BS/MD: the pre-med fast track

BS/MD programs allow students to complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) and then continue directly into medical school for a Doctor of Medicine (MD). Possible benefits include fewer years of schooling, not having to take the MCAT, or even skipping med school applications altogether — but there are some drawbacks. Join Yesh as he goes over the pros and cons of these highly sought-after programs, so you can decide whether a BS/MD is right for you.

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We’ve also posted an abridged transcript below.
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Today we’re going to teach you about BS/MD programs, and teach you the pros and cons, so you can make the best decision for yourself.

BS/MD programs allow students to complete a Bachelor of Science (BS degree) and then continue directly into medical school for a Doctor of Medicine (MD degree). Students apply to the program their senior year of high school and then are accepted for its entirety, thereby eliminating the separate application process usually necessary to progress from undergrad to med school.

But these programs aren’t without their drawbacks. Settling on a BS/MD path should be a choice that should be weighed carefully, so here are some advantages to consider.

Firstly, there is a significant reduction of stress. Rather than applying to undergrad, pursuing an undergraduate degree, and then repeating the process all over again for med school, you only apply once to a combined BS/MD program. There are no separate applications for med school.

In addition, most BS/MD programs allow you to skip the Medical College Admissions Test, or MCAT. Students who take the MCAT usually spend a significant amount of time preparing for it, so not needing to take it will be a major weight taken off your shoulders down the road.

Secondly, you’ll be able to take more courses in undergrad. Many pre-med students feel pressure as early as freshman year to compile a transcript that highlights their commitment to the sciences. While BS/MD students still have to take certain pre-med courses and meet minimum GPA requirements, they no longer have to worry about impressing an admissions committee, and can therefore choose their other classes with fewer concerns.

Thirdly, some schools offer special pre-med resources just for BS/MD students. These can include study abroad opportunities, chances to observe practicing physicians, and streamlined access to research.

And finally, there’s a financial incentive. Many BS/MD programs offer an accelerated path through undergrad and med school. These allow you to complete your undergraduate degree in only 3 years, thereby letting you graduate from med school after just 7 years of schooling rather than 8.

However, there are a few costs to consider. The most obvious disadvantage of applying to a BS/MD program is the admissions rate. Whereas even the Ivy League schools generally accept at least 5–6% of applicants, the average BS/MD acceptance rate is only 4%. Applying to a BS/MD program can double the number of essays you have to write to a particular school, so you need to carefully consider whether that time should be better spent on other aspects of the application process.

The second most notable disadvantage of a BS/MD program is the relative lack of options. Only a few dozen colleges in the United States offer BS/MD programs, compared to over 7,000 total undergrad institutions and over 150 medical schools. If you’re applying to both separately, you should just focus on your top choice for each. But when applying BS/MD, you need to find one program that fits you well both for undergrad and med school.

Finally, when choosing a BS/MD program, it’s important to realize you’ll only have had limited opportunity to try a career in medicine and see if you prefer the alternatives. We would highly recommend spending time exploring medicine through high school opportunities before you’re ready to make that commitment.

BS/MD programs are a wonderful choice for students who discover from an early age that their future lies in medicine. But, like most things worth working for, you must be willing to make some sacrifices in order to pursue a BS/MD program.

You’ll have to put up with a competitive admissions process, fewer schools to choose from, and a more daunting overall commitment. But, if you value efficiency, predictability, or just want that extra year of your life back, then a BS/MD program may be the right choice for you.

[thetiffanystevenson]

I know you're speaking of a serious subject however when you said, "Bachelor of Science, or BS degree.." I laughed out loud. Strictly because the "BS" initials. NO disrespect.
Tiffany