Applying to MD-PhD Programs

Factors for Applicants to Consider

Although the overall goals of MD-PhD training programs are the same, the training approach and environment vary substantially among programs. Some of these differences, such as geographic region or size of the school will help guide you in your selection of programs. Some factors-such as the attitude of faculty and students, or the physical proximity of laboratories and hospitals can only be appreciated by visiting an institution.

Because MD-PhD trainees spend seven to eight years in preparation, it is highly advisable to apply to and interview at multiple institutions. While there is no magic number, it is not uncommon for students to apply to ten or more programs.

Choosing a program is a highly individualized process. Suggestions for consideration include: the graduate training disciplines offered and range of faculty interests; the medical school curriculum including the clinical components and how they are integrated with graduate training; program size; perceived competitiveness of an institution; personal interactions among students and faculty; faculty accessibility; program leadership and administration; success of previous trainees; and geographic location.

MD-PhD versus MD-Only

The majority of MD-PhD programs will consider applications from internal MD students; many will consider applications from PhD candidates early in training. For an overview, see Summary of MD-PhD Programs and Policies (PDF). There are those who recognize their commitment to dual degree training after starting single-track programs. However, at most institutions, the number of slots for such students is limited and these applications may be considered with the full pool of applicants for that year. In most cases, it is advisable to apply for MD-PhD training as soon as one is convinced that this is the proper path to pursue.

On the other hand, for most schools participating in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), the MD application is completed as part of the MD-PhD application. Thus, many schools allow students to indicate whether they wish to be considered for MD-only admission if the MD-PhD application is not successful. Schools differ greatly in how admissions committees function. In some cases, the MD-PhD committee is entirely separate and makes decisions independent of the medical school admissions committee. Thus, a student interested in pursuing an MD at a particular institution, regardless of their MD-PhD status, is advised to make their wishes clear by following up as the process proceeds.

Factors Considered by MD-PhD Admissions Committees

Prerequisites for applying to MD-PhD programs, which include the coursework required for medical school admissions, can be accessed at the schools' Web sites or through the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR). Successful medical school and MD-PhD applicants pursue undergraduate majors in many fields not restricted to the sciences.

Although only U.S. citizens and permanent resident applicants are supported by the predoctoral MSTP federal grants, a number of institutions will consider foreign MD-PhD applicants. For an overview, see Summary of MD-PhD Programs and Policies.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate academic excellence in their undergraduate coursework. The median GPA for students entering MD-PhD programs in 2008 was 3.7. However, this number varies among institutions, so the range of accepted GPAs is quite broad. Admissions committees consider the undergraduate institution and the difficulty of coursework undertaken in evaluating the GPA. The median combined MCAT score for 2008 entering MD-PhD candidates was 34. Again, there is a significant range in scores among institutions.

In general, GPA and MCAT scores must be competitive with successful medical school applicants at a given institution. In addition to the MCAT, some institutions and graduate programs require GRE scores for MD-PhD applicants. For an overview, see Summary of MD-PhD Programs and Policies (PDF).

By far the most important factor in selecting MD-PhD applicants is evidence of a passion for research. This translates to one or more substantial and significant research experiences where a student has worked on his or her own project with input into how the work is accomplished. Successful applicants are those who understand and appear capable of meeting the demands and responsibilities of an MD-PhD program. Applicants can demonstrate this in different ways, including an honors research thesis, recurring summer experiences, or a full-time research experience after graduation. A significant number of MD-PhD applicants have spent one or more years doing postgraduate research in order to confirm their desire for a career in research.

Similarly, MD-PhD applicants are generally expected to have some experience in the clinical realm such as volunteer work, shadowing, or specific training (e.g., EMT). Such experience conveys to the admissions committees knowledge of what it means to provide health care and a true interest in the clinical environment. Other beneficial and well-regarded experiences include volunteer, leadership activities, teaching, and humanitarian and other community service activities. Such experiences demonstrate a motivation toward helping people and being a leader in a given field.

Application Process

Nearly all MD-PhD Programs participate in the AMCAS application process. Students designate themselves as Combined MD-PhD Training Applicants and complete two additional essays in the AMCAS form: one related to why they are interested in MD-PhD training, and the other highlighting their significant research experiences.

Many schools require individual secondary applications and all schools require letters of recommendation. Applicants are encouraged to make sure that one or more of these letters comes from a research mentor who can speak to the applicant's abilities and commitment to research. Details about the specific number of required letters, secondary applications, submission of transcripts and fees will be found on the school's Web site.

Interview Process

Programs vary widely in how interviews are conducted. Applicants are advised to check program Web sites for details.

MD-PhD admissions committees typically consist of a mix of physician-scientists and basic scientists. Although the degree of involvement varies substantially, the MD admissions committee, which typically is comprised of clinical and medical teaching faculty, may also have a major role in the MD-PhD admissions process. Thus, candidates will be expected to discuss their research interests as well as convey their clinical experiences.

Status Notification and Final Decisions

As program admissions committees come to decisions, applicants are notified of their status. Applicants are asked to acknowledge acceptances within a defined period of time and are allowed to hold more than one acceptance consistent with AMCAS policies.

Most programs will also place a number of applicants on waitlist status, in anticipation of changes in their roster that occur as students make final decisions and commit to one institution.

Accepted applicants are encouraged to take advantage of "revisit" opportunities and to be punctual in notifying schools of decisions to withdraw.

AAMC Recommendations for Medical School Applicants provides guidance, but communication between accepted students and institutions is also required.