BS/MD Programs

32 Best BS/MD Programs in the US

While some students aren’t sure how to go about choosing a major, others are already thinking ahead to medical school. For students with their sights set on a medical degree, the college admissions process offers a unique opportunity to plan for the future. BS/MD programs provide an accelerated path toward medical school, allowing students to begin their undergraduate studies with a plan already in place. If this sounds like an exciting opportunity, you may be interested in learning more about the best BS/MD programs in the country.

In this guide to the best BS/MD programs, we’ll highlight:

  • The BS/MD meaning in college admissions
  • Our list of the 32 best BS/MD programs in the country
  • The best BS/MD programs in Texas, Florida, and New York
  • How to get into a BS/MD program, and more!

Before we start looking at specific schools, let’s start with the BS/MD meaning and define what a BS/MD program actually is.

What are BS/MD programs?

BS/MD Programs

Here is a simple BS/MD meaning: BS/MD programs are direct medical programs where students will earn both an undergraduate and a medical degree. They are unique in that students apply for conditional acceptance into medical school before they’ve even graduated from high school.

Interested students can apply to BS/MD programs during the normal college admissions process. Let’s look at a specific school as an example. When students submit their application to Syracuse admissions, they’ll need to check the Upstate Accelerated Scholars Program box. Once Syracuse has reviewed your application, they decide which students to recommend to SUNY Upstate Medical School.

Indeed, there is an important point to consider of the BS/MD meaning. While BS/MD offers a pathway to medical school, the majority of programs are conditional. That means students must fulfill certain requirements to matriculate to medical school. For instance, in the Penn State accelerated medical program, students must earn a minimum 3.5 GPA in their undergraduate courses. Additionally, they must meet the Sidney Kimmel Medical School’s minimum MCAT score requirements.

Now that we know the basic BS/MD meaning, let’s discuss how long these programs take to complete.

How long do BS/MD Programs take?

BS/MD Programs

You get both a bachelor’s and a master’s with a BS/MD, meaning many BS/MD programs take 8 years to complete. For example, if we look at the Case Western admissions page for their Pre-Professional Scholars Programs, students complete 4 years of undergraduate study followed by another 4 years at the School of Medicine. Even if you were to complete your degree requirements sooner, you’d still be bound to this timeline.

However, the BS/MD meaning isn’t the same at every school. Some BS/MD programs are also accelerated MD programs. That means students will complete their degrees in less than 8 years. For instance, the Penn State accelerated medical program only takes 7 years to complete.

Alternatively, some schools offer multiple timelines to students in their program. For example, students accepted by Syracuse admissions to their BS/MD program have the option to complete their degrees in 7 or 8 years, depending on their major. In this case, choosing a major will also influence how long your program takes to complete.

What Colleges Have Direct Medical Programs?

Based on the BS/MD meaning, direct medical programs are typically created from partnerships between medical schools and certain universities. Some medical schools only offer one undergraduate pathway, while others have partnerships with several different undergraduate institutions. 

You can find direct medical programs at a wide variety of colleges and universities. Typically, you’ll find these types of programs at schools that have a nearby medical school, including one in the same school. Therefore, you could complete all 8 years of your program on the same campus. 

But, what kinds of direct medical programs are available? Many direct medical programs seek to promote educational opportunities for students with a desire to serve their communities. Some medical schools have programs meant specifically for local high school students, while others accept students from all over the world. When researching these programs, check if any schools favor your situation.

With the BS/MD meaning in mind, let’s turn our attention to the best accelerated MD programs.

Identifying the Best Accelerated MD Programs

In your research, you may find BSMD programs ranking differently based on the particular criteria used to evaluate the programs. To build our list of the best BS/MD programs, we used the U.S. News National Universities rankings to determine which schools with accelerated MD programs ranked the highest.

32 Best BS/MD Programs

Here is our list of the best BS/MD programs:

Top 32 BS/MD Programs

1. Brown University/Brown University Warren Alpert School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

If you’re looking for a unique BS/MD program with a liberal arts focus, this is the program for you. At Brown’s campus in Providence, RI, students can complete a Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) in 8 years. Of all the Ivy League universities, this is the only program of its kind. However, as one of the Ivy League universities, it’s no surprise Brown’s PLME program is extremely competitive, with an acceptance rate of just 3%.

2. University of Rochester/University of Rochester School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

Next on our list of the best BS/MD programs is Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS). This 8-year program in Rochester, NY, accepts just 10 students a year. After successfully completing their pre-med courses and bachelor’s degree, students will continue their studies following Rochester’s Double Helix Curriculum.

3. Case Western Reserve University/Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

Now, let’s turn our attention towards Cleveland, OH. Case Western admissions offers conditionally guaranteed admission to their professional schools through their Pre-Professional Scholars Programs. Like other direct medical programs, Case Western admissions accepts just 15-20 exceptional students each year. According to Case Western admissions, this program takes 8 years to complete, even if you finish your undergraduate degree in less than 4 years.

4. Stony Brook University/Stony Brook University’s School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

At #4 we have another New York BS/MD program. Similarly to other BS/MD programs, the Scholars for Medicine Program at Stony Brook takes 8 years to complete. Interested students should note that admission to Stony Brook’s School of Medicine is conditional. Undergraduates will need to meet a designated MCAT score requirement by the spring of their junior year.

5. University of Connecticut/University of Connecticut School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

Our list of the best BS/MD programs continues with the University of Connecticut, located in Storrs. UCONN’s Special Program in Medicine offers students the choice to pursue a BA or BS in one of their 115+ undergraduate majors. Students who are accepted to the Special Program in Medicine are also required to enroll in UConn’s Honor Program for their undergraduate studies.

6. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute/Albany Medical College

BS/MD Programs

In just seven years, students can earn their BS/MD degrees through Rennselaer’s Accelerated Physician-Scientist Program. The curriculum during your undergrad at Rensselaer’s campus in Troy, NY, will be about 70% premedical and 30% liberal arts. Many BS/MD students explore undergraduate research opportunities, preparing them to undertake high-level research and eventually graduate from medical school with special honors.

7. Penn State University/Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University

BS/MD Programs

The Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program is a 7-year program where students will spend their first three years of the Penn State accelerated medical program in northeastern Philadelphia. They’ll then spend the following four at Sidney Kimmel Medical College. Compared to some of the other best BS/MD programs, the Penn State accelerated medical program has a lot of flexibility. Students can do research, explore a minor, and even study abroad.

8. George Washington University/George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences

BS/MD Programs

Up next is another one of America’s top 7-year accelerated MD programs. Similar to other BA/MD programs, GW’s BA/MD program looks for students to demonstrate excellence in academics, leadership, and community service. Additionally, students should already have examples of healthcare experience and a strong case for their future in medicine. Of course, if you want to apply to GW, you’ll also need competitive SAT/ACT scores.

9. University of Pittsburgh/University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

At #9 on our list of the best BS/MD programs is the Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) at the University of Pittsburgh. Accepted students must maintain a high GPA while seeking relevant experiences, like research and community service. Note that while the University of Pittsburgh is still test-optional, not submitting scores makes a difference. As such, no standardized test scores mean you’ll need to take the MCAT prior to matriculating to the School of Medicine.

10. Syracuse University/SUNY Upstate Medical University

BS/MD Programs

The Upstate Accelerated Scholars (UAS) Program at Syracuse allows students to complete a 7-8-year track for their BS/MD. According to Syracuse admissions, most students will complete the program in 8 years. However, biology BA/MD students will follow a 3-year undergraduate timeline and complete the program in 7. Once accepted by Syracuse admissions, students will not have to worry about taking the MCAT at any point in their academic career.

11. Stevens Institute of Technology/New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers University

BS/MD Programs

This is the first, but not only, Rutgers BS/MD program included on our best BS/MD programs list. The Accelerated Pre-Medicine Program offered through the Stevens Institute of Technology is a 7-year program based in Hoboken, NJ. Similar to applications at other top BS/MD programs, students will need to meet minimum SAT/ACT requirements and submit an exceptional application.

12. Rutgers University-Newark College of Arts and Sciences/New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers University

BS/MD Programs

Students interested in BA/MD programs who want to be on the same campus throughout their studies may be interested in Rutgers. Like other accelerated MD programs, this program takes 7 years to complete. In their application, students will need to discuss their interests related to medicine and volunteering. 

13. University of Illinois at Chicago/University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

The UIC Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions (GPPA) program admits around 57 students each year. When students matriculate to the College of Medicine, they may be assigned to one of three campuses in Chicago, Peoria, or Rockford. During the undergrad portion of this 8-year program, students are required to join the university’s Honors College.  

14. New Jersey Institute of Technology/New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers University

BS/MD Programs

Next, we have another Rutgers BS/MD program. Another of Rutgers’ accelerated MD programs, this 7-year program accepts around 28 students each year. The program does not dictate what to major in; however, students will be a part of NJIT’s Albert Dorman Honors College. With support from the Honors College, students are encouraged to get involved in research early on in their undergraduate career.

15. Temple University/Temple University Katz School of Medicine Medicine

BS/MD Programs

We continue our list of the best BS/MD programs with the Pre-Med Health Scholar Program at Temple University. While most students complete this program in 8 years, students can apply for a shorter, 7-year track during their first semester. However, when choosing a major, the 8-year program is open to any major, whereas the 7-year program is only open to Biology or Chemistry majors.

16. Baylor University/Baylor College of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

Waco, TX, is home to the next school on our list of the best BS/MD programs. The Baylor BS/MD program is an 8-year program called Baylor2Baylor, where students will start their studies in Waco and continue at the College of Medicine in Houston. Considering this program is one of the best BS/MD programs, it’s no surprise it’s also one of the most competitive. Only six students are accepted each year to the Baylor BS/MD program. During admissions, the Baylor BS/MD program is specifically looking for students who plan to work with underserved communities.

17. Drexel University/Drexel University College of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

Another 8-year BA/MD, BS/MD program is Drexel’s BA/BS+MD Early Assurance Program. When choosing a major for this Philadelphia-based program, students only have three options: Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering. As a conditional acceptance program, Drexel requires students to follow a coursework and co-op plan, community service requirements, and GPA and MCAT score thresholds.

18. University of Colorado/University of Colorado School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs
University of Colorado Health” by Lyn Lomasi | CC BY 2.0.

This BA/MD, MS/MD program is located in Denver, CO. Only 10 applicants are accepted to this 8-year program each year. Students can pursue any major offered through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. In addition to their coursework, students will participate in full-time summer programs. This is an important characteristic of some of the best BS/MD programs, as it is a large commitment.

19. Howard University/Howard University College of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

Check out this brochure for Howard’s BS/MD program. Unlike many of the best BS/MD programs on our list, this is a true accelerated program. In fact, at just 6 years, it is certainly one of the shortest accelerated MD programs in the country. This program is split into Phase One, which is 2 years, and Phase Two, which is 4 years.

20. University of Alabama/University of Alabama School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

Coming in at #20 is the University of Alabama’s BS/MD program. This 8-year program allows students the flexibility to choose any major in undergrad. Some highlights of the University of Alabama’s EMSAP BS/MD program include special seminars, shadowing and research opportunities, and Ethics and Bioethics Bowl Teams. 

21. University of Cincinnati/University of Cincinnati College of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

The Connections Dual Admissions Program at the University of Cincinnati is next on our list of the best BS/MD programs. The program has many similarities to other top BS/MD programs. Notably, students can enhance their experience by applying to the school’s Undergraduate Program in Medical Sciences and the University Honors Program.

22. Virginia Commonwealth University/Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs
VCU Student Commons” | Jeff Auth | CC BY-SA 3.0

Next, let’s look at Virginia Commonwealth’s Honors College Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine. This rigorous, 8-year program combines a curriculum covering patient care with academic study. You may have noted in the name that this is an honors college-specific program—interested students will need to apply to the school’s Honors College when applying for admission.

23. Montclair State University/New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers University

BS/MD Programs
Montclair State University” by Roadgeek Adam | CC BY-SA 2.0.

While Montclair was once part of the 7-year Rutgers BS/MD program, this partnership is now only for their 8-year program. Located in Montclair, NJ, students will complete their undergraduate coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or Molecular Biology. Students can expect to participate in a variety of enrichment activities year-round, including the summer.

24. Mercer University/Mercer University School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

Of the best BS/MD programs highlighted on this list, this is one of the largest. Up to 60 students are selected each year to join Mercer’s Special Consideration Program. However, one unique caveat for SCP is that applicants must apply and be accepted Early Action I. Accepted students will get to complete their studies all on Mercer’s campus in Macon, GA.

25. Hofstra University/Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

Students at Hofstra’s BA/MD, and BS/MD programs will complete their degrees in 8 years. Throughout their first 4 years, students are expected to take additional educational opportunities, including pursuing a minor, studying abroad, or joining the honors college. Unlike many of our other best BS/MD programs, Hofstra’s requires applicants to take the CASPer™/Altus exam, a standardized situational judgment test.

26. Wayne State University/Wayne State University University School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

One of the more competitive schools on our list of the best BS/MD programs, Wayne State’s BS/MD program only admits 10 students each year to join them on their Detroit, MI, campus. This BA/MD, BS/MD program focuses on education surrounding health disparities. WSU prepares students to become leaders through their Learning Communities, as well as community service and clinical experience opportunities.

27. Florida Atlantic University/Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

There is not just one, but two BS/MD programs offered by Florida Atlantic University. Both BS/MD programs are 7-8 years, but the undergraduate experiences are slightly different. The Med Direct program is offered through the College of Science at the Boca Raton campus. On the other hand, the Wilkes Medical Scholars program is offered through the Honors College at the Jupiter Campus.

28. Texas Tech University/Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

The Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative at Texas Tech is next on our list of the best BS/MD programs. While this program doesn’t count among accelerated MD programs, students can be considered for early matriculation to medical school. One important factor that differentiates this program from other BS/MD programs: students do not take the MCAT. In fact, they may not take the test—for any reason—if they wish to participate in the UMSI program.

29. University of New Mexico/University of New Mexico School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

28 students a year are accepted to the Combined BA/MD Degree Program at UNM. BA/MD students can expect to take courses centered on UNM’s Health, Medicine, and Human Values (HMHV) curriculum, and then participate in a practicum immersion experience. UNM has one of the best BA/MD programs for students who want to learn in a class of diverse students committed to serving their local communities.

30. University of Missouri – Kansas City/University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs

Next is another one of the shortest and best BA/MD programs in the country. At UMKC’s BA/MD program, students will earn their degrees in just 6 years. If you’re not sure what to major in, this program gives you plenty of flexibility. Beyond your chosen major, you’ll also be encouraged to take advantage of the many research and service opportunities offered at UMKC.

31. Union College/Albany Medical College School of Medicine

BS/MD Programs
File:Nott Memorial Hall, Union College, Schenectady, NY.jpg” by Daniel Case | CC BY-SA 3.0.

Of all the best BS/MD programs, this is the second university that partners with Albany Medical College. Union offers another opportunity to pursue accelerated MD programs in New York State, this time in Schenectady. However, unlike other BS/MD programs, the Leadership in Medicine (LIM) Program allows students to complete three degrees in 8 years. Along with their BS and MD degrees, students will earn an MBA in Healthcare Management. 

32. College of New Jersey/New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers University

BS/MD Programs

Finally, let’s round out our list of the best BS/MD programs with another Rutgers BS/MD program. A unique benefit of the Rutgers BS/MD program offered through the College of New Jersey is major flexibility. In the first three years of this Rutgers BS/MD program, students can explore majors in approved subjects, such as Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, and Philosophy. Additionally, students can pursue minors, double majors, and study abroad opportunities, all while completing the Rutgers BS/MD program requirements.

It’s clear there are many opportunities for high school students interested in an accelerated track to medical school. From the Rutgers BS/MD programs to the Penn State accelerated medical program, the best BS/MD programs cover a wide range. However, some recent trends have reinforced just how rare and unique BS/MD programs really are.

Recently paused BS/MD programs

If you were expecting to see certain schools on our best BS/MD programs list, don’t worry—there are two more BS/MD programs we’d like to highlight. While you may find these BS/MD programs ranking highly in previous years, they’re not currently accepting applicants.

Boston University/Boston University School of Medicine

In the past, Boston University admissions accepted students to their 7-year program. However, Boston University admissions stopped accepting students for the 2022-2023 application cycle. Part of the reasoning behind this decision by Boston University admissions was that BA/MD and BS/MD programs are now more common than they once were. However, Boston University admissions still offers an Early Medical School Selection Program (EMSSP) to college sophomores at certain partner schools.

University of Nevada/University of Nevada School of Medicine

More recently, the University of Nevada has put a pause on accepting students. This 7-year program was one of three Combined Degree Programs offered in medicine, dentistry, and business. However, at this time, the program has been paused for evaluation. Many of the best BS/MD programs aim to prepare a diverse cohort to provide care in underserved communities while addressing healthcare disparities. As such, some programs are evaluating their efficacy in reaching this goal while providing a rich and flexible undergraduate experience.

While the University of Nevada and Boston University admissions departments have suspended these programs, they may return. Now that we’ve talked about some of the best BS/MD programs in the country, let’s look at a few more. Up next, we’ll look at BS/MD programs by location, focusing on schools in Texas, Florida, and New York.

BS/MD Programs In Texas

To start, let’s take a look at two great BS/MD programs in Texas.

Top Texan BS/MD Programs

BS/MD Programs

Baylor College of Medicine

Given their spot at #16 on our list of best BS/MD programs, it’s no surprise to see Baylor’s BS/MD programs ranking highly in-state. The Baylor College of Medicine is ranked #22 in Research and #31 in Primary Care nationwide. As previously stated, the Baylor BS/MD program is not an accelerated program. However, students may be selected for scholarships to help cover the cost of the 8-year Baylor BS/MD program.

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine

South Texas high school students can apply to the UTRGV Early Assurance Program (EAP). While their medical school is unranked, the UTRGV is #11 on the U.S. News list of the Best Colleges in Texas. Unlike the programs highlighted on our list of the best BS/MD programs, UTRGV’s program is local and only available to students who reside in one of 13 South Texas counties. Additionally, accepted students must enroll in the Honors College to complete their undergraduate degree in a major of their choosing.

BS/MD Programs In Florida

Next, let’s look at two of the best BS/MD programs in Florida.

Top Floridian BS/MD Programs

BS/MD Programs

Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine

You’ve seen this program before at #27 on our list of best BS/MD programs. As previously stated, students can complete this BS/MD program in 7-8 years via the Med Direct or Wilkes Medical Scholars program.

University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

The University of South Florida’s 7-year BS/MD program does not require a formal application. During the college admissions process, students will apply for Undergraduate Admission and the Judy Genshaft Honors College. Students will then be considered for initial eligibility. In their freshman spring semester, they may declare their intent to continue the program.

BS/MD Programs In New York

Finally, let’s look at more of New York’s direct medical programs.

Top New York BS/MD Programs

BS/MD Programs

Albany Medical College

This school showed up at both #6 and #31 on our list of best BS/MD programs. Each year, up to 45 of Albany’s approximately 145 medical students matriculate from a Combined Degree Program. Besides Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Union College, BS/MD students also come from Siena College.

CUNY School of Medicine

The accelerated BS/MD program offered by CUNY takes 7 years to complete. The curriculum of this program spans seven key areas: patient care, medical knowledge, lifelong learning, interpersonal skills and communication, professionalism, systems-based practice, and population health and community-oriented primary care.

Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell

You saw this program at #25 on our list of the best BS/MD programs. Moreover, Hofstra’s School of Medicine is ranked #68 in Research and #51 in Most Diverse Medical Schools. Of around 2,000 applicants, only 10-15 students are chosen to enter into this program each year.

Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University

As you might recall, this New York BS/MD program was #4 on our list. This program requires students to complete the Honors program and earn a minimum score on the MCAT to matriculate. U.S. News ranks Stony Brook’s School of Medicine #58 in Research and #95 in Most Diverse Medical Schools.

State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine

The Coordinated BS/MD program at Brooklyn College is one of their most prestigious programs. Accepted students earn a Presidential Scholarship to help cover the cost of their undergraduate studies. Students will study for four years at Brooklyn College, then spend the following four at SUNY Downstate.

State University of New York Upstate Medical University College of Medicine

Alternatively, students can apply to SUNY Upstate’s BS/MD program. This newer program, which began in 2018, offers students the opportunity to matriculate from one of ten partner universities. Partner schools include Adelphi University, Hampton University, and Spelman College. Prior to starting medical school, students have the freedom to pursue any major of interest while also participating in summer programming.

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

This program was #2 on our list of the best BS/MD programs. The School of Medicine is highly regarded, ranking #32 in Research and #40 in Primary Care. Additionally, the school ranks #53 in Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas.

Other Accelerated MD Programs to Consider

Since we couldn’t include every school on our BS/MD programs ranking of the best programs, we wanted to highlight just a few more that didn’t make our list. Here are three more direct medical programs to consider.

More BS/MD Programs

BS/MD Programs

Augusta University/Medical College of Georgia

If you’re not sure what to major in, consider pursuing a BS in Cell & Molecular Biology at Augusta University. For this BS/MD program, you don’t have to worry about choosing a major—all students earn this degree before completing their medical degree. Looking at BS/MD programs rankings, you’ll find Medical College of Georgia ranks #79 in Research and #95 in Primary Care. This is an accelerated program, so students will earn their BS/MD in just 7 years.

St. Louis University/St. Louis University School of Medicine

This early-assurance program is located in Missouri. A more traditional program, this BS/MD takes 8 years to complete. When choosing a major, students may pursue any major in the College of Arts & Sciences. Additionally, several in the College for Public Health and Social Justice, Doisy College of Health Sciences, and the School of Science and Engineering are available. The School of Medicine is ranked #85 in Research and #58 in Primary Care.

Easiest BS/MD Programs To Get Into

Given the limited number of spots available at the best BS/MD programs each year, all BS/MD programs are competitive. Even the biggest programs only accept around 100 students. Indeed, these programs have a relatively smaller applicant pool than general admissions, but their acceptance rates are even lower. 

While there are no “easiest” BS/MD accelerated MD programs, some have slightly more openings than others. With this in mind, here are three BS/MD programs with a higher acceptance rate than others:

  • University of Missouri-KC BA/MD Program: 7%
  • Augusta University Professional Scholars Program: 10%
  • University of Illinois Chicago Guaranteed Professional Program Admissions: 10%

Regardless of a program’s acceptance rate, all direct medical programs are competitive and extremely challenging to get into. In fact, a BS/MD program may feel even more out of reach than the Ivy League universities. However, there are steps you can take to ensure you submit a strong, competitive application.

How to get into a BS/MD program?

Whether you are making your case to Case Western admissions or Syracuse admissions, getting into a BS/MD program requires a compelling application. Here are five tips to help you navigate the college admissions process for direct medical programs:

Top 5 Tips for Acceptance to BS/MD Programs

BS/MD Programs

1. Take challenging math and science classes

Any pre-med program will have advanced courses in math and science. Advanced high school coursework in these areas demonstrates both your interest in these topics and that you’re prepared to succeed in university. If you can, challenge yourself by taking AP and Honors courses where possible.

2. Gain experience through relevant extracurriculars

All BS/MD programs are looking for students who can demonstrate their interest in the medical field through related experiences. That means volunteer work, shadowing, research—anything that shows the ways you’ve already begun preparing for your career in medicine. More than just filling your resume, your extracurriculars will give you valuable talking points for your application essays. 

3. Prepare for the SAT/ACT

While some BS/MD programs are test-optional, many require applicants to submit standardized test scores. In fact, some programs have minimum test scores. Be sure to start preparing early; ideally, you should have strong scores before your senior fall. Check each program’s BS/MD admissions page for more information on the average or minimum test scores of admitted applicants.

4. Develop relationships with recommenders

Like all college applications, BS/MD programs require letters of recommendation. These recommendations are crucial to speak to your academic strengths and the quality of your character. Remember, most of these programs only admit a handful of students each year; a stellar recommendation can help your application stand out from the rest. 

5. Seek support

BS/MD programs are some of the most competitive programs in the world, so it’s important to start early and ask for help. The college admissions process can be overwhelming for any student; reach out to college admissions counselors and others to get answers to your questions. For specific, tailored guidance, CollegeAdvisor offers 1-on-1 advising to help you make your case to your dream program.

Best BS/MD Programs – Final Takeaways

In this article, we discussed the BS/MD meaning and learned about some of the best BS/MD programs. Ultimately, the best BS/MD programs for you will be the ones that meet your needs. While all BS/MD programs provide a pathway to medical school, each offers its own unique programming and benefits. Some programs are accelerated and only take 6-7 years. However, many BS/MD programs still take 8 years.

Are you set on medical school but want to explore majors outside of typical pre-med fields? Look for programs with flexible requirements or a wide range of available majors. Research programs thoroughly, making sure you’re aligned with their timelines, curriculum, and requirements.

When you’re ready to apply, refer to each program’s application process and requirements. We know the college admissions process, both for undergrad and for BS/MD programs, can be intimidating. Don’t hesitate to reach out to CollegeAdvisor for personalized guidance throughout the BS/MD application process!


BS/MD Programs

This article was written by Stefanie Tedards. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.