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Posted on 06.04.15 by Todd Johnson 2 Comments

Strong Academics but Weak Extracurriculars-Competitive for BS/MD?

strong academics but weak extracurrilcularWe hear all the time about how strong academically a student must be to be competitive for BS/MD programs.  And while that is true, BS/MD programs are about much more than good grades and test scores.

I have said this many times and I will say it again, grades and test scores will only get you considered for a BS/MD program. Those items alone will never get you in.

I recently spoke with a junior who had perfect grades and solid test scores. But the student had no doctor shadowing, no health care related volunteering and while they had some research it was in a non human area of science. This type of student will have plenty of options for good colleges but they will not be competitive for a BS/MD program.

But what if this same student was able to start health care related volunteering immediately,  do some doctor shadowing and some research this summer? Would they then be competitive for a BS/MD program? Maybe but it would still be a difficult sell to the BS/MD programs.

And you know why don’t you? The first impression is that the student just decided that they wanted to be a doctor and doesn’t have the long term passion for health care that BS/MD programs are look for. To be competitive this student is going to need particularly strong essays to show that the passion has existed for some time even if some of these activities are fairly recent.

Is it possible to get admitted to a BS/MD program without strong extracurriculars? It is a very long shot if there is any shot at all.  The best option is to start the planning early and get involved in health care related volunteering early on in high school and to strive to meet all of the criteria needed to be a strong candidate by end of junior year.

You can trust us to help you find the best college for your needs. We offer a FREE 1/2 hour consultation to discuss your needs for college admissions counseling. Give us a call now at 888-970-BSMD(2763) or drop us an email.

Categories: Accelerated Medical Program, BS/MD Programs, College Planning Tags: accelerated medical program, BS/MD Programs

Todd Johnson's avatar

Todd Johnson

Todd Johnson is the founder of College Admissions Partners. Todd regularly teaches other independent college admissions counselors and is the country's leading expert in BS/MD admissions. He is also the author of a best selling book on BS/MD admissions.

Comments

  1. Shivani Patel says

    December 13, 2015 at 8:45 am

    Sorry, I had a typo in my email address yesterday so sending you following message again.

    Dear Mr. Johnson,

    I am interested in pursuing Medical degree and looking into applying for the direct program. I am in 10th grade and preparing for ACT/SAT. I all A’s in my 9th grade and 10th grade so far.
    I saw your recommendation of doing doctor shadowing and some type of scientific research.
    Are you talking about the independent research study or should I find an opportunity to get enrolled into some research program?
    I will appreciate your advice.

    Thanks
    Shivani

  2. Avatar photoTodd Johnson says

    December 13, 2015 at 10:47 am

    Shivani,

    Either type of research can work. The third option is to help a local college or university professor with their research. This latter option is one of the most common types of research that I see.

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