What ECs do you really need?

[Neuralicious]

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Hi all,

So I am currently a sophomore who was admitted into 2 top PharmD programs.
But after shadowing pharmacists I realized it's not at all what I want to do.

I have been doing research since the spring semester of the freshman year (1 credit) in chemistry, and have been doing researching in biochemistry my sophomore year (4 credits) which I plan on continuing (I first volunteered in this lab over the freshman/sophomore summer for over 200 hours - he wouldn't take me into the lab otherwise... being a freshman).

Now I know that research is by far the most important aspect in the application to MD/PhD programs, but what else are schools really looking for.
I have read the stickied guide too, so please don't just quote that for me...

Ideally, I don't care what MSTP I am admitted to, as long as I can get into one with research topics in biochemistry that interest me. Obviously when it comes to 2 great schools whom I am both interested in, I will choose the higher ranked program.

Some other things I plan on doing/signed up for:
TA in a cell bio enrichment seminar this upcoming spring
Researching in biochemistry/biophysics - planning on continuing this until I graduate / can manage to write a paper 🙂thumbup:👍👍 WOO!)
Hopefully can volunteer at a research hospital near us this summer for about 100 hours
My GPA should be fine (3.92ish BCPM) - I go to a large state school (school name doesn't matter though, but just wanted to clarify that I don't go to a big name school)

I have seen some MD profiles of previously accepted MSTP students and their list of ECs is very daunting to me... given my few ECs

So let me know guys!


P.S. I have a question - what is really the difference between an MSTP student and an MD who chooses to do clinical research. Because ideally I would like to be the type of scientist that works with genetic expressions with E.Coli & then how to translate that into a more clinical approach. I see the MD degree as a valuable way to gain knowledge to use in research.

 

[ImagineThis]

Now I know that research is by far the most important aspect in the application to MD/PhD programs

This is certainly true and your research sounds on target here. Just make sure that you keep it up, understand everything that you do and why you do it, and that you are fully able to explain it to other people. Some independence here (e.g. an honors thesis) would help a lot too as would some poster presentations/publications if this would be possible.

Obviously when it comes to 2 great schools whom I am both interested in, I will choose the higher ranked program.

I think this is misguided. First of all, what rankings are you referring to? Because most of the people here generally agree that there are no solidified ranking of MD/PhD programs. Granted, the US News is probably a good ballpark approximation, but that doesn't mean that picking a program ranked #21 over a program ranked #15 is crazy, even if they both have research that fits your interests. Other things matter such as location, the "feel" of the program, whether or not you think the structure of the program matches your interests (an example here is Yale where if you need more structure, the program is not for you), and where you are most excited by the faculty and the research taking place. I would argue that this last point is not simply a "yup, they have my research," but a "wow, this program has many more faculty who I really like and could see myself working with than this other program, and they seem really excited to work with me." In that sense, it is much more of a continuum.

but what else are schools really looking for.

I think the answer to this certainly involves some clinical experience (volunteering/shadowing/etc) which you can use to answer the question "well, why do you want an MD as well?" or "describe what made you interested in combining research and medicine." I think this is generally a must have, though there are certainly some exceptions. Other than this, I really feel that is important to have things that you ENJOY doing that can show that you are just a normal person. Think about it. Schools have tons of applicants with high GPA/MCAT and great research. Do something that will help to tell your story and give them a sense of who you are. The more you stand out and the more interesting your story is, the better. Granted, this won't get you into a program by itself, but if all the other pieces are there (especially research) it can give you an edge.

P.S. I have a question - what is really the difference between an MSTP student and an MD who chooses to do clinical research. Because ideally I would like to be the type of scientist that works with genetic expressions with E.Coli & then how to translate that into a more clinical approach. I see the MD degree as a valuable way to gain knowledge to use in research.

So MSTP's are in existence to develop primarily basic science research. That is not to say that the research cannot be translational (e.g. identifying pathways that could be used as drug targets), in fact, that seems to be encouraged, but things like drug development or running clinical trials are generally outside the traditional realm of an MSTP. So studying genetic expressions of E.Coli would certainly seem within the realm of an MSTP, as would finding ways in which it would be possible to translate into a clinical approach. However, actually doing the clinical trials or trying it out in a human population is more fit for an MD degree alone and the PhD wouldn't really be necessary.

I hope this helps.