BS/MD

Pre-Med & Medical School Multiple Degree Programs
1

Hello! I am a sophomore that goes to a very very competitive high school in Virginia and I concurrently go to a STEM magnet school too. I really want to do a bs/md program, so how do I stand out on my application? I currently have a balanced schedule of sports, music, strong school schedule, and academic extracurriculars. Also, can anyone tell me where I have the best chances of getting in?

2

Things to do now or later -

Now: if you’re able to make time to explore healthcare through service, shadowing, and/or research, that could help you attain some experiences and observations that you can cite in your application, essay, and interview. And these experiences will help you decide if you are compatible with medicine.

Now: it’s nice that you are at a competitive school, in a STEM magnet, and diverse extracurriculars. But try to not be overwhelmed. Keep your grades up (like preferably as close to 4.0 as you can). Score well on your SAT/ACT/SAT2. Have good relationships with any letter writers (anyone who teaches or coaches you - sees you working hard, excelling, demonstrating good qualities that a Med school would like).

Next year: make a list of programs you are interested in based on your scores and resume. Look through CC, SDN, and Reddit for info about the schools. Don’t apply to a school you don’t want to go to. Learn about the med schools so you can be specific about your interest in their program.

Comments: Getting into a BSMD program is not formulaic. I got into one (I only applied to 2 competitive ones) because I had a vision for my career that I developed based on shadowing, research, etc. I am sure there were others with higher SAT scores or more “unique” ECs (like captaining three sports or starting a nonprofit or having national awards), but I believe I got in because I communicated my reasons for doing medicine in a way that lined up with the med school’s vision. All of my ECs shared some sort of theme and it all flowed in the essay and the interview.

3

Can u please post your stats

4

I am currently in the CUNY school of medicine BS/ MD program and made a yt video about it! Feel free to check it out to get a raw view of BS/MD programs! Channel name: Sunflowers & Stethoscopes, video title: Is going to a BS/MD program worth it?!

5

I am currently in the CUNY school of medicine BS/ MD program and made a yt video about it! Feel free to check it out to get a raw view of BS/MD programs! Channel name: Sunflowers & Stethoscopes, video title: Is going to a BS/MD program worth it?!

6

@sanrad -

I would recommend looking at stats/perspectives posted in the BS MD results cc forum for 2020/2019. The later ones are better. Admission process in my opinion keeps getting more competitive.

Based on the stats /perspectives shared by many students/parents in BS MD results forum, I have summarized the findings -

  1. For BS/MD admissions, strategy is very important for coming up with a college list (BSMD programs vs. UG college ratio). Many people including @rk2017 has posted on these.
  2. Soft factors (essays, interviews) are also important and many people have quoted this to be the deciding factor
  3. Medical ECs are more important than regular ECs. These provide material for essays and interviews. Some questions to think on - "Why medicine? Why BSMD?"
  4. BSMD programs seem to care for clinical research and patient facing volunteering.
  5. Stats such as GPA, Test scores, APs are all important and used for screening students. Once interview invite is received, all students are at the same level.
  6. STEM awards at national, state level (USNCO, USABO, AMC/AIME), Intel research, science Olympiads etc. are considered best for BS MD. Some students also have mentioned publishing papers or holding patents on their inventions. On the other hand, having a holistic, balanced profile with music, sports etc. cannot go wrong either. BSMDs are looking for very well accomplished students beyond their near perfect stats.
  7. Non-medical ECs such as varsity sports, Robotics etc. take up a lot of time. Kids need to strategize, pick and choose their ECs carefully at the beginning of the high school.
  8. Earlier Admission guidance (via CC or any other) could be important for coming up with a strategy, college list. Many people have quoted benefit and wished they look at CC earlier.
  9. Competition for BS MD is cut-throat (there are way too many qualified candidates). If interested in BSMD – apply widely
  10. There are two major ways of becoming a Doctor - 95% of the students apply to medical school via Undergrad route and only 5% via BSMD