- Because the Brown BS MD program places an emphasis on a broad liberal arts education and provides many different concentrations of study
- All students are guaranteed on campus housing for all years though they have the option to live off campus during the senior year
- You will get a fantastic Ivy league education throughout the program with an advisor focusing on the student’s individual goals and interests; Brown attracts some of the most accomplished individuals in their fields as faculty who have a strong desire to teach (recent accomplishments)
- There are numerous opportunities available not limited to research experiences, scholarly concentrations, international exchange programs and community service initiatives
- No required MCAT exam
Why Choose Brown University BS MD?
- Because of the program’s guarantee and school’s unique curriculum, students are able to tailor their academic undergraduate experience to a field they wish to study (even if it’s not in the basic sciences).
- Not having to take the MCAT can open up opportunities to engage in unique extracurriculars, study abroad or even internships.
- Pre-clinical elective opportunities to explore passions in specific populations, including underserved communities.
Program Overview
For the first 4 years, you will be a Brown University undergraduate student in Providence, RI and pursue coursework towards your bachelor’s degree (AB or ScB) as well as take your pre-med requirements. You can pursue any of Brown’s over 100 concentrations of study seen here. In addition, these fields of study will include coursework to demonstrate competency in the typical pre-med requirements such as biology, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and the humanities and social sciences. There are no summer commitments for the program. Through the undergraduate experience, students will work to fulfill Brown’s vision of developing independent thinkers, innovative collaborators and active global citizens. Students have access to all the resources available to any other Brown undergraduate student.
In keeping with the mission of the program, students are not required to take the MCAT prior to matriculation at the medical school.

For the remaining 4 years (Year 4 – Year 8), you will be at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University to fulfill your M.D. degree. These include your pre-clinical coursework as well as clinical rotations. Brown’s unique curriculum allows for a scholarly concentration for in depth study while at the medical school; this is in addition to opportunities for a dual degree.
Brown University PLME Admission Requirements:
In order to apply for the Brown BS MD program:
- Students must submit an SAT or ACT score with no minimum cutoffs (AP level coursework is encouraged; SAT Subject tests are not required)
- Students should show evidence of 4 years of English with significant emphasis on writing, 3 years of college preparatory mathematics, 3 years of foreign language, 2 years of laboratory science above the freshman level, 2 years of history including American history and at least 1 year of elective academic subjects
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to opt-in for an alumni interview or submit a 2-minute video profile as part of their application. Download our Cracking Med School Admissions Interview Guide here.
- Applicants should demonstrate participation in school, community or other activities that demonstrate service and leadership along with exposure to healthcare
Brown University PLME Application:
- Select PLME on the Common App for Brown University
- The deadline for early decision is November 1 while regular decision is January 2nd
- There are no formal required interviews to be admitted to the program
- Students are encouraged to learn about Brown as an institution through scheduled in-person information sessions or virtual options
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For retention in Brown University PLME:
- Brown PLME students will develop an individualized educational plan by the spring of the sophomore year of undergrad with his/her advisor; this will incorporate the 9 core abilities that encompass a broad range of expectations of future physicians
- Brown University does not calculate GPAs; therefore, outside of 3 biology courses, students have the option of taking courses on a Satisfactory/No Credit basis (S/NC)
- Should students elect to pursue mandatory courses as S/NC, a Course Performance Report (CPR) is required to be filled out by the professor which will be used in assessing the student’s level of competency
- Students are required to earn a B or better in three biology courses and these cannot be taken at another institution or over the summer
- Students should be aware that although Brown does not report GPAs, AMCAS does so a student’s GPA will be reported on the AMCAS prior to matriculation to medical school
- If a student desires, they may forego their seat at the medical school and apply during the regular medical school application cycle as well should they desire to attend a different medical school
- Details can be found in the handbook for the most recent PLME class
Brown PLME Acceptance Rate:
As seen in the chart below, for the class of 2019, there were 2,641 applicants to the Brown BS MD program. Out of those applicants, 94 were offered admission to Brown PLME – 20 early decision and 74 regular action.
There were 61 individuals who matriculated to the Brown PLME program.
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The Insider’s Guide:
Brown BS MD Curriculum
How to get accepted to the Brown BS MD Program: In order to get accepted to Brown’s BS MD program, do your research into the undergraduate curriculum, medical school curriculum, student life and extracurricular opportunities. We wrote a detailed overview of these various components so that you can see for yourself why you are a good fit for this medical school. Additionally, you can use this blog post as a launching point to learn about more opportunities.
Brown University BS MD Curriculum:
It is difficult to display a sample curriculum for the program due to the sheer variety that exists and the student’s interests. Further information about can be found in the handbook and other key documents important for the program.
Read more about Alpert Medical School curriculum on their official website
Advising:
Students are assigned an academic advisor who will work with the student to discern the students interests and develop individualized educational plan based upon the student’s goals. This a key component in assessing the student’s development of competencies in the program. Upperclassmen in the program are a great resource and are available for questions not only regarding academics but also extracurriculars and the social scene.
What students are saying about Brown University
Student Life
How to get accepted to the Brown BS MD Program: Articulate how you will take advantage of opportunities at the Brown University during your undergraduate and your medical school years. Pay particular attention to Brown’s Open Curriculum (read more below). Additionally, discuss how you will contribute to the community, including which extracurricular activities you hope to engage in.
Brown Undergraduate Student Life:
- Brown University is a mid-size residential school located in Providence, Rhode Island. It has an undergraduate enrollment of ~6900 and a total enrollment of just under 10,000 with 70% of classes having less than 20 students. The student-faculty ratio is 6:1 and has a 6-year graduation rate of 96% (Brown at a glance)
- Brown’s unique academic curriculum allows the student to dictate his/her own interests and course of study. Learn more about the unique open curriculum
- It is tight-knit community with a diverse student body. There are 400+ student organizations as well as Greek life (student groups) and Division I athletics
- Fun fact: nearly 60% of undergrads declare the arts as their main co-curricular interest
- Providence, RI is a vibrant city known for its foodie culture, innovative arts scene and youthful energy (more info here)
- Finally, Providence is in the heart of New England being just 50 miles from Boston and 180 miles from NYC
Brown Medical School Student Life:
- Alpert Medical School is known for its diverse student body and patient population, the backing of a nationally renowned research institution in Brown University and unique curriculum initiatives which include a new longitudinal ultrasound curriculum throughout the preclinical years and a focus on interprofessional education (more information here)
- With 17 months of pre-clinical time, there is ample opportunity to explore a wide variety of fields to find the one that aligns with one’s goals
- There a number of opportunities to supplement the education in the classroom from community engagement to paid research experiences to global health initiatives
Financial Aid
Brown BS MD students are eligible for all merit and need-based scholarships as non-PLME students. According to Brown’s website, about 40-45% of student receive need-based scholarships. Check out the Brown University Financial Aid Office for more details.
At the medical school, students pay the regular rate and are eligible for financial aid consideration in accordance with the Warren Alpert Medical School’s financial aid criteria. Visit the Alpert Financial Aid Office for more details.
Helpful Resources
Resources and Links:
- Brown Program in Liberal Medial Education homepage
- Brown Alpert Medical School homepage
Here are useful Cracking Med School Admissions resources:
- How To Write A Personal Statement For Medical School
- Pros and cons of BS MD Programs
Read our other popular school blogs here: