The Accelerated Undergraduate to MD program application for incoming freshmen will be available late fall 2022
Log in with your UofSC Admissions Portal credentials to access the application. Deadline is January 27, 2023 by 11:59 PM EDT.
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. Named “BARSC-MD” for the two degrees it awards, 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 UofSC School of Medicine. Students admitted to this program typically complete their undergraduate degree and their medical degree in seven years.
Who should apply?
The application is only available to incoming UofSC 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 freshmen) 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 UofSC 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 BARSC-MD program and intention to enroll at UofSC School of Medicine-Columbia. Enrollment at the School of Medicine begins in the 4th year of undergraduate work.
How do I apply?
The application is available here in late fall, and all students will be notified via the email address utilized to apply to UofSC and the SCHC. Students will then be provided access to the application. The deadline to submit the application is January 27, 2023 at 11:59 pm EST. .
What information is requested on the application?
The review committee for the Accelerated Undergraduate to MD program will access information previously collected for general UofSC admission and Honors Admission. In addition, applicants must submit:
- An ACT or SAT score – if score is unavailable, applicant will still be considered. However, 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, working with others to achieve a common goal.
- 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 UofSC 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 UofSC 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.