What do BS/MD programs require to advance to the medical school? We have already discussed grades and MCAT scores. What other requirements are common in BS/MD programs?
All programs will require that a student take certain classes in college including the classes typically required for medical school admissions such as a year of basic bio, a year of basic chemistry, a year of basic physics, a year of organic chemistry, a year of psychology, a year of calculus and a year of English.
The University of Pittsburgh requires students to continue medically related activities including research and volunteering. Most BS/MD programs will have a similar requirement even if not stated in the information about their program.
Some require a particular major or minor. Boston University for instance requires all students in the program complete a minor in a subject approved by the College of Arts and Sciences. Union College requires students to complete a major in biology, chemistry, physics or math as well as a second interdepartmental major in the humanities or social sciences. If you have a particular major in mind before joining a BS/MD program, be careful when choosing colleges that you are applying to those that allow the major you have an interest in.
Union also requires students to take 10 courses in health care management, be involved in a bioethics program and health services practicum and take a term abroad or have international experience. George Washington University requires that students engage in a community service project each year. Drexel University requires a 6 month coop in research, clinical or health informatics, health law or bioengineering, and a 100 hours of approved service.
These are just some examples or requirements but virtually all BS/MD programs will have some type of additional requirement to advance to the med school. Just remember, that the requirements to get admitted to medical school through the traditional route are typically much more strenuous than the type of requirements mentioned here.
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