Many high-achieving students dream of a career in medicine. Parents likewise have hopes that one day their child will become a doctor. It’s easy to see why: medicine combines the challenge of solving problems with the deeply rewarding experience of improving the health and well-being of others.
Looking to apply for a highly competitive accelerated medical degree? Discover how many and which AP courses it takes to be a strong applicant for a BS/MD program.
Why are AP classes important for BS/MD programs?
If you’re serious about pursuing a medical career, a BS/MD (Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine) program could be the ultimate fast track. These programs offer a guaranteed pathway to medical school, skipping the stress of applying separately after earning an undergraduate degree.
However, BS/MD programs are even more competitive than the traditional route. Some programs admit as few as 10–50 students out of thousands of applicants, and acceptance rates often fall between 1–5%. With competition that steep, what does it take to get in?
As you may have guessed, advanced curriculum classes are a great way to start. AP Biology and AP Chemistry, for example, align closely with the prerequisites for medical school and can help ease your transition into college-level science courses. Don’t worry if your high school offers limited AP courses; you can also consider dual enrollment or online AP classes to demonstrate your commitment to academic rigor.
Still have questions? Next, we’ll get into the details.
What does it take to get into a BS/MD program?
Firstly, academics are essential to any competitive BS/MD application. Successful applicants are typically at the very top of their class, boasting near-perfect GPAs and outstanding standardized test scores, with 1550+ on the SAT or a 34 on the ACT. But high grades and test scores alone aren’t enough—the top contenders for the program also demonstrate a commitment to academic rigor by taking the most challenging courses available to them. This often includes a combination of honors, AP, and even college-level courses through dual enrollment or community programs. We’ll get into the number and type of AP classes further in this article.
Secondly, extracurricular involvement is equally important. Successful applicants have a proven track record of engaging in activities that reflect their interest in healthcare and their leadership skills. This might include volunteering at hospitals or clinics, shadowing physicians, conducting scientific research, or participating in programs like HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). We won’t focus on extracurriculars here, but bear in mind that they are equally important to your application.
How many AP classes should I take?
When it comes to AP classes, students aiming for BS/MD programs should prioritize those that build a strong foundation in science, math, and critical thinking. But how many AP classes are enough, and which ones should you focus on?
Generally, you should aim for 8-12 AP classes across a variety of subjects throughout high school, focusing on 4-6 APs in your junior and senior years, when most AP courses are offered. However, college admissions understand that high schools vary in offerings so what matters is that you take the most challenging courses available to you. They will look at the “difficulty ratio,” the number of AP classes taken divided by the number of AP classes offered at your school. As a BS/MD applicant, you should aim for a difficulty ratio of 50% or higher to stand out as a very competitive candidate.
For instance, if your high school offers 20 AP classes, you should aim to take at least 10 of them. A strong difficulty ratio demonstrates not only your academic rigor but also your ability to challenge yourself within the resources available to you.
Sample AP schedule for the BS/MD student
Here is a brief sample schedule for each year of high school, showing how students can distribute ten or so AP courses effectively over their journey.
- 9th Grade: Honors Biology, Honors Algebra 2
- 10th Grade: AP Biology, AP World History
- 11th Grade: AP Chemistry, AP English Language and Composition, AP Calculus AB
- 12th Grade: AP Physics C, AP Psychology, AP Calculus BC
Which AP classes should I take?
Not only is the number important but also which you choose to take. Focus on taking as many AP courses in science and math as possible to build a strong academic foundation for a career in medicine. While the more challenging AP courses, such as AP Chemistry or AP Physics, aren’t typically available until 11th or 12th grade, you can take some AP courses as early as 9th or 10th grade like AP Biology or AP Precalculus or honors courses that help prepare for AP courses. If your school allows it and you feel ready, starting these courses early can give you a head start and show admissions committees your ability to tackle challenging material from the beginning of high school. Recommended STEM-focused AP courses include:
- AP Biology
- AP Chemistry
- AP Physics (1, 2, or C)
- AP PreCalculus
- AP Calculus (AB or BC)
- AP Statistics (optional but helpful for research-focused programs)
Other recommended AP classes that aren’t directly STEM-focused but still provide valuable knowledge and skills for students pursuing a career in medicine include subjects that enhance critical thinking and communication — qualities essential for becoming a well-rounded and empathetic physician.
- AP English Language and Composition (strong writing skills are critical for essays and medical school success)
- AP Psychology (a great introduction to critical concepts in human behavior, and lays the groundwork for understanding the patient-doctor relationship and mental health)
- AP Government or AP History (shows a well-rounded academic background)
Should I take the AP exams?
As well as taking AP classes, students should also aim to take AP exams, especially in STEM-focused AP exams, such as AP Biology, AP Chemistry, and AP Calculus. However, your humanities subjects matter too!
When testing, you should aim for scores of 4 or 5. A top score in AP exams not only strengthens your application but may also earn college credit or advanced placement in university courses, reducing the time and cost of a BS/MD program (which tends to be 7+ years of study). High scores in subjects like AP English or AP Government can allow you to place out of general education requirements in college, giving you more flexibility to focus on pre-med coursework.
Balancing APs and other factors
While taking a high number of AP classes is impressive, it’s important to remember that quality matters more than quantity. Admissions committees are more interested in how well you perform in challenging courses than in simply seeing a long list of AP classes on your transcript. Overloading your schedule with too many APs can risk burning out and earning lower grades, which could hurt your overall application. It’s better to take a slightly smaller number of AP classes and excel in them than to stretch yourself too thin.
Additionally, don’t forget to leave room in your schedule for other important factors that will strengthen your BS/MD application. This includes extracurricular activities such as volunteering in healthcare settings, participating in research projects, or shadowing physicians. These experiences are just as critical as your academic achievements, as they demonstrate your passion for medicine and your commitment to serving others!
For example, while taking AP Biology, consider volunteering in a hospital’s lab to show how you’ve applied your classroom knowledge to real-world settings.
Finally, be mindful of your mental and physical well-being. While it’s important to challenge yourself academically, overloading on APs can be counterproductive if it leaves you with no time for rest, hobbies, or personal growth. Strive for a schedule that allows you to perform at your best while also staying balanced and engaged in all aspects of your life.
Sophia Minhas
Madeleine Karydes