Changing mind about MSTP

[Kez]

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In light of my August MCAT results (30Q), I am considering applying for MD only programs rather than the MSTP. If I labelled a school that I am applying to on my primary AMCAS application as MD/PhD, would it reflect negatively if I submit the secondary application for an MD only position? Has anyone heard of someone doing this before? I just thought that my results aren't competitive enough for some top MSTP programs and IF I am admitted to the school, that I would apply as a first year medical student for the MSTP program. Thanks for your help.

 

[dl2dp2]

I think that most MSTPs care about numbers LESS than regular MD programs. This is esp. true for the top programs.

I think if you are actually an excellent MSTP candidate, applying to MSTP actually HELPs your chances rather than diminish it. If you have a lot of research under your belt, I would strongly recommend against applying MD only, in fact.

The American medical educational system is a bit messed up at this point. If you go to an interview telling them that you want an MD but you want to do research (which is a really viable pathway, count the Nobels please) they'll tell you apply MD/PhD, and subsequently reject you for lack of "interesting" extracurriculars. On the other hand, MD/PhD strictly speaking is a "waste of time". You are more or less delaying an inevitable decision that had to be made at some point. Unfortunately top notched clinical work and top notched research both require completely, more than 100% commitment.

On the other hand, as one of the Harvard MDPhD grad who's currently working in my lab says, you don't know you want to do something until you actually did it. So I suppose sometimes in life you have to take a little time.

 

[ThatOne]

On the other hand, MD/PhD strictly speaking is a "waste of time". You are more or less delaying an inevitable decision that had to be made at some point. Unfortunately top notched clinical work and top notched research both require completely, more than 100% commitment.

I think you are neglecting to consider that the time spent is useful either way, even if you do become purely a physician or purely a researcher. Medicine does depend on new discoveries, and it is good for a doctor to keep up with new advances and how to interpret the worth of new studies before jumping on a bandwagon that might be going nowhere. As for research -- well, the more clinically relevant basic research gets more funding more easily, and what better way to really understand clinical needs than getting an MD.

Sure, you can do excellent research without the MD, but that doesn't make doing an MD a waste of time for a researcher.

 

[vector07]

Kez,

I'd check out the trusty old mdapplicants.com website. I did a search here with the following things: MCAT between 29 and 31, applied MSTP/MD/PhD, and received an acceptance at any medical school.

There are 9 hits. Take a look at their research/extracurriculars and gpa, etc, and see if you are similar to any of them. If you're in the ballpark I'd say go for it--you have nothing to lose. If they reject you MSTP you get evaluated for MD, so no loss there.

 

[mjs]

I agree with sluox on this one. Playing easies/hardsies is impossible. Do whatever you think is best for your career. I can't imagine that dropping the MSTP from your application and re-applying for an MSTP position in the first year is a good move.

 

[bubbachuck]

i wouldn't let an average MCAT deter you from MSTP. I think THE most important part of your app are the recommendation letters your profs write and how well you can articulate your aptitude towards research. for example, my weakness is my GPA and i was almost not going to apply to MD/PhD programs because of this but decided to go both feet in and i'm happy with the results so far.

 

[Newquagmire]

I just thought that my results aren't competitive enough for some top MSTP programs and IF I am admitted to the school, that I would apply as a first year medical student for the MSTP program.

It really depends on what you want to do on the other side of all this education and why you originally applied MSTP.

Do you want to do 100% clinical work? Maybe applying MD is a good idea.
Are you certain you want a PhD too? Sluox's advice is worth considering.

 

[Thundrstorm]

I got a 30Q. Look at my sig. 😀 Don't give up because of your MCAT score.

 

[Kez]

Thanks everyone for your replies. They were very helpful. I decided to apply for the MSTP and I just hope I'll be considered. Regardless, it is out of my hands for now. I wish everyone out there the best of luck for your applications.