If you’re a prospective pre-medicine student, you’ve probably already heard of BS/MD programs and how competitive they are. However, you may not know the specific differences between each BS/MD program and the traditional med school route or how to approach the application process. With that being said, here are some frequently asked questions regarding BS/MD programs, including an overview of how to apply for them, and their various advantages and disadvantages.

What are BS/MD programs?

In short, BS/MD programs are dual-degree programs that allow high schoolers to apply for both the undergraduate university and affiliated med school. According to MedSchoolCoach, if students are accepted, they immediately gain conditional acceptance to the medical school. This means they must still maintain a minimum GPA while in the program, complete all necessary coursework by graduation, and obtain a minimum MCAT score to continue. By the end of the program, which typically lasts six to eight years, students will have received their Bachelor of Science (BS) Degree from the respective university and their Doctor Of Medicine (MD) Degree from the affiliated medical school. 

How do I apply for them?

Aside from the application process for the school itself, almost all BS/MD programs will have a supplemental application process. While the application process for each school will vary, many schools have an additional pre-med checkbox you can select on the Common Application or their specific online application. After selecting this checkbox, additional essays and questions on topics such as your interest in medicine, volunteer experience, and research experience will appear for you to fill out. You can find the specific instructions on applying for BS/MD on the university’s website. 

What are the acceptance rates?

According to CollegeVine, the acceptance rates for BS/MD programs are very low, often ranging from 5-10%. BS/MD programs are one of the most sought-after dual degree programs, and the application process is extremely competitive. BS/MD applicants are generally evaluated using a multi-stage assessment process, which is highly rigorous.

What requirements are there to apply?

While the requirements to apply for BS/MD programs vary depending on the school, many schools require their students to have strong GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. For example, the BS/MD program at Rutgers University Newark, requires all applicants to have a minimum 1400 SAT and 32 ACT scores. Although there aren’t any other mandatory requirements besides these, it is implied that students applying have strong GPA/test scores, leadership qualities, and demonstrated interest for the university’s BS/MD program.  

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a BS/MD program?

One of the biggest advantages of getting into a BS/MD program is a conditional acceptance into medical school as a high school senior. Having this conditional acceptance saves  you from worrying about the application process for medical school near the end of your undergraduate education. By attending a BS/MD program, you are ensuring your path to becoming a doctor, as long as you maintain the necessary GPA and score the minimum threshold on the MCAT. Additionally, another advantage is that many BS/MD programs are accelerated, meaning you can finish college 1-2 years before your peers. These accelerated programs are also far less expensive than the traditional pre-med route. 

However, there are also disadvantages to attending a BS/MD program. For one, accelerated BS/MD programs make it harder for students to choose electives or additional classes they want to take in their undergraduate studies since their schedule is pretty much full since the start. In addition, the accelerated track can detract from the “typical college experience” that is expected. By attending an accelerated BS/MD program, students are potentially missing out on some aspects that only a four-year student at college can experience. 

Overall, BS/MD programs are highly beneficial to those who are absolutely sure they want to pursue a career in medicine. By allowing high schoolers to prematurely apply to medical school, these programs can save students countless hours spent on applications in the future. However, BS/MD programs are very difficult to get into and have heavy coursework and high GPA requirements. That said, if you are a prospective medical student, make sure to consider what you want the most out of your college experience. At the end of the day, the flexibility and freedom of the college undergraduate experience might be what you’re looking for.