indicating MD PhD in AMCAS

[Sonya]

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hi guys,

AMCAS has the bright (J/K) idea of asking whether we want to do MD PhD for each school. AMCAS, not secondaries.

So, if i check the MD phD box in AMCAS for any given school, am I commiting myself to a MD PhD. Can I change my mind and be considered for MD only when the secondaries come. Do all (US, amcas affiliated) schools have a MD PhD secondary?
WOuld it look bad that i change my mind b/w secondary and amcas.
In all likely hood i wont be doing MD PhD, but i don't want to rule it out by not applying.

Also, when I indicate MD PhD Major, do i have to check what major each school offers. Or, should i just check what interests me.

Thanks,
Sonya

 

[Neuronix]

Yes you can change your mind, no it will not look bad. Just fill out the appropriate secondaries for that school. If you don't want MD/PhD consideration somewhere, indicate that on the secondary either in the boxes provided or by not filling out the MD/PhD secondary. Be wary of only the U of Chicago that actually does separate MD and MD/PhD admissions completely.

Alternatively, you could select MD and then ask for the MD/PhD secondary later.

Yes, all schools will have at least a separate essay for MD/PhD. Usually they all have separate secondaries.

As for selecting a PhD concentration, most schools don't ask. As for the ones that do, just pick what you're interested in. It's difficult to tell in advance what schools are strong in what, and you can sort that out as time progresses if need be. According to informal conversations with adcoms, over 50% of students change their minds during the program or come in unsure about the area for their PhD anyways.

 

[coldchemist]

It does seem a little odd the way AMCAS adds in the combined degree program option. But I think I read somewhere recently that they are looking to better quantify the number of people interested in MD/PhD programs and the reasons for their interest.