I am regularly asked what BS/MD programs admit international students. Here is a list of those programs that consider international students in BS/MD admissions:
University of Connecticut
University of Rochester
Case Western Reserve University
Penn State University
Brown University
Virginia Commonwealth University
The following programs will also consider Canadian students:
George Washington University
St. Bonaventure University/George Washington University
Wayne State University
While the above colleges will consider admitting international students I want to make it clear that it is generally more difficult for an international student to be admitted to these programs than a US resident. And given how difficult it is to get admitted for a US resident, that is saying something.
I have had international students be admitted to many of these programs but these students always need a solid backup of a traditional college.
Thank you for the link.
I know these programs must be extremely difficult to get into, but can tell me what are the odds of an international student getting in and what kind of grades would they want? Also, do American universities care more about grades or the ACT/SAT scores?
Thank you for the link.
I know these programs must be extremely difficult to get into as a international student, but can tell me what are the odds of an international student getting in and what kind of grades would they want? Also, do American universities care more about grades or the ACT/SAT scores?
Hi. Thank you so much for the post it is extremely helpful and it’s exactly what I was looking for.
One thing that I want to mention is that I’ve received a reply from Baylor university that international students are not eligible to apply for their BS/MD program…
Arim,
You are correct that Baylor University does not accept international students for their BS/MD program. However, the post is talking about the program that Rice University has with Baylor College of Medicine. This program does consider international students for the BS/MD program. It is confusing because Baylor College of Medicine and Baylor University have nothing to do with each other. They are completely separate institutions.
Not being a student in the US, college admissions sound very complicated compared to what we have in Australia. I was wondering what are the exams (SAT, SAT II or ACT) that are necessary to be considered for BS/MD programs? I heard something about AP exams or whatever but they are not available in my region. I would appreciate if someone could tell me, thank you very much!
DM,
All BS/MD programs want to see either the SAT or ACT exam. The vast majority do not have a preference. A few of the programs, but several of those considering international students, also want to see the SAT Subject tests, formerly known as the SAT II. These are in specific subject areas and typically the BS/MD program will want to see a math test, typically MATH II and a science, most commonly biology or chemistry.
AP exams are not used in the admissions process and you do not need to worry about those if you are applying from outside the US.
“I have had international students be admitted to many of these programs but these students always need a solid backup of a traditional college.”
What do you mean “a solid backup of a traditional college”?
thanks 🙂
Georgia,
I mean all students applying to BS/MD programs, but international students in particular, need to make sure that they are also applying to traditional colleges where they would be happy to attend if they don’t get into a BS/MD program.
How many Indian national students have been successful in getting admission into bsmd programme / medicine ?
Hi,
I was told that Pennsylvania State University does not accept international students into that specific program.
Lilly,
I just confirmed with Penn State that they do accept applications from international students into the BS/MD program and in fact have accepted a few from outside the US.
Ak,
I can’t tell you specifically how many Indian national students have been accepted into BS/MD programs but I can tell you that I have had a few.
This was very helpful. Thank you so much.
I want to apply to BSMD programs, what are the chances of getting in as a US citizen who has studied outside of US.
Umer,
A few BS/MD programs require students to have attended high school in the US but most do not have that kind of limitation. As a US citizen, it generally won’t make a great deal of difference where you went to high school. You will still need volunteering, research, doctor shadowing, leadership and maturity but otherwise you will be considered like most US citizens.
Rohit,
The UT system has an initiative called TIME whose purpose is to increase the number of physicians in Texas and shorten the time to become a physician. Most of the other medical schools have this in place already so it would make sense that UT Austin would do something similar. Since they are just opening in 2016 they may wait for a few years to get the kinks out of running a medical school but it is possible that they decide to start with a cohort in 2016. I haven’t seen anything definitive.
Hi, I was wondering if you knew whether or not the program at Howard University accepts canadian citizens.
To the best of my knowledge, Howard does not accept Canadian citizens. You should contact their office directly to confirm.
Thank you so much for this post. I am a Canadian citizen; however, I have gotten all of my education in the US. I was just wondering whether or not schools look at citizenship specifically or just the place where I live. Some of the universities in my area count me as a local student rather than an international student but, I am not sure if these programs will count me as an out-of-state student or an international one.
For admissions purposes to most US colleges or universities you are considered an international student even if you go to high school in the US.
Is there program which is easier to get in if you commit for rural service.
If I am a US citizen living abroad for high school. Will I be considered instate
where my parents ave filed Taxes for one year
Sudha,
There are a few programs that are specifically for rural service but they tend to be for residents of that state only. For example, there are such programs in New York and Texas. Whether you would be considered in state will vary from college to college. You would need to contact the colleges you are interested in and ask that question.
Do the schools that offer BS/MD for canadian/international students take into account the amount of times the SAT has been taken?
Patrick,
Generally colleges will not know how often you have taken the SAT unless you tell them. A few colleges require you to disclose all testing but most do not. They don’t typically care how often you take a test but more than 3 times is usually excessive because few students improve significantly after 3 tries.
Does university of houston accept international students for the accelerated medical program? And what about Howard university?
Faiqa,
The University of Houston program is for students of the Michael E. Debakey high schoool only. And no they do not accept international students. Howard is also only for US residents or permanent residents.
Hey Todd,
I went to the Wayne State website and it stated you have to be US resident to be considered for the combined program. I thought Canadians are considered from your website. Confused?
Cheers
Jordan
Hi,
My daughter is in Grade 11 interested in applying BS/MD program in US.What are the requirements for canadian citizens?Do they accept IB /Diploma score or only SAT score?When do we need to start apply?
Soma,
The requirements for international students are the same as for US students although there are only about 11 BS/MD programs that accept international students. They need either SAT or ACT scores and for some of the programs they also require SAT Subject Tests. Application dates vary by college but most BS/MD program applications are due between NOvember 1 and December 1 of the senior year.
Jordan,
This is a new program at Wayne State after they discontinued the old one last year. The new one does not allow Canadian residents.
Are there any BS/MD programs in the U.S. that offer scholarships to Canadians?
Thank You
Jordan
Do universities only look at Gr 12 marks or are other high school marks considered as well? Also, are Act or SAT subject tests required?
US colleges and universities typically consider grades from the last 4 years in high school, 9, 10, 11 and 12. Most do not require SAT subject tests although the most competitive colleges typically do. Most colleges require the SAT or ACT but there is a significant number that do not.
Hello Todd,
I am an international student, and have done all of my schooling in Illinois. Some colleges have even considered me as an in-state student. I have a 35 on the ACT, perfect gpa, strong extracurricular activities, etc. I hope I’m similar to the caliber of other US students that apply to these programs. Will my chances still be the same as any other international student?
Tesh,
Having down your schooling in the US may help a little but you will still be considered an international student so just make sure you have some good non BS/MD options to consider as well.
Do any of the mentioned programs take less than 7 years to complete?
None of the programs that accept international students are less than 7 years.
Hey Todd,
Let’s say someone who has done high school outside the US, but gets permanent residence before getting into a BS-MD Program, will that person be considered as an international student? And what about a person who has done high school outside as well but applies to US only after getting permanent residence, what will he be considered?
And also could you please list the universities where someone with a case like this ^ can apply?
Thank you.
Hashir,
There is no set answer to these questions as it can vary from program to program. Generally permanent residence status is determined at the time of the application. Otherwise the student would be considered an international student.
As for where you do high school, again, this depends on the program. Some programs require the student to have attended high school in the US while many don’t specify a preference.
I am from nepal .I ve joined A level this year with pure science here in nepal at Rato bangala school. I ve studied there from grade one .I ve planned to study bs/md in usa after my A LEVEL. And would like to know whether being an international student I can apply or not . As I am among top five in my school is there any chance of scholarships? Thank you.
Rn,
International students can apply to some BS/MD programs. Here is a list of such programs: http://cap1.wpengine.com/bsmd-programs/bsmd-programs-admit-international-students/
While these programs will consider international students, be aware that admissions to these programs as an international student is even more difficult than for US citizens. Scholarship will possible should not be expected.
Hi Todd, my son is a dual citizen (US/Canadian). Born in Canada, we left for the states when he was a month old. He is applying to US schools. His dream/plan is to go to medical school, in the US. However, he is also applying to a University of Toronto. The cost and quality of degree is attractive. However, would it be harder for him to get into US medical school, with an undergraduate degree from U of Toronto. Your thoughts, advice would be appreciated.
Sarah,
Generally US medical schools do not care where you did your undergrad study so going to a place like U Toronto wouldn’t be a big issue. That being said, I typically don’t recommend larger schools like this for undergrad as it can be more difficult to learn the basic sciences in larger classes which can affect the score on the medical college admission test, MCAT. It can also be harder in a larger school to get to know professors which can impact the quality of the recommendation letter that is required by medical schools.
Hello. I am a highschool student from Ethiopia, Africa. I am interested in learning medicine in US but I know the competition is high. There is also the financial issue. Is bsmd an easier and affordable option for my case?
Thanks
BS/MD programs are significantly more competitive for admissions than medical school through the traditional route in the US. This is particularly true for international students as most BS/MD programs will not consider international students at all.
Hi im from sri lanka, and volunteering/research opportunities are almost non existent here. Can i know the odds of getting into a BS/MD program with very little clinical exposure? (if SAt scores and grades are upto mark)
Thank you
Rankini,
BS/MD programs are extremely competitive and even more so for international students. Even with volunteeirng and research you would not have a strong chance of acceptance into one of these programs and without them, it is extremely unlikely. That is why I typically recommend that international students focus on getting to med school through the traditional route rather than BS/MD programs.
Hello! I just have a question regarding the Rice/Baylor program. I am on the Rice website, and under “Rice/Baylor Medical Scholars Program” it explicitly states that: “Baylor College of Medicine reserves this program for U.S. citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents.” When it says “this program”, I assume they mean the Rice/Baylor one, since it is written on the Rice website under the Rice/Baylor program. Has this been recently updated, or am I missing something, as you state that the program is available for international students . May you please clarify? Thank you!
This program used to consider international students but have recently changed their policy.
Hi Todd,
We are US resident Indian citizen, waiting for green card & may take few more years. My daughter studied in US (Michigan) since 3rd standard & she in 11th grade now (maintaining 3.9 GPA), preparing for SAT & taking some AP courses. She is planning to take BS/MD program in US. Will she be considered as an international student? Does she have any advantage as she did her schooling in US? Which colleges are best ? How do we approach to secure a seat in BS/MD program.
Hi Todd,
We’re Americans based in Florida but currently live and wok in Qatar since 2014. My daughter is in the 11th at the American School of Doha, here in Qatar. She has excellent grades and recently scores 1350 in her first shot at SAT. She is very interested in joining a combined medical program in the US. She is striving to improve her SAT Score to 1450 min. Is the considered a good score to get in. Also, do you have any recommendations for a good program for her, as far as grants/scholarships are concerned ?
Charles,
While she is US citizen, in my experience, going to school overseas is a big negative for most BS/MD programs. A 1,450 is about the minumum I would suggest and above 1,500 would be helpful. Most of the money for college scholarships comes from the colleges themselves so the biggest issue is what colleges does she apply to. Some colleges are good with scholarship money or merit aid, while others are terrible. What you are looking for is one that has good merit aid AND does a good job of medical school placement through the traditional route.
Kumar,
Until your daughter gets her green card she will be considered an international student and BS/MD programs will be extremely difficult to get into. Going to school in the US will help but it is still very unlikely.
Todd