AP, honors, or IB).
Do BS/MD programs require medical-related extracurriculars or research?
Yes. Most applicants have experience in clinical settings, volunteer work, shadowing, or scientific research, showing early and sustained commitment to medicine.
How can Empowerly help me strengthen my BS/MD application?
Empowerly supports students with:
- Empowerly Score®, a tool assessing academics, essays, and extracurriculars;
- Personalized advising tailored to BS/MD admissions;
- Essay editing within two business days;
- Admissions Committee Review from former admissions officers;
- Clinical & research guidance, interview prep, Research Scholar Program, and Passion Project support.
What is the timeline for applying to BS/MD programs?
While Empowerly doesn’t list explicit deadlines, they note that BS/MD programs require significant planning and early preparation – applicants often juggle 10-15 applications and manage essays, interviews, and supplemental materials well before typical deadlines.
Do BS/MD programs guarantee admission to medical school
Yes. BS/MD programs typically offer conditional early admission to medical school, contingent upon maintaining academic standards (e.g., GPA, coursework completion) through undergrad.
What types of support does Empowerly offer beyond application essays?
Beyond essays, Empowerly offers:
- Personalized strategic planning;
- Mock interviews and AdCom feedback;
- Empowerly Score® tool;
- Clinical, research, and extracurricular guidance;
- Research Scholar and Passion Project programs;
- Ongoing counselor support for academic planning, timeline management, and school-specific strategy.
Can Empowerly help students find research or shadowing opportunities for pre-med?
Yes. Empowerly offers guidance on securing relevant opportunities and their Research Scholar Program pairs students with a Ph.D. mentor to develop independent research – boosting credentials for BS/MD applications.
