BS/MD Programs / BS/MD Admission Requirements for 2026-2027
BS/MD Admission Requirements for 2026-2027
Combined programs admit a handful of students each. The ones who get in show top grades, high test scores, and proof that they have seen medicine up close.
Updated September 28, 2026 for the 2026-2027 cycle
Academic record
Grades and courses
- GPA: 3.9 unweighted or higher is typical of admitted students.
- Class rank: top 5 to 10 percent where the school ranks.
- Sciences: biology, chemistry and physics, at AP or IB level where offered.
- Math: calculus by senior year.
- Writing: four years of English; essays carry real weight.
Test scores
- SAT: 1500 or higher is the competitive range.
- Sections: aim for 750 Reading and Writing, 770 Math.
- ACT: 34 or higher.
- Superscoring: many programs accept it; confirm with each one.
- PSAT: National Merit recognition strengthens an application.
Published minimums are not targets. A program may list a 1400 SAT minimum and still admit a class that averages far higher. Treat the minimum as the line below which the file is not read.
Experience in medicine
Programs are betting that a 17-year-old will still want to be a physician in eight years. Sustained exposure to patients is the evidence they look for.
Clinical volunteering
Hospital, clinic, hospice or nursing home work with direct patient contact. Aim for 150 to 200 hours across two or more years.
Physician shadowing
Observe more than one specialty, including primary care. Aim for 50 hours and keep a journal of what you saw.
Research
A university lab, a summer research program, or an independent project with a mentor. Depth matters more than a publication.
Service
Long-term service outside medicine shows the commitment to people that interviewers ask about.
Leadership
One or two roles where something changed because you were there. Titles alone do not count.
Certification
EMT or nursing-assistant training gives hands-on patient care. Check your state's minimum age first.
Hour figures are planning guides drawn from what admitted students commonly report. No program publishes a required number.
Application parts
| Part | What is asked | Where to read more |
|---|---|---|
| College application | Common App or the college's own form, usually with an earlier deadline for the combined program. | Timeline |
| Program supplement | Two to five essays on why medicine, why this program, and why now. | Essays |
| Letters | Two teachers, one in science, plus a counselor. A physician or research mentor letter is a strong addition. | |
| Activities and hours | A log of clinical, research and service work with dates and supervisors. | |
| Situational judgment test | Some programs require Casper. Check each program's page. | |
| Interview | By invitation, from December to March. Traditional or multiple mini interview. | Interviews |
Eligibility limits to check first
- State residency. Several public programs admit only residents of their state. The directory flags these.
- Citizenship. Most programs require US citizenship or permanent residency.
- Entry point. BS/MD programs admit from high school. Early assurance programs admit college sophomores and are a separate route.
- Conditions after admission. Know the college GPA and MCAT score you must keep before you accept a seat.
Building the record, year by year
Set the base
Take the hardest schedule you can do well in. Start volunteering. Join one science activity and stay in it.
Add depth
Begin shadowing. Take the PSAT for practice. Apply for summer research programs in the winter.
Peak year
Take the SAT in the fall and again in spring if needed. Hold a leadership role. Build the program list.
Apply
Submit by the program deadline, often November 1. Prepare for interviews over the winter.