The question is do you want to get into an MSTP or do you want to get into a highly ranked MSTP. If you get a 37 MCAT or above,
you could likely get into an MD/PhD program, but not necessarily an MSTP or a highly ranked school.
I feel like this is a really stupid question, but what is the difference between MD/PhD and MSTP? Is MSTP just a more integrated program whereas an MD/PhD program just lets you get both degrees?
MSTP is an according-to-Hoyle NIH program that receives funding from the federal government. An MD/PhD program is a program devised by an individual school with the same end (dual degree; training as a physician scientist) that may or may not provide funding for the student.
Oh, and what is/are the cutoffs for MSTP programs?
Academic cutoffs are pretty ill-defined for MD/PhD programs (research experience being just as important), but from what I've gleaned from discussions/admissions Web sites, an applicant should be expected to have an MCAT in the mid-30s and a GPA of >3.7 to be in consideration. That being said, an applicant can definitely get in with lower numbers than that, but research experiences in that case should be stellar.