NIH OxCam MD/PhD program competitiveness

[herm208]

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I was curious if anyone had any insight into how competitive the NIH OxCam program is for track 1 applicants (those applying to start as MS1s)? I understand that you have to be accepted into a partnering MSTP first, but I was curious how much more competitive (in terms of stats, research experience, etc) this program is compared to getting into a MSTP to start with? Thanks!

 

[mdphdapplicant1]

I spoke to a track 1 OxCam scholar and they had lower than average stats for their MSTP program (Top 15-30). This person said it was not that competitive, but they had also spent 2 years as an NIH Postbac.

I believe if you have a compelling partnership proposal, then it would increase your chances. If you're choosing from one of the existing partnership projects, then that may help as well.

Disclaimer: Just an anecdotal view given my relationship with a current OxCam scholar.

 

[pcsrkkhlt]

I would say getting into OxCam via Track 1 is at least as competitive, if not more competitive, than getting into an MSTP. Track 1 only has about 4 slots a year, chosen from about 16 interviewees. As alluded to above, painting a picture of what a project would look like or who potential PIs could be, or describing your desire to join an existing project on their website, can also help.

 

[MSTPadvocate]

keep in mind that not all MSTPs participate in the OxCam program.

 

[Fencer]

... and some but not all of the participating MSTPs provide the supplement to bridge NIH stipend and tuition to 100% of the institution. In some cases, with private school, tuition would be tens of thousands of dollars of gap x 4 years.