Downstate or PhD+another year?

[rugbyclassical]

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This is my 2nd year of rejections from MD/PhD programs.

However, I was accepted into SUNY Downstate's MD program.

I could either:

1) Continue in graduate program (at a top 5 MD school)

2) Go to SUNY Downstate (and possibly pursue a PhD at my grad institution, concurrently)


I could stomach one more year of applications, but I do not know what my chances are? That is, what do schools think about a 3rd year applicant?

I think that my problem is my 34R on the MCAT, which is a bit sub-par for top notch MD/PhD programs (especially @ my grad instutition). Other than that, I have no other feedback.

My career interests are about 50% clinical, 50% research, and SUNY Downstate has a lot of research, but is primarily clinically-focused. The school just doesn't seem to jibe with my career interests.

Anyone else going through similar choices?

Wdyt?

 

[pseudoknot]

Wait, you're already in a PhD program and applying to MSTPs? If so, I'm not surprised by the rejections.

 

[rugbyclassical]

No, not officially in PhD yet, but could easily be. I have finished a Master's degree, and could take credit this year that could be used for a PhD . I could even take the qualifying exam this winter.

 

[pseudoknot]

Ah, OK. Well, if you've been rejected twice from MSTPs and you have an MD acceptance, I'd take it and move forward.

 

[GliaGirl]

I would personally take PhD at a top 5 program over an MD at Downstate any day, but then again I didn't apply anywhere MD only and would have gone for a PhD if rejected from MD/PhD programs, so... it is really up to you.

 

[pseudoknot]

I would personally take PhD at a top 5 program over an MD at Downstate any day, but then again I didn't apply anywhere MD only and would have gone for a PhD if rejected from MD/PhD programs, so... it is really up to you.

You can't really choose between different careers based on prestige. Well, you can, but I would submit you'd be an idiot to do so.

The first decision is, does the OP want to treat patients. If so, then no PhD program is going to help.

(Also the concept of a "top 5" PhD program is invalid since there are no real rankings and most of the variation in quality is due to one's advisor, but that's a different topic.)

 

[GliaGirl]

Um... I just meant that I would go get a PhD, since I want to do primarily research, which in MY CASE would help patients more than ME treating individuals. Hence the part of my post following the comma. Sorry if I offended you...

 

[tiamat360]

This is my 2nd year of rejections from MD/PhD programs.

However, I was accepted into SUNY Downstate's MD program.

I could either:

1) Continue in graduate program (at a top 5 MD school)

2) Go to SUNY Downstate (and possibly pursue a PhD at my grad institution, concurrently)


I could stomach one more year of applications, but I do not know what my chances are? That is, what do schools think about a 3rd year applicant?

I think that my problem is my 34R on the MCAT, which is a bit sub-par for top notch MD/PhD programs (especially @ my grad instutition). Other than that, I have no other feedback.

My career interests are about 50% clinical, 50% research, and SUNY Downstate has a lot of research, but is primarily clinically-focused. The school just doesn't seem to jibe with my career interests.

Anyone else going through similar choices?

Wdyt?

Does Downstate have the option of applying second-cycle (i.e. as a 1st year med student) to their MD/PhD program? You may want to find out how hard that is and whether it appeals to you.

 

[Neuronix]

Go to med school. Do research when you can.

With a MS you will be more competitive for year out funding and other similar programs. If you are published, your MS will count plenty towards residency applications, especially in combination with additional research in medical school. You don't *need* a PhD here, especially for a 50/50 career, and you can always get the research later.

My rule of thumb is to never give up a med school acceptance. You never know when you might get another one!

A 34R is not a particularly low MCAT score btw. Is it in combination with a lowish GPA? I'm surprised you couldn't get into a bigger name school MD only or even a MD/PhD program with enough research, but it's a moot point. Take what you have. Med school reputation doesn't matter much. Just do well in med school.

 

[labgod]

Wait, you're already in a PhD program and applying to MSTPs? If so, I'm not surprised by the rejections.

hi pseudoknot, why is rejection the expected result if you apply to mstp while in phd program? thanks!

 

[pseudoknot]

hi pseudoknot, why is rejection the expected result if you apply to mstp while in phd program? thanks!

They don't want you to quit another PhD program. While this isn't always a dealbreaker for regular MD apps, I think it would be more for MSTP since it includes a PhD as well.

 

[Neuronix]

They don't want you to quit another PhD program.

It stings a lot to apply for MD with an incomplete PhD as well (assuming you won't finish PhD by matriculation). It's not impossible, but both MD and MD/PhD committees really like you to finish what you started. If you can bail with a master's and make it look like that was your plan the whole time (may be hard to get your LORs to say this), it won't hurt.

On the MD/PhD side I've seen some very qualified applicants apply MD/PhD out of PhD and fail. Your best bet is your home institution after one year of PhD, but many programs forbid PhD transfers entirely.

 

[rugbyclassical]

It stings a lot to apply for MD with an incomplete PhD as well (assuming you won't finish PhD by matriculation). It's not impossible, but both MD and MD/PhD committees really like you to finish what you started. If you can bail with a master's and make it look like that was your plan the whole time (may be hard to get your LORs to say this), it won't hurt.

On the MD/PhD side I've seen some very qualified applicants apply MD/PhD out of PhD and fail. Your best bet is your home institution after one year of PhD, but many programs forbid PhD transfers entirely.

since most PhD programs only require 30 credits after master's degree (15 of which must be while accepted in PhD program), plus qualifier, plus defense....

There is some flexibility. Likewise, a PhD program can last up to 6 years. If you are in the first or second year, and you'd rather do an MSTP, then why the heck would you want to stick around in the PhD program. Seems a bit stupid to me?

Thus, I highly doubt if there is some kind of *stinging* effect on the adcom of an MSTP, especially if it is your own school.

 

[john316]

I'd take the MD and run with it. That's my personal opinion though.

 

[pseudoknot]

since most PhD programs only require 30 credits after master's degree (15 of which must be while accepted in PhD program), plus qualifier, plus defense....

I think you lose credibility when you start talking about "most" PhD programs since they are all so different, especially by discipline.

 

[schrizto]

Take the MD!