“I want to apply to the best BS/MD programs.”
I hear this comment all of the time from my students and others that I talk with. The problem is that the question of what is a “best” BS/MD program depends on what criteria you are using to rank a program.
Do you mean the most competitive programs to get in? Do you mean the programs with the undergraduate colleges that have the highest average SAT scores? Those with the medical school that have the highest typical MCAT? Those with the highest level of federal funding for the medical school? The ranking of the college or medical school by US News?
Now I will admit that I do have my own definition of the stronger BS/MD programs. And while most of them are extremely competitive, the difficulty of gaining admissions is not a criteria in my book. So what do I look at?
I do consider the strength of the undergraduate college and medical school as measured by tests like the SAT and MCAT. While not perfect, it at least provides a small level of comparison. But I also consider items like the 4 year graduation rate at the college, the USMLE pass rate for the medical schools and the placement of students into a residency program after medical school.
Are my criteria the only ones to use? No. Each student should come up with their own criteria after deciding what is important to them. But the ranking of a college or medical school in US News, is not the best way to decide what is best for you.
Dear Sir,
Which BS/MD programmes have the high USMLE pass rate and placement of students into a residency program after medical school.
Warm regards
– Amara
Amara,
The USMLE(United States Medical Licensing Exam) pass rate for all medical colleges, including those associated with BS/MD programs are in the mid 90% range. There is very little difference among any of the medical schools. All also have high placement rates into residency programs but this varies from medical school to medical school and depends on large part where a student is in their medical school class and not whether they went to a BS/MD program or even a particular medical school.