Getting accepted to a medical program isn’t easy. Many elite medical schools have acceptance rates below 10%, and because of this, some students decide instead to compete for a coveted spot in a direct medical program, also referred to as BS/MD.

What exactly is a BS/MD? Essentially, it’s a hybrid of a Bachelor of Science and a graduate medical degree that a student can earn in one fell swoop. A spot in this program guarantees the undergrad admission to medical school after completing program-specific criteria.

High school seniors fill out just the one application that will essentially lock them into a career in medicine. While this can be a daunting commitment at such a young age, there are perks, such as a shorter time at a university (some programs are only six or seven years instead of the typical eight) and greater flexibility over their course selection. However, many of these programs admit less than 20 students per year. To stand out, there are a few tips that students should follow.

Tip 1: Limit your activities and do a few really well

Most students applying for these types of programs will all have similar levels of grades, AP courses taken, and ACT/SAT scores. It can be incredibly challenging to stand out, so students should develop a deep interest that they spend time and energy cultivating. Focusing on something related to the science or medical field can show that they can devote time and energy to a single task and do it well, which is more impressive than doing many activities at a mediocre level.

A memorable interest showcased on your resume helps bring your application to the top of the pile. You can achieve this through a shadowing position, volunteering, research work, or any other extracurricular activity where a deep interest is portrayed.

Tip 2: Focus on Science

Your academic transcript will be one of the first things looked at by the admission officers. GPA, rigor of courses, course selection, class rank, and standardized testing scores are all carefully scrutinized. Therefore, students should create a resume that will attract the notice of the BS/MD admissions office.

Students can do that by:

• Avoiding taking too many AP courses. This seems counterintuitive, but instead of enrolling in every AP course offered, take fewer and concentrate ones that are science-focused. By taking fewer AP courses, you can devote more time to extracurricular activities, which are another important factor in acceptance.
• Not taking “easy” courses to bump up your GPA.
• Focusing their coursework around science-based classes, in particular by taking advanced courses in science-related fields.

Tip 3: Tell a Memorable Story

The application essay is your chance to come alive and help establish yourself as a real person outside of the numbers. A direct medical program is a massive commitment; therefore the student must convey their conviction to this career path.

To write a persuasive essay, a student should:

• Tell a story with a purpose and emotion that ultimately will bring the narrative back to you. By telling a memorable story, the admissions officers will be able to recall you more easily.
• Refrain from repeating extracurricular activities that can easily be found in the application. The essay is your one chance to showcase your personality.
• Do not procrastinate. It will most likely take you longer than you think to write a compelling essay.
• Answer the question “Why medicine?” Use your essay to convey your maturity and powerful intent to study medicine by showing how your activities have prepared you for this program.

With thousands of students applying for these intense programs, make sure every aspect of your application — from the essay to your academics, to your activities — revolves around medicine and science. Show you are prepared and have put serious consideration into your selected career path to make sure you stand out from the other applications and beat the odds.