Getting in doesn't have to be hard.
Prepare yourself by reviewing the material below and you'll be ready to compete, even against the wolves.
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Early Assurance Medical Program:
A BS/MD or BA/MD Program is a program that guarantees a student admission into medical school contingent upon certain criteria, specific to each program. Some combined degree BS/MD or BA/MD programs require that students achieve a certain score on the MCAT (after their second/third year into the program), while others completely waive the MCAT although requiring a certain GPA to be met. Other programs require the MCAT to be taken but do not require any specific score (in other words, they want you to just take the exam but your score does not impact your admission into the affiliated medical school). The combined degree program provides a Bachelor's Degree (B.S.) and Medical Degree (M.D.) to the student after successful completion of the program's requirements. Another similar program is the BA/MD program, the only difference being that the student receives a Bachelor's in Arts Degree (B.A.) during their undergrad. Each program has various requirements beyond those listed on this website, such as maintaining a certain number of community service or health care related hours. The early assurance medical programs or direct medical programs have various names and each name may be interpreted differently. The only one that has a slightly different meaning is the phrase accelerated medical program. While traditional paths require 8 years, there are some programs that are 6 or 7 years. These 6 or 7 year med programs are considered "accelerated." Student in this track may need to spend several summers taking additional courses or may need to take 18+ credits per semester in order to complete all the course requirements. Almost one quarter of US Medical schools offer this combined direct medical program program to well-qualified high school students. Often times, admission into these programs is more competitive than admission into the top universities. With guaranteed admission into medical schools, these programs are different from pre-med programs. The guaranteed admissions program in medicine is directed toward high school seniors who know they want to become physicians and clearly demonstrate committment in the healthcare field. Read more on "How to Get in" If you're looking into getting into a premed program or are already in one, you may want to check out premedspot.com for some great information!
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How to get in:Tens of thousands of applications are sent out each year by high school seniors to compete for an interview spot against other highly competitive students. Acceptance rates hover under 5% for almost all of these programs, so submitting an exceptional application is crucial. Everyone who applies has exceptional GPA and SAT scores. The question is, how will you distinguish yourself from the others?
While there is no conclusive 3-step procedure to assure anyone a spot, several factors will definitely make a candidate very competitive. The goal is to show your passion to serve, drive to become a physician, and overall well-roundedness. |
Start volunteering.
Volunteer as early as possible. Make sure you have plenty of meaningful volunteering experience you can talk about in your admission essays and during interviews. Colleges do not want to hear about how fast you were able to file a patient's charts rather the relationships you were able to form and how volunteering helped affirm your passion to become a physician. Most of the time, applicants use volunteering as a major reason for wanting to pursue a career in medicine. So when you initially begin volunteering, sign up for a unit that will give you worthwhile experiences to discuss in your essays and interviews.
Start in your freshman year of high school -- tenth grade at the latest. 99% of the time, the quality of your hours is more important than the quantity of your hours. Some programs specifically want to see that you've had extensive experience in the hospital environment. Such programs may look for applicants with 300 - 400 hours! Its important that when you start, be consistent. Set aside a few hours every week for volunteering. Try to volunteer at one or two hospitals without changing around too much; consistency and commitment are important. Make sure to document your volunteering history on your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV).
Start in your freshman year of high school -- tenth grade at the latest. 99% of the time, the quality of your hours is more important than the quantity of your hours. Some programs specifically want to see that you've had extensive experience in the hospital environment. Such programs may look for applicants with 300 - 400 hours! Its important that when you start, be consistent. Set aside a few hours every week for volunteering. Try to volunteer at one or two hospitals without changing around too much; consistency and commitment are important. Make sure to document your volunteering history on your résumé or curriculum vitae (CV).
Shadowing
Shadowing is an important piece you do not want to neglect. Along the same lines of volunteering, colleges want to see that you have experience in the hospital environment and know what the job of a physician entails. Having direct shadowing experience will not only help you with your admission essays and interview but it will show that you have directly experienced the health care field and the patient-doctor relationship. Even for yourself, it may help you narrow which field of medicine you are interested in. A well-written essay could convey how this experience made you want to become a physician.
You can include the physicians you've shadowed on your résumé as well. Make sure to create relationships with these physicians since they may be a good source for a recommendation letter.
You can include the physicians you've shadowed on your résumé as well. Make sure to create relationships with these physicians since they may be a good source for a recommendation letter.
Do research.
While programs do not generally require candidates to have done research, some successful candidates have some sort of research under their belt. Research helps students develop critical reasoning skills that help science majors in their pursuit for higher education. Some students research throughout their high school career while others apply for summer programs through a research facility or college university. More students are increasingly conducting research so its important to do it as well. Document your research history on your résumé with a short description of what you did. If you can get your research published in high school, you may have just caught a golden ticket.
Create relationships.
The BS/MD applications will request multiples letters of recommendation. Thus, it is important that you forge relationships with teachers, community leaders, doctors, or research mentors so that they could write about traits that cannot be seen from your resume. Every letter should talk about a different aspect of your character so that colleges can know you on a personal and professional level. Some recommenders could address how personable and empathetic you are while others could discuss your curiosity and perseverance. *When selecting who will write your letters, make sure that they will address different aspects of who you are.
*Family generally cannot and should not write letters of recommendation for you.
*Family generally cannot and should not write letters of recommendation for you.
Get the best grades & test scores.
It's needless to say but successful candidates do have the very best scores. The less competitive programs may require an SAT score as low as 1900 but the more competitive ones historically accept those with a 2200+. Some programs look at ACT scores as well depending on what part of the country you are from. Your GPA should be very competitive as many students will apply with a 90+ average. SATIIs should be taken in Math and Science and those scores should ideally be over 650+ (different programs want different SAT subject tests to be taken - if the information was provided by the college, then it is included in the next few pages that list all the current BS/MD programs). Consider taking SAT Preparation Companies like Princeton Review to improve your score - they have guaranteed score improvement!
Summary.
Start early and try to achieve as many of the above as possible. If you are unable to find a research position or not able to shadow, don't worry. You're still in a competitive position as long as the other factors are polished.
Look through the 6-,7-, and 8-year programs that you may be interested in/eligible to apply for (listed in the next few pages). Some students apply to as little as 5 programs while others apply to as many as 15 - 20. Almost every application costs money and sending SAT/ACT scores to each university costs more. Be reasonable and apply for the programs which you have a good shot at. Make sure that your SAT/ACT/GPA all align with the program's minimum requirements or historic successful applicants' data. Then go through each link and create a sheet for each program you plan to apply for and write down all the components of its application (whether it be submitting an additional essay, supplementary application, etc). Make sure to watch out for deadlines since they are much earlier than the normal college admissions process.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in medicine but have slightly less scores than needed, check out www.directbsdo.com to learn about alternative programs that will still make you a physician!
After you have applied, cross your fingers! If you've followed the above, you're in great shape and hopefully will get invitations to interview at these great schools. Once you're ready to interview, check out potential questions and interview tips through the link below!
Look through the 6-,7-, and 8-year programs that you may be interested in/eligible to apply for (listed in the next few pages). Some students apply to as little as 5 programs while others apply to as many as 15 - 20. Almost every application costs money and sending SAT/ACT scores to each university costs more. Be reasonable and apply for the programs which you have a good shot at. Make sure that your SAT/ACT/GPA all align with the program's minimum requirements or historic successful applicants' data. Then go through each link and create a sheet for each program you plan to apply for and write down all the components of its application (whether it be submitting an additional essay, supplementary application, etc). Make sure to watch out for deadlines since they are much earlier than the normal college admissions process.
If you're interested in pursuing a career in medicine but have slightly less scores than needed, check out www.directbsdo.com to learn about alternative programs that will still make you a physician!
After you have applied, cross your fingers! If you've followed the above, you're in great shape and hopefully will get invitations to interview at these great schools. Once you're ready to interview, check out potential questions and interview tips through the link below!
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To be a competitive BS/MD applicant, you should start preparing by the summer before ninth grade. From this date, your school year and summer activities are divided. This is a suggested timeline in order for you to get all the experience you need to have a strong application, prepare yourself for the interview, and more importantly medical school. Don't worry if you haven't done the below in this exact order - this is not a guaranteed formula, only strong suggestions. The closer you follow this timeline, the more competitive you'll be.
Summer before 9th grade begins: Volunteer at a local hospital. Plan to take 1 AP/IB course.
9th grade school year: Volunteer, enroll for AP/IB courses, begin looking for summer research opportunities or school research programs. Participate in different clubs/sports and be active in them.
Summer before 10th grade: Volunteer & begin research. Take an SATII if you have taken a relevant AP/IB course.
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10th grade school year: Volunteer, enroll for AP/IB courses; take an AP/IB exam and relevant SATII exam. Look for shadowing opportunities. Continue to be active in clubs/sports and seek out leadership opportunities within them. Build relationships with teachers for future recommendation letters. Summer before 11th grade: Volunteer & Shadow. Begin or continue research. Study for SAT (1st sitting should be sometime in Junior Year). Take SATII for any relevant AP/IB courses. 11th grade school year: Continue volunteering & shadowing. Enroll in AP/IB courses and take AP/IB exams along with relevant SATII exams. 1st SAT sitting should be between the middle and end of Junior year. Strive to get a couple leadership positions under your belt by this year. Look for and apply to summer research programs. Build relationships with teachers. Summer before 12th grade: Keep accumulating volunteer & shadowing hours, as well as research experiences. College application process begins: Start researching BS/MD colleges and compile a list of potential schools based on your specific SAT/GPA criteria. Study for and take SAT exam again if necessary. 12th grade school year: Take SAT exam if needed. Continue volunteering/shadowing on weekends. Continue involvement with clubs/sports. Finish application process and begin/complete interview process. Study for AP/IB exams for the end of the year (many colleges take AP/IB credit - so scoring well will help you in the long run - don't let 'Senioritis' hit too hard!). Apply for scholarships and submit your acceptance to the college program of your dreams. |
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Summer before college: Explore the world! Enjoy & Have fun!
Make sure to catalogue and frequently update your Résumé with all the activities you are involved in. Check out the Résumé section for how to write your college résumé.
Make sure to catalogue and frequently update your Résumé with all the activities you are involved in. Check out the Résumé section for how to write your college résumé.
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The résumé is an integral part of your application. Every college wants it. It summarizes everything you have done in your high school career.
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Resume Template |
FAQS:
Can a resume include SAT/ACT/SATII Scores?
- Sure, colleges will see the results anyway when you send them the official report so it is not necessary.
Can I list total hours volunteered instead of weekly commitment?
- No problem, some programs may ask you later how many hours per week you have volunteered so be prepared to answer that.
I have no employment history, is that OK?
- It's not a problem! Having employment is probably the least important component of your resume, but it definitely adds a little bit of value since it shows more real-world experience. But don't fret if you don't have a job. Everything else is more important than that.
I have no publications for my research. Can I include a paper I have written about my research?
- It's best to include it if you have published or submitting for publishing. But if you have written an extensive paper on the culmination of your research and submitted it to various competitions or presented your paper somewhere, by all means, include this!
Can a resume include SAT/ACT/SATII Scores?
- Sure, colleges will see the results anyway when you send them the official report so it is not necessary.
Can I list total hours volunteered instead of weekly commitment?
- No problem, some programs may ask you later how many hours per week you have volunteered so be prepared to answer that.
I have no employment history, is that OK?
- It's not a problem! Having employment is probably the least important component of your resume, but it definitely adds a little bit of value since it shows more real-world experience. But don't fret if you don't have a job. Everything else is more important than that.
I have no publications for my research. Can I include a paper I have written about my research?
- It's best to include it if you have published or submitting for publishing. But if you have written an extensive paper on the culmination of your research and submitted it to various competitions or presented your paper somewhere, by all means, include this!
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What is it like to interview for medical school as a high school student? What will I be asked?
- Interviews for combined degree programs share some similarities with regular medical school interviews, but have some differences. Here are some of these:
Similarities:
In both cases, you will likely have a 1 on 1 interview with at least one member of an admissions committee or a panel interview. You will usually go to the school on a set day, tour the school and have a chance to ask questions, and do interviews. You will be expected to “dress up” for an interview – sports coat/suit and tie for boys and dress clothes for girls. No Jeans and t-shirts, and go easy on the piercings!
You will be expected discuss the things that you put on your essays about why you want to go to that school and why you wish to become a physician. Depending on the school, you may be asked about your high school activities, volunteering, research and any shadowing you have done. Remember that you MAY be asked about anything you put on your application so make sure you know it inside and out.
- Interviews for combined degree programs share some similarities with regular medical school interviews, but have some differences. Here are some of these:
Similarities:
In both cases, you will likely have a 1 on 1 interview with at least one member of an admissions committee or a panel interview. You will usually go to the school on a set day, tour the school and have a chance to ask questions, and do interviews. You will be expected to “dress up” for an interview – sports coat/suit and tie for boys and dress clothes for girls. No Jeans and t-shirts, and go easy on the piercings!
You will be expected discuss the things that you put on your essays about why you want to go to that school and why you wish to become a physician. Depending on the school, you may be asked about your high school activities, volunteering, research and any shadowing you have done. Remember that you MAY be asked about anything you put on your application so make sure you know it inside and out.
Differences:
In general, admissions committee members who interview high school students for medical school programs are experienced at these interviews and recognize the differences between high school and college students. You will not be expected to have the number and type of standard pre-med experiences that would have been typical for college students. You will be more likely to be asked somewhat general questions about your interest in science, the types of things you like to read, and about your non-scientific activities in school. Make sure to tell the whole truth about yourself and your background.
How to Prepare:
As with any other applicant, admissions committee members are looking for your maturity, your ability to communicate ideas thoroughly, your passion to pursue medicine and for evidence that you are likely be committed to the program. Most admission committee members believe that at the age of 16 or 17, high school students cannot know how they want to spend the rest of their lives. PROVE THEM WRONG.
Some potential questions that you can be asked. There are definitely variations these questions as well as many questions not included in this list. Make sure you have a solid answer with reasons. Typically, you should include an example with your answers.
“When did you first decide you wanted to go to medical school?”
"Why do you want to pursue a career in medicine."
"If you had a second choice for a career, what would it be and why?"
“What about a combined degree program especially appeals to you?” *Don't mention that you want to be sure to get into med school as your primary reason.
“What are your favorite books (or most recently read non-school book) and why? Which character do you think is most similar to yourself”
“Who has talked with you about medical school and what did you learn from them about it?”
"What has been your greatest challenge thus far and how have you dealt with it?"
"What has volunteering taught you?"
"What are your biggest strengths/weaknesses?"
"Who is your role model and why?"
*Some of the more competitive programs may present ethical questions. Be prepared for variety of ethical scenarios and make sure you have an answer for your interviewee.
DO NOTS:
Do not indicate that you want to do one of these programs just so you can be sure of getting into med school.
Do not speak informally to your interviewer. Practice sounding as mature as you can – avoid any slang expressions. Remember, you are trying to convey maturity.
Do not panic if you don’t have an answer to a question. Just say “I’m not really sure, but I’ll think about it/look it up.”
Although you will be nervous, have someone practice with you avoiding things like “twirling your hair” and fidgeting.
Practice making eye contact. Then practice it some more and work on your speaking skills with someone who is willing to give you honest feedback. No one wants to spend half an hour talking to someone who won’t look at them or mumbles into the ground.
Do not insult any school. Don’t try to say that you want into this program because other programs are not good.
Do not spend excessive time or energy working on your appearance. Look nice, but be yourself. We want you to be neat, but otherwise don’t care much about appearance.
Make sure you can explain why you want to be a physician.
Do not waste time explaining one bad grade or your first SAT score that wasn’t as good as you would've liked. If you are interviewing for a program, they believe you are smart enough to succeed. You just have to prove yourself personally.
Instead of talking about negatives, introduce positives.
SMILE. It goes a long way in showing charisma and personality.
Do not indicate that you want to do one of these programs just so you can be sure of getting into med school.
Do not speak informally to your interviewer. Practice sounding as mature as you can – avoid any slang expressions. Remember, you are trying to convey maturity.
Do not panic if you don’t have an answer to a question. Just say “I’m not really sure, but I’ll think about it/look it up.”
Although you will be nervous, have someone practice with you avoiding things like “twirling your hair” and fidgeting.
Practice making eye contact. Then practice it some more and work on your speaking skills with someone who is willing to give you honest feedback. No one wants to spend half an hour talking to someone who won’t look at them or mumbles into the ground.
Do not insult any school. Don’t try to say that you want into this program because other programs are not good.
Do not spend excessive time or energy working on your appearance. Look nice, but be yourself. We want you to be neat, but otherwise don’t care much about appearance.
Make sure you can explain why you want to be a physician.
Do not waste time explaining one bad grade or your first SAT score that wasn’t as good as you would've liked. If you are interviewing for a program, they believe you are smart enough to succeed. You just have to prove yourself personally.
Instead of talking about negatives, introduce positives.
SMILE. It goes a long way in showing charisma and personality.
What makes a strong interview?
Above all, the admissions committee is looking for your passion for medicine and for your maturity. They know you are about 17/18 years old, but even at that age, they believe they can learn something from what you say and how you say it. Tell them your story – what makes you unique? Why will you ENJOY going into medicine? If you have done music or sports, tell them how committed you can be to what you do. They’ll understand that can transfer this commitment to your medical studies. If you’ve traveled somewhere unique or done anything special – describe it and be proud, but not boastful, about it.
Above all, the admissions committee is looking for your passion for medicine and for your maturity. They know you are about 17/18 years old, but even at that age, they believe they can learn something from what you say and how you say it. Tell them your story – what makes you unique? Why will you ENJOY going into medicine? If you have done music or sports, tell them how committed you can be to what you do. They’ll understand that can transfer this commitment to your medical studies. If you’ve traveled somewhere unique or done anything special – describe it and be proud, but not boastful, about it.
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