It’s Getting Tougher to Get into BS/MD Programs

Is it getting tougher to get into BS/MD programs?  Absolutely!

I’ve read on several websites that have stated “no”, “it’s not significantly different from prior years”, or “it’s easier to get into these programs”.  Rather than assuming this or just writing a book about BS/MD programs we actually visit these programs.  After our extensive research, review and visits, we have concluded it’s getting harder!

Why?  Here are a couple of reasons:  (1) More students are applying as a result of the Common App and easier access to apply.  (2) It’s getting tougher to get into medical school so more students are attempting to enter the medical field through the BS/MD route, a trickle down effect.  (3) More students sound exactly alike, so it’s so much easier for applicants to be rejected in bulk!

Since more students are applying and the number of spots remains unchanged, the rejection rates are higher.  They range from 92% to 98%.    We are even hearing about “perfect” applicants being rejected.  The typical “perfect” applicant: High GPA, at least 10 AP courses, high SATs, musical, artistic and/or athletic extracurricular activities, research/clinical internships, shadowing doctors, helping the poor or starting an not-for-profit organization to help the poor.

Why are so many “perfect” applicants being rejected?  It’s because they sound perfectly the same (contrived) on paper!  Their parents are under the impression that their children are superstars.  The fact is that they are all simply baseline in the BS/MD application process.  Their applications lack color, rhythm, Wow-Factor, and personalized configuration.

Our offices usually receive calls or emails from parents who want their children to attend BS/MD programs.  After they describe their children’s’ resumes, predictably naming all their achievements, they “sound” like perfect candidates.  After we explain to them our fees, many never follow through (which actually places our clients at an advantage). When we do follow up a year later, we discover that these perfect candidates are not only rejected from BS/MD programs, but also Ivy League and highly selective colleges and universities.   Our clients happily have the choice of whether to attend a BS/MD program or Ivy League and highly selective universities.

