@sanrad -
I would recommend looking at stats/perspectives posted in the BS MD results cc forum for 2020/2019. The later ones are better. Admission process in my opinion keeps getting more competitive.
Based on the stats /perspectives shared by many students/parents in BS MD results forum, I have summarized the findings -
- For BS/MD admissions, strategy is very important for coming up with a college list (BSMD programs vs. UG college ratio). Many people including @rk2017 has posted on these.
- Soft factors (essays, interviews) are also important and many people have quoted this to be the deciding factor
- Medical ECs are more important than regular ECs. These provide material for essays and interviews. Some questions to think on - "Why medicine? Why BSMD?"
- BSMD programs seem to care for clinical research and patient facing volunteering.
- Stats such as GPA, Test scores, APs are all important and used for screening students. Once interview invite is received, all students are at the same level.
- STEM awards at national, state level (USNCO, USABO, AMC/AIME), Intel research, science Olympiads etc. are considered best for BS MD. Some students also have mentioned publishing papers or holding patents on their inventions. On the other hand, having a holistic, balanced profile with music, sports etc. cannot go wrong either. BSMDs are looking for very well accomplished students beyond their near perfect stats.
- Non-medical ECs such as varsity sports, Robotics etc. take up a lot of time. Kids need to strategize, pick and choose their ECs carefully at the beginning of the high school.
- Earlier Admission guidance (via CC or any other) could be important for coming up with a strategy, college list. Many people have quoted benefit and wished they look at CC earlier.
- Competition for BS MD is cut-throat (there are way too many qualified candidates). If interested in BSMD – apply widely
- There are two major ways of becoming a Doctor - 95% of the students apply to medical school via Undergrad route and only 5% via BSMD