High school students whose career goal is to go into the medical field may want to apply to a BA/MD or BS/MD program. Most of these dual-degree, or combined programs, allow students to go from earning a BA or BS degree as an undergraduate directly to medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.

Many of these programs provide students a straight path to medical school, bypassing the MCAT or the entire medical school application process — though some programs still require students to take and score well on the MCAT. Many are the same length as the traditional path (four years undergrad, four years medical school), though some are accelerated to six or seven years total.

Admission to BS/MD Programs is Competitive

Gaining admission to these programs is highly competitive; some accept fewer than 10 students. To be competitive, take enough math and science, including three years of science (chemistry, biology, physics) and four years of math (including calculus). For students who are accepted, certain requirements must be maintained during undergraduate years, such as a specific GPA, to keep the medical school offer.

Healthcare-Related Activities in High School

Applicants will be asked to list health-related activities from high school, which might include healthcare-related clubs, volunteer work in a hospital or clinic, shadowing a medical professional, medical research, or publishing research results.

Essay Question Examples

  • What values and experiences have led you to believe that becoming a doctor is the right fit for you?
  • Why do you want to pursue your career in medicine at our university?
  • What is your interest in, and motivation for, pursuing medicine?
  • Discuss something about you that is unique and not included elsewhere in the application.

Interviewing for BA/MD and BS/MD Programs

If selected for an interview, spend considerable time preparing — know the undergraduate college and the medical school it's connected with, your interest in the specific program, and your commitment to medicine. Typical questions include: Tell me about yourself. What was your favorite subject in high school? What experiences do you hope to engage in while in college? Why do you want to be a doctor? How do you know a BS/MD program is right for you? Recall an experience where you were caught in an ethical dilemma. What is a current issue in healthcare, and how should professionals go about solving it?

Our counselors prep students for the BS/MD interview so they feel confident and able to handle the questions. If you think a combined medical program is the right path, contact us for a free consultation.