Congratulations on your BS/MD acceptance, future doctor! I know it has been a long (and tough) application cycle. You should be extremely proud of this accomplishment. Now that you have earned your acceptance(s), the next step is selecting the right BS/MD or BS/DO program that aligns with your personal, academic, and professional goals. Several key factors should be taken into consideration to ensure that you make the right decision for yourself.
GPA and MCAT Requirement
This first point is probably at the forefront of everyone’s minds (and probably the very reason why you applied to BS/MD or BS/DO’s)! I often get asked what are reasonable requirements. Most schools require a 3.5 or 3.6 GPA, which is not a ridiculous request. In fact, to get to medical school, a strong GPA would be 3.8 or higher.
The MCAT requirement, on the other hand, varies quite a bit between programs. As someone who has taken the MCAT, 2 USMLE exams, and 3 COMLEX exams, I can easily say that the MCAT was the worst test I have taken in my life. For those who have an acceptance with no MCAT requirement in hand, I would highly encourage taking their offer! However, there are schools with reasonable MCAT requirements as well. An MCAT under 508 is, in my opinion, reasonable; in fact, it is still below the national average of those who matriculate into medical school through the traditional medical school application process.
However, for schools that require 516, I can never justify attending programs like these. I had an ORM student with a 512 get into Dartmouth’s medical school. Another student with a 514 received an early acceptance to NYMC, with interviews to Creighton and UCSF (we are still waiting for those decisions). My point here is, even with a lower MCAT score, you can still get into a better program (obviously your application would matter more in this context).
Financial Cost
Medical school is not cheap. You can easily be looking at over $500,000 in tuition alone between undergrad and medical school. Understanding the complete financial commitment involved in medical school is crucial for effective financial planning and management. For BS/MD’s, consider the financial aid package that was offered. Beyond tuition, students should factor in associated expenses such as books, living costs, medical equipment, exam fees, and other educational resources (including MCAT prep if it isn’t provided by your program). Some programs with more lax requirements may also afford you the opportunity to take up a job or paid internship.
One thing I like to advise my families on is asking for more financial aid. Now that you have the acceptances in your hand, you can talk to the financial aid office to see if they are able to offer you more scholarships or grants. Researching and applying for financial assistance opportunities can significantly alleviate the burden of medical school costs. The long-term implications of the financial commitment, including loan repayment options, earning potential as a physician, and career development opportunities should all be considered as part of your planning.
Residency Matches and Board Pass Rates
Many families will immediately jump and look at residency matches when they get their acceptances. However, it’s important to know what to do with that information. Many of my students are interested in surgery; I often tell them that general surgery can be pursued from any school (even for DO’s!). However, if you are interested in an extremely competitive residency, such as neurosurgery, plastic surgery, and dermatology, then you may want to consider a program with a “home” program (meaning they have a department specifically for your field of interest at your school).
While residency match data is important, it’s also crucial to consider what goes into matching. Medical student interest in a specialty, networking, research and publications, volunteering and work experiences are factors that are important. Notice that I haven’t yet talked about how the medical school fits into this. The medical school you select should prepare you to pass USMLE Step 1 and score well on USMLE Step 2. Ultimately, these scores are important for matching your desired specialty. This is why I often encourage families to look at board pass rates. If a school has a lower board pass rate than the national average, I would be more concerned.
Location
Although many students may feel ready to leave this home state, this is not a decision to take lightly. I have had many friends (even in med school!) feel lonely and depressed after moving out of state away from their family. When I left California to attend medical school in New Mexico, there was definitely some initial culture shock. While I did get used to it and had a great group of friends, it is difficult to be far from your support system.
When considering a BS/MD program, it’s essential for students to carefully deliberate on the location of the program and its potential impact on their overall educational experience. Factors such as climate (as a Californian, I could never survive a Tri-state winter), proximity to family and support networks, availability of clinical opportunities, and exposure to diverse patient populations all contribute significantly to the quality of education and preparation for a career in medicine. A location that offers diverse patient populations can provide invaluable insights into healthcare disparities and enhance your ability to serve a broader demographic in the future.
Access to various clinical opportunities, such as urban hospitals, rural clinics, or community health centers, can offer diverse hands-on experiences and broaden your understanding of healthcare delivery. Additionally, proximity to research institutions or specialized healthcare facilities can present unique learning and collaboration prospects, allowing you to delve into specific medical fields and contribute to innovative advancements in the industry. Ultimately, the location of a BS/MD program should be carefully assessed to ensure that it aligns with the student’s aspirations and provides a conducive environment for comprehensive medical education and professional growth.
Is Accelerated the Right Path?
One of the biggest attractions for an accelerated BS/MD program is finishing early. However, it is usually at this point where students and families begin to consider what the lifestyle of this would look like. Personally, when I went through the process, I could have finished UCSD in 2 years, but I purposely stayed for 4 years because I wanted to gain more experience in internships and I knew it would be difficult to do so as a graduate. After medical school, I took 3 gap years (this was my parents’ worst nightmare). In that time, I got to start up a telehealth platform, open and manage 3 clinics, and learned marketing. These experiences and the mentors I met were invaluable when it came time to apply to residency. Each program was interested in the life experience that I had brought.
The reason why I am sharing my personal experience is because I want you to know it’s okay to take your time in your medical journey. This is not a race. A non-accelerated path may allow you to maintain a more balanced lifestyle. The additional years of undergraduate study can also give students more time to mature personally and academically, which can contribute to their overall well-being and mental health. Essentially, college is a time to explore who you are and uncover your potential outside of medicine.
Should You Consider the Traditional Premed Route?
Many students who get into BS/MD are also competitive candidates for Ivy League and T20 schools. Choosing the traditional premed route over a combined BS/MD program may offer several advantages. The traditional route provides students with a stronger educational foundation, which can prepare you for the rigor of medical school. Pursuing a traditional premed track at an Ivy League or T20 may also better support students’ academic and personal develop, given they have the best resources and network available. For long-term planning, these experiences and networks can open a lot of doors for projects in medical school and getting into your top choice residency. These programs also provide unparalleled opportunities for students to engage in research, volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. This could potentially allow students to ultimately earn a spot at a more competitive medical school program.
I’ve had students who had gotten into Case Western BS/MD and REMS BS/MD, only to turn down both to attend Yale. Given his personality, which was extraordinarily centered on being a global citizen, it was no surprise that he chose Yale over two amazing programs (and no MCAT!). On the other hand, one of my students was waitlisted at Harvard, but received a Drexel acceptance. When I asked her if she would attend Harvard if she got off the waitlist, she said Harvard was no longer an option given her BS/MD acceptance. Her rationale was that she was committed to medicine and nothing would stop her. For what it’s worth, she said she would move to Timbuktu if she had to for medical school! Choosing a program, whether BS/MD or traditional, is a deeply personal choice. Think about what you want out of your college experience, your personal development, and your long term goals when making your decision.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing the right BS/MD program after acceptance entails a meticulous assessment of various factors ranging from financial considerations and academic requirements to the program’s location and available opportunities. By carefully evaluating these facets, you can make an informed decision that sets the stage for a successful and fulfilling journey through medical education and beyond. Congratulations on your achievements once again, and welcome to the field of medicine!
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