rec letter submissions

[Mr. Tee]

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How exactly does the MSTP application process work? Is there a supplemental app on the AMCAS, or is everything MSTP-related relegated to the individual secondaries? Specifically, the rec letters: I assume that MSTP programs want letters from all PIs that you've worked with?

I'm taking the April MCAT and applying this summer, so I'd like to get my rec letters done sometime soon. So the pre-med committee requires 5 faculty letters, and the pre-med advisor writes a 6th cover letter. Should my research PIs have their letters be a part of this 5, or are there supplemental MSTP apps in which the research rec letters would need to be a part of?

 

[hawkeey]

How exactly does the MSTP application process work? Is there a supplemental app on the AMCAS, or is everything MSTP-related relegated to the individual secondaries? Specifically, the rec letters: I assume that MSTP programs want letters from all PIs that you've worked with?

I'm taking the April MCAT and applying this summer, so I'd like to get my rec letters done sometime soon. So the pre-med committee requires 5 faculty letters, and the pre-med advisor writes a 6th cover letter. Should my research PIs have their letters be a part of this 5, or are there supplemental MSTP apps in which the research rec letters would need to be a part of?

1. You apply via the AMCAS. When you indicate on the AMCAS that you are applying for MD/PhD programs then an MD/PhD essay appears and a research essay appears.

2. Individual schools have their own policies of handling things after you have completed the AMCAS. Some schools do not require any more material other than your recommendations (ie. UT Southwestern). Some schools make their secondary application freely available to all who want it (ie. Northwestern). Other schools do some screening and then ask you to submit a secondary application.

3. The recommendations letters should definitely contain letters from your PIs. Research experience is a very important qualification for entering an MD/PhD requirement. Schools will also want to know about your clinical experiences. Others will want to know about your other talents. Try to get all the perspectives in.

4. The recommendation letters are usually sent with the supplemental application, but you need to check with the individual programs. Call them if you are unsure. Call them later to make sure they received all your materials. Do not be shy.