Need Help with School List

[Hotshy]

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Hi Everyone,

I'm having a hard time with school lists for next years application cycle. But first some background;

I went into college with the intention to apply is only MD. But after some suggestions from my pre-med advisor and spending the last 6 months in research (and also talking to some MD/PhD students), I've decided I want to apply as an MD/PhD applicant.

Major: Molecular Biology

GPA: 4.0 (going into the junior year)

MCAT: Guessing 34-36 range (less than 3 weeks for scores to come back ) (Assume a 34 MCAT for your considerations)

ECs: Plenty of clinical experience, community services and leadership experience as I planned to be an MD applicant.

Research: Will have 1 year + 1 summer in the same lab at my undergrad instituion and 1 summer (full time) at an academic medical center's lab when I apply.

Expecting a strong LOR from the PI at undergrad institution since he has already tried to convince me into becoming a PhD student in his lab after I finish undergrad. Also expecting an extremely strong committee letter and a moderately strong LOR from the PI at the academic medical center.

So my question is: What are some low to mid tier MSTP programs that you think I would be competitive at given my stats/background?

 

[PfNO22]

So my question is: What are some low to mid tier MSTP programs that you think I would be competitive at given my stats/background?

Every single one. You are good!

 

[EsseQuamVideri]

You have a perfect GPA, 34 is a good score for MD/Ph.D (won't disqualify you anywhere), but your research is a little weak. With your grades, I wouldn't say any school is impossible. Make sure you diversify your schools just to be sure. Don't be afraid for top 20's though.

I use the Neuronix method: NIH funding by school (roughly USNWR rankings) divided into top 20, bottom 20, all non MSTP.

I feel confident that you could get an MSTP should you choose.

 

[Neuronix]

I never assume MCAT scores. Any assumption before they come back probably has a standard deviation of about 5 in my experience as moderator. And I don't mean 5 down, some people do a lot better then they expect. Otherwise your app seems pretty solid.

I use the Neuronix method: NIH funding by school (roughly USNWR rankings) divided into top 20, bottom 20, all non MSTP.

Just so we're clear on one minor point, you can get NIH funding by medical school. In past years if you did this, Harvard Med would come out #18. They only have over 1 billion dollars in combined funding if you count all their affiliates, which is what USNews does to come up with their rankings. This is the biggest factor for the research ranking, which lends it some validity for MD/PhD students IMO.