Is the Seton Hall University BSMD program really as competitive as people say?
I'm starting to research accelerated BSMD programs for next application cycle, and Seton Hall is on my list. I know these combined medical programs are generally really hard to get into, but I can't find specific info on Seton Hall's acceptance rate or what the profile of accepted students is really like.
If anyone has applied or gotten in recently, could you share what your stats were and what you think helped you stand out? Also, does anyone know if Seton Hall favors in-state students for the BSMD, or if it's just as tough for everyone?
I’ve got mostly As, a couple of Bs in junior year AP classes, a 1500 SAT, and some clinical volunteering, but I don’t know if that’s enough. Should I be worried about not having published research yet? Would love to hear experiences or advice from current or recent applicants!
If anyone has applied or gotten in recently, could you share what your stats were and what you think helped you stand out? Also, does anyone know if Seton Hall favors in-state students for the BSMD, or if it's just as tough for everyone?
I’ve got mostly As, a couple of Bs in junior year AP classes, a 1500 SAT, and some clinical volunteering, but I don’t know if that’s enough. Should I be worried about not having published research yet? Would love to hear experiences or advice from current or recent applicants!
3 weeks ago
•
38 views
Sara Larner
• 3 weeks ago
Advisor
Great question! Seton Hall’s Joint Bachelor’s/MD program (BSMD) with Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine is definitely competitive, though the exact acceptance rate isn’t public. Most reliable estimates put the acceptance rate below 5%, which makes it one of the harder programs to gain admission to—even compared to other selective colleges. It's not the most competitive of all the BS/MD programs, but still sharper odds than several of the Ivy's.
BSMD candidates at Seton Hall are usually at the top of their class. Typically, competitive applicants have unweighted GPAs close to 3.8-4.0, often rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have SAT or ACT scores in the 95th percentile or higher. A 1500 SAT puts you squarely in the range of accepted students, so that’s a solid foundation. However, academics alone aren’t enough for these programs.
Only New Jersey residents may apply to the BSMD program.
Successful applicants tend to have:
- Extensive clinical exposure (hospital shadowing, medical volunteering, EMT experience)
- Evidence of long-term commitment to medicine or healthcare (such as sustained volunteering or leadership in health-related clubs)
- Some level of research experience, although published research is not a strict requirement
- Demonstrated leadership, community service, or unique personal projects
Don’t worry if you don’t have published research; while it can strengthen your application, what really matters is that you’ve gained deep exposure to medicine and shown genuine curiosity. For example, if you’ve spent several months volunteering at a nursing home and used that experience to start a wellness project or lead an initiative, that could stand out just as much as formal research. Schools are also growing increasingly aware of pay-to-publish programs targeted at high schoolers, so make sure that if you do seek publication, it is through a reputable research journal.
You might find it helpful to reach out to Seton Hall’s admissions office to see if they offer class profile info, or can connect you with a current BSMD student.
In summary: yes, Seton Hall’s BSMD is extremely competitive, but your stats are within range if you can pair them with strong healthcare experiences and a compelling personal story—especially if you can articulate why you want medicine in a unique or eye-opening way. Try to deepen your clinical or community involvement, and bring your authentic motivations into your essays and interviews. That’s how you’ll really stand out.
BSMD candidates at Seton Hall are usually at the top of their class. Typically, competitive applicants have unweighted GPAs close to 3.8-4.0, often rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have SAT or ACT scores in the 95th percentile or higher. A 1500 SAT puts you squarely in the range of accepted students, so that’s a solid foundation. However, academics alone aren’t enough for these programs.
Only New Jersey residents may apply to the BSMD program.
Successful applicants tend to have:
- Extensive clinical exposure (hospital shadowing, medical volunteering, EMT experience)
- Evidence of long-term commitment to medicine or healthcare (such as sustained volunteering or leadership in health-related clubs)
- Some level of research experience, although published research is not a strict requirement
- Demonstrated leadership, community service, or unique personal projects
Don’t worry if you don’t have published research; while it can strengthen your application, what really matters is that you’ve gained deep exposure to medicine and shown genuine curiosity. For example, if you’ve spent several months volunteering at a nursing home and used that experience to start a wellness project or lead an initiative, that could stand out just as much as formal research. Schools are also growing increasingly aware of pay-to-publish programs targeted at high schoolers, so make sure that if you do seek publication, it is through a reputable research journal.
You might find it helpful to reach out to Seton Hall’s admissions office to see if they offer class profile info, or can connect you with a current BSMD student.
In summary: yes, Seton Hall’s BSMD is extremely competitive, but your stats are within range if you can pair them with strong healthcare experiences and a compelling personal story—especially if you can articulate why you want medicine in a unique or eye-opening way. Try to deepen your clinical or community involvement, and bring your authentic motivations into your essays and interviews. That’s how you’ll really stand out.
Sara Larner
Los Angeles, CA
Masters from USC; BA from Barnard College of Columbia University
Experience
8 years
Rating
4.9 (84 reviews)