should I apply only to MD/PhD programs?

[jc235693]

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I have been hesitant to making one of these what are my chances topics, but as I start applying I am getting worried about whether or not I should hedge my bets by applying to some programs for only MD or only PhD.

Anyway my app in brief
sGPA-3.9 (1 A- in physics I), overall GPA 3.9 (A- from physics and B+ from a politics class)
MCAT- 36R (11V, 12PS, 13BS)

Research 4 semesters so far and will do an honors thesis next year, last summer worked on a project I designed and won a grant for, and this summer am working in a large lab at a different university than where I attend. Submitted one paper for publication of which I am first author

I am the 1st Lieutenant of my college EMS squad, and EMT for college ice hockey team

I am also a tutor and have held some other random jobs/clubs of little importance

I really want to do an MD/PhD but am worried I may not get in anywhere and be screwed by not applying to single degree programs of which I would have a better chance to get in. I have professors pushing me towards doing only PhD programs and parents pushing me towards MD only. Let me know what you think and what you would do, apply to only MD/PhD, or apply to other types of programs as well. Thanks!

 

[Neuronix]

I really want to do an MD/PhD but am worried I may not get in anywhere

Why? By my rule of thumb guide:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=539268

You have two excellents and a good, maybe even an excellent in the research category by the time you apply. Your chances of success seem very high. Is there something else you're not telling us, or are you just being paranoid for no reason?

Unless you really aren't sure, don't apply to MD only programs. You'll get MD only consideration when you apply MD/PhD anyway and if you apply to some programs MD only it hurts your chances at MD/PhD programs because you just don't look committed to the MD/PhD pathway. "Did you apply MD/PhD everywhere?" is a weed out question that comes up at interviews. I only encourage people to take that risk in certain circumstances, such as reapplicants, long-shot MD/PhD applications, or strict location preferences.

 

[jc235693]

I didn't realize not applying only dual degree would raise questions. Guess I'm just paranoid probably around to many people who are like it doesn't matter how good your grades are everyone else has them too so you better be prepared for rejection. Thanks for the advice!

 

[URHere]

Guess I'm just paranoid probably around to many people who are like it doesn't matter how good your grades are everyone else has them too so you better be prepared for rejection.

Not all MD/PhD applicants have impressive applications, but your statement does become more true as you move into interviews. Yes, some of your fellow interviewees will have very impressive records - but keep in mind that you do as well.

Some applicants will have a lower MCAT score than yours, some will have a lower GPA or less time in research. The fact that all three of those areas are strong on your application gives you an early advantage - it is your job to make sure that you interview and write well enough to keep that advantage.

If you are certain that you want to go the MD/PhD route, you don't need to apply MD-only unless you are terrible with interviewers or unable to discuss what you have done in lab. Your stats and research won't hold you back. Just apply broadly and give it your all.