The Top Combined BS/MD Programs: A Guide for Future Medical All-Stars

Are you a great student who wants a direct path toward becoming a doctor?

High school students with a strong science background, high GPA, relevant extracurricular activities, volunteer or work experience in the medical field, and a strong commitment to going to medical school should consider applying for combined BS/MD or combined BA/MD programs.

• These programs allow undergraduate students to go straight from their BA or BS degree to medical school to earn their MD, without having to go through the formal application process.

While it is comforting to know from the start of undergrad that you are guaranteed admission to med school, these programs are not for everyone.

You should strongly consider your reasons for applying.

BS/MD Programs: What You Need to Know First

Here are some things you should think about before you decide:

• Some BS/MD programs still require you to take the MCAT and pass with a certain score to stay in the program.
• Some programs also require you to maintain a certain GPA, or you will drop out of the program.
• Many BS/MD programs (unless they are accelerated) take the same amount of time (eight years) as the more traditional route where you spend four years in undergraduate, then attend med school for an additional four years.
• If you are someone who is not 100 percent committed to medicine yet, these programs do not give you time to explore other career options. They may potentially limit your growth in other fields and interests as you mature in college.

On a more positive note:

• A combined BS/MD program usually has more resources available to their medical students.
• They are more cost-effective than the traditional route, where students pay full tuition to two separate institutions.
• BS/MD programs also allow for more flexible course scheduling.
• This is because, outside of the classes required for their BS degree, students feel more freedom to take courses they are interested:
• Their place in med school has already been secured, and they do not have to worry about sprucing up their resume for applications after undergrad is completed.
• This leads to a less stressful, often more well-rounded undergraduate educational experience, where students are better able to avoid “burn out.”

If you read all that and are still on board, we will move onto how to apply to and choose BS/MD programs!

Applying to the Best BS/MD Programs

There are only about 50 institutions that have a BS/MD program.

This makes admission extremely competitive, and you will have to slightly alter your strategy for applying.

Usually, for undergraduate applications, you aim for three different tiers of schools: “reach,” “target,” and “safety” schools.

• This guarantees that you will get into some schools (safety) and others (target and reach) if everything else works out.

BS/MD programs are far more selective due to their limited numbers, so there are no safety schools.

Admission is never a guarantee, even when you apply to the lower tier or “less competitive” programs.

• Therefore, if you have a very strong application (top 5-10% of your class, near-perfect ACT and SAT scores), choose several reach and target schools to apply to.
• If you have a good application (~3.9 GPA, 31+ ACT, and 2150+ SAT scores), then choose a couple of target schools to apply to.
• In both scenarios, you should check that the BS/MD schools you apply to have a robust undergraduate curriculum for pre-med students.
• Another option is to submit additional applications for other undergraduate schools that have strong pre-med programs. This ensures that you still have an avenue to pursue medicine, via the traditional route, even if you do not get into any of the BS/MD programs.

All right, so how do you choose which of the 50 schools you should apply to?

Aside from considering the program’s level of selectivity and quality, the primary factors you should think about are ones that relate to your quality of life and health as a student at the school.

How to Choose the Best BS/MD Program for You

We have always been strong advocates of choosing a college or university based on your individual lifestyle and learning needs, rather than off arbitrary rankings.

This is even more true for BS/MD programs:

• BS/MD programs are typically seven to eight years long. This is no small amount of time to spend studying and living in one location.
• If the school size, location, and culture are not ones that vibe with you, then you will have a far more difficult time adjusting to life outside of high school and being able to perform well in school.

But don’t worry – we have you covered!

In this guide, we will give a comprehensive overview of seven BA-BS/MD programs.

We start with an overview of quality of life factors and information about the college or university where you would pursue your undergraduate studies.

Then we will delve into the BS/MD portion, giving information about the program selectively (based on test scores), and program highlights.

By the end, you will have a good idea of what schools you could apply to based on your academic record and personal preferences!

The Best BS/MD Programs

1. Northwestern University – Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME) – Evanston, IL

Northwestern University is a private research university that is well known for its selective undergraduate and graduate programs.

It is in a suburban area.

• Its student-teacher ratio is 7:1 and about 77 percent of its classes have fewer than 20 students. The student-teacher ratio at the program’s affiliated medical school is 2.7:1.

Northwestern’s campus in Evanston can best be described as idyllic.

It is right near Lake Michigan (which makes for very cold winters), has a lot of open, green spaces, and it is a wonderful place for commuting on foot.

Northwestern provides good public transportation, including a campus shuttle, as well as buses and trains that go into Chicago.

Students can get to the city in 45 minutes by train and in even less time by car. Because of this proximity, the school has an in-between suburban/urban feel.

Program highlights and requirements for matriculation into medical school

HPME is one of the most competitive BA/MD programs that exist, and there are good reasons for it.

• Students who gain admission into HPME are simultaneously accepted into Northwestern University and its highly-regarded Feinberg School of Medicine.
• In addition, it is an accelerated program that takes only seven years to complete instead of eight and there is no MCAT requirement.
• Depending on the major, students may complete the undergraduate portion of the program in three or four years.

HPME students must have a 3.65 cumulative GPA and 3.5 science GPA by the end of undergraduate studies in order to remain in the program and continue to medical school.

• Even more so than other combined programs, HMPE encourages flexible, personalized undergraduate programs that cater to student’s individual interests.

This is why students are not limited to a BS degree and have the option of attending the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Communication, or the McCormick School of Engineering for their undergraduate degree.

HMPE also encourages students to take gap years between undergrad and medical school.

• The school understands that a gap year can be a very enriching (and needed) time for students after undergrad.
• This is a time where students can recover to be their best selves during med school, explore personal interests, or pursue research, work-abroad experiences, and even additional degrees.

Requirements for applying and program selectivity

As you may have gathered, HPME is a high reach program.

There is an additional hurdle to students who want to get into HPME: before students may even apply, they have to request the application through the undergraduate admissions office, and it is not guaranteed that they will send it to you.

• The website states that “only students that demonstrate superior high school achievement and academic aptitude will receive an application.”

Students must have 16 units of high school credits to apply, among which they should have:

• Four in Math and English
• One in Chemistry, Physics, and Biology
• Two in a foreign language

They must also take the SAT Reasoning Exam and SAT Subject Exams in Math 2 and Chemistry. They have the option of substituting the SAT Reasoning Exam with an ACT with the writing exam.

While there is no actual minimum requirement for them, you can gauge the high level of selectivity based on the average test scores of accepted students from 2016-2017:

• SAT Reasoning (2,352), SAT Math 2 (785), SAT Chemistry (769), ACT Composite (34).

The same is true for GPA. There is no minimum requirement, but Northwestern states that admitted students are “generally at or near the top of their class.”

Select applicants will have to travel to Chicago for an in-person interview.

2. Brown University – Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) – Providence, RI

Brown University is a private research university. It is an Ivy League school and the seventh-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.

Brown is located in an urban area.

• Its student-teacher ratio is 7:1, and about 68 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students. The student-teacher ratio at the medical school is 1.3:1.

Although Rhode Island is the smallest state in the country, you would not know it as a student in Providence.

The city is the capital of the state and boasts a diverse population of people, with many options for exploring history, art, and culture.

• There are a total of six colleges or universities within city limits, so a lot of the life in Providence is set up for students: there are bars, restaurants, shopping centers, and a great transportation system.
• It is a beautiful city that consists of green parks and beaches nearby. With all that being said, Providence does have a smaller-town feeling to it than cities like New York City or Boston.

It may seem too small and not be a good fit for those who love the hustle and bustle of a truly urban center.

Program highlights and requirements for matriculation into med school

Brown is similar to Northwestern in that, because of its status as an Ivy League school, it is able to provide students with a comprehensive, robust undergraduate education.

• Curriculum planning is extremely flexible, and students may work towards a B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) degree or an Sc.B (Bachelor of Science) degree during undergrad. They may also pursue interdisciplinary concentrations like public policy.
• While there are benefits to accelerated programs, Brown touts that it is decidedly not an accelerated medical program.
• Rather, it prides itself as a program that provides enrichment not acceleration, encouraging students to “take advantage of the breadth of a liberal arts education”

That is why PLME students have the option of extending their program by one or two years (from eight).

This is beneficial for students who feel they would excel at a program where they can take their time and go at their own pace.

To go onto med school, students must graduate with a Bachelor’s degree, demonstrating competency in these preclinical areas: biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and the humanities and social sciences.

There are guidelines for required classes, as well as classes students may choose to enroll in to meet these competencies.

• Students must also remain in good academic standing in the College by passing a certain number of courses each semester.
• Students who fail to do so and are on academic warning or academic probation at the time of graduation from Brown forfeit their assured matriculation into medical school.

The MCAT is not required for students enrolled in PLME.

Requirements for applying and program selectivity

PLME is a high reach program. For the entering class of 2017, 96 students were accepted out of 2432 applicants.

• This puts the admission rate just under 4 percent (3.9 percent).

There are no high school requirements, but the College recommends:

• Four years of English (with an emphasis on writing)
• Three years of college prep mathematics and a foreign language
• Two years of laboratory science (above freshmen level) and history (including American history)
• At least one year of an elective academic subject

There is also no GPA requirement but, given the competitive tier PLME is in, applicants should be near the top of their class.

Brown requires either the SAT with the essay or the ACT with writing and recommends that applicants submit two SAT Subject Tests of their choice, but to especially consider submitting one in biology, physics, or chemistry.

The average SAT Reasoning score for matriculates of Brown over the last five years is 2,238.

• There is no data regarding average ACT scores, but a score of 34 – 36 should put you in good running.

There is no formal interview requirement, though the College recommends that applicants contact a local alumna or alumnus for an “alumni interview” in the applicant’s hometown.

• As you may have perceived, PLME is a program of many “recommendations” and not requirements.

For your best chance, take up those all recommendations and go above the program’s minimal requirements to show them you are serious about your endeavor.

3. Rice/Baylor University – Medical Scholars Program – Houston, TX

The Rice/Baylor program is unique from the other programs we have discussed so far in that students would attend two different institutions for their undergrad (Rice University) and medical degree (Baylor University’s College of Medicine).

• The campuses are close to one another, so many quality of life factors will be similar.

Rice University is a private institution that is considered one of the most selective colleges/universities in Texas. It is in an urban area.

• It has a student-teacher ratio of 6:1, with about 71 percent of classes with fewer than 20 students.
• Baylor College of Medicine consistently ranks in the top tiers of medical school programs, and its student-teacher ratio is 3:1.

Houston is the fourth-largest city in the United States, and there will be more than enough to discover and do here during your eight years in school.

The city life is robust, with sizable theater and museum districts, as well as many sports venues.

There are over 35 colleges and universities in the Houston area, making it one of the most diverse, dynamic, and liberal cities in Texas.

While it is not a very walkable city, it has an excellent metro system for students to navigate around, and it is also car-friendly for those who prefer that mode of transportation.

Program highlights and requirements for matriculation into med school

The single most stand-out quality of the Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars Program is that it meets 100 percent of demonstrated financial need for all admitted students.

• This greatly reduces the financial barrier and burden for low-income students and ensures that the program is truly merit-based.
• It is an eight-year program, with no options for students to matriculate early. Instead, those who finish their undergraduate degree in less than four years are encouraged to pursue other experiences, like a double major, study abroad, or volunteering.
• Rice is well-known for its undergraduate-focused education and curriculum. This is reflected in its very low student-teacher ratio (6:1).

Students attending this program are guaranteed a comprehensive, first-rate undergraduate experience that will prepare them well for medical school.

Like Northwestern and Brown, students may choose to major in whatever they want, as long as they fulfill the courses required for pre-med preparation.

• To remain in the program, students must maintain a 3.50 cumulative GPA and a 3.50 cumulative science GPA (with no grade lower than a C in courses that are required for admission to Baylor College of Medicine).

The MCAT is required before students may matriculate to medical school. 

Requirements for applying and program selectivity

The Medical Scholars Program is the most selective BS/MD program on this list: only six scholars are accepted annually.

• In 2017, 746 people applied to the program, 25 students were selected as finalists, are six were chosen after interviews – putting the admission rate at less than 1 percent (0.8 percent).

These statistics make sense given Rice/Baylor’s promise to match 100 percent of financial need.

• There are no minimum GPA, ACT, or SAT requirements to apply to this program because Rice prides itself in having a holistic, all-encompassing evaluative process that does not just consider an applicant through a single lens.
• The program even has sections dedicated to helping DACA/undocumented and home-schooled applicants navigate the process.

Even so, it is a near guarantee that students need to be near the top in every academic category.

Furthermore, though Rice/Baylor does not explicitly state this, it can be inferred from its stiff acceptance rate that students must have a defined interest in medicine – which can be a tall order from students who have just graduated high school.

• The FAQ pages state that this interest can “manifest in different ways,” including “experiences focused on medicine and experiences with health-care providers and institutions.”

A program that accepts only six students annually is not one to take chances on students who are unsure of exploring the field, so make sure you have good reasons for applying – as well as a lot of volunteer or work experiences to support those reasons.

4. Boston University – Liberal Arts/Medical Education Program – Boston, MA

Boston University is a private research institution, and it is one of the largest nonprofit universities in the United States.

It is located in an urban area, right in Boston, and it is one of the city’s largest employers.

• It has a student-teacher ratio of 10:1 and 61 percent of its classes have fewer than 20 students.

As a city with a huge role in the founding of this country, Boston is rich in history and culture.

• It is one of the oldest cities in the United States and, as a result, is home to many “firsts:” first public school, public transportation, and public park, and telephone!

There are world-class museums, universities, and theaters to visit, along with many different restaurant options.

• As a hub of higher education – MIT, Harvard, Tufts are all within proximity – Boston also brings people of many different races and backgrounds together and is an enclave of diversity.

Last, it is located near other urban centers like Philadelphia, DC, and New York City where you can visit during your time here if you ever feel the need for a bigger (or just different) city.

Program highlights and requirements for matriculation into med school

The Liberal Arts/Medical Education program is an accelerated program that takes seven years to complete.

This timeline is possible because the program offers a combined curriculum and has a twelve-week summer session that students attend.

Students at BU do not have as much flexibility with their undergraduate curriculum as in some of the other programs. They are required to pursue a B.A. in Medical Science, BU Hub requirements, and a minor.

• Even so, BU still provides a comprehensive education – students are able to choose their minor and will also complete course electives in the humanities and social sciences.
• Every student’s progression through undergraduate studies and, eventually, to the School of Medicine is closely monitored by the Promotions Committee.

Students must have a 3.20 cumulative GPA by the end of the spring semester of the third year in order to be promoted into medical school.

• They are also required to take the MCAT and get a combined score at the 80^th percentile or higher on four numerically scored sections of the exam to gain admission to the medical school.
• Last, the Committee also considers student ethics.

The Committee requests a report from the Judicial Affairs at the end of every curricular year to see if someone has violated university policies or engaged in misconduct.

If they have, they may be transferred into the College of Arts & Sciences and be taken out of the Liberal Arts/Medical Education program.

Requirements for applying and program selectivity

As stated before, any BS/MD program will be extremely difficult to get into.

But compared to the three other schools that have been reviewed, BU’s program would be considered a reach program (rather than a high-reach one).

Accelerated Medical Program applicants must submit the new SAT or ACT (the writing portion is optional for both tests), SAT Subject Tests in Math 2 and Chemistry, three Accelerated Programs teacher evaluations (one in English, laboratory science, and either history or a foreign language), and an Accelerated Program essay.

• There is no information on average GPAs and test scores of students admitted to the Accelerated Medical Program, but the average class rank of admitted BU students is top seven percent, while the average SAT Composite and ACT scores are 1468 (out of 1600) and 32, respectively.

To get into the program, you should aim to achieve these scores or higher.

5. The George Washington University – Dual MA/BA Program With GW Columbian College of Arts – Washington, D.C.

George Washington is a private research institution that was founded based on the wishes of the first U.S. president for there to be a university in the capital.

It is the largest institution of higher learning in D.C. GWU is in an urban area.

• Its student-teacher ratio is 13:1 and about 51 percent of its classes have fewer than 20 students.

Washington, D.C. is a relatively small city, so people are sometimes shocked by how vibrant life is here.

• The city consists of a variety of neighborhoods and you can find everything from urban apartments to suburban homes to rural farmlands.

There are plenty of things do in D.C., including many cultural activities, shopping, outdoor recreation, and a great food and beer scene. D.C. is full of national landmarks and every one of the museums is free to visit.

• The city is also very cosmopolitan and often reminds people of New York City.
• There are people from all over the world and, on any given day, you may hear different languages being spoken while you commute around the city.

If this still seems too small for you, D.C. is conveniently and centrally located near many cities on the East Coast.

The drive to Baltimore and Philadelphia is under three hours long, and the drive to NYC is under five hours.

Program highlights and requirements for matriculation into med school

GW’s program is an accelerated program that takes seven years to complete, instead of eight. Students spend three years as an undergraduate student in the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences.

• This means the undergraduate curriculum is flexible, as students may choose to major in anything from East Asian Languages to Astrophysics. After students graduate with a BA, they go on to the School of Medicine and Health Sciences.
• GW states that admission into the MD program is provisional and it is contingent on student performance in undergrad and their completion of program requirements. The Committee for Admissions for the MD Program reviews students annually.

Explicit information of these program requirements is not available on GW’s program page.

It does not state whether or not the MCAT is necessary for matriculation into medical school, but multiple sources have listed it as a school that does not require it.

The scarcity of information seems to be intentional, and they encourage students who want to find out more about the program to email them at [email protected] or call them directly at 202-994-6040.

Requirements for applying and program selectivity

George Washington University is considered a reach school.

The program page states that it is a “small competitive program” that is designed for students who “exhibit academic excellence, leadership in activities, community service, health care experiences, and have a strong desire to become a physician.”

• This sentiment is reflected in the small number of applicants who are accepted into the program each year.
• Out of 1,000 to 1,200 applicants, 10 to 15 students are admitted annually, which puts the admission rate at around 1.1 percent.

Applicants must submit either the SAT or ACT exams, as well as the SAT Subject Tests in Mathematics and Science.

• While it is not listed as a hard requirement, GW states that their BA/MD students are competitive, with SAT or ACT scores in the 90^th percentile or higher.

If applicants pass the initial evaluative round (in which GW considers their high school track record, test scores, extracurriculars, and their Common Application), they must write a second essay about their motivations for and their interest in GW.

Finally, 20 to 30 students are invited to interview on campus before GW makes their final decision regarding the 10 to 15 to admit into the program.

6. Drexel University – BA/BS Early Assurance Program – Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University is a private research institution that consistently ranks in the top 100 of the best colleges and universities.

It is in an urban area.

• Its student-teacher ratio is 10:1, and about 57 percent of classes have fewer than 20 students.

Philadelphia is surrounded by many colleges and universities that have transformed it into a hub for educational and economic activity.

• It is well-suited for students but has also maintained its unique character.
• It is a city of historical importance and possesses a rich cultural history and an old-time charm because of it.

Like, Boston many “firsts” have happened here: the first library, the national capital, zoo, and medical school (UPenn’s Perelman School of Medicine).

It is well-known for its up-and-coming art scene, national landmarks (Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, Penn’s Landing, etc.), and good, cheap beer.

Program highlights and requirements for matriculation into med school

Drexel used to offer an accelerated program, but as of 2017, it has completely switched over to this early assurance program that takes eight years to complete.

Students who get admitted into the program get early assurance to the undergraduate school and medical school at the same time.

• Students in the program must elect a science major: biological sciences, chemistry, psychology, engineering, or biomedical engineering.
• If you are one who wants a well-rounded, liberal arts undergraduate education, then Drexel may not be for you. If you are dedicated to the sciences and think you would thrive in the environment for all eight years, then go for it!
• Since it is an early assurance program, applicants must get all their materials in by November 1^st.

To matriculate to medical school, students must maintain at least a 3.60 GPA in all of their coursework, without repeating a course, and no grade lower than a C.

• The MCAT is required and students must receive a minimum MCAT score of 511, and specifically, they must score:
  • 127+ in critical analysis and reasoning skills
  • 128+ in biological and biochemical foundations of living systems
  • 128+ in psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior
  • 128+ in chemical and physical foundations of biological systems.

Requirements for applying and program selectivity

Drexel is a reach school. Unlike some of the other schools, Drexel explicitly lists minimum requirements students must meet in order to apply:

• Students must have a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 weighted scale
• Rank in the top 10 percent of their graduating class (if applicable)
• Have an SAT score of at least 1420 (new SAT) or 1360 (old SAT with the critical reading and math sections) OR
• Have a minimum ACT score of 31
• SAT Subject Tests are strongly recommended, preferably in the science subjects
• Students must have completed four years of laboratory science in high school, with one year each in biology, chemistry, and physics.

While these are the minimum requirements, the average GPA of admitted students is 4.05. The average combined SAT score is 1538 and the average ACT score is 34.

Last select applicants will be selected for an in-person interview on campus before the final decision is made. There is no option for a Skype or phone interviews.

7. University of Miami – Health Professions Mentoring Program – Boca Raton, FL

The University of Miami is a private university and its Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine is the oldest medical school in Florida.

UM is in a suburban area.

• It has a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, and about 54 percent of its classes have fewer than 20 students.

Boca Raton is a city known for its beaches, golf courses, parks, and gorgeous scenery.

• It is within driving distance to West Palm Beach, Miami, and Fort Lauderdale.

It is one of the most desirable cities in South Florida to live in and a perfect fit for students who enjoy being outside in the sun.

As a hub of tourism, it offers many activities to do and fine restaurants for dining.

With all that said, it is a true suburban city and, even with many activities to participate in, it may become repetitive after eight years.

Consider whether you enjoy suburban areas or whether living in a sprawling, lively urban center is important to your personal lifestyle and mental health.

Program highlights and requirements for matriculation into med school

One important thing to note about this program is that not all students who are admitted to the program are guaranteed admission into medical school, even if they meet all the requirements.

• It is a mentoring program designed to prepare students for competitive admission into any medical school.
• During the student’s third year, a group of students in the HPM cohort will be selected for guaranteed entry into the Miller School of Medicine.

If selected for guaranteed admission, the whole program is eight years long, but it gives students the opportunity to start medical school one year earlier if they complete all the program requirements in less than four years.

This means if students meet all their requirements at the end of their third undergraduate year, they may complete the BA/MD program in seven years.

• Regardless of whether they are eventually selected for guaranteed admission, undergraduate students in the HPM program benefit from an enriched curriculum that was designed specifically for them.
• Students also receive special mentoring and may enroll in other courses that are only available to them.

The curriculum includes monthly meetings with guest speakers, professional development activities, an MCAT course that is integrated into the curriculum, and the Clinical Medicine Course taught by medical school faculty.

In addition, the undergraduate education is flexible and students are not required to major in the sciences.

In order to qualify for being selected for guaranteed admission to medical school, students must have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.7 and a science GPA of at least 3.7.

• The MCAT is required, and a student’s composite score must at least meet the equivalent average score of the preceding medical school matriculating class.

Last, they must participate in at least one of the following activities each semester in their third year of study: patient contact and hospital volunteer experiences, research, campus or community service organizations, or study abroad.

Requirements for applying and program selectivity

As you can probably infer from its strict requirements of undergraduates for matriculation, the HPM is a reach program.

The benefit of this program is that, because it aims to be a mentoring program, the initial requirements for program admission are lower than some of the other schools on this list:

• The average SAT scores of admitted students are 1340 – 1420, and the average ACT scores are 29 – 33.

In addition, the school requires strong letters of recommendation, strong achievement in math and science courses, strong extracurriculars and personal achievements, and a compelling essay (separate from the Common App).

• Interviews are not required.

As you can see, UM does not require students to meet many minimums in order to apply to the initial mentoring program.

These requirements give high school students who have a strong application, but who may be lacking in one area (GPA, SAT, extracurriculars, etc.), to be admitted to the mentoring program and work hard to eventually get guaranteed admission.

Additional Top BS/MD Programs

Virginia Commonwealth University – Guaranteed Admission Program – Richmond, VA

At Virginia Commonwealth, you can apply for their Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine starting the spring semester of your sophomore year.

Once you receive an offer to be admitted to the program, you will need to maintain at least a 3.5 GPA in science courses and meet all prerequisites for admission to medical school in order to move on after you complete your undergraduate coursework.

In the end, you’ll have your MD in 8 years. This is only open to students who begin at Virginia Commonwealth University.

University of Missouri-Kansas City – BA/MD Program – Kansas City, MO

If you want to begin changing the world in less than eight years, why wait if you don’t have to? At the University of Missouri-Kansas City, students can apply for an accelerated program the ends with a BA and MD in just six years.

In this program, the last four years are spent mostly in a medical school environment.

The flexibility of this program allows students to pursue bachelor degrees in a liberal arts curriculum if they desire.

Also, you’ll begin getting clinical experience just three weeks into college.

University of Cincinnati – Dual Admissions Program – Cincinnati, OH

University of Cincinnati’s Baccalaureate/MD program is not accelerated, but it does get you admitted to a top-ranked medical school straight out of high school.

Accepted students are also admitted into the university’s honors program to further enhance their college experience.

If you’re interested in engineering, there is also an opportunity to do a dual program that takes 9 years total to complete.

Temple University – 3+4 Accelerated BA+MD – Philadelphia, PA

If you want to get your bachelor’s degree in 3 years then move on to medical school, Temple University might be a good fit for you.

Instead of applying while in high school, you’ll apply for Temple’s 3+4 Accelerated program during the first semester of your freshman year.

This means you’ll have some extra time to think about your future as a doctor before fully committing your college experience to that path.

The accelerated option is only available to students who have a major within the College of Science and Technology at the university.

Saint Louis University – Medical Scholars Program – St. Louis, MO

Being accepted to Saint Louis University’s Medical Scholars Program gives students a high chance of being accepted early to the university’s School of Medicine.

Your accepted application gives you a conditional spot at the medical school, but like most other programs, you will need to apply again later after you take the MCAT.

You will apply for this program in your senior year of high school and be placed in a curriculum to set you up for success that leads you to medical school whether it’s at Saint Louis University or elsewhere.

Rutgers University – BA/MD Program – New Brunswick, NJ

With no specific pre-med major, Rutgers students have the freedom to pursue any bachelor’s degree program they desire as long as they fulfill certain requirements needed for medical school admission.

Rutgers appreciates and encourages students to be well-rounded and not only focus on science.

You’ll have two options for medical schools if you decide to attend Rutgers: Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School or Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

Howard University – BS/MD Program – Washington, DC

If you want to shave off 2 years from getting your MD, then Howard University is a place you should definitely consider applying to.

Selected students are admitted to the traditional incoming class for the College of Medicine.

You’ll need to maintain a 3.5 GPA overall and at least a 3.25 GPA in your science courses to continue in this program once you are accepted.

Indiana State University – Rural Health Program – Terre Haute, IN

For students who are from rural areas of Indiana, this program was created just for you.

Ten students from Indiana State University will be selected for an opportunity to move into the School of Medicine at Indiana University in Bloomington, IN.

This is the perfect program for future doctors who want to give back to the rural settings they grew up in because they’ll have experiences specifically designed to help them assist rural communities.

Also, you’ll receive a tuition waiver for your undergraduate studies and possibly be eligible for other state financial aid through medical school.

University of Colorado-Denver – BA/BS-MD Program – Denver, CO

Settled in the beautiful Rocky Mountains is the University of Colorado-Denver. For Colorado residents only, this is a program geared toward students who wish to become primary care physicians in the state.

Each year, information sessions are held for interested students to hear more about the program’s philosophy and application process.

Instead of needing to complete a few semesters, you’ll apply for this program at the same time you’re applying to admission for the university as a freshman, so you’ll know immediately if you’ve earned a spot in medical school.

It’s your job to keep that spot you earned.

University of Illinois-Chicago – Guaranteed Professional Program Admission – Chicago, IL

Have you wanted to pursue a bachelor’s degree in something that’s not science-related?

For almost 30 years, the University of Illinois-Chicago has seen students major in many areas and still continue on to receive their medical degree thanks to their Guaranteed Professional Program Admission.

Being accepted to this program does not mean you must attend the University of Illinois College of Medicine, but most do.

University of Nevada-Reno – BS/MD Program – Reno, NV

Imagine getting your acceptance to college and medical school at the same time. That’s what happens for 15 lucky students who apply for the University of Nevada-Reno’s BS/MD program.

Starting in 2018, the program moved from a 3-year accelerated undergraduate curriculum to four years.

This allowed the program to include more clinical experiences, allow for additional extracurriculars, and provide more time to prepare for the MCAT.

University of Evansville – B/MD Program – Evansville, IN

Not only do students who gain admission to this program receive a provisional spot in medical school, but they also receive a $30,000/year scholarship to help with undergraduate expenses, including housing.

This is only open to 8 students per year, so the program is very competitive. The University of Evansville requires students to live on campus the first two years of college unless they have immediate family members in the area.

Your future MD will be awarded to you by Indiana University School of Medicine, which has a campus in Evansville you will attend for medical school.

Kent State University – Early Assurance Program – Kent, OH

During your second year at Kent State University, you can begin applying for the Early Assurance Program to reserve your spot at Northeast Ohio Medical University for medical school.

Once you’re in the Early Assurance Program, you’ll have two years to claim your spot through the traditional application process.

This means you have two years to maintain your GPA, complete volunteer hours, and score well on the MCAT.

University of Pittsburgh – Guaranteed Admit Program – Pittsburgh, PA

The University of Pittsburgh has an optional requirement that might surprise you. First, you’ll apply as a senior in high school as a pre-med or bioengineering major.

To keep your acceptance to the medical school, you’ll maintain a 3.75 GPA, meet with the Director of the program each semester, and gain research experience.

When it comes time to take the MCAT, you won’t have to if you decide not to.

You’ll only need to take the MCAT if you decide to pursue the MD/Ph.D. program offered at Pitt.

University of Rochester – Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS) – Rochester, NY

This program has additional perks other than a conditional acceptance to the University of Rochester’s MD program.

Their faculty members are well known and respected in the medical community, so you know you’ll be learning from the best.

The program also puts on social events and seminars for their students to give you a well-rounded college experience that isn’t all about studying.

This program also doesn’t require you to take the MCAT when transitioning from undergraduate to medical school.

Conclusion: The Best BS/MD Programs

BS/MD programs are outstanding gateways to medical degrees. They are challenging programs from which to earn acceptance, but, if you attend the right school, it’ll be well worth it.

Best of luck! We’re here to help you.