Is There A Chance?

[lynk]

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Conundrum?.Im not the best student by far, I am average across the board. My MCAT was low, albeit I wrote prior to taking any science classes but my knowledge is large and my ability for cognitive reasoning is high. As such I have been given the opportunity to work with an associate professor on a tenure track faculty position as a PhD student due to my ideas.

It all started when I had a lab in organic chem. and she was the instructor. Trough the course she began to notice my determination to become a surgeon but that I lacked the ability to perform in exam situations. To make a long story short she will soon have a publication in Science and has offers from numerous institutions.

Here is my question and worry, will this work? Do you think a student who has a tough time getting into any MD program will still be admitted into MD/PhD over and above minimum requirements if requested by the faculty member?

 

[the citizen]

No. You might get an interview to keep the professor happy, but I doubt an MD/PhD program will accept a sub-par MD candidate at the request of an associate professor. However, you might have a chance at straight MD with her support. Do you even want to get a PhD?

 

[Neuronix]

I agree with the citizen. Retake the MCAT if you're serious about this. What kind of GPA are we talking about?

 

[lynk]

GPA was 3.1

 

[Trashino]

If YOU were published in Science, maybe that would get you the kind of free-ride admission you seem to be contemplating. Although, even in that case there are no guarantees. After having interviewed at many programs this year I would say 99% of the candidates have "knowledge (that) is large" and most applicants' "ability for cognitive reasoning is high".

To stand a chance, in addition to a blazingly brilliant LOR from your tenure track buddy, you need to get into a post-bacc and ace your courses (to correct the gpa). Although standardized tests are your bane, you somehow have to get a mid to high MCAT.

At this point, and with your goals, a straight MD could be a better idea. Even if you do get an MD/PhD interview through your great labwork, you still will have to answer the "why MD/PhD?" question. You don't need a dual degree to be a surgeon, there isn't a lot of time for basic science research, and the dual degree will extend your already lengthy training by at least a few years.

So to sum up, raise the GPA a bit, retake mcat if it is terrible, get your asst prof to recommend you, and either clarify why you need an MD/PhD or apply straight MD.

Good luck!