Applying MD/PhD: Did you chose schools based on personal research interests?

[pathdr2b]

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I'm just curious if anyone chose the schools they applied to or will apply to based on their research interest.

The overwhelming majority of the schools on my list are very heavy in breast cancer research or have those interest available near by. Did anyone else make up their list of schools based on this or was the reputation of the school the deciding factor?

 

[Neuronix]

I applied to a number of schools based on their strength in molecular neuroscience. Was rejected right off the bat to all of them.

 

[surge]

I essentially used this as my primary criteria, with veto powers being given to unacceptable location and, in my case, lack of funding for non-US-citizens. It turns out all these schools are excellent medical schools as well (clinically speaking).

 

[pathdr2b]

Originally posted by Neuronix
I applied to a number of schools based on their strength in molecular neuroscience. Was rejected right off the bat to all of them.

My problem is that everyone that's anybody in my area is at a top ten school so I'm very concerned about not getting in.

However, I'm serioulsy considering doing a fellowship with one of the PI's during the year I apply. Now all I have to do is get accepted to this Ivy League's MD/PhD program which should be no problem at all. Yeah right.................................. 🙄

Neuronix: Just curious, are you still committed to molecular neuroscience? I think if I couldn't get into my top choice, I may consider matriculating into the PhD program there and switching over the next year.

 

[Neuronix]

Originally posted by pathdr2b
Neuronix: Just curious, are you still committed to molecular neuroscience? I think if I couldn't get into my top choice, I may consider matriculating into the PhD program there and switching over the next year.

Absolutely. Just because I can't work with Ginty at Hopkins, Reichert at UCSF, Greenberg at Harvard, Shooter at Stanford, the two guys at WashU, Mobley at UCSD, etc... that all doesn't mean I can't get a good lab experience in my area of interest. What really counts for my future research career is a post-doc, and even that I may not do because I may be too clinical.

Neuroscience is super-competitive and so that helps to contribute to all the neuroscience programs being the most competitive MSTPs. Perhaps I should have applied to more top schools so I would have a shot at then (such as UCSD), but whatever.

 

[Vader]

Generally it is a good idea for MD/PhD applicants to choose programs based at least in part (and often the majority) in terms of quality of research.

As for specific field, this is really an individual choice. Personally, I chose to apply to programs that are strong in various fields so that if my interests changed during the first two years of medical school, I could enter a strong graduate program regardless.