Rochester Early Medical Scholars (University of Rochester BS MD Program)

What is the University of Rochester BS MD Program?

The Rochester BS MD program allows about 8-10 high-achieving high school students, who desire a career in medicine, the opportunity to earn a B.S./B.A. and M.D. in 8 years. This program is one of the few in the nation that allows students to explore their academic interests during the undergraduate portion without being limited to the sciences and don’t require the MCAT exam. The goal of the program is not to shorten the time to the MD degree but mitigate the stress of focusing the undergraduate time on building up the application for medical school.

Why Choose Rochester 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 University of Rochester undergraduate student and take courses for your bachelor’s degree along with your pre-med requirements. You have a wide variety of fields of study to choose from with the flexibility to pursue minors or certificates as well. You are allowed to major in anything! The program includes unique seminars, mentoring by renowned faculty and hands-on experiences in both labs and clinics. Students are not required to take the MCAT prior to matriculation at the medical school.

For the remaining 4 years (Year 5 – Year 8), you will be at the School of Medicine and Dentistry taking courses to fulfill your M.D. degree. These include your pre-clinical coursework as well as clinical rotations. The Double Helix Curriculum is split into 4 phases. Additionally, there’s a unique “Meliora in Medicine” where you will learn about leadership, teamwork, and technology in medicine. Details about the unique curriculum are provided below!

University of Rochester - Early Medical Scholars Program (REMS)

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For retention in the University Rochester BS MD program:

  • Complete the undergraduate curriculum meeting the GPA requirements for each year of study: freshman year 3.4 overall (and math and science GPA), sophomore year 3.5 overall (and math and science GPA) and the final 2 years 3.6 overall (and math and science GPA)
  • If a student desires, they may forego their seat at the medical school and apply during the regular medical school application cycle as well

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Your medical school application Coaches, Mentors, & Cheerleaders

We Personally Advise Every Student We Work With

Rachel Rizal, MD

Rachel Rizal, M.D.

Changing the trajectory of people’s lives

Undergraduate
Princeton University

Medical School
Stanford School of Medicine

Residency
Harvard, Emergency Medicine

Awards & Scholarships
Fulbright Scholar
USA Today Academic First Team
Tylenol Scholarship

Rishi Mediratta, MD, MSc, MA

Rishi Mediratta, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.

Advising students to attend their dream schools

Undergraduate
Johns Hopkins University

Medical School
Stanford School of Medicine

Residency
Stanford, Pediatrics

Awards & Scholarships
Marshall Scholar
Tylenol Scholarship
Global Health Scholar

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The Insider’s View
on University of Rochester BS MD Curriculum

How to get accepted to the Rochester BS MD Program: In order to get accepted to University of Rochester’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.

Medical School Curriculum:

The Double Helix Curriculum is split into 4 phases. Additionally, there’s a unique “Meliora in Medicine” where you will learn about leadership, teamwork, and technology in medicine. Details about the unique curriculum are provided below!

You can also take one of the elective pathways:

  • Deaf Health Pathway
  • Global Health Pathway
  • Medical Education Pathway
  • LatinX Pathway
  • Medical Humanities and Bioethics Pathway

Advising:

The Rochester Early Medical Scholars program has support from day 1 with an advisor who meets with students in order to track academic progress through the program. Should a student not meet the GPA minimum during a semester, there will be warning the first time along with advice on ways to improve study strategies and where to receive tutoring. 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 University of Rochester

(From University of Rochester's Website)

Student Life

How to get accepted to the University of Rochester BS MD Program: Articulate how you will take advantage of opportunities at the University of Rochester during your undergraduate and your medical school years. Additionally, discuss how you will contribute to the community, including which extracurricular activities you hope to engage in. 

 

University of Rochester Undergraduate Student Life:

  • University of Rochester is a private research residential university located in western New York. It has an undergraduate enrollment of ~12,000. The student-faculty ratio is 10:1 and has a 6-year graduation rate of 88% (Main webpage).
  • Over 75% of students pursue some type of independent study and almost 90% of student will have done at least one internship by the time they graduate so you can be sure you will be surrounded by like-minded ambitious peers
  • It is tight-knit community with a diverse student body on a scenic 700-acre campus. There are over 250 organizations from acapella and dance, to religious organizations, to club and intramural sports as well as Greek life (Organizations).
  • Around 90% of students live on campus and the school does a great job in building unity among its student body and the professors are well known in their fields (Fast facts).
  • With unique programs allowing for certain students to expand their time in college without paying for tuition like the e5 program or Take Five Scholars program, University of Rochester is dedicated to experiential learning
  • Take a look at what a senior from the class of 2020 had to say about her time at Rochester: here.
  • There’s also an option for a virtual tour.

Medical School Student Life:

  • The School of Medicine and Dentistry is known for its diverse student body and patient population, the backing of a nationally renowned research institution and a curriculum focused on facilitating the transition from medical student to physician
  • A highlight of the curriculum is the Meliora in Medicine course centered on collaborative practice, technology in medicine and professional identity formation
  • Instructional methods include problem-based learning, team-based learning, small group skills sessions, standardized patient encounters and clinical experiences in a variety of different practice settings

Financial Aid

At the University of Rochester, students are eligible for all merit and need-based scholarships as the regular applicant pool. At the School of Medicine and Dentistry, students pay the regular rate and are eligible for financial aid consideration in accordance with the medical school’s standard policies.

Helpful Resources

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