If you’re a high school student dead set on pursuing a career in medicine, you’ve come to the right place. BSMD programs are a fantastic option for students who are committed to becoming tomorrow’s doctors and want to make the best use of their time in an accelerated higher education program. Of course, in order to attend one of said programs, first, you have to get in! We’re here to give you the inside scoop on all things BSMD application essays.
It’s worth noting that BSMD programs can also be referred to as BS/MD programs, and we’ll be using both terms interchangeably in this guide.
Okay, now let’s dive in!
Maybe you don’t need two years of prerequisites to figure out your career—you’ve been dreaming of becoming a doctor since you first chewed on a toy stethoscope in pre-K! A BS/MD program allows students to simultaneously apply for a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree, typically at the same institution. Some BSMD programs even offer an accelerated course of study so that applicants can complete their undergraduate education in three years or, less frequently, in two.
BS/MD programs are highly competitive. Given their small size, acceptance rates are usually between 1%-5%, a statistic that leads many students to feel that the B stands for “brutal!” While low acceptance rates shouldn’t be an outright deterrent to applying to these dual-degree programs, we do recommend that interested students realistically evaluate their high school performance before pursuing this less traditional option. Competitive applicants will have high SAT/ACT scores (1500+), strong grades, and extensive extracurricular experience. Remember: college usually serves as a fresh start and an opportunity to improve grades and test scores before applying to medical school. Even the strongest BSMD candidates should keep in mind that the majority of medical professionals pursue the standard path of first applying to an undergraduate institution and then medical school.
The answer to this question is incredibly subjective, and we focus on helping students write the best college application essays they possibly can, rather than conducting extensive research on the offerings of the country’s many BS/MD programs. That being said, we understand that the BS/MD programs with the lowest acceptance rates include (but are not limited to):
We recommend that you start brainstorming content and creative approach during the spring of junior year. Future medical professionals benefit from being organized and proactive, so our advice to start early should come as no surprise to those aspiring to complete their undergraduate education in under four years. You’ll want adequate time to reflect and strategize even before you begin writing and, of course, should allot time to revise your drafts before you submit. Some programs have deadlines as early as October, and the last thing you want is to be scrambling to apply during the fall of senior year! We advise that you first tackle the personal statement, which goes to all schools, before working on program-specific supplements. Strong essays that showcase your experience, motivations, and commitment to medicine will help land you that BS/MD interview.
Given that BS/DM students are bypassing the standard practice of first applying to an undergraduate program and then medical school, admissions is looking for driven candidates with a proven record of academic success who can hack a rigorous course load. Bottom-line: they want to minimize drop-out and burn-out rates. Admissions will also want to make sure you are ready for this accelerated path. It will be important that you articulate with both sincerity and conviction your reasons for choosing to fast-track your future. It’s highly possible that the admissions officer reading your application had no idea what they wanted to study or become at 17, so your job is to overcome their voice of doubt and potential biases. Are you sure you really want to be a physician, or is your other dream of studying oceanography still ever-present? Is your real reason for applying to a BSDM program that both your parents are doctors, and it just seems like the natural next step for an accomplished STEM student who doesn’t want to disappoint them? Clearly conveying your motivations and maturity in writing is key.
Additionally, BS/MD programs are interested in students who already have some meaningful experience with medicine, whether that’s volunteering, interning, or shadowing. They will want to know: Do you understand what it takes to enter and succeed in the medical field? Do you have a record of compassionate service? Have you interacted meaningfully with a patient—if not through a hospital, then performing CPR as a lifeguard or helping the elderly as an assisted living volunteer? How you answer these questions determines whether or not you are ready for a rigorous, expedited program or a more traditional route.
While the answer to this question depends on the program and the admissions officer, you should assume “yes.” Given that the Common App personal statement will be in your file and available to your readers, your BS/MD application essays should not include recycled language or focus on what you have already covered in your standard application materials.
Questions are often some variation on the following:
Why Medicine?
Why are you ready for an accelerated BS/MD program?
Why are you interested in this particular program?
How has your background prepared you for a career in medicine?
What aspects of medicine most appeal to you?
What do you think are the most challenging facets of medicine?
Healthcare is constantly changing as it is affected by racial and social inequities, economics, politics, technology, and more. How would you seek to make a positive impact in today’s healthcare environment?
What would you like us to know that isn’t available anywhere else in your application?
How have you worked for the public good in the past and how will you continue to do so?
While your main personal statement shouldn’t be solely about medicine, we do recommend that you at least touch on it given your desire to go the BSMD route. For school specific essays that ask directly about your reasons for pursuing a career in medicine, you will want to avoid merely reiterating your activities list or writing in general terms about your aspirations. The strongest essays tie previous experiences to future plans, all while highlighting compassion and aptitude. We also recommend you do your research on each specific school so it’s clear to your reader why your career would benefit from that program’s curriculum and clinical opportunities.
Authenticity is at the heart of any compelling narrative. Whether you come from a family of doctors who wore scrubs around the house or you grew up vigilant about nutrition because of your celiac disease, your reader needs to feel that your personal background contributed to your interest in medicine in a sincere way. It’s also important that in relaying aspects of your identity, including culture and values, you strike a balance between reflecting back and looking forward. If you turned away from a religious upbringing that advised against medical treatment, for example, you’ll want to spend less time outlining what you rejected and more time articulating your current passion for healthcare.
You can assume that most BSDM applicants will have high test scores and grades, as well as extensive extracurriculars. When going up against such similarly qualified applicants, your essays are an opportunity to relay your interest in the human aspect of medicine—meaning you want to emphasize people and relationships. Were you first inspired to pursue the intersection of research and medicine after your Boy Scout troop 3D-printed a prosthesis for an amputee (offering a literal helping hand)? Did your time helping women at a free clinic highlight disparities in healthcare that you want to work to address? The more specific you can be, and the more you can demonstrate meaningful commitment, the better. You might also differentiate yourself by referring to some of your non-medically related activities and how those led to your decision to apply. Having diverse interests indicates you have explored areas outside of medicine and are still choosing to dedicate your higher ed journey to becoming a medical professional.
We know the essay-writing process can seem overwhelming, even for the most accomplished of students! It helps to have another person talk with you, review your experiences, and make interesting connections you might miss. Our team of experts is committed to a thorough brainstorming process that ensures no stone (or leaf!) goes unturned and includes step-by-step guidance on drafting, revising, and polishing. Get in touch to find out how we can help you submit winning admissions essays to the BS/MD program of your dreams!
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