The Fast Track to an M.D.

When all the other kids stopped playing doctor, did yours continue to wear a stethoscope around her neck and carry a reflex hammer in her hand? For kids that know they want to be physicians, there are some nifty programs that can get them there faster and/or without the anxiety of having to apply to medical school. There are plenty of combined BS/MD or BA/MD programs that guarantee acceptance into medical school, provided you maintain a certain GPA after acceptance into the program. The details of each university’s program are different, and most take 7 or 8 years to complete. For students in a really big hurry, however, there are a handful of programs that you can finish in a mere 6 years! (That’s a savings of 730 days – 731 in a leap year!) Check ‘em out: University of Missouri, Kansas Students begin clinical experiences in the first two weeks of the program.In the first two years of the program, 75% of a student’s time is spent fulfilling bachelor’s degree requirements (in liberal arts, biology, or chemistry), while the final four years are concentrated on coursework for the MD. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA (average admitted student has a 3.8) and SAT/ACT of 1090/24 (average is 1380/31) Howard University To be considered for the program, students must have a minimum high school GPA of 3.5 and minimum ACT of 26 or the equivalent SAT score. In the first two years, students complete a minimum of 86 hours of specified courses in the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences, take med school pre-requisites, and begin their clinical experience. To move into the College of Medicine in year 3, students must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.5, a minimum science GPA of 3.25, and a minimum total MCAT score of 24. Northeastern Ohio Medical University Admitted students average a 3.88 high school GPA and 31 ACT score. In years 1 and 2, students take premed coursework and bachelor’s degree coursework at an accelerated rate at University of Akron, Kent State, or Youngstown State. To move into the med school part of the program, students must have a minimum GPA of 3.4, a minimum GPA of 3.4 in science and math classes, and an MCAT score of 125 or higher in each subtest. Accelerated programs are not for everyone. In considering this avenue, students should reflect on their commitment to this career path, other academic interests they might wish to pursue, and the type of college experience they desire, then make an informed decision.