LOR for MD/PHD vs. MD

[Music Therapy]

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Hi everyone,

As I was about to submit my AMCAS primary application, I started having thoughts about possibly not getting into any of the MD/PhD programs that I apply to. One of the biggest reasons I am having doubts is my MCAT score. I have a relatively low MCAT score of 31 (PS:10, V:10, BS:11, Q) for MD/PhD average. Not going into too much detail asking for chances, but I have an overall GPA of around 3.77 and 3 years of research experience, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I understand that some schools do consider applicants for MD before or after the decision is made for MD/PhD, but I thought it would be safer to apply to some schools that either do not have MD/PhD programs (like NYMC) or require a separate application for MD only (like Texas Tech). I just had two questions regarding applying to some MD only and some MD/PhD programs:

1. For LORs, my school has a committee that groups all the LORs into one packet and sends them to schools. Therefore, when I was asking recommendation letters, I told them that I will be applying to MD/PhD programs, so most of them might have mentioned that in their letters. Would it look very 'awkward' if the schools that I apply to for MD only get this sort of recommendation letters supporting my application for MD/PhD programs? If there is no way to 'filter' those letters for MD only applications, would it be safer to just apply to wider range of MD/PhD programs instead of adding MD only schools? Currently I am looking at applying to about 16 schools without specific regional preferences.

2. Should I try to retake my MCAT in July, or would that put me into a much more disadvantageous position than having the current score, even if I increase the score by, let's say 3 points?

Thank you guys so much for your time and thoughts in advance.

 

[Inter SMED]

Hello there! Not sure if I will be able to help out that much, but I'll offer what I have.

1. For LORs, my school has a committee that groups all the LORs into one packet and sends them to schools. Therefore, when I was asking recommendation letters, I told them that I will be applying to MD/PhD programs, so most of them might have mentioned that in their letters. Would it look very 'awkward' if the schools that I apply to for MD only get this sort of recommendation letters supporting my application for MD/PhD programs? If there is no way to 'filter' those letters for MD only applications, would it be safer to just apply to wider range of MD/PhD programs instead of adding MD only schools? Currently I am looking at applying to about 16 schools without specific regional preferences.

This sounds like the typical "committee" or "package" style letters of recommendation that most medical schools require. I think that it would be best if your traditional LORs (i.e. those in the packet) address your primary MD application, with additional letters for your MD/PhD application instead. In my opinion, at least, that would be more professional, since it sounds like you are not going to be applying to ONLY MD/PhD programs. What I did was request that my committee letter be for the medical school application, and then requested individual professors and mentors to write separate LORs for the MD/PhD application instead.

2. Should I try to retake my MCAT in July, or would that put me into a much more disadvantageous position than having the current score, even if I increase the score by, let's say 3 points?.

I don't think that retaking your MCATs would really put you at a disadvantage, per se - as long as your scores improve. A 31 is relatively low for MD/PhD programs (the lowest for my incoming class was a 34 or a 35), but I also know that MCAT scores are not the "end-all, be-all" deciding factors for an MD/PhD application. Another school you might be interested in Hofstra University's School of Medicine, which recently opened; on their website for the MD/PhD program admissions, they encouraged students with MCAT scores better than a 25 and a GPA better than a 3.0 to apply - meaning that you probably have a very good shot at that school. That being said, I understand that it IS a new school.

In short - do what you're comfortable with. If it makes you happier to take the MCAT again, and potentially up your game, then have at it!

Hope this helps. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions!

 

[Music Therapy]

Thank you Inter SMED for your post, I truly appreciate your input. I am at a stage where all of the professors already sent their recommendation letters in, so I don't think it would be possible for me to ask for 'supplementary MD/PhD' recommendations. I will definitely look into Hofstra as well. Once again, thank you for your response!

 

[Inter SMED]

Thank you Inter SMED for your post, I truly appreciate your input. I am at a stage where all of the professors already sent their recommendation letters in, so I don't think it would be possible for me to ask for 'supplementary MD/PhD' recommendations. I will definitely look into Hofstra as well. Once again, thank you for your response!

It is my pleasure! I remember how nerve-wracking and draining it was to go through the application process, so I am glad that I could help in some small way.

If you have any questions, please feel free to post a reply or message me. Good luck!