Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

7-Year Accelerated (3+4-Year) BS/MD or BS/DO program

What is the 7-Year Accelerated (3+4-Year) BS/MD or BS/DO program?

It is a joint undergraduate-medical degree program in which a student spends three years at Rowan University in an approved major, and four additional years at one of Rowan University's medical schools (CMSRU or SOM).  Approved undergraduate majors currently include Biochemistry, Biophysics, or Molecular & Cellular Biosciences. Upon successful completion of the first year of medical school (year four), the student is granted the BS degree in the chosen undergraduate major from Rowan University. The MD or DO degree is awarded after successful completion of the program in the seventh year by CMSRU or SOM, respectively. Note that students must apply to transfer their credits from CMSRU or SOM back to Rowan University for completion of the BS degree. Note, acceptance into the undergraduate program at Rowan University, does not guarantee acceptance into the partnering medical school.

Who can apply to one of these programs?

These programs are only open to incoming freshmen students. They are not open to currently enrolled students, transfer students, or any student who is not making the direct transition from high school to first year of college. Academic eligibility is discussed below.

How do I apply to one of these programs?

A completed application must be received by December 1, 2021.  The application consists of the following:
  • Common Application
  • Application fee/waiver
  • Official high school transcript
  • SAT/ACT scores
  • At least 1 letter of recommendation
  • Essay

Applicants interested in the 7-Year Accelerated (3+4-Year) BS/MD or BS/DO program must select one of the following majors to be considered:

  • Biochemistry
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Biophysics
  • Molecular & Cellular Biology

Students interested in 7-Year Accelerated (3+4-Year) BS/MD or BS/DO should indicate on the Common Application that they are interested in Medicine and that they would like to be considered for the program. Complete this in the “Program Selection” part of the “Questions” section of the Common Application. Applications will be reviewed after the December application deadline.  We encourage interested students to email healthadvising@rowan.edu with any questions or concerns and to confirm their application materials have been received before the December 1, 2021 deadline. 

While we do review the high school transcript, GPA, and SAT/ACT scores, there is a heavy emphasis on the content in your Common Application essay, letter(s) of recommendation, or other supplemental information you may submit. From our initial pool of applicants, we will identify students who we believe are good candidates.  Selected students will be contacted with information on next steps including supplemental application materials and candidate interviews.

What are the minimum academic requirements to apply for admission to a 7-year medical program?

While each year’s pool of candidates can be dramatically different, in past years we have had a minimum GPA requirement of 3.5 (4.0 scale) and SAT requirement of 1350 SAT (Math & Critical Reading sections) or 28 ACT composite score. In previous years, successful applicants who were admitted to the program were also able to demonstrate a passion for medicine, an interest in the mission of their intended medical school, and a strong desire to attend Rowan University.

Beyond academic requirements, what other criteria is considered?

Experiences that align to the mission of the medical school chosen (Cooper Medical School or Rowan School of Osteopathic Medicine) help demonstrate a candidate’s strong fit for the program. Some important areas to consider is how you demonstrate exposure and commitment to healthcare as well as providing service to your community, especially those served by our medical schools.  We encourage you to explore the CMSRU BS/MD selection criteria. 

Is admission to the program test optional due to COVID-19?

In light of the issues with COVID, in July 2020, Rowan publicly announced  that they will be fully test optional for regular admissions, EXCEPT for students applying for the 3+4 medical programs, homeschool students, and students with a GED.

Do students in the program need to maintain specific academic guidelines such as a minimum GPA?

Yes, accepted students to the BS/DO or BS/MD program must maintain a 3.6 or higher semester and cumulative GPA to remain in good standing.  The MCAT is required for matriculation to the medical school program and will be taken in January of the third (junior) year at Rowan.

Are these programs the only pathway to medical school from Rowan University?

No. Keep in mind that you don't have to be in an accelerated degree program, or a science major to apply to a medical or other health professional program as long as you complete the necessary prerequisite coursework. Students are encouraged to explore majors that they will enjoy and that will provide them with the best chance for academic success. Rowan majors in Philosophy, Biomedical Engineering, English, and Psychology and have been accepted to medical, dental and other health professional schools. Rowan University’s Office of Pre-Health Programs is available to provide advising to all undergraduate students interested in medical programs. 

Does Rowan partner with other institutions and in other health fields?

In addition to CMSRU and SOM, Rowan also partners with other institutions that lead to degrees in podiatric medicine, dental medicine, and optometry. For more information please contact the Office of Health Professions at healthadvising@rowan.edu.