Direct Medical Programs, also known as BS/MD or BS/DO programs, are an attractive option for high school seniors committed to a career in medicine. Once admitted, students are guaranteed a spot in the partnered medical school if they meet all program requirements.
Highly competitive, these Direct Medical Programs typically admit just a few students each year, such as Baylor University’s Baylor2 Medical Track Program, which accepts just six students. The University of Pittsburg’s Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) received more than 2,000 applications for just 10-20 spots. To be considered, students often have high GPAs and SAT/ACT scores, with resumes filled with medical-based experiences and leadership positions.
While most of the deadlines for direct medical programs are in November, some have later deadlines. These programs give students a second chance to add more schools to their college list.
*Deadlines are subject to change; check school websites for updated deadlines.
1. Brooklyn College City University of New York — December 8, 2022
Paired with SUNY Downstate Medical School, this program is open to students nationwide. There are no GPA or SAT/ACT requirements, but they are looking for well-rounded students with interests outside of the sciences.
2. University of Louisville — December 15, 2022
The Guaranteed Entrance to Medical School (GEMS) is open only to Kentucky residents with a 3.75 GPA and 31 ACT or 1390 SAT. Once students have applied to the University of Louisville, they can find the GEMS application on their Application Gateway.
3. Seton Hall — December 15, 2022
The Joint Bachelor’s/M.D. Program only guarantees students an interview at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, but it can be an attractive option for students. This program is larger than most and sets aside up to 40 seats for qualified applicants. To apply, students must be New Jersey residents and have a 3.6 GPA and 30 ACT or 1400 SAT.
4. Hofstra University — December 15, 2022
Hofstra University’s 4+4 PROGRAM: BS-BA/MD Program has two deadlines: November 15 or December 15. For students with a 3.7 GPA and 32 ACT or 1410 SAT, the December 15 deadline can be a good option to secure a spot at Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Applicants must also take the CASPer®/Altus exam by mid-January.
5. University of Cincinnati — December 16, 2022
The Connections Program guarantees students a seat at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, as long as they meet all minimum requirements. To be considered, students must major or minor in Medical sciences and apply to the University of Cincinnati by December 1. They should also have a 29 ACT or 1300 SAT; the Connections Program does not superscore and will only review the student’s highest ACT or SAT composite score.
6. Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program — December 30, 2022
The Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program at the CUNY School of Medicine is open to students with a minimum GPA average of 85. The program is test-optional, but they do want to see volunteer and work experience, with an emphasis on health-related areas
7. Pitzer College — January 1, 2023
The Western University of Health Sciences’ College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific (COMP) paired up with Pitzer College to offer the Joint Medical Program. This program has six seats. Competitive applicants will have taken a rigorous course load of Honors/AP/IB STEM classes, as well as involvement in underserved communities and a commitment to medicine.
8. University of Toledo — January 3, 2023
The Baccalaureate 2 MD Pathway Program (BACC2MD) only guarantees students an interview with the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. However, it can still be a good option for students, especially those with lower GPAs or standardized test scores, as they require a 3.5 GPA and 28 ACT or 1310 SAT (superscores not accepted). Acceptances are sent on a rolling basis.
9. University of Oklahoma — January 5, 2023
The University of Oklahoma’s Honor College and the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine partnered to create the Medical Humanities Scholars Program (MHSP). This interdisciplinary program allows students to study a variety of different fields. To qualify, students must first apply to the University of Oklahoma, then the Honors College application, before applying to MHSP. Students should have a 3.75 GPA and a 30 ACT or 1390 SAT.
10. The University of Tulsa — January 5, 2023
The University of Tulsa’s Early Careers in Community Medicine (ECCM) program only accepts five students, but its late deadline makes it a good option for students. To be considered for the ECCM programs, applicants should have a 4.0 weighted GPA and submit an SAT or ACT score. Once in the program, students can select any major and any minor before matriculating into the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine.
11. Brown University — January 5, 2023
Brown University is the only Ivy League school with a direct medical program and it’s also one of the more flexible programs. Successful applications to the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) typically have a 3.9 GPA and 35 ACT or 1530 SAT. PLME is one of the bigger programs, with 80 students accepted each year.
12. Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine — January 10, 2023
The Heritage College has undergraduate partnerships with Baldwin-Wallace University, John Carroll University, Ohio Dominican University, Ohio University, Otterbein University and Shawnee State University. The deadlines for these programs will vary but are typically in December or January. To be considered for these programs, students must be Ohio residents and have a 3.5 GPA and 28 ACT or 1300 SAT. Seven year and eight year options are available.
13. Rutgers University-Camden — January 10, 2023
Rutgers University-Camden and Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine. Before students can apply to the BS/DO program, they must apply to Rutgers-Camden. Students must have a 31 ACT or 1400 SAT to be considered for the program.
14. Mercer University — January 12, 2023
Up to 40 students each year are accepted into the Special Consideration Program through Mercer University and Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM). Before applying to the BS/MD program, applicants must first apply to Mercer University. Students must be a resident of Georgia to qualify.
15. Stony Brook University — January 15, 2023
The Scholars for Medicine Program is an eight program and guarantees students a seat at the School of Medicine at Stony Brook University as long as students meet the minimum requirements. Successful applicants typically have 98-99 GPA and 1490-1590 SAT. Students can also submit an ACT score.
16. University of Arizona — January 20, 2023
The Accelerated Pathway to Medical Education (APME) gives students a chance to graduate from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson within seven years. Before applying to APME, students must first be accepted to the University of Arizona. SAT/ACT scores are not required, but students must have a GPA of 3.7.
17. Albion College — January 31, 2023
The 4+4 Program is one of the newest programs on this list, just launching last year. Students with a 3.5 GPA and any ACT or SAT score are welcome to apply and secure a spot at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine.
18. SUNY Geneseo — February 1, 2023
The 3+4 Osteopathic Medicine Program allows students to secure their spot with the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT) while still in high school. Students must select a BS Biology Major to qualify.
19. Nova Southeastern University — February 1, 2023
The Dual Admission Osteopathic Medicine Program offers seven- and eight-year programs. Students can complete a bachelor’s degree in any discipline before matriculating into Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine. While not required, NSU does recommend students already have college-level science credits, especially in chemistry. Undergraduate admission requirements include a 3.5 GPA and 27-30 ACT and 1270-1360 SAT.
20. Adelphi University — February 1, 2023
Adelphi is paired with both the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) and the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. Students can only apply to one of these programs, and the admissions requirements will vary. For the PCOM-partnered program, students must have a 3.5 GPA (weighted) and 29 ACT or 1360 SAT. For the NYIT-partnered programs, students must have a 3.7 GPA (weighted) and 25 ACT or 1200 SAT. Neither program accepts superscores.
21. Michigan State University — February 1, 2023
The Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program allows students to apply to Michigan State University College of Medicine without taking the MCAT. Students should have a 3.5 GPA or higher and have a strong history of volunteerism and community service. They should also demonstrate knowledge of osteopathic medicine.
22. California Northstate University – Rolling
California Northstate University accepts students on a rolling basis. First acceptances were sent out in early fall, but CNU will continue accepting students into their Pathway to the College of Medicine Program as late as May.
23. Albany College of Pharmacy Health Sciences — Rolling
Albany College of Pharmacy Health Sciences has several direct medical programs, but its partnered program with the New York Institute of Technology has a rolling deadline. The earlier you apply, the better your chances of getting accepted to this seven-year program.
24. Gannon University — Rolling
Students accepted to the 4+4 Program with Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine are only an interview but not a guaranteed spot at the medical school. Students applying to his program should have a 3.4 GPA and a 25 ACT or 1220 SAT.
25. Christopher Newport University — Rolling
The Pre-Med Scholars Program (PSP) is open to any student with a 28 ACT or 1310 SAT and a 4.0 GPA (weighted). Students applying test-optional are also eligible. There is no formal application process for this program; as long as you meet the GPA requirement, you will be reviewed for the Pre-Med Scholars Program after enrolling at Christopher Newport University.
26. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Partnered Programs – Rolling
LECOM is partnered with dozens of undergraduate universities, including Syracuse University, Seton Hall University, Youngstown University and more. The deadlines and requirements will vary from program to program, so interested students should verify the partnered undergrad to confirm their eligibility.
