Combined BA/MD Degree Program


Application Instructions

2011-2012

Important BA/MD Online Application Information

ACT Scores

  • Applicants must list all ACT scores achieved before November 15. Scores achieved after November 15 will not be accepted, for BA/MD admissions purposes.  For each test, please record scores as listed on the official score sheet, as well as the date for each test. Additionally, please submit a photocopy of each ACT score sheet to the BA/MD office for verification purposes. This is mandatory to complete your file for review.
  • If you did not take the ACT, this section should be left blank.
  • If you wish to indicate that you are scheduled for a test, but do not yet have scores, enter the date but leave the scores blank. You can update this section after you receive your scores.
  • To edit a test score or date, delete and re-enter all information.

SAT Scores

  • Applicants must list all SAT scores achieved before November 15. Scores achieved after November 15 will not be accepted, for BA/MD admissions purposes.  For each test, please record scores as listed on the official score sheet, as well as the date for each test.  Additionally, please submit a photocopy of each SAT score sheet to the BA/MD office for verification purposes. This is mandatory to complete your file for review.
  • If you did not take the SAT, this section should be left blank.
  • If you wish to indicate that you are scheduled for a test, but do not yet have scores, enter the date but leave the scores blank. You can update this section after you receive your scores.
  • To edit a test score or date, delete and re-enter all information.

Transcript

BA/MD Applicants must also request a high school representative submit their official 6th semester high school transcripts. The official transcript should be mailed directly to the BA/MD office before November 15.

Experiences/Extracurricular Activities

Space allowed for description of experience is 1000 characters for each experience.

Please provide information about your community connection and involvement, volunteer experience, honors and awards, and extracurricular activities in this section.  Please note the following:

  • Be sure to include any kind of clinical and non-clinical volunteer and community service; extracurricular activities; and paid work experience.
  • When indicating the amount of hours per activity/experience, please list the grand total of hours devoted to the activity (i.e. – 2 hours/week for 36 weeks = 72 hours)
  • Leave the “stop date” section empty when it notes a single event.

Personal Statement

Please explain the following in a personal statement using no more than 4000 characters (including spaces) (700-750 words).

  • Your motivation for a career in medicine in New Mexico
  • The diversity of your background and how it has influenced your goals and preparation for a medical career in New Mexico (i.e. life and school experiences, community involvement, extracurricular activities, special interests and/or any other aspects of yourself that you think are relevant).
  • Your interactions with diverse populations and your breadth of cultural understanding.

NOTE: Your work will not be saved if it exceeds 4000 characters. Applicants can either type their statement directly onto the application, or copy and paste it over from a word processing program.  Applicants must be sure their statement does not exceed 4,000 characters, otherwise it will not be saved in the online application.

Photo

A color photo is required as part of the BA/MD application. You can upload a .JPEG yourself; or send a .JPEG by email to combinedbamd@salud.unm.edu, with the subject heading “Applicant Photo.”  If a .JPEG file is not available to you, please mail a wallet size picture or snapshot to the BA/MD Program office (photo will not be returned to you).  Once a picture is submitted, applicants should check the application site to confirm the picture has been received and/or to notify the office if the incorrect photo is posted in their application.

Letters of Recommendation

Three letters required (no more, no fewer)

  • One letter must be from a math or science teacher.
  • Another must be from a teacher in a specific college preparatory course (ie - English, Spanish, History, Geography, Math/Science).
  • Another from someone who has direct knowledge of the applicant’s qualifications for the program (not a relative). 

Letters must be limited to 4000 characters including spaces. Letters can be sent electronically to combinedbamd@salud.unm.edu, or by U.S. Postal Service. The preferred method of receiving the letters is electronically. See specific instructions on that application page. 

Please feel free to use the following letter request as a guide for your recommenders: Letter Request

Individuals writing letters must include how long and in what capacity they have know the applicant; they should address each of the following specific characteristics in recommending a student for the BA/MD program.

  1. Reliability/diligence: intellectual and personal integrity, promptness, conscientiousness, trustworthiness.
  2. Motivation/industry: manifests a desire for medicine as a career, persevering.
  3. Stability, self-control, judgment, consistency, maturity, dependability
  4. Social values: sensitivity to needs of others, concern for others, respect for differences.
  5. Communication/interpersonal skills: ability to relate to others, ability to express ideas in an organized manner.
  6. Respect/understanding of diversity: ability to interact with diverse populations of individuals and breadth of cultural understanding.

If you have any questions about or difficulty submitting your application, please contact the BA/MD office via email, by phone at 925-4500 or toll free 1-877-977-2263.