What Every BS/MD Applicant Should Complete in Summer 2025
4 Critical Tasks for Rising Seniors

Read Time: 4.5 minutes

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Good afternoon parents and future physicians,

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School may be out, but the six to eight weeks of summer often define the difference between submitting polished BS/MD applications in October from stressed out writing in November. Our latest blog article provides a step-by-step checklist to help rising seniors stay ahead. Below is a high-level view of key summer checkpoints.

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1. Request Letters of Recommendation (LORs) Early

Teachers are still checking emails, but by July they are often traveling, teaching summer sessions, or focusing on professional development. Ask for letters in June while your performance is fresh in their minds and your request won’t get lost among the flood of September requests from other students.

Action Steps for Students:

• Choose Strategically: Pick two academic teachers—ideally one STEM and one humanities teacher you’ve had in-person for at least a semester. Then, consider an additional recommender like your summer research PI or community service supervisor – one that aligns with the values of the programs you are applying to.
• Avoid Duplication: Don’t pick two teachers from the same subject unless they can highlight completely different strengths. For example, pair AP Bio with AP English to show both scientific curiosity and communication skills. Read our detailed blog article on LORs and selecting the right recommenders here.

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Create a One-Page Recommender Packet Containing:

• A clean, one-page résumé.
• A short paragraph of anecdotes your teacher can use in the letter.

For example:

• AP Biology lab leadership: Leading your genetics discussion and helping classmates understand complex concepts.
• AP English debate: Organizing and moderating a class debate on healthcare ethics, showcasing communication skills.
• Peer support: Staying after class to tutor a struggling student, demonstrating initiative and empathy.

Attach this packet to a concise email with a clear subject line (e.g., LOR Request – [Your Name] BS/MD Applications (Deadline Oct 1)) and a deadline of October 1.

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Log the Confirmation: As soon as a teacher agrees, record it in your application tracking spreadsheet with the agreement date, deadline, and any notes (e.g., Wants updated resume by July 5). If you’re worried about accountability, share access with your parents so everyone stays informed.

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Mid-Summer Check-In: Send a short thank-you email with an update on recent achievements—these can give teachers new examples to include if the letter isn’t done yet. For example: “Thank you again for writing my recommendation! I just became a regional finalist at the Neuroscience Olympiad—I appreciate your support.”

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For a full email template for requesting a letter of recommendation and following up, read our blog article here.​

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Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Waiting Until September: Late requests often lead to generic, recycled letters. Asking in June gives teachers time to write thoughtful, specific recommendations.
• Choosing Similar Teachers: Reduces your chance to highlight different skills and qualities. Instead, diversify your recommenders to show well-rounded strengths.
• Overlooking Non-Academic Recommenders: Letters from physicians or clinical supervisors (even optional ones) can provide insights into qualities like professionalism, empathy, and bedside manner that teachers can’t observe.

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2. Finalize a Data-Driven BS/MD List

Before writing a single essay, finalize exactly which BS/MD, BS/DO, and Early Assurance Programs you’ll apply to and why. Waiting until August risks often leads to weak essays with mismatched program missions or missing key deadlines. Finalize your list by early July to write with clear objectives throughout summer.

Three-Step Method to Build Your Balanced List:

• Compile the Data: Access the latest comprehensive spreadsheet from Outperform BS/MD Coaching. It covers all of the ~50 BS/MD programs in the country and includes essential details such as:
  • GPA and standardized test medians
  • Number of available seats
  • Letter of Recommendation (LOR) requirements
  • Residency preferences (in-state vs. out-of-state)
  • Binding vs. non-binding program status
• Score Your Match:In a separate column, enter your academic stats and extracurricular milestones (clinical hours, research publications, leadership roles). Then color-code each program to reflect your fit.
• Create a Tiered Shortlist: Choose 12–15+ programs that balance ambition and safety schools for you to apply to.

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Important Reality-Check Questions: Before finalizing the list, a BS/MD admissions expert should help ensure it’s realistic, balanced, and aligned with your student's strengths and goals. Here are key filters to apply, with examples and what to look out for:

• Residency Bias: Many BS/MD programs prioritize in-state students, limiting out-of-state chances even if they accept applications. Examples: - University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC) prioritizes Missouri and select regional applicants - George Washington University typically admits mostly east coast residents
• MCAT Requirements: Not all BS/MD programs skip the MCAT entirely; some require very high scores that can be a hidden barrier. If your student struggles with standardized tests, consider MCAT-optional pathways:
  • UConn SPIM requires MCAT scores in the 80th percentile
  • Pitt GAP requires a 517+ MCAT to matriculate (new updated requirement in 2025-26)
  • REMS, UMKC BA/MD, and Brown PLME do not require the MCAT for medical school matriculation
• Program Length & Flexibility: Some programs compress medical training into 6 or 7 years, leaving less room for study abroad, gap years, or academic exploration:
  • Howard University and UMKC offer intensive 6-year tracks with year-round course loads
  • Brown PLME and VCU GMED offer 8-year tracks with flexibility for double majors and global health internships
• Program-Applicant Fit: Many programs look for applicants whose goals match their mission (rural care, underserved populations, research innovation, etc.):
  • University of New Mexico BA/MD admits only New Mexico residents and is mission-driven toward rural primary care
  • Case Western Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP) values students with strong research backgrounds and leadership in science, among other nuanced priorities
• Academic Support & Environment: Beyond prestige, consider how well the program supports students academically and emotionally. Programs like Brown PLME offer robust advising and flexibility, while others may have a more rigid culture. Ask about mentorship opportunities, medical school exposure, and guidance through challenging coursework.

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Documentation Must-Haves

Add a new tab to your application tracking spreadsheet to keep everything organized and up-to-date as prompts and requirements release:

• Application portals used (Common App, Coalition App, BS/MD program-specific platforms)
• Number of essays required per program
• Letter of recommendation requirements
• Other submission materials needed (SAT/ACT scores, resumes, portfolios)

Update this tab regularly to avoid last-minute errors and ensure a smooth application process. This structured, data-driven approach empowers you to build an informed, realistic BS/MD list that saves time and maximizes your student’s chances of success.

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3. Strategically Plan Every Essay Topic

Around 80% of BS/MD secondary prompts fall into common themes like motivation for medicine, clinical experience, leadership, research, diversity, resilience, and community engagement, among others. Planning your stories now means you’ll be able to hit the ground running the moment official prompts are released in August, instead of staring at a blank page.

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Action Step: Generating Strong Anecdotes

For brainstorming, you can make a simple table with three columns—Story, Actions & Impact, Takeaway—and three rows for each major theme (total nine boxes). For each box, write a 50-word summary answering:

• Story: What happened?
  Example: Shadowed Dr. Patel during a code blue.
• Your Actions & Impact: What did you actively do?
  Example: Took notes, managed vital sign log, comforted patient’s mother.
• Takeaway: What did you learn?
  Example: Understood how effective care relies on coordinated teamwork, not just individual doctors.

Objective: Within 1-2 hours, you’ll have 15–18 specific mini-stories ready to customize for nearly any BS/MD prompt which saves you time and last minute stress later on.

Feedback Loop: Once your grid is complete, send it to a mentor or BS/MD admissions coach who knows what makes an essay stand out. Schedule a call with them in early July and give them at least 48 hours to review your stories. BS/MD experts can help flag cliché narratives (e.g., generic mission trips) and suggest stronger, personal examples—like tutoring ESL patients at a free clinic or creating a health education workshop for underserved seniors.

Tip: Complete these early brainstorming steps before the end of June so there’s time for meaningful feedback and revision in early July.

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4. Draft Two Core Essays

Getting your first drafts down in June gives you the breathing room you’ll need to refine them over the summer. Strong BS/MD applications often require multiple rounds of edits, and starting early means you won’t be rushing when deadlines approach.

Focus on These Two Essays First:

• The Common App Personal Statement: This essay goes to every college on your list. Even programs with their own platforms usually ask for it. Choose a personal story that demonstrates growth or your values, whether or not it directly relates to medicine.
• “Why Medicine” Essay: Nearly every BS/MD program will ask you some version of why you want to become a doctor. Drafting a flexible template now lets you tailor it later to each school’s prompt. Be specific: share a moment that sparked your commitment such as helping a frightened patient communicate, rather than vague statements about wanting to help people.

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One Strategy for Writing Efficiently:

• Spend the first two days building a clear outline using your best anecdotes (our coaches do this with students).
• Free-write a long draft without worrying about word count or perfection.
• Trim and refine key points, cutting repetitive or generic lines (our coaches do this for students).
• Share with one person you trust to provide honest feedback on clarity and engagement.
• Revise structure first, polish language second, and set up your drafts in Google Docs for easy collaboration with coaches or advisors.

Aim to finish both drafts by the end of June so you have July and August for thoughtful revisions and professional input. This gives yourself a real headstart when application season ramps up. If you have not already started, our BS/MD experts at Outperform BS/MD Coaching are here to accelerate this process and cut out wasted learning curve time.

Completing these four steps this month sets you up with clear direction, strong momentum, and a decisive head start on other applicants waiting until August.

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For more details, access the complete blog article here: 4 BS/MD Application Tasks to Complete in Summer 2025.

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Yours in success,
Rishi Ray
Outperform BS/MD Coaching

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Our expert team is here to help you through each part of your application. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation to discuss a personalized summer plan.