md phd letters of recommendation

MSTP MD-PhD Program

Mstp admissions and eligibility.

The Medical Scientist Training Program MD-PhD Admissions process

Stanford's MSTP is interested in identifying students with significant undergraduate research experience that would predict successful completion of a PhD program. In addition, our successful candidates must meet the standards expected of the very best MD candidates. The Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program admissions process utilizes the same application, process and all policies as the MD-only application. For information regarding the Stanford School of Medicine’s MD Admissions process, policies and eligibility, please visit the How to Apply page. For specific questions regarding the application process, please contact Stanford's MD Admissions directly at [email protected].

Updates to an application   will be accepted only after an applicant has been invited to interview . Interview decisions are made based on information submitted in the AMCAS application, Stanford Supplemental Application, and letters of recommendation.

It is important that we maintain a consistent and equitable standard for all applications to be considered with the same basis of information. If applicable, additional information can be submitted after the day of your interview.

When submitting additional information, please indicate that you have been interviewed or we may not include updates with your file. Acceptable updates include any significant developments in scholarly endeavors or projects, or additional letters of recommendation. Please do not send additional coursework or transcripts unless we have specifically requested such information from you.The MSTP admissions process begins with submission of the AMCAS application. When an AMCAS application is received by the Office of MD Admissions, the information and instructions for completion of Stanford's supplementary application are made available. Once the application file is complete, it is first reviewed by members of the MSTP Admissions Committee. If an applicant is not chosen for an MSTP interview, his/her file is automatically routed to the MD Admissions Committee for consideration.

Eligibility

Academic recommendations for the MSTP follow the same criteria as admission to the MD Program.  Please see the  MD Admissions website  for information on Stanford University's Medical School Admissions academic recommendations . 

If you have matriculated in an MD or PhD program at another institution, you are not eligible to apply to the MSTP. The Stanford MD and MST Programs do not accept applications from students applying for transfer.  Stanford PhD students are eligible to apply through the AMCAS MD application process. 

Stanford’s MSTP  recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

Stanford’s MSTP welcomes applications from individuals with a broad range of life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds who would contribute to our community of scholars. The review process is holistic and individualized, considering each applicant’s academic record and accomplishments, letters of recommendation, prior research experience, and admissions essays to understand how an applicant’s life experiences have shaped their past and potential contributions to their field and how they might enrich the learning community at Stanford.

Students with disabilities are also encouraged to apply.  Students with disabilities actively participating in the various aspects of life at Stanford, are an essential part of our greater community. Stanford University has a strong commitment to maintaining a diverse and stimulating academic community, representing a broad spectrum of talents and experiences.  Stanford Medicine has a number of programs to support these goals. Both the Stanford School of Medicine and the Medical Scientist Training Program encourage those with diverse backgrounds and/or disabilites to apply. We do not discriminate and believe in the inclusion of all individuals. Our selection process is accessible for students with disabilities and reasonable and appropriate accommodations will be provided to ensure that people with disabilities have fair and equal opportunities to demonstrate their qualifications.

Admission to the Medical Scientist Training Program is contingent on acceptance to the Stanford University MD program, and the application process for both programs is collaborative.

Recommendation Letters

The MSTP Admissions Committee wants to see letters of recommendation from your research mentor, or mentors, addressing your experiences in the laboratory. A minimum of three and a maximum of six individual letters of recommendation is required. All letters must be written on official letterhead and signed by the recommender(s) or committee members. All letters of recommendation must be submitted through the AMCAS Letters Service. Please visit the AMCAS Letters Service site for instructions and more information.

International Students

The MSTP is not able to fund International Students . Stipend and tuition support from the MSTP can only be provided for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Our federal funding restrictions do not permit us to support International Students. Unfortunately, self-support for PhD study is not an option.

Only International Students applying to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program may also apply to the Stanford MSTP. If applying to Knight-Hennessy, International Students may apply to the MSTP MD-PhD track at Stanford.

An International Student can still pursue a dual degree MD-PhD program here at Stanford outside of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program. The applicant must apply and be admitted separately to both degree programs. It is possible to receive support for PhD study from the specific PhD department or program. Please contact the particular PhD Program directly for PhD application procedures. International Students may be eligible for Institutional Financial Aid. Information on applying for financial aid for the MD program is available here .

Knight-Hennessy Scholars

Join dozens of  Stanford MD and PhD students  who gain valuable leadership skills in a multidisciplinary, multicultural community as  Knight-Hennessy Scholars   (KHS). KHS admits up to 100 select applicants each year from across Stanford’s seven graduate schools, and delivers engaging experiences that prepare them to be visionary, courageous, and collaborative leaders ready to address complex global challenges. As a scholar, you join a distinguished cohort, participate in up to three years of leadership programming, and receive full funding for up to three years of your graduate studies at Stanford. Candidates of any country may apply. KHS applicants must have earned their first undergraduate degree within the last seven years, and must apply to both a Stanford graduate program and to KHS. Stanford PhD students may also apply to KHS during their first year of PhD enrollment. If you aspire to be a leader in your field, we invite you to apply. The KHS application deadline is October 11, 2023. Learn more about  KHS admission .

DACA or Undocumented Applicants

Stanford has actively supported the DREAM Act legislation since its introduction in 2001, which would enable undocumented students to continue their education and apply for citizenship.  Stanford also supports Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), an executive action signed by former President Barack Obama, which allowed some undocumented individuals who entered the United States as children to remain in the country.  We are among the more than 600 colleges and universities that have signed a letter in support of DACA.

Individuals who have been granted DACA at the time of application are eligible to apply and matriculate to Stanford Medicine.  Additionally, individuals who have met all other requirements and are otherwise undocumented are permitted to apply and matriculate to Stanford Medicine.  http://immigration.stanford.edu/

Equal Access to the School of Medicine’s Educational Program

Stanford Medicine intends for its students and graduates to become competent and compassionate physicians who are capable of entering residency training (graduate medical education) and meeting all requirements for medical licensure.

Stanford Medicine has an institutional commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for qualified students with disabilities who apply for admission to the MD degree program or who are enrolled as medical students. Stanford Medicine is a leader in student diversity and individual rights, with a strong commitment to full compliance with state and federal laws and regulations (including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and California law (Civil code 51 and 54). A “qualified person with a disability” is an individual with a disability who meets the academic and technical standards requisite to admission or participation in Stanford Medicine’s educational programs, with or without accommodations. Admitted candidates with disabilities are reviewed individually, on a case-by-case basis, with a complete and careful consideration of all the skills, attitudes, and attributes of each candidate to determine whether there are any reasonable accommodations or available options that would permit the candidate to satisfy the standards.

Stanford’s Policy on Non-Discrimination

Stanford University admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or marital status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the University. Consistent with its obligations under the law, Stanford prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in the administration of the University's programs and activities; Stanford also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding this nondiscrimination policy: Director of the Diversity and Access Office, Mariposa House, 585 Capistrano Way, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-8230; (650) 723-0755 (voice), (650) 723-1791 (fax),  [email protected]  (email). Stanford’s Title IX Coordinator, Cathy Glaze, has been designated to handle inquiries regarding sexual harassment and sexual violence: Mariposa House (2nd floor), 585 Capistrano Way, Stanford, CA 94305, (650) 497-4955 (voice), (650) 497-9257 (fax),  [email protected] (email).

Stanford’s Institute of Equity and Access Office

The Office of Diversity and Access  within the Institute of Equity and Access is the campus office designated to work with Stanford students with disabilities, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels (including the professional schools). The Office provides a wide array of support services, accommodations, and programs to remove barriers to full participation in the life of the University. Institute of Equity and Access Office, Kingscote Gardens, 419 Lagunita Drive, 1st floor Suite 130, Stanford Univeristy, Stanford, CA 94305, Phone: 650-723-1066.

Diversity & Inclusion

Stanford’s MSTP recognizes that the Supreme Court issued a ruling in June 2023 about the consideration of certain types of demographic information as part of an admission review. All applications submitted during upcoming application cycles will be reviewed in conformance with that decision.

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By submitting my email address. i certify that i am 13 years of age or older, agree to recieve marketing email messages from the princeton review, and agree to terms of use., tips for applying to md-phd programs.

If you can’t imagine a medical career without helping patients and participating in research, you’ve probably considered the MD-PhD track. Learn all about applying to MD-PhD programs and get our expert tips for strengthening your application.

Is an MD-PhD Program right for you?

The MD-PhD is a dual doctorate degree program for students who are interested in careers as “physician-scientists." By graduation, you’ll have fulfilled requirements for both the MD and PhD degrees. The MD-PhD takes about 8 years to complete during which you receive medical training AND become an expert in a specific research field. The program also requires dissertation research in your field of graduate study, which can range from biomedical laboratory disciplines like biochemistry or genetics to fields like economics, sociology, or anthropology . After graduation, MD-PhD students usually work as researchers or as faculty members at medical schools and universities.

Learn more about MD combined degree programs .

What are Medical Scientist Training Programs?

Medical Scientist Training Programs (MSTP) are MD-PhD programs that are funded by the National Institute of Health. Students who are admitted to these highly-competitive programs receive full tuition coverage, living expenses, and a stipend. There are currently 45  NIH-funded MSTP programs .

Are all MD-PhD programs free?

Over 60 medical and osteopathic medical schools  maintain their own MD-PhD or DO-PhD programs that are not funded by the NIH. Depending on the school, these programs offer full or partial financial support for their students.

Applying to MD-PhD Programs

Nearly all MD-PhD programs use the same application process as MD admissions—via the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application . One key difference? MD-PhD applicants submit two additional essays: the MD-PhD Essay and the Significant Research Experience Essay:

• The MD-PhD Essay asks you to explain your reasons for pursuing the combined degree program.
• The  Significant Research Experience Essay asks you to describe your key research experiences, including your research supervisor's name and affiliation, the duration of the experience, the nature of the problem studied, and your contributions to the project.

Read More: Guide to Your Med School Applications

Do you need to take the GRE Test to apply for the Md-Phd Program?

Programs have different policies, so some schools may require both the MCAT and the GRE for combined degree applicants. For example, an MD-Phd in Anthropology at one school may require the GRE, while the MD-PhD in Immunology may not. Check with your prospective med schools to make sure you’re covered.

Timeline for MD-PhD Admissions

The MD-PHD application timeline is virtually the same as for MD admissions. (Remember you are using the same application service!) Here are the important dates for MD-PHD admissions:

• Early May: AMCAS opens and begins accepting transcripts
• Early June:  AMCAS begins accepting application submissions
• October–March: MD-PhD applicant interviews
• December–March: Admissions decisions sent to applicants
• March–April: Md-PhD applicants make their final decisions
• June–August: MD-PHD programs begin!

Tips for Boosting Your Md-Phd Application

Competition for MD-PhD applicants is fierce. After all, you have to convince medical schools to invest significant time and financial resources in you. Of the total 1,936 MD-PhD applicants in 2016–17, only 649 matriculated in a U.S. med school. Here’s what you can do to strengthen your overall application.

1. You need strong MCAT scores and a high GPA

If your grades and scores aren’t where they need to be, address it before you apply!  Check out these admissions stats for MD-PhD matriculants to U.S. medical schools from 2016-2017:

SOURCE:  Association of American Medical Colleges

Make a smart MCAT prep plan and retake the exam if necessary. Consider completing additional grad school work to raise your GPA and take advantage of our online tutors for pre-med requirements!

2. You need sustained research background + a clear picture of your future in research

3. you need the right recommenders.

Most letters of recommendation should come for your research mentors, professors who run the labs you work in, and the postdoctoral fellows you work with. Make sure your recommenders know that you are applying to MD-PhD programs as this will affect the letters they write.

Want to get an edge over the crowd?

Our admissions experts know what it takes it get into med school. Get the customized strategy and guidance you need to help achieve your goals.

Med School Admission Counseling

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MSTP Admissions

Application procedures.

AMCAS application to Duke deadline:  OCTOBER 15, 2023,  11:59 pm, EST Duke MSTP secondary application deadline: NOVEMBER 16, 2023,  11:59 pm, EST

The supplemental application for Duke MSTP and all supporting documents, including letters of recommendation, are due no later than November 16,  11:59 pm EST.

While the final deadline is November 16,  11:59 pm EST , applicants are advised to complete and submit the application as early as possible in order to facilitate review by both the MSTP and School of Medicine admissions committees.

Interview decisions:  The MSTP admissions committee will start reviewing application in early August and interview invitations will be sent by early September.

Admission decisions:  Duke MSTP will make decisions in late February.

MCAT Applicants should arrange to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) as early as possible in the year they plan to apply. The test is given at various times throughout the year in numerous locations. Check the schedule on the MCAT web site. MCAT scores dated earlier than four years prior to the year of entry into medical school will not be considered.

The MCAT test is required for acceptance consideration, and MCAT scores will be considered from January 2019 through September 2023 test dates.

AMCAS The first segment of the application is submitted through The American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS): Association of American Medical Colleges  https://www.aamc.org/  The AMCAS Student Submission Deadline is October 15, 2023.

Duke supplemental application The Duke portion of the application is completed online. After receiving the verified AMCAS application, Duke University School of Medicine contacts applicants via email to access and establish an account on Duke's Supplemental Application.

Duke MSTP designation In the Duke Supplemental Application, applicants have the option to choose MSTP only or MSTP and MD when asked to indicate the program to which they are applying.

If you choose MSTP only, your application will not be considered by the MD Program for consideration, however, you will still be required to interview with the MD program as part of the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) if offered the opportunity.

If you choose MSTP and MD you will be applying to both programs. Your application will first be reviewed by the MSTP admissions committee. If the MSTP admission committee does not consider your application for the MSTP program, your application will be forwarded to the MD admissions committee for further review. Choosing both MSTP and MD consideration will not hinder your application in any way.

Letters of recommendation

Duke participates in the AMCAS letter submission system. All letters of recommendation must be submitted through the AMCAS letter service.

Four letters of recommendation are required. Applicants may submit more than four letters, if more are needed to support the application adequately.  If your school submits a committee letter, it applies the four letter rule. In other words, if you have a committee letter, you do not need to submit four letters of recommendation.

We will be interested in comments from recommenders who have knowledge of/can share information about the applicant's interpersonal skills. In addition, we are interested in letters from scientists who can comment knowledgeably on the applicant's research background and potential for success in a research career.

Applications will not be reviewed until all related documents, including all expected letters, have been received. All letters must be received by November 16, 2023 at 11:59 pm, EST.

If you are interested in learning about the Admissions procedures for Non-Traditional applicants click   here .

• UNC Chapel Hill

Process and Criteria

Now is an exciting time to pursue your passion for medicine and science. An MD-PhD degree will provide you with the training you need to become a leader in the areas of research and medicine and the insight required to build a bridge between the disciplines.

The UNC MD-PhD Program welcomes applications from any students interested in a career in medicine and biomedical research. Our program supports students who are pursuing graduate degrees in traditional biomedical fields as well as graduate departments that are usually considered “non-traditional” for MD-PhD programs.  (Please note: for some “non-traditional” PhD programs, an applicant to the MD-PhD program must apply separately to the UNC department from which he or she aims to earn a PhD.  For more information please contact the MD-PhD Program Office).

You can find a list of graduate programs with which we currently work with here .

Please note: We have made changes to our admissions process in order to comply with a mandate from the North Carolina General Administration. From this point forward, all applicants applying to the UNC School of Medicine must complete a supplemental application in addition to a military survey. The Committee on Admissions will continue to pre-screen the AMCAS applications to select candidates for interviews. It is important that you take into consideration the admissions policies, guidelines, and criteria we have indicated on our website to ensure that your academic credentials meet our criteria. Keep in mind that the process for receiving a supplemental is automated, and you need to make sure that your academic metrics are within the parameters we require.

* The MD-PhD Program has the same prerequisite academic and technical standards requirements as the MD Program. Please find more information about these requirements by visiting the Educational Prerequisites and MCATs page or the Technical Standards page on the Medical School’s Admissions website .

How to Apply to the UNC MD-PhD Program

To apply to the UNC MD-PhD Program, you must submit an application through the American College Medical School Application Service (AMCAS) .

MD-PhD Combined Degree Designation: In the application, you have to choose MD only or combined MD-PhD only, when asked to indicate the program to which you are applying. If you choose MD-PhD, your application will not be considered by the MD Program, however, you will still be required to interview with the MD program as part of the Multiple Mini Interview if invited.

The UNC MD-PhD deadline for submission of the AMCAS application is October 1st, 2023.

Once we receive your AMCAS application, the staff of the UNC MD-PhD Program reviews it. All applicants who submit an AMCAS application to the UNC MD-PhD Program will receive an email invitation to submit a Supplemental Application. We encourage your submission within 2 weeks of that invitation. If you would like to be considered for an interview we strongly suggest you to complete the process as soon as possible.

*Note: Please make sure you are checking your Spam/Junk folders for correspondences from UNC that may have been pushed there.

The final deadline for submitting your Supplemental Application is Friday, October 6th.

Please note: for some “non-traditional” PhD programs, an applicant to the MD-PhD program must apply separately to the UNC department from which he or she aims to earn a PhD.  For more information please contact the MD-PhD Program Office.

Our MD-PhD Program does not interview on a rolling basis. However, we review all applications as they are completed September – November. Your application is not considered complete until you have paid the Supplemental Application fee and we receive your verified AMCAS, including your latest MCAT score and all letters of recommendation.

Invitations for interviews for local applicants may be issued as early as September.  All interview invitations will be issued by early December. Applicants who are selected for interviews will choose one of three interview weekends in December or January.

For 2024, our interview weekend dates are:

• December 3-5*
• January 7-9
• January 21-23

On interview dates, applicants will spend their interacting with current students and faculty members in a relaxed social environment. Then, on Monday and Tuesday, the formal interviews are held in conjunction with both the Medical School and the Graduate School. MD-PhD applicants participate in Multiple Mini Interviews, Experience UNC , for one day and the other day is spent interviewing with research faculty on campus.

You can find a full admissions timeline on our Deadlines and Key Dates page .

*Local Interview Day

Admissions Criteria

Applicants to the UNC MD-PhD Program should possess:

• An excellent academic record
• A strong motivation to pursue a career as a physician-scientist
• Research experience outside of the required laboratory courses
• Leadership skills and the drive to be a leader in your field

We evaluate each application in its entirety, taking into consideration engagement in research, academic achievement, MCAT scores, personal essays, letters of recommendation, and interviews. There is no age limit for applicants to our program.

A complete and competitive application should showcase these qualities, while also meeting the following requirements:

Accepted Students

MCAT Requirements

Information About the New M CAT: The Admissions Committee will use the MCAT scores from the current exam in the same way they have used previous scores – in conjunction with other academic information presented on the AMCAS application and the letters of recommendation. Because these scores are new to Admissions Committee members, they will use the percentile ranks for the new scores to determine how individual applicants compare to others who took the new exam.

 The latest exam scores we will accept for the 2024 application cycle will be from the September 19th, 2023 test administration. 

If you submitted your AMCAS application prior to taking the MCAT, please note that your application will not be reviewed until the scores have been reported by AMCAS. For all applicants, MCAT scores below 510 (new MCAT) are typically not considered competitive. If your initial MCAT score does not meet our criteria and you plan to retake the exam, make sure you indicate your next MCAT exam date on your AMCAS application and we will review your application after we receive the new scores. There is no need to call us to give us your new scores, because AMCAS will automatically upload them to your application as soon as they are available.

Undergraduate GPA Requirements

Your GPA should reflect strong academic ability, especially in the natural sciences. Applicants whose cumulative GPA is 3.3 or higher will meet our minimum requirements for consideration.

Our ideal candidate has not just taken the hardest classes and made good grades, they have also sought out experiences that enrich their education and give them opportunities for real-life application of the concepts learned in the classroom. They are self-starters who are internally motivated to challenge themselves.

Research Experience Requirements

Successful applicants to the UNC MD-PhD Program have pursued research experiences outside of their required laboratory coursework. Please make sure that your AMCAS application clearly defines the type of research experiences you have had and the amount of time you spent doing each activity. Please put these experiences in both the “Experiences” section of the AMCAS application and the “Research Description” essay that is a required component of our Supplemental Application.

Competitive applicants have a minimum of 12 cumulative months of full-time research experience at the time of their application.

Letters of Recommendation

As you consider who to ask for a letter of recommendation, keep in mind that the purpose of these letters is to shed light on the character and ability of the applicant. Choose someone who knows your character and ability well and can help reviewers gain a deeper understanding of you.

The MD-PhD Program requires a minimum of three letters of recommendation and will accept up to six letters. We request that at least one letter be written by a research mentor from the experience you designate as most meaningful in your AMCAS application. If your undergraduate institution has a Pre-Health Committee, it would be preferable to have letters from this committee and the compilation would meet our requirement.

You should begin requesting your letters of recommendation well in advance of the deadline to give your professors, advisors, and mentors enough time to compose and submit their letters. Our deadline for the submission of all letters of recommendation to AMCAS is October 1st.

All letters are to be submitted through the AMCAS Letter Service . Please remember that it is your responsibility to make sure that you designate the UNC School of Medicine as one of the schools to receive your letters (within AMCAS). If you have questions about how to do this, please contact AMCAS directly or refer to the online instruction manual.

Updates to AMCAS and or Supplemental Applications

We do not accept updates to your AMCAS or Supplemental application post-submission (e.g. publications, new experience, etc.). The only exception is if an official from the Office of Admissions has requested that you do so. If you are offered an interview and you have a significant change or an added activity, you may share that information with your interviewer at the time of your interview and post interview. Updates can be sent to [email protected].

Notification of Withdrawal from Consideration or Declination of Acceptance

Pre-interview: If you decide to withdraw your application from consideration before you interview with UNC, please notify us using the Withdrawal/Declination Form.

Post-interview: If you decide to withdraw your application from consideration after you have interviewed with UNC, please contact the MD-PhD Program directly .

For a breakdown of key dates in the application process, head over to the Deadlines and Key Dates page .

Commitment to Diversity

The Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) is strongly committed to recruiting and retaining outstanding trainees from a variety of diverse backgrounds. This includes individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds; individuals from minority groups that are under-represented in science and medicine; first generation college graduates; students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds; women; and individuals with disabilities of all forms (learning, mental impairment, and physical). We recognize the specific challenges that students from these backgrounds and with any form of disability face on a daily basis as well as the special needs that they have. It is our goal as a program to create, foster and sustain an inclusive environment that provides equal opportunities for all members of our community.

Specific to applicants with disabilities: To ensure your access to this class and to the medical school program, students with disabilities may contact the ARS ( [email protected] ). There you can engage in a confidential conversation about the process for requesting reasonable accommodations in the classroom and clinical settings. Accommodations are not provided retroactively. Students are encouraged to register with ARS as soon as they begin the program. More information can be found online at http://accessibility.unc.edu or by calling 919-962-8300.

Learn More:

Resources for Applicants with Disabilities

The UNC MD-PhD Program recognizes that our training environment is positively enriched by trainees with diverse backgrounds and needs, and welcomes students with disabilities. We strive to create, foster and sustain an inclusive environment that incorporates Universal Design and that provides equal opportunities for all members of our community. Students from all backgrounds who are US citizens or permanent residents are encouraged to apply. Our program gives full consideration to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, veteran status, disability, national origin, creed, marital status, age, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation. We make every effort to ensure that qualified applicants can take full advantage of the programs available at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Applicants under consideration for admission to the MD-PhD Program may disclose a disability and request accommodation during the admission process. Disclosure is not required. Applicants who choose to disclose a disability during the admission process should write, call, or visit the MD-PhD Program Office ([email protected]) to make arrangements.

Our policies and guidelines apply to students who self-identify a documented disability before or after formal acceptance as well as those who become disabled after enrollment. The School of Medicine and the MD-PhD Program encourages students with disabilities to identify themselves as easily as possible so that reasonable accommodations for which they may be eligible can be determined and provided through the Accessibility Resources and Service (ARS) office. Please keep in mind that the disclosure of a disability is completely voluntary and will be kept confidential. All enrolled students must possess the intellectual, physical and emotional capabilities described in the University of North Carolina’s School of Medicine Technical Standards for the Doctor of Medicine Degree ( http://www.med.unc.edu/admit/requirements/requirements ). Accommodations and assistive technologies will facilitate, but not eliminate, the need to meet these standards.

The UNC MD-PhD Program is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals who are disabled in compliance with Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, and the ADA Amendments Act of 2008, as well as applicable state regulations and federal and state privacy laws.

If you believe you may need and qualify for reasonable accommodations, please visit https://accessibility.unc.edu/ for detailed information and procedures. The knowledgeable staff in the Accessiblity Resources and Service (ARS) office serve UNC’s undergraduate, graduate and professional students, trainees, employees, and faculty as well as the public, in support of The University of North Carolina efforts to ensure an accessible, hospitable working and learning environment for people with disabilities. Through ARS, UNC ensures consistent processes for requesting accommodations, evaluating needs, and determining appropriate response, and the ARS serves as a clearinghouse for disability-related information, procedures and services available at UNC, in Chapel Hill and in North Carolina.

How to Apply to the MD-PhD

The northwestern university medical scientist training program (mstp) receives over 600 applications annually for 17 available positions., mstp eligibility.

All applicants should meet these minimum criteria:

• A bachelor’s degree with advanced coursework in science, mathematics or engineering
• Research experience of at least one academic year or three summers
• A record of strong academic achievement
• A commitment to a dual career in biomedical investigation and medicine
• A well-rounded resume that shows leadership, a commitment to volunteerism and interests in and out of an academic setting
• For additional information on application requirements, including recommended coursework, MCAT, letters of recommendation, etc., please see the Feinberg School of Medicine MD Admissions Requirements .

International students who have completed at least three years of full-time study (undergraduate, graduate and/or post-baccalaureate) at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university may apply. International students receive the same financial support as all other MSTP students. Current Feinberg MD students should  contact MSTP Admissions for application information.

Individuals who have completed an MD or PhD and current PhD students are not eligible for admission.

At Northwestern University we value and celebrate diversity. Please see our Policy of Non-Discrimination and Disabilities Statement .

Application FAQ

MSTP Application Timeline: 2023-2024 Academic Year

Northwestern MSTP only accepts applications through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), and you are strongly encouraged to complete your application (AMCAS, supplemental and letters of recommendation) as early as possible, as we invite candidates to interview on a rolling basis. Your invitation to complete a secondary application may only be sent once you are AMCAS-verified (which can take up to eight weeks).

You may only apply to the MSTP or the MD program, but not both simultaneously. If you apply to the MSTP and wish to have your application transferred for MD-only consideration,  notify MSTP Admissions  in writing before December 1. MSTP applications are not automatically transferred for MD-only consideration.

Before November 1, 2023

Apply through amcas.

On the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) website , choose "Northwestern MD-PhD Program (MSTP)." Answer the two MD-PhD-specific questions. Submit your application plus official transcripts to AMCAS. Your invitation to complete the MSTP Secondary Application may only be sent once your AMCAS application has been verified, which may take up to eight weeks.

Before November 15, 2023

Submit secondary application and letters of recommendation.

Your application must be complete (AMCAS, MSTP Secondary Application and minimum of three letters of recommendation) to be considered for MSTP admission. Request a minimum of three letters of recommendation to be sent as early as possible to the AMCAS letter service. These letters may be included within a committee letter or composite letter or be submitted individually. Applications will not be considered for interview prior to “complete” status. There is no maximum number of recommendation letters that may be submitted.

September 2023 - January 2024

Interview invitations and interviews.

Applications are reviewed, and interview invitations are sent by email on a rolling basis starting in late August to early September and may continue as late as January. Interviews are held once per month, September through January. During interviews, applicants meet with Northwestern MSTP leadership, faculty and current students. All interviews will be conducted virtually for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle. 

October 2023 - May 2024

Admissions offers sent.

Admission will be offered on a rolling basis from October 2023 through May 2024.

Second Look

Second Look programming includes a variety of social and academic events and will be held in person in early April 2024. Accepted applicants are invited to visit the Northwestern MSTP to learn more about our program, meet current students, explore the city of Chicago and meet with potential thesis advisers.

May 1, 2024

National acceptance deadline.

You must accept your MSTP admission by May 1, 2024. After May 1, you may only hold an offer of admission at one institution.

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Important dates (2023-24), amcas application deadline, october 2nd, 2023.

MD/PhD applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow ample amount of time for AMCAS verification, letter of recommendation submissions, and completing and submitting your secondary application.

Secondary Application Deadline

October 23, 2023.

A secondary application must be submitted in order to be considered for an interview invite.

Letter of Recommendation Deadline

October 23, 2023, interview invitations, invitations will be sent out during the week of october 23rd., admission interviews, interviews will take place:, thursday, november 2, 2023 (md/phd interview) & friday, november 3, 2023 (md interview), thursday, november 16, 2023 (md/phd interview) & friday, november 17, 2023 (md interview).

The MD/PhD and MD interviews will be conducted separately on two consecutive days.

Applying to the MD-PhD Program

All applications for the University of Arizona College of Medicine MD/PhD program are reviewed and considered through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). MD/PhD Program candidates are expected to have a letter of recommendation that collaborates service with a physician and/or clinical experience. It is important for applicants to our program to possess clinical experiences that demonstrate a solid understanding of the clinical aspect of an MD/PhD Program.   For additional information and application process instructions please refer to The University of Arizona College of Medicine Admissions page.

What to Expect

• Designate appropriate program: The University of Arizona College of Medicine MD/PhD Program
• Why are you interested in MD/PhD training?
• Highlight your significant research experiences. 

Eligibility

Entry to the MD-PhD Program is decided by the MD/PhD Admissions Committee.  Both in-state and out-of-state applicants will be considered as well as applicants with a permanent resident visa status.  International students are not eligible for admission to the Program at this time.

Applications from internal MD students will be considered in their first year of medical school. These students will need to submit to the Program Director an essay outlining why they are interested in MD/PhD training, and highlighting their significant research accomplishments.  If approved by the MD/PhD Committee and the Program Director, the candidate will be invited for an interview in competition with all applicants of the next academic year.  Current MD students who are interested in applying to the MD/PhD Program should contact the Program Director as soon as possible.

Last day to take the MCAT: September 28, 2020. Oldest MCAT score accepted: January 2018.

Selection Process

All MD-PhD applications are reviewed by members of the MD/PhD Admissions Committee, with top-ranking candidates invited for an interview.  Evaluation of applicants is based upon careful review of all application materials.

• All applicants to the MD/PhD Program are expected to have outstanding undergraduate grades (GPA of at least 3.0) and high scores on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). 
• Letters of recommendation from research supervisor(s) are an important component of the evaluation process.  At least one and preferably two letters from research mentors should attest to the applicant’s abilities and commitment to research.
• Additionally, a minimum of one year in research experience is required.  The goal of the program is to train the next generation of academic physician scientists.  Therefore, an important factor in selecting MD/PhD applicants is evidence of a passion for research supported by substantial research experiences that have provided opportunities for independent and critical scientific thinking.  A significant number of MD/PhD applicants have spent one or more years completing research, thus confirming their desire for a career in research.  Therefore it is recommended that MD-PhD candidates have at least one year of documented laboratory experience.  Publications and/or presentations at national meetings are encouraged.  Successful applicants will be those who recognize and are capable of meeting the demands and responsibilities of a MD/PhD program, which is at a minimum seven years in duration.

Interview (MD/PhD)

Following submission and review of applications MD/PhD interviews will be during November.  If selected, you will be invited to visit the University of Arizona campus via email.  MD/PhD and MD interviews will be conducted separately on two consecutive days.

Interview Day One:  Applicants will be interviewed by no more than two members of the MD/PhD Admissions Committee. T

Interview Day Two: Your interview for the MD program at UACOM-Tucson will take place on day two.  Valuable information on the Multiple Mini Interviews or (MMI) process is detailed here .

Admission Decisions

After the interviews, each candidate is evaluated by the MD/PhD Admissions Committee and the top-scoring applicants will be offered positions in the Program after final approval by the COM Admissions Committee.  Students not immediately offered a position in the MD/PhD Program may be placed on a waiting list and notified of acceptance into the program at a later date.  Students deemed non-competitive for the program will be notified immediately after final decisions are made. Admissions decisions will be announced between November and April of the following year.

All applicants for the MD/PhD Program are automatically considered for admission to the MD program. The UA College of Medicine offers multiple opportunities to actively participate in research and to join the Research Distinction Track to continue pursuing research interests.

Letters of Recommendation for PhD Applicants

New section.

Tips for submitting the best letters of recommendation

• AMCAS® Sign In

Submit the number of recommendations that is requested.

Select academic/professional references, not personal/social ones, including:

• research advisors
• summer program mentor
• undergraduate academic advisors

Ask the recommenders to meet with you beforehand, if possible.

Give your recommenders a copy of your personal statement and CV so that they know what your plans are.

Emphasize to recommenders how important a strong letter of recommendation is to your application

Give them as much time as possible so they can write a substantive letter.

Follow-up with the schools and the recommenders before the deadline, to make sure that the letters were submitted and received.

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The 2025 AMCAS application is now open . If you wish to start medical school in Fall 2025, please complete and submit the 2025 AMCAS application.

May 1, 2024: AMCAS application opens  

May 28, 2024: Submission for AMCAS application verification begins  

June 28, 2024: Application transmission to medical schools begins  

Aug. 1, 2024: Early Decision Program (EDP) deadline    

Outline of the current AMCAS application process, policies, and procedures.

This resource is designed to help you prepare your materials for the 2024 AMCAS ® application but does not replace the online application.

The application processing fee is $175 and includes one medical school designation. Additional school designations are $46 each. Tax, where applicable, will be calculated at checkout. 

If approved for the Fee Assistance Program, you will receive a waiver for all AMCAS fees for one (1) application submission with up to 20 medical school designations ($1,030 value). Benefits are not retroactive.

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Thank you for your interest in the Yale School of Medicine MD Program. Below are the steps to follow to apply to the program. If you have any questions, please contact us .

If you are interested in being considered for the MD-PhD Program, you can find more information on the MD-PhD website .

Take the MCAT

Apply to yale via amcas, submit yale's secondary application, submit letters of recommendation, check your application status, application deadlines, decision notification and timeline, deferring offer of admission, transfer applications.

All applicants to the Yale School of Medicine's MD and MD-PhD programs must take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). For information on the MCAT, including registering to take the test, test dates, test sites, fees and obtaining test results, see the MCAT Website .

Applicants should request that test scores be released to Yale School of Medicine by the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). If you are applying in 2023 to begin in August 2024, the oldest MCAT you can submit is from January 2020.

Important: Your application will not be reviewed until we receive your MCAT scores.

MCAT Important Dates

• Earliest test date accepted for applications submitted in 2023: January 2020
• Latest test date accepted for applications submitted in 2023: Final test date in 2023

To apply to Yale School of Medicine, submit the AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) application. This application will be sent to all the medical schools to which you apply. It can be found at the AAMC Students, Applicants, and Residents site .

On the AMCAS application, you must indicate that you plan to apply to Yale School of Medicine. After submitting the AMCAS application, you will be invited to submit a secondary application to Yale.

To complete the application process, applicants to the MD and MD-PhD programs must submit an online Yale Secondary Application, in addition to their AMCAS application.

All applicants will be invited by email to submit a Yale Secondary Application after submitting the AMCAS application. This email invitation should arrive within two weeks of submitting the AMCAS application to Yale, beginning in early July when the Yale Secondary Application goes live.

Application Revisions

You may not make any online changes to your Yale Secondary Application after it has been submitted. You must submit your changes in writing to the Office of Admissions by logging in to your application and clicking on the "Status" tab, then clicking on the "Communication" menu, then clicking on the button to send an email to the Admissions Office.

If you wish to submit an update to your application at any time throughout the application season (before or after an interview), you may upload a .pdf document using the Document Upload tab in the Secondary Application.

Contact Information Updates

A Premedical Committee letter is recommended for all MD and MD/PhD candidates.

If your school does not have a Premedical Committee, you may submit at least three individual letters of recommendation. These letters should come from individuals who are in a position to comment knowledgeably on your accomplishments, abilities, experience, and/or personal qualifications. They may come from those who have taught you or worked with you in undergraduate or graduate school classes, in research settings, clinical settings, extracurricular or community service activities, professional settings, or other contexts. It is helpful to have at least one of the letters from someone in the sciences, but this is not mandatory. What is important is that the letters provide information and support that will be informative and helpful to the Admissions Committee, supplementing the information that appears elsewhere in your application.

Letters of recommendation should be sent through the AMCAS Letter Service .

MD-PhD Applicants

A complete application consists of the following components:

• AMCAS application and all required components of the application (see 2 and 5 below).
• Complete official transcripts from all colleges attended. Transcripts should be sent from the colleges directly to AMCAS.
• Yale Supplemental Application submitted online no later than November 15.
• An evaluation from the applicant’s Premedical Advisory Committee or individual letters from three of the applicant’s instructors, two of whom should be in science fields. These evaluations must be sent to the Office of Admissions via AMCAS Letter Service.
• Scores from the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) must be submitted in conjunction with the AMCAS application. For information on the MCAT, applicants should communicate directly with the MCAT Program Office, PO Box 4056, Iowa City IA 52243. Information on the MCAT can also be obtained online at www.aamc.org . Scores of tests taken earlier than three years prior to submitting an application will not be accepted.
• A fee of $110 or an AMCAS fee waiver must accompany the Yale Supplemental Application. The fee is not refundable.

You can keep tabs on your application status by logging into the student portal.

• AMCAS Application Deadline: October 15
• Yale Secondary Application Deadline: November 15
• Letters of Recommendation Deadline: November 15

MD and MD-PhD programs

‘plan’ to enroll / ‘commit’ to enroll.

All applicants who are accepted and either ‘plan’ or ‘commit’ to enroll must immediately withdraw from all other schools to which they were offered admission. Applicants who ‘commit’ to enroll must also immediately withdraw from waitlists at all other schools.

Applicants who are accepted and either 'plan' or 'commit' to enroll must also send a tuition deposit of $100 with their online response to reserve a place in the class. The deposit is refundable until April 30 and will be applied to tuition charges in the fall semester.

Applicants who are accepted but do not respond to their offer of admission by end of day April 30 will have their offer of admission rescinded, unless they have been approved for an extension (due to extenuating circumstance) beyond this date by the YSM admissions office.

Waitlist Offers

Applicants who are offered a position on the waitlist are required to respond by end of day April 30. Waitlisted applicants who do not accept a position on the waitlist by end of day April 30 will be removed from the waitlist and will not be further considered for admission in this cycle.

Applicants who are offered acceptance from the waitlist after April 30 and before June 1 will have five business days to respond to their offer. An applicant who does not respond within five business days will have their offer of admission rescinded, unless they have been approved for an extension (due to extenuating circumstance) beyond this date by the YSM admissions office.

Applicants who are offered acceptance from the waitlist after June 1 will have three business days to respond to their offer. An applicant who does not respond within three business days will have their offer of admission rescinded, unless they have been approved for an extension (due to extenuating circumstance) beyond this date by the YSM admissions office.

Commit to Enroll Deadline

Applicants who participate in the START program must ‘commit’ to enroll at YSM by 5:00pm EST the Friday before START and may not hold waitlist positions at any other schools. All other applicants intending to matriculate at YSM must 'commit' to enroll by 5:00pm EST June 15 and may not hold waitlist positions at any other schools. YSM will not offer admission to students after our August matriculation date.

Yale School of Medicine (YSM) will consider requests to defer an offer of admission for one year for academic reasons that arise during the application year. Requests must be made before April 15 of the admissions cycle in which the applicant was offered admission.

Occasionally, YSM allows an admitted student to defer enrollment for a year (or sometimes two) to pursue/complete a serious and primary academic objective that arises during the application year (e.g. a Churchill, Rhodes, Marshall, Gates-Cambridge fellowship). Deferrals are typically not approved for non-academic reasons.

All decisions made regarding requests to defer are final. If a request to defer is denied and an applicant offered admission decides to pursue other opportunities and not matriculate at YSM, their offer of admission will be withdrawn from YSM and they will need to re-apply in a future cycle, if interested.

Accreditation Statement

The Doctor of Medicine (MD) program is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education, and as such, it meets the educational requirements for licensure in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.

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M.D./Ph.D. Program Admissions

Applying to the m.d./ph.d. program.

Complete the American Medical College Application (AMCAS) Applications for admission begin with the common application submitted online at  American Medical College Application Service .

Complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Only scores from tests administered within three years of the year of medical school matriculation will be accepted. Scores of the most recent MCAT are considered by the admissions committee. View more information .

Submit Letters of Recommendation The MSTP requires three individual letters of recommendation or one health professions committee packet. Baylor College of Medicine will accept four individual letters at the most. We prefer quality in-depth letters from people who know you well, rather than giving preference to the number of letters received. The names of all individuals who will provide a letter should be listed on your supplemental application with the most recent experience listed first.

Complete the BCM Supplemental Application and Submit Fee Baylor requires that every applicant complete a  Supplemental Application .  The supplemental application provides candidates with the opportunity to indicate a graduate program of interest and their primary research interest. The application opens July 1 and does not require an invitation to apply. The Supplemental Application may be submitted at any time but must be received electronically by Oct. 1. 

Complete the CASPer Test All applicants to the Medical Scientist Training Program are required to complete an online situational judgement test called CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics). View information about the  CASPer assessment, testing dates for Baylor, and register for a test .

Note : MSTP interviews will not be conducted before receipt of all supporting documentation, including letters of recommendation. 

All materials must be received by  Oct. 1  for MSTP applicants. The Admissions Committee will not review an applicant’s file until the following are received: verified AMCAS application, BCM supplemental application and fee, letters of recommendation, MCAT scores, and CASPer scores. MSTP applicants are strongly advised to submit medical school applications early in the admissions process, preferably during the summer months. 

You can check the status of your application after the verified AMCAS application has been received by the College.

Applicants are asked to make a non-binding selection of two Baylor College of Medicine graduate programs of greatest interest. 

International students  must complete their undergraduate training at an accredited U.S. college or university to be eligible to apply  to the medical school and the M.D./Ph.D. Program. Students accepted to the M.D./Ph.D. Program must complete both their M.D. and Ph.D. at Baylor College of Medicine. International students who have completed their M.D. in another country and are interested in obtaining a Ph.D. should contact the Graduate School at  [email protected]  for more information.

Alternative Pathway Applications

The MSTP welcomes applications from Baylor College of Medicine students in their first three years of medical school or first year of graduate school. BCM medical students participating in the medical research pathway (MRP) may also apply during their MRP training. All application deadlines are Oct. 1. BCM students interested in applying  must initially notify the MSTP Administrative Office to discuss eligibility requirements and the application process. 

For current MD students, the application requirements will vary based on their stage of training. Current Ph.D. students must have the support and approval of their graduate program. Ph.D. students must also complete all M.D. Admissions requirements, take the MCAT, and submit a full application as described in the “Applying to the M.D./Ph.D. Program“ section. As the application requirements vary according to the applicant’s current training status and post-graduate program, we recommend contacting the MSTP Administrative Office several months in advance of the Oct. 1 deadline.

Following an interview with the MSTP, a decision regarding acceptance will be made by the end of the academic year. 

Medical Scientist Training Program interviews are conducted October through January, beginning on Thursday afternoon at 3:45 p.m. the day before medical school interviews begin. MSTP candidates have two faculty interviews, a director's interview and a student interview on Friday morning or Thursday afternoon. These interview sessions provide the opportunity to discuss research experiences and explore various training opportunities available at Baylor College of Medicine. All offers of acceptance to the MSTP are fully funded and will be extended twice during the interview season.

The MSTP interviews approximately 80 applicants annually. All interviews are held on Thursday afternoons and Fridays via Zoom. Accepted applicants are invited to attend our in-person Recruitment Weekend at our expense. At Recruitment Weekend, accepted applicants have the opportunity to see our campus and facilities, meet our faculty and students, attend a student poster session, explore Houston, and learn about housing options.

2023-2024 Interview Dates

• Interview 1: Oct. 5 - 6, 2023
• Interview 2: Oct. 19 - 20, 2023
• Interview 3: Nov. 2 - 3, 2023
• Interview 4: Nov. 30 - Dec. 1, 2023
• Interview 5: Jan. 4 - 5, 2024
• Recruitment Weekend - March 21 - 23, 2024

Applicants who are not accepted to the M.D./Ph.D. Program, but who matriculate at Baylor College of Medicine in July 2024, are invited to reapply to the MSTP during their first year of medical school.

Acceptance and Funding

Baylor College of Medicine is one of 50 institutions awarded a competitive Medical Scientist Training Program grant from the National Institutes of Health. The grant offers students funded medical and graduate education through the combined M.D./Ph.D. Program. About 100 students in various phases of training are currently supported by the MSTP grant as well as institutional and endowment funds. 

Admission is highly competitive, and selection is based on interviews, letters of recommendation, volunteer and extracurricular activities, demonstrable research interest and ability, MCAT scores, and GPA. Acceptance to the MSTP at BCM does not require separate application to the Graduate School, nor is application to a specific graduate program necessary upon entering the program. 

Applicants who are accepted to the MSTP and maintain academic requirements receive full tuition, medical insurance and stipend support throughout their training. Ten to twelve candidates are accepted annually. Additional financial aid can also be applied for during training.

Successful MSTP applicants must satisfy the requirements of both the medical and graduate components of the program. All matriculants must satisfy the technical requirements in Baylor College of Medicine’s  Technical Standards for the School of Medicine .

Applicants who are not accepted to the M.D./Ph.D. Program, but who matriculate at Baylor College of Medicine in July 2023, are invited to reapply to the MSTP during their first year of medical school.

Baylor College of Medicine Equity and Inclusion Policy

Baylor College of Medicine is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all community members as a prerequisite to accomplishing our institutional mission and setting standards for excellence in training healthcare providers and biomedical scientists, promoting scientific innovation, and providing patient-centered care. View the Baylor Equity and Inclusion Policy .

View information on Baylor College of Medicine Student Disability Services .

Admission Statistics for Class Entering 2023

General Information

• Applications received: 435
• Applicants interviewed: 80
• •Applicants matriculating on July 31, 2023: 13

2023-2024 Matriculant Statistics

• Average GPA of current students: 3.91 (range 3.71 – 4.0)
• MCAT score of current students: 95 percent (range 81 - 100 percent)
• GPA: 3.42 - 4.0
• MCAT: 74 - 100 percent

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How to Apply

Information for the 2024 application cycle.

The University of Minnesota Medical School has a minimum MCAT score requirement of 495. The MCAT is valid for three years prior to the application year. The oldest MCAT considered for the Entering Class of 2024 will be January 2020 through September 30, 2023.

All applications to the University of Minnesota MSTP with a minimum MCAT score of 495 will be reviewed by our program upon receipt of our supplemental application. The subsequent review and evaluation process will NOT consider the MCAT. Reviewers and interviewers will not have access to an applicant's MCAT score at any time during the evaluation process.

Prerequisites and Academic Coursework

Applicants must complete  7 prerequisite courses at an accredited U.S.-based or Canadian college or university by July 1 of the year they matriculate. The University of Minnesota MSTP will accept S/N (commonly referred to as Pass/Fail) grades for courses taken in the Spring and Summer of 2020. Please keep in mind that the AMCAS calculated cumulative and BCPM GPAs do not include P/F grades. We conduct a holistic review of all applications and the academic profile is reviewed in terms of courses taken, grade trends, and final outcomes.

We recognize that for many applicants, research, clinical, service, employment and other opportunities have been cancelled, shortened, or adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The MSTP will take the impact of COVID-19 into consideration and remain flexible when reviewing this and other aspects of the applicant file.

Our  supplemental application  will provide candidates with an opportunity to describe any impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on their preparation for MD/PhD training. This will be an opportunity for candidates to provide us with specific information regarding the impact of the pandemic on academic performance, research and other opportunities, personal and financial challenges, etc.  As in previous years, there is no fee associated with our supplemental application.

Application Deadline

The AMCAS application deadline for the University of Minnesota is November 1 . Our supplemental application must be received by November 15.

The University of Minnesota MSTP is committed to providing each candidate with a fair and equitable interview process. Interviews for the 2024 application cycle will be conducted virtually via Zoom.

Please contact MSTP Director Dr. Yoji Shimizu at [email protected] if you have any questions about the 2024 application cycle.

Application procedure for the University of Minnesota MSTP

We welcome your application to the University of Minnesota’s MSTP (MD/PhD). Follow these steps to submit an application:

• Complete the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) no later than September 30 of the year you wish to apply. MCAT scores more than three years old are not acceptable.
• Verify that you will have completed all course prerequisites prior to your intended matriculation date. If there are courses that you have not yet completed, create a time table for satisfying these requirements.
• MCAT Scores
• Academic Transcript
• Personal Statement
• MD/PhD Statement
• Significant Research Experience Statement
• Biographical Information
• Official Transcripts
• Four letters of recommendation OR one committee packet. At least one letter must be from a research advisor
• Applicants will be invited to complete a brief supplemental application . There is no fee associated with the supplemental application.

The application deadline is November 1, however decisions regarding interviews and admissions are made on a rolling basis. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to complete their applications early. Completed applications are forwarded to our office upon final verification by AMCAS. Our office may contact you with a request for additional information. Click here to learn more about our evaluation process.

Applicants who apply to the University of Minnesota MSTP are not eligible to be considered for admission to MD only in the same application year. Individuals interested in applying for MD only may reapply in the next application year. Applicants can apply multiple times to the MSTP. Although there is no limit to the number of times you can apply, please assess any changes in a reapplication in the context of our basic eligibility requirements for admission . Although you may use previous recommenders, updated letters of recommendation should be submitted with a reapplication. NOTE: Do not assume that your file is complete until you have received notification from the MSTP office. If you feel that you have completed all of the requirements for application but have not received notification from the Program, please contact us via telephone at 612-625-3680 or email [email protected] .

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Getting Started

Important information for prospective Michigan MSTP applicants.

The Michigan MSTP application cycle will follow any changes implemented by the MD program. 

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. All applications receive equal consideration, regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency status. Please note: Applicants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status are welcome to apply to the MD program, but unfortunately cannot apply to the MSTP due to federal funding restrictions.
• Submit a complete University of Michigan Medical School application ( AMCAS and secondary)
• Complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
• Three letters of recommendation (or a committee letter) are required with a maximum of 6 letters. Letters may come from any individuals you believe can objectively assess your qualifications for graduate study and potential for scientific research.
• We advise choosing letter writers who can provide insight on your suitability for the MD/PhD program. At least one letter should be from a research mentor that focuses on your qualifications for graduate study and potential for scientific research. If you have had multiple short research experiences, rather than one long one, more than one research letter is advisable. The Medical School Office of Admissions uses the same letters when evaluating MSTP applicants.
• ALL letters need to be submitted using the AMCAS letter service.
• Do NOT send any letters directly to the University of Michigan Medical School MSTP Office.
• Essay 1: Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).
• Describe how your identity impacts the development of your values and attitudes toward individuals different from yourself and how this will impact your interactions with future colleagues and patients. OR
• If you recognize and/or represent a voice that is missing, underrepresented, or undervalued in medicine, please describe the missing voice(s) and how increased representation in medicine could impact the medical community.
• Essay 3: How was your journey to medical school affected by the COVID pandemic? Please feel free to describe any positive or negative aspects. Do not exceed 2500 characters including spaces (about 400 words).
• Essay 4: Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, please tell us what you’re curious about, or what you’re passionate about, or what brings you joy – and why. Some examples include listening to historical novels, exploring national parks, woodworking, baking cupcakes, podcasting, knitting, playing pickleball, filmmaking, making music, etc. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).

Technical standards are the basic requirements every MSTP student needs to meet for admission, enrollment and graduation.

The Medical School recently updated its technical standards to be more inclusive for qualified candidates who may require specific accommodations. We evaluate and work with students on a case-by-case basis to be sure all technical standards can be reasonably met.

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Applicant Requirements

Applicants are expected to earn a bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university that is located in and accredited in the U.S. or Canada.  Applicants who have not graduated from an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution, but who completed a minimum of two (2) years in such an institution, including all of the prerequisites, may be considered to be eligible and should bring the details of their record to the attention of the Committee on Admissions.  Applicants currently enrolled in a professional or graduate school program must be in the terminal year of the degree program to be considered for admission to the first year class and all applicants are expected to complete any academic program in which they are enrolled at any time during the application process. Individuals who have previously matriculated at another medical school are not eligible to apply to BUSM.  Due to the retention of the current student body, Boston University School of Medicine does not have any slots available for advanced standing in the second or third classes.

Prerequisite Course Requirements

– English Composition or Literature (or other writing intensive course(s) )  (1 year) – Humanities (1 year) – Biological Sciences with Lab (intro or advanced) (1 year) – Physics (intro or advanced) (1 year) – Chemistry Sequences: Applicants may meet our chemistry requirement in any of the following ways, as long as the sequence chosen meets the chemistry requirements of the undergraduate institution:

All prerequisites must be completed before a student can matriculate at BUSM. We generally prefer that applicants take these courses at 4-year undergraduate institution rather than utilize advanced placement credits. If an applicant chooses to use advanced placement credits, rather than taking a course at a 4 year accredited college, he/she will be asked to explain the circumstances as a part of their BUSM secondary application.  The Committee on Admissions will then consider the matter as a part of its comprehensive review of the application.  This applies also to CLEP, community college, and junior college courses as well.  If an applicant has placed out of a required college level course, we will also accept another course in that discipline at the same or higher level.

Applicants are urged to acquire a broad experience in the humanities, as well as in the behavioral and social sciences during their college years.  In particular, we believe that course work in Mathematics (particularly statistics), Biochemistry, Social and Behavioral Sciences (Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology), Genetics, and Molecular Biology is important.  We encourage all applicants to follow their own interests whether in the arts or in the sciences, and applicants are generally well advised to refrain from modifying their undergraduate course selections in an effort to anticipate subject matter that will be studied in medical school.

Letter of Recommendation Requirements

Those applicants who attend, or who have recently graduated from, an undergraduate institution or a post-baccalaureate premedical program which offers a Health Professions Advisory Committee letter should submit a letter from this committee.  If no such institutional letter is available, the applicant should explain this on the BUSM supplemental application and substitute a minimum of three individual letters, two of which must be from a professor who has taught you in Biology, Chemistry or Physics (or other similar classes).  The third letter can be from a person of your choice and need not be academic in nature. Applicants to the MD PhD program, should submit a fourth letter from a research advisor.  The secondary application will not be considered complete until we have received all required letters, on official institutional letterhead and with a hand-written signature.

If you are enrolled in, or have completed, a formal, degree-granting program of graduate study, please provide a letter from your thesis adviser or a graduate professor for non-thesis programs in addition to the undergraduate letter requirement or at a minimum one science letter, once graduate letter, and one of your choice.  Applicants in a non-thesis graduate program can submit a letter from a graduate professor. If you are engaged in research, either as a part of a degree program or in any other substantive way, a letter from your research supervisor would be appreciated.

Boston University School of Medicine accepts letters electronically through the AMCAS Letter Service only.  AMCAS will accept letters from users of VirtualEvals, Interfolio and via the US Postal Service.  The address to which letters should be sent is located on the AMCAS Letters Request Form.  For more information on this process, please visit   AMCAS Letters FAQ.

MCAT Test Requirements

All applicants must take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and should communicate directly with the  Association of American Medical Colleges   for information concerning these examinations. Applicants are encouraged to take the MCAT in the spring of the year of application and to have most of the basic science requirements completed at the time of application. While we do our best to give equal consideration to all applications that are completed prior to our published deadlines, we have a very large applicant pool and early applications may be more likely to receive a favorable review.

Questions? Please visit our   Frequently Asked Questions   page. If you still have questions, please feel free to   Contact Us .

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Step 5: letters of recommendation.

We will accept one of the following via the AMCAS Letter Service:

• A packet of letters or a composite letter from a Pre-Medical or Pre-Health Committee
• A packet of letters from a Career Center or a Letter Writing Service
• Three letters of recommendation from individuals, two of whom should be familiar with your knowledge in the sciences. If your letters are submitted by three individual letter writers rather than your school’s Pre-Health or Pre-Medical Committee, you will be asked on the Emory Supplemental Application to explain why you are not submitting a Committee letter.

If you are applying to the   MD/PhD Program , you must also submit letters of recommendation from all research mentors, in which case you may send as many letters as needed.

All letters of recommendation must be sent directly to AMCAS no later than 11:59 pm EST on December 1. Instructions for submitting letters to AMCAS are provided within the AMCAS application. Please DO NOT send letters directly to us.

We strongly recommend that you DO NOT send additional letters; however all letters that are submitted via the AMCAS Letter Service (and by the December 1 deadline) will be included in your application.

Letters of Recommendation for MD Schools

Find out what lor requirements each medical school has to get accepted..

The AMCAS application for medical school typically includes one or more letters of recommendation (LOR). Each MD letter of recommendation, also known as a letter of evaluation, should highlight a student’s academic or professional achievements.

Since AMCAS does not need a student’s letters of evaluation to verify their application, students may submit their application even if their letters have not yet arrived at AMCAS. Application and letters will be made available to medical schools after the application is verified.

Each medical school for students seeking a MD degree has different letter of recommendation requirements that are summarized below. Sort the schools in ascending or descending order, or narrow the listing by searching for your school of interest.

View:  DO Schools

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