A 6-year BS/MD program is an accelerated pathway for high-achieving students committed to pursuing a career in medicine. These programs combine undergraduate and medical school coursework into a compressed, intensive timeline, allowing students to earn both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and Doctor of Medicine (MD) in just six years, compared to the traditional eight years (four years of college + four years of medical school).
Since these programs reduce the overall duration of education, they are highly selective, with stringent admissions requirements, low acceptance rates, and rigorous academic expectations. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the top 6-year BS/MD programs, including key statistics and insights on how to gain admission.
How to Stand Out as a Competitive BS/MD Applicant
Due to the extremely competitive nature of BS/MD programs, high school students must go beyond just good grades and standardized test scores. The best candidates demonstrate:
- A strong passion for medical research and scientific inquiry.
- Experience in healthcare settings, such as volunteering at hospitals or shadowing doctors.
- Research experience, which many top applicants showcase in their applications.
One of the best ways to stand out is by conducting original research in high school. Research experience demonstrates critical thinking, scientific problem-solving, and initiative—all qualities that BS/MD programs value.
Gain a Competitive Edge with Research Ignited
At Research Ignited, we offer high school students the opportunity to conduct original research under the mentorship of PhD professionals.
- Boost Your BS/MD Application: Show medical schools your ability to analyze, conduct, and present research—a key trait they seek in applicants.
- One-on-One Mentorship: Work directly with top PhD mentors who guide you through the research process.
- Publish Your Work: Increase your credibility by presenting at research symposiums or getting your work published in high school research journals.
- Develop Critical Skills: Learn scientific inquiry, data analysis, and academic writing, all of which will prepare you for medical school.
Top 6-Year BS/MD Programs in the U.S.
Below is a list of six-year BS/MD programs with details on affiliated colleges, intake numbers, acceptance rates, and academic requirements.
1. University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine
- Program Name: BA/MD Program
- Program Length: 6 years
- Intake Count: 100 students per year
- Acceptance Rate: 7-10%
- SAT/ACT Requirement: ACT 24+ / SAT 1160+ (Competitive applicants score 28+ ACT or 1300+ SAT)
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.0 GPA (Most accepted students have 3.8+ GPA)
- MCAT Requirement: Not required
- Key Features:
- Early hospital rotations and clinical training in year one.
- Research opportunities available to students.
2. California Northstate University College of Medicine
- Program Name: BS-MD Pathway Program
- Program Length: 6 or 7 years
- Intake Count: Highly selective
- Acceptance Rate: Less than 10%
- SAT/ACT Requirement: SAT 1350+ / ACT 29+
- GPA Requirement: 3.6+ GPA
- MCAT Requirement: Waived
- Key Features:
- Limited summer breaks, with an accelerated curriculum.
- Emphasis on research, critical thinking, and clinical experience.
3. Howard University College of Medicine
- Program Name: BS/MD Dual Degree Program
- Program Length: 6 years
- Intake Count: ~10 students per year
- Acceptance Rate: Highly competitive
- SAT/ACT Requirement: Competitive scores required
- GPA Requirement: 3.5+ GPA
- MCAT Requirement: Not required
- Key Features:
- Focuses on underrepresented minorities in medicine.
- Strong emphasis on community service and leadership.
4. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV)
- Program Name: BMED Accelerated BS/MD Program
- Affiliated College: University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Program Length: 6 years
- Intake Count: Limited enrollment
- Acceptance Rate: Extremely selective
- SAT/ACT Requirement: Competitive SAT or ACT scores (no official minimum)
- GPA Requirement: 3.7+ GPA
- MCAT Requirement: May be required before the transition to MD program
- Key Features:
- Only available to Texas residents.
- Focuses on medical service for underserved communities.
- Students engage in community healthcare work during their undergraduate years.
5. University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
- Program Name: BS-MD Accelerated Program
- Affiliated College: University of Nevada, Reno
- Program Length: 6 or 7 years
- Intake Count: Approximately 6 students per year
- Acceptance Rate: Extremely competitive
- SAT/ACT Requirement: Minimum SAT 1320 or ACT 28
- GPA Requirement: 3.7+ GPA
- MCAT Requirement: Not required
- Key Features:
- Designed to retain doctors in Nevada.
- Requires extensive clinical volunteering before application.
- Students receive direct mentorship from practicing physicians.
6. University of South Alabama College of Medicine
- Program Name: Early Acceptance Program (EAP)
- Affiliated College: University of South Alabama
- Program Length: 6 or 7 years
- Intake Count: About 10 students per year
- Acceptance Rate: Very selective
- SAT/ACT Requirement: Minimum ACT 28 or SAT 1310
- GPA Requirement: 3.5+ GPA
- MCAT Requirement: May be waived for high-performing students
- Key Features:
- Offers both 6-year and 7-year tracks.
- Students receive hands-on clinical training from early years.
- Applicants must demonstrate a strong interest in community healthcare service.
How to Get Accepted into a 6-Year BS/MD Progra
- Maintain a High GPA: Competitive applicants usually have a 3.8+ unweighted GPA.
- Ace the SAT/ACT: Many schools require 1350+ SAT or 28+ ACT to be competitive.
- Show Passion for Medicine: Demonstrate early interest in medicine through:
- Volunteering at hospitals/clinics.
- Shadowing physicians.
- Engaging in healthcare-related research.
- Write a Strong Personal Statement: Explain why you’re committed to medicine and how the program aligns with your goals.
- Excel in Extracurriculars: Programs look for leadership, research experience, and community service.
- Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation: Obtain letters from science teachers, physicians, or research mentors.
- Prepare for Interviews: Many programs have MMI-style interviews to assess problem-solving, ethics, and critical thinking.
Final Thoughts: Your Path to a BS/MD Program
6-year BS/MD programs offer an incredible fast-track to becoming a physician but require exceptional dedication and academic excellence. With extremely competitive admissions, students need to focus on building a well-rounded application with research, clinical experience, and strong academic credentials.
📌 Here’s Your Plan for Success: ✅ Start Early: Begin researching programs in your sophomore or junior year.
✅ Get Research Experience: Join Research Ignited to gain an edge in admissions.
✅ Build Strong Connections: Secure recommendation letters from doctors and researchers.
✅ Polish Your Application: Write a compelling essay showcasing your passion for medicine.
👉 Don’t wait! Apply for Research Ignited’s High School Research Program today and maximize your chances of getting into a top BS/MD program!
🌟 Visit ResearchIgnited.com to learn more. 🌟