Binary Program in General Sciences and Medicine

Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico and Ponce Health Sciences University

Program Description

Ponce Health Sciences University has a combined baccalaureate-MD six-year program in consortium with the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico (PCUPR). The BS-MD program offers a seven- year accelerated pathway to medical school for a small number of motivated high school seniors. Students will complete the three years of the required undergraduate curriculum at the Pontifical Catholic University (PCUPR), then enter Ponce Health Science University (PHSU).

Admissions Requirements

The Pontifical Catholic University is responsible for the selection of the candidates for the program among students who show outstanding performance in High School and College Boards as follows:

1. Have a General Point Average (GPA) of 3.50 or more in their High School Transcript.
2. Obtain not less than 600 in all each area of the College Board.

Students are admitted to Ponce Health Sciences University if they meet the following criteria:

1. At or above GPA of 3.2/semester, no D’s, F’s or W’s in their transcript and an MCAT score of 496 or greater.
2. Qualified applicants must complete a successful interview with PHSU faculty before they are admitted to the medical program.

Applications are processed through AMCAS, and admission requirements are the same as for other applicants to the MD program.

Candidates are awarded a BS by the Pontifical Catholic University after the successful completion of the first two years of medical school and are then awarded the MD degree after the successful completion of all medical school requirements by Ponce Health Sciences University.