Please post here if you are applying during 2024-2025 season.
Courtesy @Roentgen
Questions you should think about for medical school selection
https://www.advising.ufl.edu/docs/SelectingaMedicalSchool.pdf
https://talk.collegeconfidential.com/t/bs-md-do-results-thread-fall-2022-23-cycle/3633969/37
BS/MD/DO vs Traditional Path Discussions
Hello! I plan to apply to mainly BS/MD programs this upcoming year, and I had a question regarding extracurriculars that can (hopefully) be answered.
Currently, many of my peers have been able to secure research positions at prestigious programs, like SSP, BU RISE, and RSI, this summer, while I have not been able to do so. However, I’m currently in the process of finishing up and sending two of my own independent research papers to journals dealing with their specific topics in the field of medicine. These papers deal with original research projects (not literature reviews) that I created with the guidance of a professor as well as topics that I am extremely passionate about and have dealt with throughout all of my ECs.
However, upon conferring with some seniors in my school who had went through the BS/MD process, they mentioned that independent research was “not as significant, valid, and important” as a research internship/summer program. Is this really the case?
That’s totally wrong. However not all journals are same.
Re-posting from previous thread:
FYI - SBU/GW program has been discontinued from this application cycle.
Thank you! I’ve already published a research paper on the American Journal of Cardiology, and I plan to submit my next two papers to the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Cureus (I heard the wait time for Cureus was very short). I don’t really know if those are good journals, but does the journal you publish your paper in affect the way that BS/MD committees see that specific independent research project on your application?
It’s easy to publish on Cureus and may not hold much value but other publications are fine. Medical schools don’t expect publications from high school students or even undergraduates. As long as you articulate the research in essays and interview you will be a strong candidate
Thank you so so much! This was extremely helpful, and I will definitely make sure to keep it in mind when applying to such programs.
Thank you for ur advice. Further to ur comment regarding Med School expectations re publications from HS students, do having publications give applications an advantage in BS/MD applications?
Unless it’s a first author paper or in a reputed magazine, I doubt it adds lot of value. In fact, it may draw more scrutiny since it’s not easy to find research opportunities in high school without connections. my DS did research in HS but had no papers (it was published when he was in college). His first author research in college was published after admissions. He got 2 BSMDs (which he declined) and got multiple T10 admissions with scholarships thru traditional path. The difference is his LORs were very strong.
Thank you. I’m new to the US and am struggling to find my bearings. Another (dumb) question if I may, I’ve been reading thru CC about BS/MD programs, and I find reference to top, mid and low tier BS/MD programs …how do I find out which one is top, mid and low tier?
I hope this is the right place to ask my questions.
The value of research for combined medical programs was discussed in these threads multiple times.
My student is planning to take a STEM research class during high school junior year where students conduct research on self-selected topic (under teacher’s supervision) throughout the year.
Forgot about that. Apply broadly and once you have admissions ask about tiers.
Both my kids were involved in independent research in high school. It was done over 2-3 years. They both feel , that research along with rec letters , gave them admission to multiple BSMD programs. In every interview, they were asked to discuss their projects which the interviewer found very interesting. It showed commitment because this research was done in their free time during lunch or after school.
Sounds great. Thank you so much for your reply!
Are you a US citizen or permanent resident? Many, likely most, BSMD/DO programs do not admit international students.
Seems like a silent set of applicants this year!
BTW, in an information session yesterday by students of Stony Brook Scholars for Medicine, they shared the following stats In an application cycle about 3 years ago:
~5000 applicants
80 forwarded to medical school
40 interviewed
15 offered acceptances, with 10 on waitlists.
I can sense the excitement and anticipation of the candidates this year!
I just want to share that there is no proven “formula” and it comes down to authenticity.
I was humbled to have been accepted into multiple BS/MD/DO programs including Sophie Davis as well as many top tier schools.
I believe it was a combination of community service, leadership, research, volunteering and humility.
Interview questions ranged from tell me about your research to what do you like to do in the summer ? The ability to engage and have a conversations with your interviewer was so important! Some interviews were 3-4 hours long with multiple individuals- physicians / administrators and current students.
My stats were 4.0 unweighted
1500 SAT
volunteering in diverse orgs including hospitals
2 publications- one science one humanities
EMT
Multiple awards at local and national level
Good luck to everyone and never give up!
Have a Plan B and a Plan C because where there is a will there is a way!!
And one more thing
Think of your story and develop a voice that can be conveyed in your essays your interviews and your application.
5000 and only 15 ? wondering if it 500 to 15 and not 5000 applicants to 15 seats, that looks so tough , not sure how many PLME applicants will be there in comparision