The 15 Best BS/MD Programs to Apply To

As the demand for spots in medical school continues to grow, more and more students each year are considering applying to BS/MD programs. These combined programs provide a direct path into medical school by conditionally admitting students as undergraduates, as long as they maintain certain academic standards throughout college. 

BS/MD programs are extremely desirable, but also extremely competitive. Acceptance rates for even the less selective combined programs are typically under 10%. The most prestigious BS/MD programs like those at Brown and Northwestern can have admission rates as low as 2-5%. In this blog, we’ll take a look into what makes these top BS/MD programs so prestigious.

Similarly selective is Northwestern’s Honors Program in Medical Education (HPME). This combined 8-year BS/MD track grants provisional admission to the top-ranked Feinberg School of Medicine for around 2-3% of applicants per cycle. In addition to a rigorous pre-med foundation, HPME provides early clinical exposure through coursework, physician mentors, medical tours, and community outreach programs. The program emphasizes leadership, service, and developing exceptional critical thinking skills.

The University of Southern California offers a highly regarded 8-year combined BS/MD program through the prestigious Keck School of Medicine. With an acceptance rate around 5%, this contingent program provides a direct path to medical school for exceptional students committed to pursuing an MD. The undergraduate years feature a specialized pre-medical curriculum, early clinical experiences, physician mentorship, research opportunities, and volunteer service placements to prepare students holistically for the Keck medical program.

Case Western’s Pre-Professional Scholars Program in Medicine is an 8-year combined degree track with admission into the university’s School of Medicine. With an acceptance rate around 10%, it’s one of the more accessible BS/MD programs, though still highly competitive. The lock-step curriculum integrates undergraduate science coursework with clinical involvement starting in year one. Benefits include physician mentoring, community service requirements, and dedicated advising to prepare students for the transition to med school.

Among the most prestigious combined studies options is the University Scholars Program in Medicine at WashU. This accelerated 7-year program directly matriculates a scant 2-4% of applicants into WashU’s School of Medicine, which is ranked among the top 20 medical schools in the country. Students complete undergraduate degree requirements across just three years through advanced placement before seamlessly continuing to the medical curriculum. The program prioritizes research engagement, clinical exposure, service learning, and quantitative analytical skills development from day one.

Stony Brook’s Scholars for Medicine program allows students to complete their undergraduate degrees in 3 years before seamlessly continuing to the Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine. This accelerated 7-year track sees acceptance rates around 5% annually. The condensed curriculum covers all pre-med requirements while providing early patient exposure, clinical skills training, research experience, and dedicated mentorship from medical faculty. There’s also a focus on developing leadership abilities and a holistic understanding of healthcare systems.

The University of Pittsburgh’s Guaranteed Admit Program offers a direct pathway into Pitt’s highly-ranked School of Medicine. This accelerated 7-year combined program sees acceptance rates between 6-8% each cycle. Students complete undergraduate requirements in just 3 years of rigorous study including clinical exposure opportunities. The condensed schedule then provides an easier transition into Pitt’s medical curriculum. Support features robust academic advising, mentorship, and options for pursuing research, community service, and study abroad.

The University of Cincinnati’s Connections Dual Admissions Program offers guaranteed entry into the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine for a select 8-10% of undergraduates. This accelerated 7-year or 8-year combined track provides a well-rounded pre-med education incorporating clinical shadowing, physician mentorship, research, community service, and dedicated MCAT prep. Students benefit from individualized advising and professional development activities aimed at cultivating top physician candidates.

VCU’s Guaranteed Admission Program for Medicine grants provisional acceptance to the university’s School of Medicine for a very competitive 7% of applicants each year. This combined 8-year program follows a traditional 4-year undergraduate schedule before advancing students to the medical curriculum. Key features include specialized pre-med advising, early clinical experiences, structured MCAT prep, leadership, and service learning opportunities, plus options for global health research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

George Washington University offers an accelerated 7-year combined BA/MD program for a very competitive 2-4% of applicants each cycle. This direct medical pathway comprises 3 years of undergraduate study condensing all pre-med requirements, followed by 4 years at GW’s School of Medicine & Health Sciences. From day one, students gain early clinical exposure through courses and activities at the medical school. They also receive personalized academic advising, mentoring from medical faculty, options for research and community outreach, and MCAT preparation support.

The University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine offers a highly selective 7-Year Medical Scholars Program, with an acceptance rate of just 6-8%. This combined degree track provides a direct pathway to UM’s prestigious medical school, grooming exceptional physician leaders. Scholars follow a tailored curriculum that combines rigorous pre-medical training with early clinical exposure, hands-on research, and community outreach. Through dedicated mentorship, specialized seminars, and immersive hospital experiences, students develop the essential skills and compassion needed to thrive in the dynamic field of healthcare.