Is it possible to decline the PhD if accepted MSTP?

[polyatomic]

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I've been interested in MD/PhD programs, but am not that certain. I'm wondering if I was accepted at an MD/PhD program and realized I only wanted the MD, would schools allow me to matriculate in as MD only (while paying full tuition)? Or would I have to decline the offer entirely?

 

[red doctober]

I've been interested in MD/PhD programs, but am not that certain. I'm wondering if I was accepted at an MD/PhD program and realized I only wanted the MD, would schools allow me to matriculate in as MD only (while paying full tuition)? Or would I have to decline the offer entirely?

You mean before matriculation? I would think that you would have to forfeit both the MD and MD/PhD acceptances because the medical school gives only so many spots every year to the MD/PhD program. If you were to decline the MD/PhD offer, the MD/PhD program would fill that spot with someone else leaving no open spot in the MD class for you.

 

[BioBeaver]

If you're really unsure, just go the MD route and apply for a PhD/research residency. That way you can pursue your research goals if you still have an interest in them, but not be tied down with the MSTP thing.

 

[K31]

It's possible some places at least. We had one student in my med school class who was accepted MD/PhD (attended second look and everything) but decided against it prior to matriculation.

 

[postalkwk]

I've been interested in MD/PhD programs, but am not that certain. I'm wondering if I was accepted at an MD/PhD program and realized I only wanted the MD, would schools allow me to matriculate in as MD only (while paying full tuition)? Or would I have to decline the offer entirely?

I think a lot of schools, when they give you acceptance to the MSTP program, are also giving you acceptance to the MD program. Therefore, if you decide to decline your MSTP acceptance, you can still do MD only. They, however, will definitely not pay your full tuition like they would with MSTP - you'd basically be like any other MD only.

 

[mrsanator]

It's totally program dependent, so there's no general answer to your question.

At my institution, it's not an option because the MD-PhD slots are a separate allocation from the MD slots and you cannot apply to both in the same year.

 

[polyatomic]

Okay, thanks for the responses everyone!