If you apply MSTP, how does that affect MD-only chances?

[meowkat444]

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I think I'm probably a good MD-only candidate and a decent MSTP candidate, but obviously MSTP is way more competitive. I *know* I want a PhD, but I'm also a couple of years out of college, so I'd like to get the show on the road. The problem is, because of work, I can't take the MCAT until July 13. I've been told by adcoms that the lateness factor will probably hurt me for MSTP.

I'm definitely open to the idea of starting MD-only and then applying internally to PhD programs, and I will have a whole 'nother year of research under my belt by then. The debts will be terrible, obviously, but money is in no way why I want to do combined degree.

My question is, then, let's say that I apply to about 20 MSTP programs and check the "will consider MD-only" box (is there a box like that?). How does that work? Does applying MSTP hurt my chances of getting in MD-only? Does checking the MD-only box hurt my chances of getting MSTP? Will the med schools consider me much later for MD-only, only after MSTP (hopefully not) rejects me?

I.e. if i would have gotten into med school xyz if I had applied MD-only in the first place, will I still get into med school xyz if I apply MSTP?

 

[solitude]

The general consensus on these boards is that it will hurt you, because it could indicate that you are not as serious about the MSTP as many other applicants. After rejecting your MSTP app, some schools do consider you for MD-only, some schools do not, and some do not when they actually claim to do so. Still others will actually consider you, but the MSTP holds on to your application for so long that it never reaches the MD committee in time for you to get an MD-only acceptance.

However, I have no idea how significant of a factor this can be. For a marginal applicant (which you claim to be, but don't we all?), every little thing helps.

For more detailed info (this has been discussed ad nauseum here), see the following threads:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=383941&highlight=md-only
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=347934&highlight=md-only
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=308580&highlight=md-only
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=290548&highlight=md-only
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=262043&highlight=md-only

If this isn't sufficient, ask away!

I think I'm probably a good MD-only candidate and a decent MSTP candidate, but obviously MSTP is way more competitive. I *know* I want a PhD, but I'm also a couple of years out of college, so I'd like to get the show on the road. The problem is, because of work, I can't take the MCAT until July 13. I've been told by adcoms that the lateness factor will probably hurt me for MSTP.

I'm definitely open to the idea of starting MD-only and then applying internally to PhD programs, and I will have a whole 'nother year of research under my belt by then. The debts will be terrible, obviously, but money is in no way why I want to do combined degree.

My question is, then, let's say that I apply to about 20 MSTP programs and check the "will consider MD-only" box (is there a box like that?). How does that work? Does applying MSTP hurt my chances of getting in MD-only? Does checking the MD-only box hurt my chances of getting MSTP? Will the med schools consider me much later for MD-only, only after MSTP (hopefully not) rejects me?

I.e. if i would have gotten into med school xyz if I had applied MD-only in the first place, will I still get into med school xyz if I apply MSTP?

 

[Dr.Watson]

.

 

[SpeakLittleB]

I also checked MD-only on all possible applications with no intention of going to MD-only if I got into the MSTP. I'm not sure if being rejected from MSTP would hurt MD-only chances if the decisions were made in that order, but as Dr.Watson says, each institution is different in its application process. I would think that the programs in which you have to get accepted to MD before MSTP considers you would likely have an unbiased MD-only consideration policy. I got into MD-only at two schools with said policy (but accompanied by MSTP waitlists).

 

[meowkat444]

this has done nothing to assuage my horrid fear of pouring my heart and money into this process and coming away with nothing 🙁 sigh.

but i appreciate the comments muchly.

 

[EaglesPA]

My experience with the process may not be applicable since it was years ago 🙂 but I remember that at the places I was applying, being accepted to the MSTP was contigent upon being accepted into the MD program, so indicating that you would want to be considered for MD-only would not really hurt your MSTP application. The policy may be different at other schools though...

 

[meowkat444]

sorry, didn't mean that last post to come across as overly grumpy--seemed like it when i read it again! it's ridiculous, because i know i will do well once i'm in an mstp. the application process is the part that's going to be really tough. does everyone think this? probably, yes?

 

[Mr. Tee]

sorry, didn't mean that last post to come across as overly grumpy--seemed like it when i read it again! it's ridiculous, because i know i will do well once i'm in an mstp. the application process is the part that's going to be really tough. does everyone think this? probably, yes?

The application process is just the [easy] beginning. It's a long and tough road ahead while actually in an mstp too, you know. 🙁

 

[Neuronix]

The problem is, because of work, I can't take the MCAT until July 13. I've been told by adcoms that the lateness factor will probably hurt me for MSTP.

With the electronic MCAT this is no longer true. You'll have your scores in about a month, which gives you MCAT scores in August. It's not like it used to be taking the MCAT in August and getting your scores back in mid-October. You don't even get secondaries until September typically.

You either spoke with these adcoms before this change or they're not aware of it yet.

My question is, then, let's say that I apply to about 20 MSTP programs and check the "will consider MD-only" box (is there a box like that?). How does that work?

Some schools will consider you for MD if you're rejected for MD/PhD or view the processes as separate. Some will only consider you for one.

Does applying MSTP hurt my chances of getting in MD-only?

At most schools, significantly. The first reason is the lateness factor of the MD/PhD program. Often times the MD/PhD program will kick around your app for months before making a final decision and then by the time your app goes to the MD pile it could even be after the MD program is done interviewing. The second reason is as mentioned before, they often don't think you'll come as an MD-only student.

I.e. if i would have gotten into med school xyz if I had applied MD-only in the first place, will I still get into med school xyz if I apply MSTP?

This depends on the school, but in general no. You should decide whether your application is stronger for MD or MD/PhD and apply that way. If you have good stats and alot of research just apply MD/PhD and stop worrying about it.

 

[haricot]

what makes you say you're just a 'decent' MSTP candidate?

 

[meowkat444]

how could most of us say otherwise? ;-) i think i get intimidated when i spend time on mdapps. need to block that site. maybe this one, too 😛

thanks neuronix. i'm excited about this process 99% of the time, but i definitely need to be told to chill the *** out about it and just go for it already other times.

hey, anyone in the mstp forum willing to look at PSs?

where ARE all the people who are applying int eh 2008 cycle anyway?

 

[jeniffer lopez]

i know i will do well once i'm in an mstp. the application process is the part that's going to be really tough. does everyone think this? probably, yes?

I don't know if there is a way to predict this. Indeed, I asked my interviewers if they could predict who would do well during the PhD years (the part I consider the hardest and most intellectually challenging, altough many people probably will disagree) and they all told me they could not. I don't mean to sound discouraging or anything like that, but just know that the application process is rather easy compared to what is coming. I mean, yes, applying is not easy, but it comes down to studying and taking the MCAT, writing a bunch of essays about similar topics and talking to people about what you do in lab. Unless you are a horrible writer or are very very shy, the process is not bad at all. Even if you are a horrible writer, you can get help from others and pull decent applications. I think the process gets to be stressful when you have money issues and can't afford the traveling, but otherwise it can be rather rewarding.

 

[GradTX]

how could most of us say otherwise? ;-) i think i get intimidated when i spend time on mdapps. need to block that site. maybe this one, too 😛

thanks neuronix. i'm excited about this process 99% of the time, but i definitely need to be told to chill the *** out about it and just go for it already other times.

hey, anyone in the mstp forum willing to look at PSs?

where ARE all the people who are applying int eh 2008 cycle anyway?

I'll be applying for fall 2008. I asked my boss, who is a physician scientist, about checking the MD only box and it hurting my chances. He said I was over analyzing the situation and that it was a perfectly reasonable back-up plan. I'm a scientist! It's my job to over analyze everything. 😉