How much do GPA and MCAT matter for MD/PhD?

[carpediem22]

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I have always believed that for MD/PhD applicants, having a high GPA and MCAT is even more important than it is for MD-only applicants. Admission statistics seem to support this.

However, I have been told by some that because MD/PhD is more holistic and research-focused, if you have strong research experience, good PI letters, and maybe a publication or two, you can get away with having a lower GPA and MCAT.

I'm asking this question both out of genuine curiosity, and so that if my friends ask me down the road I can give them solid advice. Of course I know that research experience is important, but what would you say to someone who had *great* research experience but maybe a 3.7/3.8 GPA and an MCAT <33? (Note: This is not me!)

 

[ValentinNarcisse]

In general, they can be more forgiving on the GPA side (>3.5 at a prestigious undergrad), since a lot of MD/PhD students spend a heavy amount of time in lab versus focused on class during the school year. In regards to MCAT, there is no great excuse not to do well. I studied the summer after my sophomore year of college while working full time in the lab, and that was more than sufficient. That being said, a person with the numbers you described would get into multiple programs, but probably not top MSTPs due to the MCAT score.

 

[carpediem22]

So you think MCAT is in fact a limiting factor? That is what I always thought. Have just been given some conflicting information.

The MD/PhD game is many ways far more opaque than MD admissions.

 

[URHere]

So you think MCAT is in fact a limiting factor? That is what I always thought. Have just been given some conflicting information.

The MD/PhD game is many ways far more opaque than MD admissions.

Whether or not a school will interview you with a low/average MCAT score is anyone's guess (it's multifactorial, school-specific, blah blah blah). As someone who had an average MCAT score when applying, I can tell you that I was asked about it during every single interview I had, so yes, I would say that it matters and is likely to be a limiting factor.