Applying for F30 during med school years?

[BNSN]

I was killing time and ran across this:

"Degree Requirements. An applicant must have a baccalaureate degree and show evidence of both high academic performance in the sciences and substantial interest in research in areas of high priority to the participating Institutes. When the application is submitted, the applicant must be enrolled in an accredited MD/PhD program at a medical school, accepted in a related scientific PhD program, and supervised by a mentor in that scientific discipline. Applications are generally submitted during the first two years of medical school, but may be submitted at any stage of medical school provided that at least one year of dissertation-stage research training will remain at the time of the expected award date. "

How often do MSTP students submit an NRSA prior to their full time work in a lab? I was under the impression NRSA's were submitted first year of grad school.

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[Tradewind]

I applied during the first year of graduate school, but I don't know what the stats are these days. It wouldn't benefit you much at all to apply during the first 2 years of medical school, because you'll be busy studying for medical school and step I, you probably won't know yet which lab you intend to join, and you'll be funded either way.

There'd be a couple of extra perks if you got the funding earlier, but IMO, it's not worth it. Better to have a project, mentor and time to write before submitting.

 

[kapMD/PhD]

I too applied and got funded my first year of grad school.
depending on your funding/stipend situation, if your program doesnt pay for your school, the F30 grant pays 60% of your tutition in addition to your stipend, which is really nice.
I would encourage you to apply as soon as possible b/c it takes FOREVER for all of the paperwork to go through, so if you know who you're going to work with and what your project will likely be- do try to apply during med school, this will also give you a jump start on your grad school research too. However, if you're swamped with step 1 studying and all- like the previous poster said - it is a time consuming process, and may not be the most wise use of your time.
Good Luck!!

 

[gstrub]

Agreed with above if you're not already fully funded...obviously the earlier the better.

Keep in mind that you need decent preliminary data to apply. During M1-M2 you likely have only done rotations...this is not usually enough to get funded on the first try. You only get 3 submissions so be sure your advisor thinks you have generated enough data to obtain at least a marginally competitive score on the first go.

I've heard of people applying for these using prelim data from someone else in the lab, but this is BS IMO.

PS
On the subject of F30s, anyone have one back in M3 yet? I want to establish precedent for using the institutional allowance for interview travel, board fees, etc.

 

[kapMD/PhD]

I'm heading back this summer. I know i can use it for books, equipment, etc. but i'm not sure about board fees and travel for interviews, let me know what you find out. I'd really like to use it for that too.