rutgers bs md acceptance rate
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Including a list of BS/MD programs in the US
If you want to apply to BS/MD programs, our definitive guide with information on BS/MD programs acceptance rates is a great place to start. When did you know that you wanted to be a doctor? For some, it was during their undergraduate studies, but for others, they knew they wanted to be a doctor from a very young age. As competition into medical schools continues to rise, applicants are seeking ways to secure their future career as a physician as early on as possible. BS/MD programs may provide this opportunity, so if youre considering applying to this joint program, youve come to the right place.
Note: If you would like to navigate to specific sections of the article, click “Article Contents” above (on mobile) or on the right (desktop) to see an overview of the content.
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What are BS/MD programs?
BS/MD programs are extremely competitive programs designed to give exceptional high school students, and in some cases, first or second-year undergrads, the chance to complete their baccalaureate degree and proceed directly into medical school to obtain their MD. In some cases, the undergraduate degree and medical degree will be obtained from the same university, while in other cases, each degree will be completed at a separate partnered institution. Depending on the program, students can obtain both a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts, along with an MD in 7-8 years. Seven-year programs are accelerated versions of the eight-year program, allowing students to complete their undergrad degree in only 3 years. While rare, a handful of schools offer BS/MD programs that take only 6 years to complete.
Wondering how to transition from high school to medical school?
Is a BS/MD program right for me?
Knowing whether a BS/MD program is right for you is a tricky question to answer. While there are some benefits to enrolling in one of these programs, there are also consequences that are important to consider.
The main draw for students applying to BS/MD programs is having a “guaranteed” spot at a medical school early on. As long as students maintain a satisfactory GPA and test scores throughout undergraduate studies, they will continue to medical school without having to apply to the traditional way. This saves students a lot of time, money and stress involved with applying to multiple medical schools and filling out primary and secondary applications. Another benefit of BS/MD programs is that there are some BS/MD medical schools that dont require the MCAT or the CASPer test. This allows students to fully commit to their goals and devote more time to their studies instead of having to prepare and stress over standardized tests.
BS/MD programs are generally small, admitting on average, anywhere between 5-60 students. These small class sizes promote intimate connections with professors, mentors, and other students to facilitate a more personalized learning environment. In some programs, students remain at the same university for the entire eight-year program, providing familiarity, stability and a strong sense of community.
In some BS/MD programs, high achieving students are rewarded financially through program scholarships and grants. Some schools cover undergrad tuition while others may even cover the entire eight years of tuition fees. Many medical school graduates face a hefty amount of debt due to the expense of medical school tuition and fees, having even part of your expenses covered goes a long way in reducing financial strain.
Finally, the option of fast-tracking the journey to become a physician appeals to many students. Although the majority of BS/MD programs are eight years, there are some programs that can be completed in 7, or in rare cases, 6 years. For those anxious to get started in their career sooner, this is a favorable option that not only saves money but also time.
The thought of picking a career and being 100% sure of it at only 17 or 18 is pretty daunting. What we think we want to do at a young age isnt always what we end up doing as we get older. Our ideas and priorities change often as we grow and develop over time. We are constantly experiencing new things and evolving, so BS/MD programs can stunt the exploration of different career paths as it requires a serious commitment from the start.
While some schools allow students to apply to other medical schools, outside of the partner medical school, others do not. Students may be required to sign an agreement that binds them to the programs medical school, eliminating other, potentially more favorable, opportunities. Traditional medical school applicants, on the other hand, have the opportunity to choose which schools to apply to and can select schools based on tuition, prestige, scholarship opportunities, research opportunities, etc.
Having the option to complete both a BS and an MD in only 7 years may seem dreamy, but its important to consider the ramifications of this option. These programs can offer an accelerated path because of the intensive coursework in each semester, which often requires students to complete courses during the summer months. To complete these degrees in eight years is challenging enough for students, so eliminating an entire year simply means cramming in more coursework each year.
Check out our video for everything you need to know about BS/MD programs:
Table of Contents
For the first 3 years, you will be a The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) undergraduate student in Ewing, NJ and take your pre-med requirements as well as other courses for your bachelorâs degree. You have a wide variety of majors to choose from including Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, Philosophy, Physics, Economics, Biomedical Engineering, Engineering Science (mechanical or electrical emphasis which require prior AP credit), Math, Spanish or History. Students have the flexibility to pursue a minor as well. Majors include the typical pre-med requirements, including general physics, general chemistry, biology, and organic chemistry (including laboratory courses). There is also a required summer research internship required either at NJMS or another university prior to matriculating to the medical school; otherwise, the semester course load is the same as other full-time TCNJ students.
In addition to your major and pre-medical preparatory courses, you will also take certain general education courses in keeping with the collegeâs commitment to ensuring students learn the fundamentals of reasoning, communicating and living in todayâs world. More information can be found here. Â
You are required to take the MCAT and maintain a minimum GPA before officially matriculating into Rutgers Medical School.
For the remaining 4 years (Year 4 â Year 7), you will be at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) taking courses to fulfill your M.D. degree. These include your pre-clinical coursework as well as clinical rotations at University Hospital in Newark, NJ and affiliate sites. The bachelorâs degree from TCNJ will be conferred after the first year of medical school.
Need Help With Your Rutgers BS MD Essays?
Rutgers 7 Year Medical Program Application Requirements:Â
How to apply to the Rutgers Accelerated Medical Program
For retention in the Rutgers BA/BS MD program:
Rutgers 7 Year Medical Program Application Requirements:Â
How to apply to the Rutgers Accelerated Medical Program
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If you are prepared, the interview gives you the perfect opportunity to standout and shine by sharing with people what you are passionate about.
For retention in the Rutgers BA/BS MD program:
Rutgers 7 Year Medical Program Acceptance Rate & Admissions Statistics:
More information about the Rutgers Accelerate Medical Program admissions statistics, visit the FAQ’s page
Main
The 7-Year BA/MD joint degree program is designed for high school seniors interested in pursuing a medical degree upon completion of their bachelors degree. The program offers a guaranteed admission to medical school provided you maintain certain minimum progress requirements. The BA/MD program is offered jointly between the School of Arts & Sciences-Newark and the New Jersey Medical School at Rutgers University.
Program Overview
The Rutgers Honors College–New Brunswick and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School 4+4 Program with an Emphasis in Global Health is a special partnership between the Honors College at Rutgers University–New Brunswick, the M.D. program at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, and Rutgers Global Health Institute.
The 4+4 Program is an opportunity for students to attain a rich, four-year undergraduate experience where they can major in any subject at Rutgers–New Brunswick, a premier research university, with the confidence of a conditional guarantee to medical school admission at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School without taking the MCAT.
The 4+4 is a unique offering that is designed to educate the doctors and medical professionals the world will need in the 21st Century. No longer taught or practiced based strictly upon clinical science and knowledge, the field of medicine increasingly demands interdisciplinary learning, broad-based critical thinking, collaboration, and teamwork with global perspectives. These are, in fact, the core commitments of the Honors College curricula and living-learning community.
From the very beginning of their first year, Honors College 4+4 students will have dedicated academic advising, physician shadowing opportunities, medical school mentorship, special course opportunities and coursework, and an integrated commitment to engaging with both local and international Global Public Health initiatives in partnership with the Office of Global Health at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and the Rutgers Global Health Institute.
Students admitted to the program will reserve a seat in the M.D. program at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School provided that they meet ALL the eligibility and performance criteria and other requirements. Students admitted to the program reserve a seat in RWJMS upon completion of their undergraduate studies at Rutgers–New Brunswick as an Honors College Scholar, and fulfilling the standard pre-med requirements.
The program is NOT designed as an accelerated program.
Prospective Students
Process and Timeline
Eligible students will be sent a letter of invitation to apply, which involves sending a letter of interest by June 15 highlighting their commitment to a career in medicine as well as their views on how taking a global perspective in their medical education will help to improve the development of healthcare and treatment of patients locally and worldwide. Outstanding applicants will be selected for an in-person interview to occur in late July or early August at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Final decisions will be announced by August 15, 2021.
Current 4+4 Students:
Interview and Faculty Recommendations
Students must pass an interview with the College of Medicine in early fall (August/September) of the 3rd year. At the end of Spring semester of the 2nd year, students must provide 2 faculty evaluations.
Students must take at least one upper division course in Global Health.
Clinical Experience
Consistency of medical volunteering and clinical shadowing experience. Shadowing is essential since much of the learning needed to become a good physician comes from careful observation of and reflection on clinical experiences. Examples of acceptable experience include service in an emergency room, physician’s office, or clinic. Students should complete a minimum of 60 contact hours of approved clinical experience.
The community service experience must be designed to promote ethical development, self-awareness and a sense of social responsibility. Commitment to serving others is most effectively demonstrated by uncompensated, face-to-face engagement with individuals who are under served. Students should complete a minimum of 75 contact hours of volunteer community service under the supervision of the Honors College.
Early Graduation
Students who want to graduate from Rutgers-New Brunswick in less than 4 years forfeit the guaranteed seat in the MD program at RWJMS. However, they are still eligible to apply through the regular RWJMS application process. Students who accept admittance to the 4+4 program will not be eligible to apply for the 7-year accelerated BA/MD program with Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Matriculation into RWJMS does not require the MCAT. However, if students are interested in applying to other medical schools and learning more about scholarship opportunities, they will be encouraged to take the MCAT.
If you have any questions related to the 4+4 program, please email [email protected].
Nine first-year Honors College students hailing from three admitting schools at Rutgers–New Brunswick were accepted into the inaugural class of the Rutgers Honors College–New Brunswick and Robert Wood Johnson Medical School 4+4 Program with an Emphasis in Global Health. They are (L-R) Leah Cherukara (SAS/HC), Arianna Horgan (SEBS/HC), Clairisse Whang (SAS/HC), Samuel Fisher (SEBS/HC), Helen Gao (SAS/HC), Aparna Ragupathi (SAS/HC), Devin Busono (SEBS/HC), Kimberlee Sibilia (SOE/HC), and Deven Singh (SAS/HC).