Mstp @ Ucsf

[urmaddyaps]

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hey everyone!
i'm a second-semester sophomore at UR and i have a few questions about the MSTP program. i really really wanna go to UCSF, but i hear it's one of the most competitive programs to get into. for any UCSF students out there, how competetive is it compared to other schools (in terms of gpa, mcats, research background, etc)?
my second question: i was considering getting a double degree/major in neuroscience (my primary major) and health and society (my possible second major). but then i looked at some of the neuroscience and bio courses that were being offered, and i really like them. but based on my plan, i can't possibly take all the courses i want and do a second major. or, if i take just all neuro and bio courses, i may not appear "well-rounded." so here's my question: would a double major make me a competitive candidate for mstp, or can i just take the courses i like in bio and just get a minor in health and society?
also, here's another question: i'm fast tracking and planning on graduating in 3 yrs. would this play to my advantage or disadvantage when i apply for mstp?
all thougths, ideas, opinions, will be appreciated.

 

[fyli260]

hey everyone!
i'm a second-semester sophomore at UR and i have a few questions about the MSTP program. i really really wanna go to UCSF, but i hear it's one of the most competitive programs to get into. for any UCSF students out there, how competetive is it compared to other schools (in terms of gpa, mcats, research background, etc)?
my second question: i was considering getting a double degree/major in neuroscience (my primary major) and health and society (my possible second major). but then i looked at some of the neuroscience and bio courses that were being offered, and i really like them. but based on my plan, i can't possibly take all the courses i want and do a second major. or, if i take just all neuro and bio courses, i may not appear "well-rounded." so here's my question: would a double major make me a competitive candidate for mstp, or can i just take the courses i like in bio and just get a minor in health and society?
also, here's another question: i'm fast tracking and planning on graduating in 3 yrs. would this play to my advantage or disadvantage when i apply for mstp?
all thougths, ideas, opinions, will be appreciated.

UCSF is competitive to get it, but it's hard to say if it's more or less competitive than any other MSTPs out other. I don't think their average gpa, mcat, and research background are much different from any other top MSTPs. Med school in general is all such a crapshoot that you just have to apply and hope for the best. There's absolutely no way of predicting which program you will get in even if you have the really good credentials. It's almost feels like the luck of the draw sometimes.

My recommendation for you is not to double major. You should really do whatever you are most passionate about and not just do it to "look better". Otherwise, it will come through in your interviews and it can hurt you. Focusing to develop your expertise in your field of research is very important if you want to apply for MSTP. I would also recommend instead of obligating yourself to take certain classes just to get another name on your degree, I would use my energy to get clinical and volunteer experiences that would make you a better MD candidate. For UCSF, you need to pass the primary AMCAS application screening before you get the secondary to apply for the MSTP. And unless you have done some amazing research so far, I would also recommend not taking three years to graduate. You need to realize that you're going against people with very strong research background (some of whom may have taken a year or two to do full time research after graduating in 4 years). UCSF's MSTP application is very simple: they ask you to LIST your research experiences, awards and honors related to your research, and publications and presentations on research; and explain briefly your current research project and why you want to pursue the dual degree (no full essays required). Thus, the key is to focus on your research and provide evidence for your success.

Best of luck

 

[oasis786]

My recommendation to you would be, if you really really really want to go to the UCSF MSTP - call the MSTP office and let them know you would like to join one day and ASK what you can do to make yourself the best possible applicant. They're really nice and will likely give you some good info.

 

[stillsmilin]

And unless you have done some amazing research so far, I would also recommend not taking three years to graduate. You need to realize that you're going against people with very strong research background (some of whom may have taken a year or two to do full time research after graduating in 4 years).
Best of luck

if 3 years is the time that you need and want to finish, take 3yrs. 4 yrs is arbitrary - - some ppl need 5, some 4.5, some 2. you can always graduate early and then take a yr off in full-time research. dont worry about the time - - if you take the time you need to do what you want to do, you should be able to apply confidently. just keep in mind the credentials other posters have mentioned. best wishes 🙂

 

[Habari]

perhaps i can be of help, by way of relevant anecdote:

i attended UR (b.a. in history/b.s. bio - cell and developmental '03) as well, and was accepted (but did not matric) to ucsf a couple years back with the intent to pursue neuroscience research. i was a PA resident at the time. it is by no means necessary to double major, or major in neuroscience (i never took a class in neuroscience) in order to get in. it is necessary to have good grades/mcats, solid research experience, and a few more things that make you stand out from the crowd of highly qualified applicants (i.e. apply for the goldwater, do something else unrelated to biology). recommendation letters and the personal statement are both weighed heavily at ucsf. it may help to take a year off to do something research related (nih/fellowship).

also realize that you have to be accepted to the md portion of the program independently of the mstp, and ucsf med is a competitive school to be accepted to apart from the md/phd side of things.

i would not recommend finishing in 3 years, unless there is a financial incentive to doing so. if so, don't apply straight away. finally - i wouldn't hang my hat on attending one school. i know many qualified people who were accepted to the very best mstp's without so much as a secondary, or interview from ucsf (and vice-versa). don't take it personally, and don't count on it.

if you have any questions specific to UR let me know.

 

[Vader]

My recommendation to you would be, if you really really really want to go to the UCSF MSTP - call the MSTP office and let them know you would like to join one day and ASK what you can do to make yourself the best possible applicant. They're really nice and will likely give you some good info.

Just don't call for the next month--our program administrator is working on our NIH grant renewal. 🙂

 

[oasis786]

Just don't call for the next month--our program administrator is working on our NIH grant renewal. 🙂

Haha, I forgot to mention that. J would kill me.

 

[jjmack]

I wasn't lucky enought to be accepted to the UCSF MSTP this year, but did get an interview. It is also slightly different how they select the people to interview. If the medical doesn't grant you a secondary application as far as I know you cannot even apply or interview with the MSTP. good luck.

now that I think about my response it makes me realize that it is important to talk to the MD admissions people and see what they look for so you can get a secondary.

 

[NYGirl12]

nice to see someone in the same boat as i am. i'm also a sophomore at UR and i'm highly considering the MD/PhD track. I'm a Biochem major. I'm also a CA resident but I don't think residency really matters for MD/PhD applicants. Anyway, I'll PM you.

Hope to see you around!

 

[urmaddyaps]

Ok, here are a few more questions I have...
- overall, how many schools did you guys end up applying to?
- what kind of clinical and volunteering experience do i need to pass the initial MD screening?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! 😀

 

[jjmack]

From the feeling I got when I was there I think a fair amount of clincal and volunteering experience is a pre-req, but also are interesting life experiences. If I remember correctly the MD class has almost an average age of 25 so a ton of people have taken time off and done other things. This could be another reason not to try to graduate in 3 yrs. You may get more responses about how to pass the original screening in th pre-MD forum. good luck.

Ok, here are a few more questions I have...
- overall, how many schools did you guys end up applying to?
- what kind of clinical and volunteering experience do i need to pass the initial MD screening?
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! 😀