<p>Instead of going for a B.S./M.D. program why not just go through the regular "cycle" and just take summer classes. This is just basically what they do in the programs. You have to take summer classes. </p>
<p>I think the main reason is just that they don't have to apply to medical school.</p>
<p>BS/MD allows the student to continue his/her studies without the pressure of medical school applications, MCAT scores, interviews. By guaranteed admission the student can then spend the majority of his/her time focusing on the studies at hand, not the future.</p>
<p>And your way the person has to take on more at once. If I'm not mistaken, and correct me if I'm wrong, most BS/MD programs do NOT require summer studies, do they? I know UMKC does, but that's because it's especially condensed.</p>
<p>M17,
It depends on the program. The 8 year ones don't, because there isn't any acceleration. The 7 year ones generally require at least 1 summer, and the 6 year programs require 1, sometimes 2 summers.</p>
<p>I think like half of them might require summer classes. There was this webstite which showed it, but I can't find it.</p>
<p>be careful, sum require MCAT anyway</p>
<p>True, many require MCAT for statistical purposes, others to "confirm" advancement to med school.</p>
<p>So I take it back, chances are you'll spend summer(s) in school.</p>
<p>But there's no doubt that BS/MD takes off some pressure.</p>
<p>^Yes definitely. With the BS/MD you're not competing with thousands of other applicants for a spot (you already did that when applying in high school). You only have to worry about your own performance and meeting the minimum set by the program.</p>