April 15th Narrowing Down to 3 Schools?

[EileenX]

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So I have had the fortune to be accepted into several MSTPs and have 3 programs over the next 3 weeks I am planning on visiting informally to see which one I like the best. I have also been accepted MD at a program and waitlisted for their MSTP. If I were to come off the waitlist, I would attend that program for sure. Do I have to narrow down to three schools by April 15th? If so, if I would prefer any of the MSTPs over the MD program, would it look bad if I did not include the MD only acceptance/MSTP waitlist school as one of my three if I am still hoping to come off of it?

 

[ingobingo]

So I have had the fortune to be accepted into several MSTPs and have 3 programs over the next 3 weeks I am planning on visiting informally to see which one I like the best. I have also been accepted MD at a program and waitlisted for their MSTP. If I were to come off the waitlist, I would attend that program for sure. Do I have to narrow down to three schools by April 15th? If so, if I would prefer any of the MSTPs over the MD program, would it look bad if I did not include the MD only acceptance/MSTP waitlist school as one of my three if I am still hoping to come off of it?

Just to clarify, you are considering 4 programs, 3 of which are MSTP and 1 of which is MD-only (but you are on the waitlist for MSTP admission)?

 

[EileenX]

Just to clarify, you are considering 4 programs, 3 of which are MSTP and 1 of which is MD-only (but you are on the waitlist for MSTP admission)?

Yes!

 

[Fencer]

You will need to withdraw from one of your MSTP acceptances or the MD-only program. These are hard choices... if you decide to withdraw from the MD-only program, make sure that you clearly communicate to the MSTP director in a deliberate manner that you are withdrawing from their MD-only program because of your strong conviction that you want to pursue MSTP training. In addition, indicate that you have 3 other MSTP acceptances (could even name them), but that you feel that their MSTP is a better fit with your skillset and it is your top choice. Indicate 3-5 potential mentors, preferably those who have trained MD/PhD students and are currently funded (check NIH reporter).