Have you always known you wanted to be a doctor without a shadow of a doubt? If so, you may want to consider a BS/MD program. BS/MDs are often referred to as direct medical school programs because students apply for their bachelor’s and medicine degrees at the same time. When BS/MD students are accepted to a school for their bachelor’s degree (BS), they are also accepted for their Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

A BS/MD program allows students to bypass the long and difficult process of applying to medical school altogether. On average, combined MD/BS programs take about 7-8 years to finish. Very few programs, such as Howard University’s BS/MD program, allow students to finish their degrees in 6 years. BS/MD degree programs that take 6-7 years to complete are shorter than the amount of time it would take to finish your Bachelor’s Degree and Doctor of Medicine.

In most BS/MD programs, students will attend the same university for their bachelor’s and medicine degrees. However, some schools connect undergraduate students to a different medical programs. For example, at Penn State University’s BS/MD program, students receive their Bachelor’s from Penn State and then attend Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. Similarly, students can begin their BS/MD program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and end at Albany Medical College.

Many students and universities recognize this is an extremely beneficial program for students looking to break into the medical field. As such, BS/MD programs are extremely competitive and have very low acceptance rates. In this article, we will review some of the major pros and cons of applying to combined MD/BS programs. We will also provide you with a list of the 10 best BS/MD programs, as well as a complete list of all of the BS/MD programs offered in the US.

Pros of BS/MD

So now that we’ve established that these programs are highly competitive, are BS/MD programs worth it? Let’s take a look at some of the top advantages of enrolling in a BS/MD program.

01

Peace of mind

There are many benefits to consider in a BS/MD program. Most notably, this program eliminates the stress of applying for medical school. Students can focus solely on their studies rather than spend lots of time and money applying to different medical schools across the country. In fact, most premeds apply to 16 medical schools each cycle. A BS/MD program ensures your spot in a medical program, as long as you meet basic requirements.

Another benefit of the BS/MD program is the ability to bypass the MCAT altogether. Some schools do not require students to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) in order to enter the MD program. Much like the SAT, the MCAT is necessary for the medical school admissions process. BS/MD programs such as Northwestern University, Syracuse University, Brown University, and Spelman College do not require BS/MD students to take the MCAT.

Average amount of time to finish Bachelors Degree
4 years
Average amount of time to Doctor of Medicine
4 years
02

Stability

BS/MD programs provide a sense of stability. Students can enter their undergraduate education knowing they will get into medical school. Entering medical school right after undergraduate education means they can speed up their timeline and enter the field of medicine a bit faster than those completing the traditional application process.

03

Smaller cohorts

Traditionally BS/MD programs have small cohorts. Most programs have less than 100 people in their program. Smaller cohorts can mean a close-knit community of students who work and study together. It can also mean a greater chance to get to know your professors and build your network. Smaller cohorts can facilitate a personalized learning experience.

04

Financial aid

Some BS/MD programs offer merit-based scholarships and grants to help offset the cost of postsecondary education. Some will even provide funding for the MD part of the program. This can be beneficial, especially because the cost of medical school is expensive. Be sure to check what financial opportunities schools offer before applying!

Cons of BS/MD

We’ve already established that BS/MD program acceptance rates are incredibly low, but what are some of the other cons to applying to combined medical programs?

01

MCAT requirements

 In programs where the MCAT is required, students often have to reach a certain percentile to gain admission to medical school. For example, Boston University’s Seven-Year Liberal Arts/Medical Education Program requires students to take the MCAT before a certain date and achieve a combined score at or above the 80th percentile. Their MCAT score is taken into consideration when determining whether or not to accept them into medical school. The time constraint and score requirement may cause additional stress. Many students take the MCAT many, many times before achieving the score they want. Students may need additional time to achieve the score they want. Taking the test multiple times and at your own pace may make the process less stressful and give you enough time to achieve the score you want.

02

Commitment

Many students believe that they want to become doctors. Many also realize after their first organic chemistry class that the field is not for them. The BS/MD fast track requires students to know what they want to do at a young age and stick to it. While you can always change your mind, it may cost you time, money, and stress.

Additionally, BS/MD programs require students to commit to both an undergraduate and medical school at once. This may pose a problem if students realize the school they chose is not an academic or cultural fit. Depending on the program, students may not be able to apply to another medical school outside of the BS/MD program. Applying to medical school separately gives students the freedom of choice and the ability to experience a different college.

03

Competition

As previously mentioned, BS/MD programs are intense. Ivy League programs have acceptances below one percent. Even more selective schools have extremely low acceptance rates for BS/MD programs. BS/MD programs are notoriously difficult to get into and have lengthy application processes. Students may allocate hours to a singular program without achieving the results they want. While this should not discourage you from applying, it is important to be aware of it and ensure you have other options.

04

No time off

Jumping from an undergraduate degree to a graduate degree can be exhausting. Some premed students select to take time off to pursue a master’s degree, intern at a hospital, or work as a medical assistant to gain some real-world experience before jumping into medical school. These experiences may help students figure out the best path for them and allow them to grow their professional network before committing to four more years of school. It can also provide a much-needed breather between an intensive four years of medical school.

Top 10 BS/MD programs

The best BS/MD programs are highly competitive. In fact, many schools only select a small handful of students. If you want to know what the best combined medical programs are, refer to our table below. Additionally, if you’re curious about BS/MD programs that don’t require MCAT, take an extra look at Brown University, Case Western Reserve University, University of Rochester, and George Washington University.

Name of Program Undergraduate Institution Medical School Years to Complete Required Undergrad GPA MCAT Requirement
Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) Brown University The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University 8 years 3.0 in biology courses Not required
Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP) in Medicine Case Western Reserve University Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine 8 years 3.63 Not required
Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) University of Pittsburgh University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine 8 years 3.75 Required
Baylor Baylor Medical Program Baylor University Baylor College of Medicine 8 years 3.5 Required
Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REM) University of Rochester University of Rochester School of Medicine 8 years 3.6 Not Required
Connections Dual Admissions (BS/MD) Program University of Cincinnati University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 8 years 3.5 Required
Penn State-Jefferson Premedical-Medical (PMM) Program Penn State University Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University 7 years 3.5 Required
Dual BA/MD Program with GW Columbian College of Arts and Sciences (George Washington University) George Washington University George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences 7 years 3.6 Not Required
Pre-Med Health Scholar Program Temple University Temple University School of Medicine 8 years, possibly 7 years 3.6 Required
Guaranteed Admission Program at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine 8 years 3.5 Required

It’s important to note that even if you are accepted into a combined medical program, your medical school enrollment is conditional. BS/MD program requirements often include a minimum undergraduate GPA, as well as a minimum MCAT score.

Complete list of BS/MD programs in the US

As you investigate how to get into a BS/MD program, take a look at this complete list of combined medical programs in the US. It’ll take some time, but regardless of whether you are looking for BS/MD programs with the highest acceptance rates or BS/MD programs that accept transfer students, there’s likely a program suited for your needs!

Key takeaways and moving forward

There is a lot of valuable advice for pre-med students. After all, attending medical school is no easy feat! In addition to taking rigorous courses, students with medical aspirations must demonstrate their commitment through volunteer opportunities, pre-college summer programs, and high school internships. If you’re interested in applying to the best BS/MD programs in the US, reach out to learn more about our services. Here at Prepory, we have the resources and expertise to help you meet all of your college-related goals!

Interested in studying the arts but not sure how to demonstrate your commitment in your college applications?

Preparing an art portfolio or practicing for a college music audition may seem straightforward if you’re attending a high school for art and design or a high school for the performing arts. It’s important to remember, however, that regardless of the opportunities readily available to you, there are countless ways to get involved in the arts.

In this article, we discuss why extracurricular activities are essential for aspiring artists and music majors. We also provide you with several extracurricular activity lists and highlight the importance of self-directed projects. After all, if you’re interested in applying to colleges with good art programs, you’ll want to have a robust list of extracurricular activities to help recommend you!

Notable art and music competitions for high schoolers

While your art portfolio or musical audition will be a key application factor, participating in national and state-wide art and music competitions can help you stand out from your peers by showcasing your devotion and skill. Here is a list of notable competitions to check out:

01

Congressional Art Competition

According to its website: “Students submit entries to their representative’s office, and panels of district artists select the winning entries. Winners are recognized both in their district and at an annual awards ceremony in Washington, DC. The winning works are displayed for one year at the U.S. Capitol.”

02

National YoungArts Foundation

The National YoungArts Foundation accepts entries in 10 categories: classical music, dance, design arts, film, jazz, photography, theater, visual Arts, voice, and writing. According to its website, winners “receive cash prizes between $100 and $10,000,” in addition to “mentorship opportunities with accomplished artists to help award winners prepare for and navigate a career in the arts.”

03

Scholastic Art & Writing Awards

According to its website, “The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. The Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to identify students with exceptional artistic and literary talent and present their remarkable work to the world through the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The Awards give students opportunities for recognition, exhibition, publication, and scholarships. In 2022, students across the United States and Canada entered more than 260,000 original works in 28 different categories of art and writing.”

04

Art All-State

Many states recognize exceptional high school artists through an “Art All-State” program. Students apply to this program for the opportunity to win a spot in their state’s cohort of top artists and to participate in specific programming meant to challenge high school artists.

05

Music All-State

Similarly to “Art All-State,” high school musicians may audition for “Music All-State” for the chance to win a spot in their state’s cohort of top musicians and perform alongside other distinguished musicians.

Art, music, and theater honor societies for high schoolers

High schools with art programs may have chapters to national honor societies for the arts. Check-in with your art, music, and theater teachers for opportunities to get involved. And remember, joining an art-related honor society is a great way to demonstrate your commitment to the arts. It also looks great on college applications! Here are three honor societies you may want to consider applying to:

01

National Art Honor Society

According to its website, members of the National Art Society “gain peer recognition, leadership growth opportunities, college and career preparation, and an unmatched sense of camaraderie,” in addition to becoming eligible for several scholarships.

02

Tri-M Music Honor Society

The Tri-M Music Honor Society, also known as “Modern Music Masters,” “opens up a world of opportunities for students who have already shown themselves to be academically capable and musically gifted. Through performance and community service, they’ll develop confidence, creativity, critical thinking, compassion, and a host of other leadership skills sure to serve them well in school and beyond.”

03

International Thespian Society

The International Thespian Society is an honor society for theater students who’ve demonstrated excellence. According to its website, the society “awards, grants, and scholarship opportunities honor the achievements of individuals and theater programs, providing award-winners with the financial support to attend Association events or further educational endeavors.”

Art, music, and theater honor societies for high schoolers

Interested in visual arts? Maybe you’ve already found your perfect medium and want to devote all of your time to perfecting your technique. But maybe you want to experiment a bit more or explore multi-media art. Take a look at the list of different visual art mediums below and see if anything strikes your interest! This list may be of particular interest to students wondering what art majors are there.

  • Book Arts
  • Ceramics
  • Cinematography
  • Collage
  • Drawing
  • Embroidery
  • Fashion Design
  • Fiber Arts
  • Glass Blowing
  • Graphic Design
  • Jewelry Making
  • Painting
  • Photography
  • Printmaking
  • Sculpture
  • Stained Glass
  • Video Game Production
  • Weaving
  • Welding
  • Woodworking

If you are serious about studying visual art in college, you’ll want to include a bit of variety in your art portfolio. Do your best to showcase your abilities, as well as highlight your sense of creativity!

Depending on the specific college and program you are applying to, you may need to fulfill certain requirements for your art portfolio. If possible, make a list of these requirements at the beginning of your junior year. This will give you plenty of time to complete enough art pieces you are genuinely proud of that also fulfill the college’s portfolio requirements.

Musical extracurricular activities

If you’re a musician, chances are that there are lots of opportunities to become involved in your high school. Consider the list below of high school performance groups you could join.

  • Chorus
  • Concert Band
  • Jazz Band
  • Marching Band
  • Musical Theater
  • Pep Band
  • Pit Orchestra

Looking for even more examples of extracurricular activities? If you’re interested in music, you might want to start your own band or maybe even a music-related podcast. After all, there are countless genres of music, and high school performance groups only account for a small fraction of these genres.

Be creative and explore your options! Write your own songs. Perform at open mic nights or the high school talent show. Another great way to be involved in music is to take music lessons. Depending on your abilities, you may even want to teach music lessons!

What are some good extracurricular activities to include on your college applications when you are interested in the arts? Here’s an extracurricular activities list for you to consider if you’re still looking for ways to get involved in the arts!

  • Become involved in stand-up comedy
  • Get involved in scenic design
  • Join a slam poetry community
  • Join an improv group
  • Learn about light and audio production
  • Learn about video production
  • Participate in a theatrical production
  • Pursue an independent study
  • Start a community-based art project
  • Start an art-related business
  • Teach art or music classes
  • Volunteer at an art gallery or museum
  • Volunteer your graphic design skills for a good cause

You might also want to consider attending a pre-college summer program focused on the arts. Or seek out an art-related internship. Remember, it’s important to know how to use your summers in high school in ways that are meaningful and productive.

Demonstrating your passion for the arts through a passion project

Pursuing a passion project can be a great way to stand out to the best colleges for the performing or visual arts. A passion project is another way of saying “self-directed study,” and the possibilities really are endless! Here’s a quick list of some possible passion project ideas for you to consider:

  • Paint a mural
  • Start a community art project
  • Make a podcast
  • Start a literary magazine
  • Organize an art market
  • Seek out an art-related apprenticeship
  • Experiment with a new medium
  • Write and record a musical album
  • Organize a gallery showing off your paintings
  • Volunteer at an art gallery

If you’re interested in applying to colleges for art education, you might want to volunteer to teach art classes over the summer. If you’re interested in applying to the best colleges for art therapy, you may want to look into job shadowing opportunities.

Key takeaways and moving forward

Students interested in the arts need to communicate their passion and commitment within their college applications. Oftentimes the best way to accomplish this is through extracurricular activities. This is why we’ve outlined which extracurricular activities look best on your college applications when you are interested in studying the arts.

Wondering how many extracurricular activities you should pursue? In general, it’s best to focus on a few and to really commit to them rather than be peripherally involved in lots of activities. There are lots of extracurricular activities benefits to consider, but these benefits become more prominent the more deeply involved you are in an activity.

Regardless of whether you are interested in attending one of the best music colleges or one of the best art colleges, your level of engagement with the arts can be best captured by your extracurricular involvement. So choose your extracurricular activities with thought and care!