MD/PhD application timings???

[UpQuark]

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Do MD/PhD applicants get their file reviewed quicker than regular MD candidates?

I was complete with secondaries a month ago, and so far lucky to have 3 interviews, no rejections. A friend applying to MD/PhD was complete two weeks ago and already has 6 interviews??? We have the same GPA and relatively the same MCAT scores.

 

[kpcrew]

the people looking at md/phd apps probably have fewer applications to look at but who really cares?

 

[UpQuark]

the people looking at md/phd apps probably have fewer applications to look at but who really cares?

Just curious how these decisions are made. I'm obviously pretty nervous waiting for some top schools.. haha

 

[Starlightembers]

the people looking at md/phd apps probably have fewer applications to look at but who really cares?

Most likely, this.

From John Hopkins MD/PhD:

460 Complete Applications Received (for Class of 2011)

From John Hopkins MD:

3,999* Complete Applications Received (for Class of 2010)

Not that this means it is in any way easier to get into an MD/PhD program, as there are significantly fewer spots. Hopkin's MD program, for example, has 120* seats per class; the MD/PhD program only has 24 (21 funded).

*Numbers may (likely?) include previously mentioned MD/PhD applicants and acceptances.

UpQuark: The MD/PhD application process, though similar in many ways, can also be very different. For these programs, research experience (the average for those accepted is >2 years) and LORs from the PIs these students worked under are of much greater importance than in regular MD admissions. Many schools, like Hopkins, even have a separate committee -- which includes separate interviews, application reviews and admission decisions -- for their MD/PhD program.

 

[Lil Mick]

Most schools have completely separate MD/PhD programs/admissions offices. For instance, at my school, you don't interview with anyone associated with the MD program--just departments of interest and the program directors/mentors. Hopkins, for instance, doesn't even conduct interviews for MSTP interviewees at the same time as for MD interviewees.

Most MD/PhD students want to be researchers, concentrated on research and teaching during undergrad, and go through an admission process similar to science PhD students. However, most programs average a 35 MCAT and a 3.8 gpa, with many students having done their own research projects and taken graduate courses during undergrad.

 

[TriagePreMed]

the people looking at md/phd apps probably have fewer applications to look at but who really cares?

This is not how it works. They send the application to the MD program and to the Ph.D program. They must both review it independently and make a choice together. Or at least that's what I was told my Indiana, Virginia, Chicago, and Utah.

 

[Starlightembers]

This is not how it works. They send the application to the MD program and to the Ph.D program. They must both review it independently and make a choice together. Or at least that's what I was told my Indiana, Virginia, Chicago, and Utah.

It's school dependent. As stated above, many programs have a separate committee specifically for MD/PhD admissions.

 

[NickNaylor]

Definitely school dependent. OP, relax before you kill yourself.

 

[soundnin]

Hopkin's MD program, for example, has 120* seats per class; the MD/PhD program only has 24 (21 funded).

just wanted to point out that a MD class size of 120 is pretty average while a MD/PhD class size of 24 is about 4 times average.

 

[Starlightembers]

just wanted to point out that a MD class size of 120 is pretty average while a MD/PhD class size of 24 is about 4 times average.

Thank you for pointing that out. I should have noted that Hopkin's MD/PhD is larger than usual; I had just wanted to stick with the same example throughout the post.

Just to give a few other examples to illustrate:
Columbia P&S MD/PhD states they have an average class size of 10 - 12 students.
U of Alabama MD/PhD has a class average of 7-8.
SUNY Stonybrook MD/PhD has a class average of 7-8.
etc