Hi! I was looking at a couple of BSMD programs and I was wondering if most programs will allow you to use AP credit to get out of certain classes? And if so, is it a good idea to get out of into courses like Bio, Chem, and Physics, or only use AP credit to get out of English, Spanish, History, etc. Since you need the science courses to take the MCATS is it better to not turn in AP credit? Hopefully my stats are good enough to get a good scholarship so I’m praying that money for extra classes wouldn’t be a big deal. My main concern is that if I use AP credit to get out of important intro classes like bio, chem, and physics, I won’t know enough to do well in the more advanced classes. But on the other hand, using AP credit to get out of intro courses would free up some time on my schedule so that if I do end up doing a BSMD program, it isn’t overwhelming to pack all those classes into 3 years. I just wanted to know because if I do decide to use AP credit, I will have to self study for them because my school doesn’t offer any AP classes in the sciences. Is it worth it to take the tests anyway? Thank you for all your help.
I know that the UMKC program definitely does allow APing out, but we also don’t take the MCAT either. The ones that do allow you to AP out and take the MCAT, might make you take an upper level science in that same category – like Cell Biology instead of General Biology I & II. The rules vary so much across programs, it’s not worth it to come up with one all encompassing rule. Worry about this once you have acceptances in hand and are making comparisons across different options. I don’t know BS/MD programs that ask for AP scores in terms of the app vs. SAT Subject exam scores.
Take as many AP exams that you think you can handle to try to get credit:. AP English Language, AP US History, maybe AP Bio or AP Chem, a foreign language, etc. It will help later to make your schedule more flexible regardless of whether you do a BS/MD or not.