BS/MD Programs
For high school students who dream of becoming doctors, BS/MD programs offer a unique opportunity: guaranteed admission to medical school straight from high school. These combined programs let students earn both a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree-sometimes in as few as 7 years-without going through the stressful medical school application process later on.
Is a BS/MD Program Right for You?
BS/MD programs can be an incredible path for highly motivated students who are 100% committed to medicine. Benefits include:
Skipping the traditional med school admissions process
The option to bypass the MCAT at some schools
Extra freedom to explore other academic interests
Joining a small, close-knit cohort of future physicians
But they’re not for everyone. These programs require making a career decision at age 17 or 18 and committing to one institution for 7–8 years. Students should gain clinical exposure—through shadowing, volunteering, or research—to make sure medicine is truly the right fit.
How Hard Is It to Get In?
Extremely. BS/MD acceptance rates typically range from 1–5%. Competitive applicants usually have:
A near-perfect GPA and top 5% class rank
SAT/ACT scores in the 95th percentile
Strong science teacher recommendations
Deep extracurricular involvement in healthcare, research, or service
Because most applicants already have strong academics, what really stands out are meaningful experiences that show long-term commitment to medicine.
Application Strategies
Applying to BS/MD programs is more involved than regular college applications. In addition to the Common App, students usually submit supplemental essays answering questions like “Why medicine?” or “Why our program?” Successful essays highlight both intellectual curiosity and compassion, showing how science and service come together.
BS/DO Programs
In addition to BS/MD options, students may want to consider BS/DO programs, which provide a direct path to becoming a Doctor of Osteopathy. These programs are generally less selective and emphasize a holistic approach to patient care.
Top BS/MD Programs to Explore
Brown University – Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)
Case Western Reserve University – Pre-Professional Scholars Program
Penn State/Jefferson – Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program
Boston University – Seven-Year Liberal Arts/Medical Education Program
University of Rochester – REMS Program
Stony Brook University – Scholars for Medicine Program
Final Thoughts
BS/MD programs are one of the most competitive pathways in higher education, but for the right student, they offer a clear and focused route into medicine. Building strong academics, pursuing meaningful healthcare experiences, and writing compelling essays are key to standing out.
