Contingency Plans

[neurotiger]

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Just wondering what people thought they would do should the unspeakable happen and they weren't accepted to any MSTP programs...

I assume that most people would opt to accept an MD offer somewhere and either change their plans a bit or reapply from within, but is anyone steadfast in wanting to do an MD/PhD? Anyone considering taking a year off and reapplying to MSTP programs with a year of additional experience? As I'm thinking about which box to check off on secondary applications (MD vs. MD and MSTP), I'm stumbling a little. I've talked myself into an MD/PhD program, and accepting an MD is definitely my second choice. While I'm not doing the program for financial reasons, it's still worth considering (paying for a year as I apply again as compared to working for a year and reapplying).

So...thoughts?

 

[noy]

I'd go PhD or get a job. Not to be cocky, but if they don't want me now, its not the thing for me. I won't go back and spend another year just to become a better applicant. MD option? I would not be able to do real engineering research, and the loans would crush me.

Then again, I'll wait and see how the acceptances/rejections sort themselves out before I commit anywhere...

Applying again? Perhaps it works, but what could several months add to your app? Are you so different that the same people who denied you will now say ok? You won't even have med school grades, only whatever you were up to before you started classes...

 

[Neuronix]

I don't think you're being cocky noy, but I do think that there is a sufficient amount of randomness and hoop-jumping in this process to require looking at the alternatives. For the MSTPs I've talked to, the internal rate of success in applying is around 50% - 75%. Yes, it is somewhat of a gamble, but I think that if you must go MD for awhile because your research is weak or you couldn't get in, it's a viable option. Sure you will have to pay for a year, but it's really not that much in the grand scheme of things.

I do think that MD and MSTP is a good way to apply, because you really aren't going to be disqualified from MD at many schools. There are schools that separate the process, but there will be ample oppertunity for you to also gain MD acceptance.

Taking a year off could do alot for your application if your research experience is weak and you have a good lab job going. What also can help is if you apply once, do not get in MD/PhD, and then reapply. If your application is borderline, this can help to show commitment.

 

[Bad Mojo]

Even though it goes against my inherent cockiness, I've been thinking about back up plans, too. I've been a little worried that I didn't apply to enough middle-of-the-road schools. I've got a good ap, but you never know what'll happen, right? I'd work full-time until the next application round comes. I'd apply to some not-so-big schools, as well as apply to Ph.D. programs and see what happens. Who knows? I could even take the first round of rejection so hard that I move to the Himilayas or try to become a real life MacGyver (travel the world, saving people, having a classic, 80s hockey haircut).

 

[surge]

I think every applicant thinks about it at one point or the other, the only difference being whether they actually admit it or not.

Personally, I would've reapplied. I started the process thinking I would do MD alone, but soon decided I was not willing to make compromises. What's a year in the long run (we're doing 7-to-life anyway), and also, contrary to someone's statement, a year of (right) experiences can make all the difference.

But, either way, make sure you have a good answer because this can be a common question at the interviews (along with some variations, such as would you do an MD alone or PhD alone if you couldn't do both, what would you do if you could never do anything science or medicine related, etc.)

 

[pathdr2b]

I'd definitely get the PhD. With only 3 classes and a dissertation topic to go, this would be a very logical step for me. I would however, reapply the following year. As others have said, I think a year could add a lot depending on how you spent that time.

 

[coldchemist]

I'm SERIOUSLY considering taking the LSAT if I don't get in this year.

Does that make me a flake?