Inside the 2024/25 BS/MD Admissions Cycle: What Changed and What It Means for Future Applicants

By Lindsey • May 16, 2025 • BS/MD Admissions Consulting College Application College Search Covid-19 Standardized Tests White Coat Club Podcast

Now that the 2024/25 college admissions season has officially wrapped up, students across the country have finalized their decisions and committed to the next chapter of their academic journeys. But for younger students—especially those aspiring to enter direct medical programs (commonly referred to as BS/MD or BA/MD programs)—the work is just beginning.

These ultra-competitive programs offer conditional acceptance to medical school right out of high school, and they typically have acceptance rates of 5% or less. Staying on top of evolving trends in the BS/MD admissions process is more important than ever for students looking to stand out. Listen to our podcast for the complete breakdown of the key changes and takeaways from this year’s cycle:

New Programs and Cancellations

BS/MD programs continue to evolve, with new partnerships forming and some programs shifting focus.

  • New Addition: DePaul University is launching a new eight-year BS/MD program in partnership with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science. Admission will require a 3.8 unweighted GPA and a minimum score of 1350 SAT or 29 ACT.

  • Program Transition: Temple University has shifted its BS/MD program into an Early Assurance model. Now, students apply to the Pre-Med Health Scholars Program during their first year at Temple, rather than as high school seniors.

Test-Optional Programs Hold Steady—With a Few Shifts

While many colleges have been re-evaluating test-optional policies following a five-year trial spurred by the pandemic, several BS/MD programs remained test-optional this year, including:

  • Brown University

  • Case Western Reserve University

  • University of Arizona

  • University of California – Merced

  • University of Connecticut

  • University of Pittsburgh

  • University of Rochester

However, Penn State University made a significant change: its program now requires a minimum SAT score of 1470 or ACT score of 32. In reality, most accepted students score much higher—averaging 1570 SAT and 36 ACT.

Pro tip: If your scores are significantly above the program’s minimum requirements, submitting them can strengthen your application. As the University of Rochester puts it: “If you believe that your standardized test results help reinforce the strength of your overall application to REMS, you should submit them.”

Waitlists Are on the Rise

With thousands of applicants and limited spots, BS/MD programs are increasingly turning to waitlists—not just for final admissions decisions but also for interview invitations.

This year, the following programs made notable use of waitlists:

  • Drexel University

  • Indiana University – Indianapolis

  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

  • Siena College

  • Union College

  • University of Missouri – Kansas City

  • University of South Carolina

  • University of Southern Indiana

Program Requirement Adjustments

Every cycle, BS/MD programs fine-tune their admissions requirements. This year brought both increases and reductions:

  • Lowered Standards: Nova Southeastern University slightly reduced its test score requirements—from 1540 SAT/35 ACT to 1520 SAT/34 ACT.

  • Added MCAT Requirement: Case Western’s Pre-Professional Scholars Program quietly added a stipulation: students must now take the MCAT and score 511 or higher, with all subsection scores above 124.

Return of In-Person Interviews

Though many programs embraced virtual interviews during the pandemic, a number of schools are shifting back to on-campus interviews. This year, these programs required in-person interviews:

  • New Jersey Institute of Technology

  • Missouri Southern State University (BS/DO)

  • University of Cincinnati

  • Nova Southeastern University (BS/MD and BS/DO)

  • Baylor University

  • University of Houston

Growing Interest in BS/DO Programs

One of the most significant developments in recent years has been the increased interest in BS/DO programs. Thanks to the merger of MD and DO residency accreditation under the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), both MD and DO graduates now apply to the same residency programs.

This move has improved residency match outcomes for DO students:

  • In 2024, DO seniors matched at a rate of 92.6%, an all-time high.

  • More DOs are matching into competitive specialties like anesthesiology, neurology, orthopedic surgery, and pathology.

With BS/MD programs becoming increasingly selective, many students are adding BS/DO programs to their list to improve their chances while still securing a direct path to medical school.

Final Thoughts: A Shifting Landscape

The world of BS/MD admissions is constantly changing—from testing policies and interview formats to program availability and admissions standards. For students eyeing a career in medicine, staying informed about these trends is essential.

If you’re planning ahead for a future application cycle, now is the time to start preparing strategically. Understanding what’s changed and what’s expected can give you a critical edge in this highly competitive process.