timelines

[randallB]

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Hi all,

What are the timelines for applying MD/PhD. Our PHA advisor recommended having our AAMC app finished by either June 1 or July 1. I still don't have a good sense as to the timelines for the process. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[ninebillion]

I think conventional wisdom holds that AMCAS should be submitted as early as possible, between early June and mid July so that AAMC will process it sooner. Some secondary applications (Baylor comes to mind) are already available, but others will start to come in shortly after you submit AMCAS. Those should be finished quickly, as well, since interviews are offered on a rolling basis.

I'm in the same situation as you. I really need to get my AMCAS out. Good luck with everything! 🙂

 

[huknows00]

Hi, I decided to be pre-med a little too late (junior year) and still haven't taken my Orgos yet. My pre-med advisor told me that I can take the Orgo lab(which is a one semester course) during the Fall Semester of the year that I will be applying. I just wanted to know if this is ok with md/phd programs? Do they frown upon it? Also, I have AP's for two Physics credits, is it ok if I take my additional physics as I am applying also?

 

[randallB]

I would try to have all of your premed courses finished before applying. A number of MD/PhD applicants take time off to do research (1-2 yrs), so this would give you the additional time needed to finish your reqs. Good luck!

Hi, I decided to be pre-med a little too late (junior year) and still haven't taken my Orgos yet. My pre-med advisor told me that I can take the Orgo lab(which is a one semester course) during the Fall Semester of the year that I will be applying. I just wanted to know if this is ok with md/phd programs? Do they frown upon it? Also, I have AP's for two Physics credits, is it ok if I take my additional physics as I am applying also?

 

[huknows00]

Thanks. I think I'll have enough research experience before I graduate, but I just want make sure if it's essential to finish all of the course equirements before I apply or if I can take them (orgo lab) as I apply. This would make a big difference to my application strategy.

 

[randallB]

I think your situation may be influenced by your previous performance in pre-med courses. If you've demonstrated that you can perform well in such courses, applying without having them finished might not be a problem. Personally though, since mstp positions are so very competitive, I would rather wait and have more good grades on my transcript before applying. Not having those courses finished may be one reason to deny you a position when there are other qualified candidates who have already taken them. Good luck again!

 

[vixey1230]

Either all or almost all of the schools require prereqs to be finished before 'matriculation'. Meaning you're welcome to take whatever you want during the process of application. However, you may be at a disadvantage when compared to other applicants who have finished their requirements. It's impossible to tell what the adcoms will think.

I would say that if you were talking about extra courses in upper division (biochem, cell bio, etc) for prereqs, these are less of a concern. But orgo is something you need before taking the MCAT. So I would hold off, take the orgo, study for the MCAT, and next year when you've taken the April/June MCAT, you can start applications.