How do you apply to BS/MD programs as a high school student?

Most BS/MD programs start with a normal undergraduate application, then add a second layer for the medical program.

In practice, you usually apply to the college through the Common App, Coalition App, or the school’s own application. Somewhere in that process, you indicate interest in the combined BS/MD program, or you submit a separate supplemental application shortly after.

That second layer often includes extra essays, a resume or activities list, and sometimes additional recommendation letters. Many programs want letters that specifically speak to your academic strength, maturity, and interest in medicine, so it helps to check each school’s requirements carefully.

After the initial review, some students are invited to interview. Interviews can happen with the undergraduate program, the medical school, or both.

Some schools screen applicants in stages. For example, you might first need to be admitted to the undergraduate college, then be forwarded to the medical school for further review. Other programs evaluate both parts more jointly from the start.

Because the process varies a lot by school, the most important thing is to make a spreadsheet with each program’s application route, required essays, recommendation letter rules, test policy, and interview timeline.