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, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Biophysics, or Molecular & Cellular Biosciences. Upon successful completion of the first year of medical school (year four), the student is granted their BS degree from Rowan University. The only exception is the Biomedical Engineering program whereby students fully complete their BS degree in three years before matriculating by following an accelerated program timeline.

The MD or DO degree is awarded after successful completion of the program in the seventh year by CMSRU or SOM, respectively.

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. International students may apply to the BS/DO program but are not eligible to apply to the BS/MD program. Academic eligibility and application the process are discussed below. The programs 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.

How do I apply to one of these programs?

A completed application must be received by December 1, 2023. 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

In the CommonApp under “Program Selection” applicants for the 7-Year Accelerated (3+4-Year) BS/MD or BS/DO program must

  1. Select one of the following majors to be considered:
    • Biochemistry
    • Biology
    • Biomedical Engineering
    • Biophysics
    • Molecular & Cellular Biology
  2. Select an interest in Health Professions, with a Health Study Area of “Medicine”
  3. Select “Yes” for 3+4 Medical Program Interest when prompted.
The steps above must be completed by the deadline above. Those applicants meeting the minimum academic requirements (see below) will be sent a supplemental essay in early to mid-December.

We encourage interested students to email healthadvising@rowan.edu with any questions or concerns.

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.

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

A minimum GPA of 3.5 (4.0 scale) and SAT requirement of 1350 SAT (Math & Critical Reading sections) or 28 ACT composite score. Superscores are accepted. In addition to these academic requirements, successful applicants are able to demonstrate a passion for medicine through their activities, an interest in the mission of their intended medical school, and a strong desire to attend Rowan University. See below for further information.

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, with one exception – Biomedical Engineering majors in the BS/MD program must maintain a 3.4 or higher. The MCAT is required for matriculation to the medical school program and must be taken no later than January of the third (junior) year at Rowan. Minimum MCAT scores are determined by the Medical School Admissions Committees.

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.