What are the advantages and disadvantages of applying to BS/MD programs as a high school senior?
I’ve been looking into combined BS/MD programs because becoming a doctor has been my goal for a while, but I keep going back and forth about whether it’s the right move to commit so early.
From what I understand, these programs can save time and let you skip the stress of the regular med school app cycle, but some people say they’re super competitive, and you lose flexibility. Also, do people ever regret choosing this path instead of the traditional route?
If anyone here has experience with BS/MD programs (or knows someone who went through one), could you share what made you choose it, or anything you wish you’d known before applying? I’m especially wondering if students feel locked in or if it limits your options for undergrad experiences and exploration. Any advice or stories would be really helpful!
From what I understand, these programs can save time and let you skip the stress of the regular med school app cycle, but some people say they’re super competitive, and you lose flexibility. Also, do people ever regret choosing this path instead of the traditional route?
If anyone here has experience with BS/MD programs (or knows someone who went through one), could you share what made you choose it, or anything you wish you’d known before applying? I’m especially wondering if students feel locked in or if it limits your options for undergrad experiences and exploration. Any advice or stories would be really helpful!
5 months ago
•
49 views
Sara Larner
• 5 months ago
Advisor
Applying to BS/MD programs as a high school senior is a big commitment, and there are definitely both positives and negatives to consider.
The main advantage is the security these programs offer. Many BS/MD programs grant conditional acceptance to medical school right out of high school, provided you maintain certain grades and test scores in college. This means no MCAT for some programs, less stress worrying about the competitive med school application process, and the chance to focus more on learning and growing rather than just building your resume. Another bonus is that some programs are accelerated (six to seven years instead of the traditional eight), so you could enter the medical field sooner.
However, the programs are extremely competitive—often even more so than standard undergraduate programs at comparable schools. You’ll need top grades, strong test scores, impressive extracurriculars (especially medical-related experiences), and stand-out essays. The process can be more demanding than applying to college alone.
On the flip side, BS/MD programs can limit your flexibility. You might have less freedom to explore different majors or electives since there are strict course requirements. If you discover a new passion or realize you aren’t as interested in medicine as you thought, it’s tougher to pivot. For example, a student may realize halfway through the program that they are more interested in scientific research than clinical medicine, but because the program has such a specific path, it becomes a challenge to change direction without losing years of progress.
Another thing to consider is undergraduate experience. Some BS/MD programs are at satellite campuses or smaller colleges, which might not offer the traditional "big college" vibe, variety of clubs, or research opportunities you'd find at larger universities. That said, some have robust resources and supportive communities for pre-med students.
Some students do mention regret—not necessarily about pursuing medicine, but about making such a binding choice before fully experiencing college. Others are relieved by the decreased pressure and say they gained valuable time to pursue personal interests, travel, or get involved in unique extracurriculars, knowing their spot in med school was secure.
If you’re confident about becoming a doctor and don’t mind the structured path, a BS/MD program can be a great fit. But if you value exploration or could see yourself changing interests, the traditional path might offer more freedom. If you want the option, you could apply to a mix—submit regular undergrad and BS/MD applications, then decide later based on where you’re accepted and how you feel.
Talking to students currently in these programs is a good idea; many are open about their experiences and can give you a sense of what day-to-day life is like. If you’re torn, one strategy is to picture yourself five years from now: would you be happy following a straight line to med school, or do you think you might want more twists and turns along the way?
The main advantage is the security these programs offer. Many BS/MD programs grant conditional acceptance to medical school right out of high school, provided you maintain certain grades and test scores in college. This means no MCAT for some programs, less stress worrying about the competitive med school application process, and the chance to focus more on learning and growing rather than just building your resume. Another bonus is that some programs are accelerated (six to seven years instead of the traditional eight), so you could enter the medical field sooner.
However, the programs are extremely competitive—often even more so than standard undergraduate programs at comparable schools. You’ll need top grades, strong test scores, impressive extracurriculars (especially medical-related experiences), and stand-out essays. The process can be more demanding than applying to college alone.
On the flip side, BS/MD programs can limit your flexibility. You might have less freedom to explore different majors or electives since there are strict course requirements. If you discover a new passion or realize you aren’t as interested in medicine as you thought, it’s tougher to pivot. For example, a student may realize halfway through the program that they are more interested in scientific research than clinical medicine, but because the program has such a specific path, it becomes a challenge to change direction without losing years of progress.
Another thing to consider is undergraduate experience. Some BS/MD programs are at satellite campuses or smaller colleges, which might not offer the traditional "big college" vibe, variety of clubs, or research opportunities you'd find at larger universities. That said, some have robust resources and supportive communities for pre-med students.
Some students do mention regret—not necessarily about pursuing medicine, but about making such a binding choice before fully experiencing college. Others are relieved by the decreased pressure and say they gained valuable time to pursue personal interests, travel, or get involved in unique extracurriculars, knowing their spot in med school was secure.
If you’re confident about becoming a doctor and don’t mind the structured path, a BS/MD program can be a great fit. But if you value exploration or could see yourself changing interests, the traditional path might offer more freedom. If you want the option, you could apply to a mix—submit regular undergrad and BS/MD applications, then decide later based on where you’re accepted and how you feel.
Talking to students currently in these programs is a good idea; many are open about their experiences and can give you a sense of what day-to-day life is like. If you’re torn, one strategy is to picture yourself five years from now: would you be happy following a straight line to med school, or do you think you might want more twists and turns along the way?
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Sara Larner
Los Angeles, CA
Masters from USC; BA from Barnard College of Columbia University
Experience
8 years
Rating
4.9 (95 reviews)