Pre-Med and Accelerated Med Programs
One of the most common programs of interest for HHS students is medical studies.
Medical Minds Club Presentation - Mrs. Thomson and Miraj Vakil, Medical Minds Co-President, '22
The Traditional Route - Pre-Med as an Undergrad
The traditional route to medical school involves completing four years as an undergraduate, and then four+ years in medical school.
Students can select from their choice of undergraduate majors, and participate in the pre-health advising at their university of choice. Majoring in a science field is not required; majoring in a liberal arts field is widely accepted. Students need to complete the required pre-medical courses, and have a stellar GPA, strong MCAT scores, and outstanding extracurriculars to be competitive for medical school.
Check out these stats from the Rutgers Health Professions Office to get a better idea of who gets in, and who doesn't.
Basic course requirements:
Biology (with Lab)
General Chemistry (with Lab)
Organic Chemistry (with Lab)
Physics (with Lab)
English
Other required or recommended courses:
Biochemistry
Calculus
Psychology
Sociology
Statistics/Biostatistics
Genetics
Humanities
Behavioral Sciences
Social sciences
Combined Bachelor's + MD/DO Programs
Some universities offer combined Bachelor's + MD/DO options. While the standard is an 8-year program (4+4), some schools offer a 7 year program (3+4).
Of these programs, some require that students apply in their senior year of high school, while others only take applications from current college sophomores.
Combined medical programs are highly selective by nature. Accepted students are typically near the top of their graduating class, with a full complement of Honors/AP courses. Students generally must also meet a minimum SAT/ACT score, though it is common for successful applicants to have a score that far surpasses the minimum. Successful applicants typically have an extensive resume including healthcare experience, volunteer experience, research experience, and additional extracurricular activities.
In addition, we've found that successful applicants are highly organized, and ahead of the process. The deadline dates for most programs are November - students must be prepared to complete their admission application earlier, so that they can also complete a more comprehensive program application. Additional letters of recommendation may be required.
Students are responsible for knowing the requirements for their schools, and conveying that information to their counselors and recommenders as necessary. Students should look carefully to see if additional transcripts and letters must be sent directly to the program, or if use of a separate portal is required.
Combined Programs - Resources
Dr. Rubin's Mini Medical School
The AAMC offers an excellent list of programs. Use the filters on the left to sort programs with a BS/MD program. Click on each offering to find affiliated colleges.
Popular Programs
Case Western Pre-Professional Scholars Program
4+4 program
Class of 2021 Deadline: December 1
Must submit Common or Coalition App
Drexel University BA/BS + MD Early Assurance Program
4 + 4 program
Class of 2021 Deadline: November 1 for both applications and supplemental materials
Must first submit admission application, then you'll receive medical program application. Plan to apply by mid-October to ensure you have time to complete the supplemental application
Special requirements: Specific essay, 2 letters: counselor and science teacher
NJIT/NJMS Accelerated Medical Program
3+4 program
Must apply using the Common Application, and apply to the Albert Dorman Honors College
Class of 2021 Deadline: November 1 for application and supplemental materials
Special requirements: additional essays for both the Honors College and the accelerated programs
Penn State University - PSU-Jefferson Pre-Medical Medical Program
3+4 program
Class of 2021 Deadline: November 1 for all materials
Must submit app to PSU
Special requirements: resume, 1 letter of recommendation, extra essays in application
Rowan University -BS+MD/DO with Cooper Medical School
3+4 program
Must major in: Biochemistry, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, or Molecular & Cellular Biology
Class of 2021 Deadline: December 1 for all materials
In past years, minimum GPA requirement of 3.5 (4.0 scale) and SAT requirement of 1360 SAT (Math & Critical Reading sections) or 28 ACT composite score
Rutgers-Newark BA/MD program with NJMS
3+4 program
Class of 2021 Deadline: November 1 for all materials and applications
Must submit app to Rutgers: Newark College of Arts & Science, with major: Med Joint BA/MD. Then submit additional program application
Special requirements: Additional 600 word essay, 3 letters of recommendation, transcript
You will need to work closely with your counselor to submit these materials!
Seton Hall University - Joint BS/MD program
New Program in 2021 - 4+3 program
Admission to med school is not guaranteed. Successful completion of the prerequisites guarantees an interview for med school in year 4 of undergrad.
Class of 2021 Deadline: December 15
Minimum unweighted GPA: 3.6
Minimum ACT composite score of 30, or two-part SAT score of 1400 (no less than 650 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics sections)
Stevens Institute of Technology BS/MD with NJMS
3+4 program
Class of 2021 Deadline: November 1 for all materials
Complete Common App or Stevens App
Special requirements: Stevens essay should be on why you want to be a doctor, resume
3+4
Class of 2021 Deadline: November 1 (application). December 1 (supporting materials)
Must submit Common App, then will receive link to supplemental application
Temple University - Pre Med Health Scholars
4+4, can further apply to accelerate to 3+4
Class of 2021 Deadline: December 11
Must submit app to Temple, then Health Scholars App
Special Requirements: 2 additional letters of recommendation, submitted through the Health Scholars App. One from a science teacher or school counselor, and one from a mentor related to a health-related shadowing or volunteer activity in which the applicant has taken part.
University of Connecticut Special Program in Medicine
Class of 2021 Deadline: December 1 , application and all materials
Complete Common Application, or the UCONN Application + supplemental application
Special requirements: program-specific essays, two letters of recommendation, optional resume
University of Pittsburgh - Guaranteed Admission Program
Must apply to Pitt by November 1 and indicate interest in Pre-Med on the application.
Qualified candidates will be invited to complete a further application process.