</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by Simon:
<strong>This is really no joke..... It says on the AMCAS site that they take 4-6 weeks to process the primary applications. Could 2 or 3 weeks really make such a huge difference?</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Dude, ain't no thang. You are not in the least bit late in doing this. You should contact the programs you are interested in and ask them for a MD/PhD application. You should try to get all your applications in by early Fall. Some places, Hopkins, Cornell, WashU, etc., start inviting applicant in September. By applying early, you have a shot at all the open interview spots, say 80 of them. If you do not get your application in until November, the school may have already filled half or more of its interview slots. (I think Cornell finishes with its interviews before Thanksgiving!) Remember though that applying is just the first step. Make sure your letter writers stay on task; they are the biggest cause of delay. Once all the letters are in, then the MD/PhD program has to evaluate your application. This can take weeks or even months. If there are programs you are really interested in, it does not hurt to contact them to let them know of your interest. You will likely be competing with 300 other hopefuls for 70 or 80 interview slots.
From you posts it sounds like you are unfamiliar with the MD/PhD application process. This website will help to give you some background, but you might consider going directly to the source. Contact the MSTP office at your school; Penny Morris (
[email protected]) knows a lot and is very helpful. You might also contact the folks at your schools you are really interested in. I would contact the program administrator rather than the faculty head of the program. The administrators usually run the show while the faculty are not very knowledgeable about the mechanics of applying.
Happy hunting!
