International considering MSTP

[IvannaFierce]

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Hello,

I am currently a student at Wayne State University. I have a near perfect GPA and I am starting research next semester (as a sophomore). I have lived in the States for over a decade.

I am currently here on an H-4 visa and my school doesn't consider me an international (they call me Non-Domestic Residential, I think it's mostly because my dad works for them). Anyways, I get in-state tuition and qualify for scholarships. Although my dad has applied for Permanent Residence, it is unlikely that I will receive a green card before I turn 21. After I turn 21 I'll have to switch over to an F-1 visa and drop down to a lower (and slower) green card line, I'll probably be about 67 by the time I receive one.

I have had my mind set on going to Columbia for their MSTP program since about the 11th grade. Theoretically speaking, if I were to get a competitive MCAT score (35+) and continued my research for the rest of my undergrad career, how likely is it that as an international student I would get into Columbia or a comparable program (Northwestern, UPenn)?

 

[delirium81]

You need to check with the programs themselves. MSTP funding is derived by definition from the NIH, which means international students are not eligible for it. However, lots of programs have some private pots of money that could be designated for international students. You'll just have to ask if this is an option. Non-MSTP designated MD/PhD programs would probably have more positions available. Either way, you should contact all the programs you're interested in and ask them specifically what the options are for international students.

 

[Choculitis]

Are you considered a permanent resident? If you are I think that you're fine for all MSTP programs.

Like delirium said, some MSTPs also have spots for international students, and Columbia is one of these (http://www.cumc.columbia.edu/dept/mdphd/admissions/faq.html).

 

[IvannaFierce]

Sorry, let me rephrase the question.

All things being equal between two students(one domestic one foreign) would a program that could fund an international student pick the international student or the domestic one?

 

[PfNO22]

Sorry, let me rephrase the question.

All things being equal between two students(one domestic one foreign) would a program that could fund an international student pick the international student or the domestic one?

Yes they would.

 

[StIGMA]

The domestic one, all things being equal, because 1) the immediate pot of money is larger/easier to deal with and 2) during the program the domestic student is eligible K30 and other awards that an international student is not eligible for. There are student research grants that international students are eligible for (eg: HHMI grants), but they are far more competitive.

Except no two candidates are equal, and if the funding for international students is there, it is not an issue.

 

[IvannaFierce]

Grrr... if I wasn't transferring to F-1 visa I'd be less worried, because if I don't make it in the first cycle I won't be able to reapply the next year lol, they'll just kick me out of the country.

Guess I'll just take the GRE and MCAT and apply to PhD and MSTP programs at the same time.

 

[Maebea]

International students face a particular challenge in applying to MD-PhD program, as others have pointed out. Therefore, you should not set your heart on one school, or even two or three. The AAMC has a document at https://www.aamc.org/students/download/62760/data/faqtable.pdf that indicates which programs will offer admission to international students. Using this list as a starting point, you should contact the programs that interest you and ask how many international students are currently fully funded in their program. Some may only be able to support one international student in the entire program, others may take one a year, and a few can take several a year.

Good luck.

 

[tttttc]

Grrr... if I wasn't transferring to F-1 visa I'd be less worried, because if I don't make it in the first cycle I won't be able to reapply the next year lol, they'll just kick me out of the country.

Guess I'll just take the GRE and MCAT and apply to PhD and MSTP programs at the same time.

With F-1 visa you can apply for OPT (check with your school and USCIS) that allows you to stay (and work) in this country for 12 month after you graduate. You could go for this option and apply to only MSTP this year, and if things don't work out, you can take a gap year and then apply to both PhD and MSTP.

In any case, be prepared for an uphill battle. I would think you need something like 40 MCAT for Columbia. Definitely don't look at only one or two schools. Columbia may not have the same feeling toward you as you to them. In short, you need to be much better than domestic students for them to accept you.

I hope you get your green card before you apply. Then at least you don't need to face the citizenship discrimination.