Should I switch to MD-only

[lxz]

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I am a non-Canadian applicant in this cycle. I have applied to quite a few MD-PhD programs among other MD-only programs. But so far, I only received a couple of interview invites from non-NIH-funded MD-PhD programs. I have contacted other MSTP admission offices, and they suggested me to wait since my application is on hold/still under review (complete since July). I understand that as an international student, I am not eligible for any NIH fundings. Is this the implicit reason why they keep my application on hold? Should I just go ahead and switch to MD-only, and work my way into MSTP after 1st year of medical school? Thanks!

 

[Lil Mick]

MSTPs are funded by the NIH at American schools, not Canadian schools (not being Canadian shouldn't hurt you as long as you're a US student).

 

[HumanBean]

My guess is that you meant to say "non-canadian international applicant."

You might want to send the directors of the MSTP's a quick email asking if your international status disqualifies you from admittance to an MSTP.

I was under the impression that most of the non-NIH funded MD-PhD dual degree programs still cover the costs of tuition and provide you with a stipend comparable to the MSTPs. So I don't think financial reasons should deter you from the non-NIH funded MD-PhD programs.

Switching to MD-only and then applying internally to an MSTP might not be possible. I was under the impression that when you matriculate to medical school in another state, you can't transfer your residency status to that of your medical school... otherwise everyone would pay in-state tuition. The rules might be different for international applicants.

I would suggest scheduling an appointment with the director of an MSTP and getting your specific questions directly from that source.

Best of luck!

 

[lxz]

Thanks! Yeah, I meant non-Canadian int'l student I've checked admission policies of MSTP in terms of int'l students. We are eligible but not preferred, since the school will figure out a way to fund you. And in this economy, most schools will find themselves reluctant to do so. I am eligible for non-NIH funded MD-PhD program, but those programs are not my "preferred" ones. As an int'l student, I will pay OOS tuition no matter what. 🙁

My guess is that you meant to say "non-canadian international applicant."

You might want to send the directors of the MSTP's a quick email asking if your international status disqualifies you from admittance to an MSTP.

I was under the impression that most of the non-NIH funded MD-PhD dual degree programs still cover the costs of tuition and provide you with a stipend comparable to the MSTPs. So I don't think financial reasons should deter you from the non-NIH funded MD-PhD programs.

Switching to MD-only and then applying internally to an MSTP might not be possible. I was under the impression that when you matriculate to medical school in another state, you can't transfer your residency status to that of your medical school... otherwise everyone would pay in-state tuition. The rules might be different for international applicants.

I would suggest scheduling an appointment with the director of an MSTP and getting your specific questions directly from that source.

Best of luck!

 

[miz]

Wash U in St Louis and Columbia do not discriminate at all against non-US students, I believe. So your chances there are as good as any American citizen applying, in principle anyhow.

 

[miz]

ps- congrats on Vandy!

 

[lxz]

Wash U in St Louis and Columbia do not discriminate at all against non-US students, I believe. So your chances there are as good as any American citizen applying, in principle anyhow.

ps- congrats on Vandy!

Thanks! I just got rejected by WashU, post-interview. I didn't like it there, and apparently they didn't like me either. Columbia is hard on scores too, so I decided not to waste my money on it. 🙂 For now, I'll just go wherever my life takes me, whether MD/PhD or just MD.