What is the University of Cincinnati BS MD Program?
The University of Cincinnati BS MD program allows high-achieving high school students, who desire a career in medicine, the opportunity to earn a B.S. and M.D. in 8 years. During undergraduate years, students have the flexibility to major in any field – including non-science majors – as the prerequisite courses are met.
Why Choose the University of Cincinnati Combined BS MD Program?
- You are guaranteed to attend University of Cincinnati College of Medicine. Because of the program’s guarantee, students will not have to be stressed out by the process of applying to medical school in between undergrad and medical school
- You will get a fantastic education throughout the program with numerous opportunities not limited unique academic experiences, mentorships, research and co-ops
- Have the opportunity to major in a field of interest even if it is not in the basic sciences!
Program Overview
For the first 4 years, you will be a University of Cincinnati undergraduate student and take your pre-med requirements as well as other courses for your bachelor’s degree. You have a wide variety of majors to choose from and are also granted acceptance to the Undergraduate Program in Medical Sciences and the University Honors Program. The only exception to the 8-year program is the University of Cincinnati College of Engineering & Applied Sciences joint program is 9 years because of the required co-op learning program. With acceptance to the program, students MUST choose to either major or minor in medical sciences which is a unique program housed in the medical school which allows select students with integrated academic, experiential and mentored opportunities.

For the remaining 4 years (Year 5 – Year 8), you will be at the University of Cincinnati Medical School taking courses to fulfill your M.D. degree. These include your pre-clinical coursework as well as clinical rotations at University Cincinnati Medical Center and affiliate sites.
University of Cincinnati BS MD Application Requirements:
In order to apply for the University of Cincinnati BS MD program:
- Students musthave a minimum SAT score of 1300 (Evidence-Based Reading & Writing, and Math sections only) from a single test date or a 29 or higher composite ACT score (AP tests are encouraged)
- Applicants should demonstrate participation in school, community or other activities that demonstrate service and leadership along with good exposure to medicine
- Select University of Cincinnati on the Common App along with your choice to either major or minor in Medical Sciences by December 1 (the application includes essay prompts)
- Two letters of recommendation that are required
- Upon favorable review of the initial application, students will be invited to interview; the format of the interview is one that is gaining favor with medical schools across the nation known as the Multiple Mini Interview. To learn more about Multiple Mini Interviews and how to prepare for them, read 5 Tips To Ace The Multiple Mini Interview
- There is no in-state bias, so out-of-state students are encouraged to apply
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For retention in the University of Cincinnati BS MD program:
- Complete the undergraduate honors curriculum with an approved major or minor in Medical Sciences with a minimum overall and science (biology, chemistry, physics and math) GPA of 3.50 within 4 years (students who choose to be a part of a major with required co-op will finish their undergraduate degree in five years)
- Take the MCAT no more than twice in order to achieve the minimum composite score and each subsection (scores will be averaged if taken twice)
- If a student desires, they may forego their seat at the medical school and apply during the regular medical school application cycle as well
Entering class of 2019 profile:
- # of students who apply – 336
- # of students invited to interview for program – 28-32
- # of students who entered program Fall semester – 7
- University of Cincinnati average SAT of accepted students – 1516
- University of Cincinnati average ACT of accepted students 34
- University of Cincinnati average GPA of accepted students (Unweighted) – 3.94
- Ohio vs non-Ohio residents – 3 to 4
- Male to female ratio – 3 to 4
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The Insider’s View
on University of Cincinnati's BS MD Curriculum
How to get accepted to the University of Cincinnati BS MD Program: In order to get accepted to University of Cincinnati’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.
University of Cincinnati Undergraduate Curriculum:
As undergraduate students in the University of Cincinnati BS MD program, students have access to a wide variety of opportunities not limited to research experiences, shadowing and co-ops. Students have the flexibility in majoring in anything they want.
University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Curriculum:
During medical school, the first two years are dedicated towards pre-clinical training. Years 3 and 4 are dedicated towards clinical training and advanced clinical electives.
Some unique features include a “Healthcare Emergency Management: Physician First Responder” course. More details about the medical school curriculum can be found here.
Advising:
Students will have support throughout the undergraduate years. Through the medical sciences program, students will be placed in learning communities to facilitate camaraderie among peers. There will be an advisor who will follow student’s progress throughout their time as an undergraduate. 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 Cincinnati
Student Life
How to get accepted to the University of Cincinnati BS MD Program: Articulate how you will take advantage of opportunities at the University of Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati Undergraduate Student Life:
- University of Cincinnati is a large urban university with an undergraduate enrollment of ~35,000. The student-faculty ratio is 16:1 and has a retention rate of 88%
- There is a diverse student body with a myriad of extracurricular organizations from dance to religious groups to professional organizations to club and intramural sports as well as Greek life (Organizations)
- With a number of Division I athletic teams, you can cheer on your fellow bearcats!
- University of Cincinnati is focused on experiential learning and has been ranked in the top 20 nationally for students’ ability to pursue co-ops with its students earning $66 million annually
- From a lively arts and music scene to the amusement park and zoo, there is always something to do. Read more about Life in Cincinnati.
- Take a tour of campus virtually: here
Medical School Student Life:
- University of Cincinnati is known for its integrated curriculum with unique aspects such as the longitudinal health care emergency management course designed to prepare students to manage emergent medical situations
- The medical student scholars program allows highly motivated students an opportunity to explore a research topic in depth throughout the four years in medical school
- With 24 weeks of elective throughout the clinical years of training, there is ample opportunity to find a field that resonates with one’s goals
Financial Aid
At the University of Cincinnati, students are eligible for all merit and need-based scholarships as the regular applicant pool. There is a special program to encourage minority student application.
Here is a list of scholarships available on the University of Cincinnati’s website:
Program | Description | Consideration Criteria | Amount | Application |
Cincinnatus Scholarship Program | UC-based funds | Brightest and most promising freshmen based on each academic program will be offered scholarship awards at multiple levels | Ranges from $1,500 annually up to full tuition, room and board, and a book allowance; renewable for length of undergraduate program | Application for admission, transcript, official test scores (when required), and recommendation must be received by December 1st; additional information sent to incoming students who meet criteria |
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship | UC-based funds | Incoming community college transfer student; member of PTK (or equivalent honor society); 3.75 GPA; up to 4 awards annually; see note below | $6,000 annual award renewable for a second year with a 3.2 UC GPA | Application for admission and transcript for fall semester by April 30th |
UC Community College Transfer Scholarship | UC-based funds | Community college transfer student; 3.25 GPA; up to 50 awards annually; see note below | $2,100 annual award renewable for a second year with a 3.2 UC GPA | Application for admission and transcript for fall semester by April 30th |
Cincinnati Pathways Scholarship | UC-based funds | Cincinnati State associate degree graduate admitted via Pathways program; 3.4 GPA; see note below | $2,100 annual award renewable for a second year with a 3.2 UC GPA | Application for admission via Pathways program |
Darwin T. Turner Scholarship | UC-based funds | Incoming freshman from an underrepresented group; academic performance | Value of in-state tuition, fees, and book stipend; renewable for length of undergraduate program | Application for admission, transcript, official test scores (when required), and recommendation must be received by December 1st; additional information sent to incoming students who meet criteria |
UC National Outreach Award | UC-based funds | Incoming freshman from select geographic area charged full non-resident fees | Varies; funds awarded if not awarded other funding directed at non-resident fees | Application for admission, transcript, official test scores (when required), and recommendation must be received by December 1st |
College Scholarship | UC-based funds | Varies | Varies | Most awards are made based on admission file or, for returning students, academic record |
Christos P. Demakes Legacy Scholarship | UC-based funds | Lineal descendant (child or grandchild) of a UC graduate who is a Loyal Bearcat Society or William Howard Taft Society donor of the UC Alumni Association; based on academic achievement, service and leadership | Varies | Application for admission, transcript, official test scores (when required), and recommendation must be received by December 1st; additional information sent to incoming students who meet criteria |
Graduate Incentive Award (GIA) and Graduate Assistant Scholarship (GAS) | UC-based funds | Graduate student; further criteria varies by program | Varies | Through individual graduate program of study |
Choose Ohio First Scholarship | UC-awarded state funds | Incoming Ohio freshman entering into engineering, sciences and allied health, mathematics with a focus in actuarial science, medical sciences, or nursing; full-time enrollment | $3,000 to $5,250 | Application for admission, transcript, official test scores (when required), and recommendation must be received by December 1st; limited awards determined by college of eligible academic program |
Ohio War Orphans Scholarship | State funds | Undergrad child of a deceased or severely disabled veteran who served in wartime or Desert Storm/Shield conflict; full-time enrollment | Adjusted annually based on funding levels; 100% of tuition for 2020-21 | Through the Ohio Department of Higher Education |
At the medical school, students pay the regular rate and are eligible for financial aid through the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine’s Financial Aid Office.
Helpful Resources
Resources and Links:
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine website
- University of Cincinnati BS MD Program (Connection Program)
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:
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