Md/PhD

[MedicineForLife]

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I really want to do research but not sure if I have what it takes to apply.
GPA: 3.6 from JHU, took all classes here (did well in all my prereqs); Graduted early last semester with two majors (one in a Bio sci and another in a humanities)
2.5 years of research (two different labs), one poster presentation but no pubs
Two leadership positions and a lot of clinical experience
Planning on submitting three letters of recommendation, which will all be strong since I've known each writer since freshman year.

I'm debating whether to retake my MCAT since I think my score is so-so.

 

[RookTookIt]

GPA is a little low. You will need a high MCAT score (>33). I don't know about all the programs, but I am sure that some of the MD/PhD programs out there will put you in the MD pool if you are rejected from the MD/PhD. So if MD is what is important to you, I would apply to many MD schools and a few MD/PhD programs where you aren't limited to applying for the dual degree. Also, I think that you can apply to some MD/PhD after your first year or two of med school.

 

[Catalystik]

Per Neuronix in the Physician Scientist Forum:


Quote:
http://www.aamc.org/members/great/md...sonhandout.pdf

To summarize:
Applicants who did not receive an offer: GPA 3.68 (SD .24)/MCAT 32.7 (3.7)
Applicants who received one offer: GPA 3.74 (SD .21)/MCAT 34 (3.7)
Applicants who received more than one offer: GPA 3.82 (SD .15)/MCAT 35.7 (2.5)



What is considered good research experience for MD/PhD students?

This is a hard thing to define. The one thing you need most is strong letters of recommendation from the labs you have worked in. The other thing you will need is a good knowledge of your research in your interview. We generally speak in terms of years of research experience, so I'll make the general recommendation:

>2 years of experience is recommended for everyone who applies. The more in-depth and independent it is, of course the better off you'll be. The more time you spend at it, the better off you'll be. Start doing research as early as possible in undergrad and do it often.

Do I need to publish to get into a program or into a top program?

NO. For the one millionth time. NO. It may help, but it is certainly not required. We know that a lot of factors go into publishing and many times these factors are completely out of an undergrad's control. I had nothing published when I applied and that is true for at least half of the people in my year (including the international student).

 

[Neuronix]

This was cross-posted in MD/PhD. Please don't cross post 🙂 Respond here:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=703532