BS/MD Programs Explained: A Guide for Aspiring Doctors 

Are you a high school student dreaming of a medical career—or a parent looking to support your child on that path? If you're exploring faster, more direct routes to becoming a physician, BS/MD programs are worth your attention. These highly selective programs offer simultaneous acceptance into both undergraduate and medical school.

This comprehensive guide breaks down how BS/MD programs work, who they’re for, how to get in, and how they compare to traditional medical education. You'll also discover how Go Elective’s clinical internships in Kenya and Tanzania can help you stand out during the application process.

What Is a BS/MD Program?

A BS/MD program is a dual-degree track that allows students to complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree in a streamlined process. Students are admitted to both the undergraduate institution and its partnering medical school, removing the stress of applying to med school later on.

These programs usually span eight years, although some accelerated options can be completed in six or seven. While some programs allow students to major in any subject, many require a science-related undergraduate major.

Is a BS/MD Program Right for You?

Advantages of BS/MD Programs

• Direct admission to medical school after high school
• Some programs waive the MCAT requirement
• Simplified, one-time admissions process
• Reduced stress from competitive reapplication cycles

Things to Consider

• These programs require early and firm commitment to becoming a doctor
• Limited flexibility—few allow you to switch schools midway
• Fewer program options than traditional pre-med routes
• Highly competitive: acceptance rates range from 1–10%

If you’re not 100% sure about medicine, a traditional path with room to explore may be a better fit. We recommend shadowing physicians or participating in Go Elective’s high school and pre-med internships to help make an informed decision.

> Explore Global Health Internships for High School Students

How Hard Is It to Get into a BS/MD Program?

It’s extremely competitive. Most BS/MD programs have acceptance rates similar to Ivy League schools. Successful applicants typically have:

• A 4.0 GPA or close to it
• SAT scores above 1500 or ACT scores above 34
• Extensive medical-related extracurriculars
• Leadership roles and consistent volunteering
• Strong interview and writing skills

Not sure where to start? Go Elective helps students strengthen their resumes through hands-on global health internships in resource-limited hospitals.

> See How We Help You Stand Out

What Do BS/MD Programs Cost?

Program costs vary dramatically depending on the institution and whether it's public or private. For instance:

• Stony Brook’s Scholars for Medicine program: $5,000/year (in-state)
• University of Rochester Early Medical Scholars: $50,000+/year

Check with each school’s financial aid office. Scholarships and need-based aid can significantly reduce tuition costs.

Are There BS/DO Programs Too?

Yes. These programs are similar but lead to a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Fewer schools offer them, but they’re great for students interested in holistic and preventative care.

If your grades aren’t quite strong enough for BS/MD programs, BS/DO programs may offer slightly better odds of admission.

Key Steps to Getting In

Get Involved Early

Commitment to medicine needs to be evident from high school. Strong applicants have:

• Shadowed physicians
• Participated in health-related volunteering
• Engaged in scientific research or community health initiatives
• Attended international medical internships through organizations like Go Elective

> Learn About Our Pre-Med Internships

Write Strong Essays

Expect supplemental essay questions like:

• “Why do you want to be a doctor?”
• “Why are you applying to this BS/MD program?”
• “What makes this school the right fit for your goals?”

These essays should reflect your authentic motivations, not what you think admissions committees want to hear.

Interview Preparation and CASPer

Most BS/MD programs require an interview. Be ready to discuss:

• Your passion for medicine
• Medical experiences (e.g., internships or shadowing)
• What excites you about their program specifically

Some schools also require the CASPer test, a situational judgment assessment. It evaluates your professionalism, ethics, and empathy—key traits for future doctors.

BS/MD Program Application Timeline

Start preparing during junior year of high school:

• Summer: research schools and internship options
• Fall: begin application materials
• Winter: submit applications and prep for interviews
• Spring: receive decisions

A mix of BS/MD and traditional undergraduate applications is advised to ensure you have safety options.

Top BS/MD Programs in the U.S.

Here are some notable programs to consider:

• Brown University (Program in Liberal Medical Education)
• Baylor University
• Rice University + Baylor College of Medicine
• Boston University
• Drexel University
• University of Alabama (Rural Medicine Program)
• Stony Brook University
• Penn State + Sidney Kimmel Medical College
• Case Western Reserve University
• University of Illinois at Chicago

Visit each school's site for detailed admissions criteria and deadlines.

Strengthen Your Application with Global Health Experience

Go Elective offers hands-on clinical exposure for high school and pre-med students in Kenya and Tanzania, where students shadow experienced physicians and participate in community health programs.

These internships show initiative, global awareness, and a passion for healthcare—qualities BS/MD programs are eager to see.

> Discover Medical Internships in East Africa

Final Thoughts

BS/MD programs are an incredible opportunity for students with long-standing dedication to medicine. But they require early planning, strong academics, and relevant clinical exposure.

Whether you're aiming for a BS/MD program or a traditional route, Go Elective’s international internships can help you stand out, gain confidence, and build the foundation for a fulfilling medical career.

Apply Here for a Global Health Internship.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 11, 2025