I was looking through some websites the other day and came across the question of what are some easy BS/MD programs.
The answer to that question is very simple. There are no “easy” BS/MD programs.
I understand why people want to find an easy BS/MD program. It would allow them to get all of the benefits of a BS/MD program even if they didn’t have the strongest grades or test scores. And if you look at the minimum requirements for some of the BS/MD programs they don’t look bad at all.
The University of New Mexico’s program has no specific GPA requirement and requires an ACT math score of 22 and a reading score of 18. Easy, right. Well, first off, realize that this program is for New Mexico residents only. Second, the average GPA of enrolled students is a 4.18 and the average ACT score is 29. And even if you are from New Mexico and have the grades and test scores, they are only going to be interested in you if you have a commitment to staying in New Mexico and practicing to improve the health care of patients in that state.
How about Howard University? They only require a 3.5 GPA and a 26 ACT. But the average accepted student has a 3.7 GPA and a 31 ACT. Moreover, Howard is a historically black university with a mission of educating African American students. Will they consider a non African American applicant? Sure. But you are not their primary demographic.
The other problem with looking at minimum numbers for admissions is that just because you exceed those numbers doesn’t mean that they are going to accept you or even interview you. Last week I mentioned one of my strongest students from last year that didn’t get an interview at UMKC often considered one of the easy programs. A number of my academically weaker students got interviews at UMKC. So why not the super strong student?
I can’t say for sure but I regularly see very strong students not getting interviews at the so called easy programs and I strongly suspect it is because the BS/MD program doesn’t think the super strong student will attend, even if admitted.
And some of the state programs are much easier to gain admission to if you are from that state than if you are from out of state.
Are there some programs that historically accept students with lower average grades and test scores? Of course. But that doesn’t mean that this program will be easier for any particular student.
If your grades and test scores are at or above the minimum scores required for a program, and you think it would be a good fit for you, consider applying. But never make the mistake of thinking admissions is going to be easy.
[…] week I talked about the fact that there are no easy BS/MD programs. Today I want to talk about a related concept. What BS/MD programs are a safety for a really strong […]