so, decided not to do mstp

[JLC]

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just got my mcat score back and was happy with it, but was talking to a friend who applied mstp last year (and had a very very sucessful cycle) and realized I was really only 50% sure I wanted to get MD/Phd.

My friend who got into many top mstp programs but ultimately accepted a MD only program at Stanford and I were talking and it seemed that MSTP is just...a really long program and while there are so many benefits to going to MSTP, I could probably continue my research interest with a MD.

On the other hand, I'll see if there are any awsome labs where I go to school (if I get in) that I would really love to try and get a Phd and perhaps try and get in my second year.

In anycase good luck to all of you guys.

 

[Neuronix]

I wonder if I know the guy you're talking about. In any case, California residents are an odd breed. I've had many stay with me over the years and most tell me we're a backup in case they don't get in anywhere in California. Some of the more talented ones even end up on the acceptance list, but they never come back to second look. It's not an uncommon story to see someone take MD-only in California just because it's California and not take MD/PhD even at top east coast schools. I even know a student here who was always unhappy they couldn't stay back in California. Is California a magical fairy land? Should I be trying to move there like everyone else?

Of course this doesn't apply to everyone. I do know a couple people who are happily here from California 😉

But that's an odd tangent. I hope you've made an informed decision. Good luck!

 

[Newquagmire]

Is California a magical fairy land? Should I be trying to move there like everyone else?

Yes and not unless you're very wealthy.

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/top25s/housing/pricey.html

 

[Vader]

I wonder if I know the guy you're talking about. In any case, California residents are an odd breed. I've had many stay with me over the years and most tell me we're a backup in case they don't get in anywhere in California. Some of the more talented ones even end up on the acceptance list, but they never come back to second look. It's not an uncommon story to see someone take MD-only in California just because it's California and not take MD/PhD even at top east coast schools. I even know a student here who was always unhappy they couldn't stay back in California. Is California a magical fairy land? Should I be trying to move there like everyone else?

Of course this doesn't apply to everyone. I do know a couple people who are happily here from California 😉

But that's an odd tangent. I hope you've made an informed decision. Good luck!

Come try it for residency! 😉

 

[JLC]

actually my friend isn't a california resident

but I think I'm making the right choice, I'm actually more terrified of droppint MSTP if I could get into one.

 

[Doctor&Geek]

Come try it for residency! 😉

You're alive!

 

[Neuronix]

Come try it for residency! 😉

Hey there stranger! 😀

I am considering California for residency. Unfortunately, so is everyone else

 

[Vader]

You're alive!

I feel as though I've been burned head-to-toe in liquid magma and lost my soul to the dark side... thank goodness 3rd year clerkships are done! 😉

4th year is a whole lot better and I feel as though I may have a chance of returning to the good side...

 

[Vader]

Hey there stranger! 😀

I am considering California for residency. Unfortunately, so is everyone else

Coming from Penn MSTP you'll likely have your choice!

For the OP, if you are only 50% sure right now, I can almost guarantee you that you will be -50% sure a couple of years into it. If you don't get jaded by graduate school, 3rd year clerkships will definitely finish the job!