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:

1. Is the SAT II required/recommended for admission?
2. If I matriculate into the university, is their guaranteed admission into medical school or is there a screening process (provisional)?
3. Is the university program at the same institution as the medical school?
4. Will I receive both a B.A. degree and an M.D. degree?
5. Do I have to maintain a particular GPA while in the university?
6. Must I take the MCAT before matriculating into the medical school? Do I have to obtain a particular score on the MCAT?
7. 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.
8. Are there other requirements needed before completion of the program such as, research, community service or summer courses?
9. 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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