MSTP or PhD ?

[lena20]

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I'm a junior trying to decide whether I should apply to MSTP programs or PhD programs. I'm worried that I wont be accepted to a MSTP program at this point, and I don't know if its worth all the time and money if I am only going to be rejected. My gpa at this point is 3.5...I did poorly in 2nd semester of org chem because of an awful proff and got a C which lowered my gpa. I haven't taken MCATS yet but think I will do fairly well. I am also currently doing research at my school, and expect to have 2 yrs of research experience by the time I graduate. Should I try applying to MSTPs or would I have a better chance if I apply to a PhD program, and then apply to that school's MSTP my 1st or 2nd year?

 

[flyingillini]

I'm a junior trying to decide whether I should apply to MSTP programs or PhD programs. I'm worried that I wont be accepted to a MSTP program at this point, and I don't know if its worth all the time and money if I am only going to be rejected. My gpa at this point is 3.5...I did poorly in 2nd semester of org chem because of an awful proff and got a C which lowered my gpa. I haven't taken MCATS yet but think I will do fairly well. I am also currently doing research at my school, and expect to have 2 yrs of research experience by the time I graduate. Should I try applying to MSTPs or would I have a better chance if I apply to a PhD program, and then apply to that school's MSTP my 1st or 2nd year?

I am in like exactly the same situation as you right now...

I have about a 3.4 and I haven't taken MCATs. I am not sure if it is worth it as well. I have researched for 2 summers at some top schools however, but I have very limited experience besides that...

Hopefully someone can give us an answer.

 

[Sparky Man]

I'm finishing a Ph.D. right now and starting med school this fall. I never applied to med school as an undergraduate. I loved research so much at the time that I never considered the MD or MSTP routes. I can tell you that the MSTP seems like a great deal. It took me 5.5 years to finish my Ph.D., which is pretty typical. Now 4 more years of med school...oh man. Go MSTP if you can. Besides time, it'll most likely save you lots of $$$, too. If you can't get in, and really, really, really want a Ph.D., then go for it. Or, I have heard that at some programs, you can apply for MD only and during your first year you apply to enter the Ph.D. program. Good luck!

Sparky

 

[lena20]

any one else have any advice?

 

[ears]

If you really want your best shot at establishing yourself as a physician-scientist (and you'd feel diminished settling for one or the other), you should definitely apply for MSTPs.


If you really want to be a straight scientist, that's a good reason to apply only to graduate school. Being hesitant about going for what you want is not a particularly good reason. Apply, and keep doing your research. Grad school will always be waiting for you with open arms.

 

[mendel121]

I'm finishing a Ph.D. right now and starting med school this fall. I never applied to med school as an undergraduate. I loved research so much at the time that I never considered the MD or MSTP routes. I can tell you that the MSTP seems like a great deal. It took me 5.5 years to finish my Ph.D., which is pretty typical. Now 4 more years of med school...oh man. Go MSTP if you can. Besides time, it'll most likely save you lots of $$$, too. If you can't get in, and really, really, really want a Ph.D., then go for it. Or, I have heard that at some programs, you can apply for MD only and during your first year you apply to enter the Ph.D. program. Good luck!

Sparky

I'll second that, Sparky. I just finished my PhD as well, did it in 4.5 years, but took one year off before I started, so 5.5 years post-grad. I start medical school in the fall, and 4 years is seeming like a really long time. I'll say this, if you have thoughts that you'd like to get the MD, then go for an MSTP, and try to avoid the $200K in debt that I will have.