Applications for the 2024 Accelerated Undergraduate to MD cohort are now closed.
The South Carolina Honors College and the University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Columbia offer an innovative “fast track” program for Honors students who seek a medical degree. This combined and accelerated program enables you to receive your undergraduate degree from the South Carolina Honors College, followed by your medical degree from the USC School of Medicine. Students admitted to this program typically complete their undergraduate degree and their medical degree in seven years.
The Accelerated Undergraduate to MD program is a highly selective program for Honors College students and one of the most rigorous and challenging undergraduate programs offered by the University of South Carolina. The program includes completion of all pre-med and additional Honors requirements in three years and involves a significant research and thesis component. Medical school starts in the 4th year of the program and is completed in four years.
Who should apply?
The application is only available to incoming USC and SCHC applicants, and is one of the most rigorous and challenging programs offered by the Honors College. Admission is highly competitive and fewer than 10 students (out of 500+ Honors first-year students) are admitted each fall.
The strongest candidates have excellent academic credentials, already have a strong and demonstrated interest in a career in medicine and have a desire to embark upon their medical studies a year early.
Students MUST commit to attend the USC School of Medicine – Columbia. Upon acceptance to the cohort, students will automatically be enrolled in the accelerated pre-medicine concentration of the BARSC major. Students will also sign a contract showing their commitment to the program and intention to enroll at USC School of Medicine-Columbia. Enrollment at the School of Medicine begins in the 4th year of undergraduate work.
How do I apply?
Applications for the 2024 BARSC-MD cohort are now closed.
What information is requested on the application?
The review committee for the Accelerated Undergraduate to MD program will access information previously collected for general USC admission and Honors Admission. In addition, applicants must submit:
- ACT/SAT score: An SAT or ACT score is required prior to the completion of the application process. If a score is initially unavailable, the applicant will still be considered. The score may be self-reported but the official score report will need to be submitted if selected for the interview phase of the application process. Standardized testing is an important component of medical education and medicine and part of our holistic review of the applicant as a candidate for the program.
- Short responses to questions designed to better understand motivation for a career in medicine, character and personal growth.
- Personal statement: This includes how an applicant developed their health care interest; what are their unique and special qualities; why they want to attend USC SOM – Columbia; why the applicant would like to shorten their undergraduate experience by one year, etc.
- Resume: Reviewers are looking for an applicant’s experiences in health science, leadership, community service and working with others to achieve a common goal.
- Midyear report: Unofficial midyear report or updated high school transcript. The admissions committee must consider your senior year schedule and available grades. If your midyear report is not available by the application deadline, please upload your most recent report card or documentation that shows your current course schedule and performance. You must then submit the final mid year report as soon as it is available to admhonor@mailbox.sc.edu.
- Letter of recommendation from an individual who can speak to your fit for the program and your passion for and experience in the fields of science and health. Although the letter may come from the same individual who wrote a previous letter of recommendation, we will not accept duplicate letters from your USC or SCHC application. The letter does not have to come from a teacher or school representative, but should be from a professional (i.e. Volunteer Coordinator, Employer, Coach, Physician, Youth Group Leader, etc.)
What happens after I complete the application?
Top candidates are notified in late February and are invited to a second round application process that includes an interview with physician faculty at the USC School of Medicine. Interviews typically happen in March. Acceptances to the program are released shortly after the interviews are complete. May 1 is the deadline for enrollment in the program.
What if I want additional information?
Answers to frequently asked questions can be found here, along with an email address that students can use if they have more specific questions.