Do international students have a better shot at MD/PhD than regular MD

[and 99 others]

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I am an international student considering applying both MD and MD/PhD. Given that I'm an international student, the schools that I am able to apply to are, for the most part, very competitive. I applied MD only once 2 cycles ago and didn't get in. I plan to apply to around ~45 schools and my idea is to apply MD/PhD for "lower" ranked schools that consider international students for MD/PhD like Emory, Baylor, Dartmouth, etc. (I know these are not low ranked schools but I mean in terms of the schools that look at international apps) and apply MD only for ultra competitive, top ranked schools like HMS, Yale, Columbia, etc. as well as less competitive schools that consider internationals for MD but not MD/PhD. I know I am not competitive for MD/PhD at the really top schools but is this a good idea for these more intermediate schools? My reasoning is that I would have a higher chance at MD/PhD rather than MD at those schools because then there would be no issue of the schools having to worry about how I am going to pay for tuition and such.

For context:
I have a relatively strong research background (3.5 years of experience over 2 labs. One 4th author publication, 2 on campus posters, 1 regional conference poster, 1 publication submitted under review) and relatively strong numbers (LizzyM ~74-75). 400+ hours of clinical volunteering spread over two activities, same for non-clinical. 100-200 hours of leadership at a school club, 400+ hours of tutoring over two activities. Strong LOR from one PI I currently work with. Can also get a letter from the head of the department I do research in.

Please tell me what you all think. Much appreciated!

 

[gyngyn]

I cannot recommend this as a strategy.
MD/PhD programs are much smaller and have a more competitive applicant pool.

 

[vaticrunner]

This is a very risky strategy. The amount of schools that actually accept international applicants for MD/PhD is extremely small and those that do actually tend to be like Penn and Washu which would fall in the highly competitive category. Lastly, not to discourage you, but the international MSTP app pool is extremely competitive (more so than the domestic pool imo). I would just apply regular MD or MSTP only. It is a little difficult to juggle two narratives about your motivations. I would also post this in the physician scientist forum where more MSTP applicants and program directors frequent.

 

[drtribbiani]

I have no input but just wanted to say that it sounds like you have a stellar app. I really hope you get in somewhere and that your international status doesn't prevent you from realizing your dream

 

[and 99 others]

I cannot recommend this as a strategy.
MD/PhD programs are much smaller and have a more competitive applicant pool.

This is a very risky strategy. The amount of schools that actually accept international applicants for MD/PhD is extremely small and those that do actually tend to be like Penn and Washu which would fall in the highly competitive category. Lastly, not to discourage you, but the international MSTP app pool is extremely competitive (more so than the domestic pool imo). I would just apply regular MD or MSTP only. It is a little difficult to juggle two narratives about your motivations. I would also post this in the physician scientist forum where more MSTP applicants and program directors frequent.

This is great advice thank you.

There are some schools that are not in that WashU/Penn tier that accept for MD/PhD. The ones that are lower ranked that I know of are Dartmouth, Emory, Boston, Northwestern, Medical College of Wisconsin. Do you guys think the same goes for these schools, that the MD/PhD pool would be too competitive?

I have no input but just wanted to say that it sounds like you have a stellar app. I really hope you get in somewhere and that your international status doesn't prevent you from realizing your dream

Haha thanks so much. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough last time but I have my hopes up for this cycle!

 

[LizzyM]

One issue is that much of the funding for MD/PhD programs comes from federal sources and only citizens and permanent residents are eligible for that funding. So, the number of slots open to international students is much smaller than the number of slots overall. So, rather than no worry about how you would pay tuition, the schools will be more worried about how they will pay your tuition!