MD/PhD switch to MD on secondary app

[lifeis42]

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Hi All,

I have a quick question: I'm in the process of filling out secondaries, and for some schools I initially marked MD/PhD on the primary application, but now I am reconsidering and I may want to apply to some of those schools as an MD applicant only. Is this acceptable? What is the best way to go about contacting schools about this?

 

[olecranon4]

Hi

Well, hello.

 

[lifeis42]

Sorry about that, accidentally hit the enter key. You should be able to see the edited post now.

 

[Cuongoff]

Can I piggyback off of your post? What if I put MD on my primary and am starting to thinking MD/PhD might be an option? Can I change it in the secondary?

 

[OCDOCDOCD]

Hi All,

I have a quick question: I'm in the process of filling out secondaries, and for some schools I initially marked MD/PhD on the primary application, but now I am reconsidering and I may want to apply to some of those schools as an MD applicant only. Is this acceptable? What is the best way to go about contacting schools about this?

Can I piggyback off of your post? What if I put MD on my primary and am starting to thinking MD/PhD might be an option? Can I change it in the secondary?

I don't know if you can do this or not, but I'd imagine that even if you could you'd have a hell of a time getting adcoms to understand why all your LORs and your PS are for an MD/PhD program instead of the MD program you're applying to and vice versa.

 

[premed11555]

Sorry about that, accidentally hit the enter key. You should be able to see the edited post now.

Hi, I'm unable to see your reply. Would you mind reposting? I'm curious too about whether applying to a school as an MD/PhD student on the primary application and switching to MD only on the secondary is allowed/will affect the likelihood of being accepted to that school. Thanks!

 

[Lucky Louie]

OCD is absolutely right. There's a HUGE difference between MD and MD/PhD. Mostly, you're saying you want to do research if you're in the MD/PhD program. And, you've already done lots of research, and have many LORs about you as a researcher are from those professors with whom you've worked. By contrast, MD applicants are considered somewhat more personable and much likely to focus on compassion, listening skills and of course diagnostic skills. And generally, the expected gpa are at a much higher bar, maybe because there are far fewer openings for this program.

 

[FalconSlice]

Might I also add, a lot of places have different deadlines for MD and MD/PhD...

 

[Guero]

As someone who's switched due to a low MCAT last year and once this year, I can offer some advice: Most schools will allow you to end consideration for MD/PhD and switch to MD after contacting the office, before and after rejection. DO NOT switch on AMCAS before speaking to each school. Even UAB, which requires switching via AMCAS, needs you to e-mail the office first, then after verifying receipt of your intent via email, will instruct you to switch and resubmit AMCAS. Most schools have no problem with you switching from MD/PhD (MSTP) to MD. Just ask via email.

The others posting the differences in letters and intent are correct. But I specifically asked my writers to address both aspects and to state why I'd make both a good physician scientist and a regular physician. Granted, my molecular neuro lab PI heavily detailed my success in lab, but stated that I'd make a "fantastic addition to the medical profession." Many who do research also pursue regular MDs and veer away from research. These aspects will vary for each of you.

For those wanting to switch to the MD/PhD after applying MD, some schools will allow you to switch during the application season; but I'd say it's a little too late at this point. You'd need to write two more personal statements, add research advisor/PI letters, and are up against a pool of highly qualified applicants with a majority of early submissions. I'd advise getting admitted to your school then applying during your first or second year. Many schools encourage this practice. In fact, you'll have time during your M1 summer to increase your research experience/skills and will have med school grades to add to the app. Most of all, for people like me, the MCAT won't matter nearly as much, if at all, after second year.

Good luck to everyone!

 

[kryptonian]

Based on what I learned from the senior MD/PhD students and residents in the MD/PhD subforum, internally transferring is much more challenging and not a guarantee.

I'd advise getting admitted to your school then applying during your first or second year. Many schools encourage this practice. In fact, you'll have time during your M1 summer to increase your research experience/skills and will have med school grades to add to the app. Most of all, for people like me, the MCAT won't matter nearly as much, if at all, after second year.

 

[Guero]

Based on what I learned from the senior MD/PhD students and residents in the MD/PhD subforum, internally transferring is much more challenging and not a guarantee.

Of course it's not a gurantee. I never said it was. All in all, it varies by school, but is the best option for those wanting to switch at this point in the application season lest they reapply or add entirely new schools as MSTPs--either way, chances are lower now than before.

 

[ToldYouSo]

OCD is absolutely right. There's a HUGE difference between MD and MD/PhD. Mostly, you're saying you want to do research if you're in the MD/PhD program. And, you've already done lots of research, and have many LORs about you as a researcher are from those professors with whom you've worked. By contrast, MD applicants are considered somewhat more personable and much likely to focus on compassion, listening skills and of course diagnostic skills. And generally, the expected gpa are at a much higher bar, maybe because there are far fewer openings for this program.

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