Rejected from MSTP -> PhD as well?

[Angaria]

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After getting rejected from the MD/PhD programs of two top (neuro) schools, I'm wondering if it makes sense to apply for the pure PhD program. I would be happy doing "just" a PhD at either one of these places, but depending on how the admin processes work, it seems I may have been functionally turned down already. MD/PhD admissions are really not going well at this point - I'm the 3.6 36T of "appealing Stanford." I turned down a full undergrad scholarship to one of these places, which may not be helping matters. Appreciate any thoughts.

 

[StanfordGirl]

After getting rejected from the MD/PhD programs of two top (neuro) schools, I’m wondering if it makes sense to apply for the pure PhD program. I would be happy doing “just” a PhD at either one of these places, but depending on how the admin processes work, it seems I may have been functionally turned down already. MD/PhD admissions are really not going well at this point - I’m the 3.6 36T of “appealing Stanford.” I turned down a full undergrad scholarship to one of these places, which may not be helping matters. Appreciate any thoughts.

Hi Angaria,

I'm sorry to hear about your top two neuro choices. I can sympathize with your situation. Actually, if I hadn't gotten into one of my top 5 neuro MSTP choices, I would have probably gone for the PhD at one of those schools instead of an MSTP elsewhere. I guess what it comes down to is how much you value the PhD relative to the MD. The PhD was (and still is) my favorite part--I love being in the lab and doing research and I'm not even sure that I will ever practice medicine--so for me it would have been an obvious choice to choose one of my top choice neuro PhD programs over getting an MD. That said, you really don't have to go to a top neuro school to get excellent graduate school training. It's mainly about the PI, not the school.

I wouldn't worry too much about the fact that you turned down an undergrad scholarship to one of these schools. The undergrad/med-grad admissions processes are almost always independent of one another.

Best of luck with whatever you choose. Let me know if you have any questions that I might be able to help with.

 

[Neuronix]

If you go through with the traditional MD/PhD route, you'll always have the option to get whatever residency and fellowship you want to get the big name training you desire. Personally, I would focus more on the big name stuff then, rather than having to go to a top neuro school now, but to each their own. I couldn't NOT be in medical school, but if the PhD route is an option for you than it's up to you...

Even if you're at a school that's not particularly well known for neuro, you can still do neuro work. The goal in the MD/PhD program in my eyes is to get trained, not necessarily to work for the biggest name researchers on the planet.

 

[Vader]

If you are much more focused on research, as you sound, and may not ever practice medicine, go for the top neuro PhD program. Your PI's name in the field is a really important factor in getting postdoctoral fellowships. In addition, a top neuro program would likely allow you to choose among top researchers in the field.

If, on the other hand, you are interested in combining a clinical and research career, then an MD/PhD program (even one that is not tops in neuro) would be ideally suited for you.

Don't get discouraged quite yet... I imagine you applied to other programs, so it is probably best to wait and see at this point. Remember, if you get into an MD-only program, you could apply second-cycle to get into the MD/PhD program (if this is the route you really want to go).

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[Angaria]

Thanks for the replies. I'm getting the idea that MSTP rejection does not imply PhD rejection, so I'll continue chugging with the SoP's.

 

[Neuronix]

I'm getting the idea that MSTP rejection does not imply PhD rejection

Not at all. MD/PhD programs are MUCH more competitive. It's rare that a PhD program blocks an applicant from a MD/PhD program. Though remember you have to fill out separate applications for PhD programs and the timelines for MD/PhD and PhD acceptances and decisions are completely different. You'll have to commit to one (I forget which) before you know much about the other.