Combined BS/MD programs: how do they work?

Hey friends! I've recently come across something called combined BS/MD programs and I'm really intrigued. Can anyone give me a quick rundown on what these programs entail and how they work? I'm curious if it's a good fit for me. Thanks!

Hi! Combined BS/MD programs are designed for high-achieving students who are committed to pursuing a career in medicine right from the start of their college journey. These programs allow students to complete their undergraduate degree (a BS typically) and medical degree (MD) in a shorter time frame, usually 6, 7, or 8 years, depending on the program.

For in-depth information on BS/MD programs, as well as a complete list of programs around the country, check out this CollegeVine article: https://blog.collegevine.com/a-complete-list-of-all-bs-md-programs

Here's a quick summary of how these programs work:

1. Admission: Students apply to the combined BS/MD program during their senior year of high school, and if accepted, they are granted conditional or guaranteed admission to medical school, provided they meet certain GPA and MCAT score requirements during their undergraduate studies.

2. Undergrad years: Students usually complete their undergraduate degrees in 3 or 4 years. Some programs have a pre-set curriculum, while others allow for some flexibility and let you choose a major within certain guidelines (e.g., you may need to take certain science courses even if you major in a non-science field).

3. Transition to medical school: After completing their bachelor's degree requirements, students move on to medical school, which typically takes 4 years to complete. Sometimes, the undergraduate and medical education are at the same institution, while other programs involve partnerships between different universities.

4. Residency: Upon completion of medical school, students enter their chosen residency program, just like students from traditional medical schools.

Combined BS/MD programs can be very competitive to get into, but they offer a clear and accelerated path to becoming a physician, allowing students to save time and money. However, they can be quite intensive due to the shortened timeline, so you should consider if you're comfortable committing to a medical career early on and if you're ready for the rigorous workload.

In summary, if you're certain about pursuing a career in medicine and you're a high-achieving student with a strong background in science, combined BS/MD programs might be a great fit for you. However, if you'd like more flexibility in exploring different career paths or want a more traditional college experience, you may want to consider pursuing a bachelor's degree followed by applying for medical school separately. Good luck!