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Combined B.A./M.D Programs
Combined programs are considered programs which help you matriculate into medical school directly from undergraduate program.
Applicant: You must confirm your interest to become a physician before applying to a BA/MD program. Once you decide to apply, you should seriously evaluate your credentials with a high school counselor or private advisor. Most BA/M.D programs are interested in the caliber of your high school academics and high standardized tests scores to assess your competitiveness. Many students who enter BA/MD programs successfully take AP courses/honors courses, have strong extracurricular experience and strong recommendations. Additionally, you will be expected to interview at schools.
The best high school students apply for admission into BA/MD programs. Although many students know the scores needed to be at the top of their graduating class, they question whether it will be enough for admission into a competitive undergraduate program. For a better understanding of the credentials of top students, view the profiles of the USA Today All-USA High School Academic Team (USA). The award is an annual national competition which highlights the achievements of the brightest students in the United States.
Questions for BA/MD Programs:
- Is the SAT II required/recommended for admission?
- If I matriculate into the university, is their guaranteed admission into medical school or is there a screening process (provisional)?
- Is the university program at the same institution as the medical school?
- Will I receive both a B.A. degree and an M.D. degree?
- Do I have to maintain a particular GPA while in the university?
- Must I take the MCAT before matriculating into the medical school? Do I have to obtain a particular score on the MCAT?
- Do I have the option of applying to other medical schools after the four years at the undergraduate institution? Although you are accepted into a private BA/MD program, you may eventually be interested in applying to your state medical school for reduced tuition.
- Are there other requirements needed before completion of the program such as, research, community service or summer courses?
- What is the cost of medical school at the university?
Financial Aid: If you are academically competitive enough to apply to a BA/MD program then you are a top candidate for many scholarships and merit financial aid programs. Negotiate with financial aid offices of undergraduate BA/MD programs even after receiving your financial aid offer. Indicate competing financial aid packages and inquire about work-study programs. In addition, some schools have scholarships exclusively for BA/MD candidates.
Most programs recognize the competitiveness of BA/MD programs and the student's overwhelming interest in being accepted into a program. In addition, they know that candidates in a seven year BA/MD program will save a year of tutition and board compared to non-BA/MD route. Even with all this in mind, do not hesitate to negotiate.
MCAT: Although you may not be required to take the MCAT in a BA/MD program, consider taking the MCAT. Some medical residency programs use the MCAT as another factor to judge candidates for their programs.
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