De-mystifying the MD/PhD application process

MD/PhD admissions

How to make yourself a desirable candidate

The hard part is over.  After much though and deliberation, you’ve decided to pursue an MD/PhD program as part of your training (After reading our previous post, “What are MD/PhD  programs and are they for you”, of course).  Now, how do you ensure that you get that coveted spot.  Having gone through the process myself, I recall wondering how admissions committees distinguished individuals among the hordes of qualified applicants.  At times, it felt that admissions committees just threw darts at a board papered with our photos, to choose the next cohort of physician scientists.  After being closely associated with the admissions process for several years, I’ve seen a few successful candidates (and an even greater number of disasters).  This has led to an understanding of what makes a strong (and ultimately successful application).

The BEST candidates have a strong research background

Remember that the mission of these programs is to train the next generation of physician-scientists.  Poised at the interface between basic research and medicine, these professionals will translate discoveries at the bench to direct changes in patient care at the bedside.  First things first, you NEED research experience.  How could you possible commit to something you’ve never tried?  The first step in showing a commitment to a research career, is to do a significant stint in research.  I’m often asked, how to get involved in research.  There are three main ways in which you can get a strong research background.

  1. E-mail principal investigators and let them know you’re interested

Look around your home institution for individuals doing work that may interest you.  Most professors are eager to have you.  And why not?  You’re eager, free, and in need of a mentor.  I can tell you from experience that this works, as I began my research career as an undergraduate with a simple email to my mentor.

  2.Participate in a summer program

Not everyone wants to do research during the year.  But, there are plenty of summer programs which will allow you to do research over a summer in the lab.  If you go this route, your application would benefit from several summers spent doing research (as a single summer just isn’t going to strengthen your application).  One of the advantages of these programs is that they are often competitive, and so gaining acceptance really gives you a leg up.  In addition some of these programs allow you to carry out research somewhere other than your home institution.  This a great chance to travel elsewhere, meet new people, and immerse yourself in a new location.  The SURF program and the Amgen Scholars program are just a few of these programs.

  3. Take time off after college

Recently, the trend among program candidates is to take one or more years off after college to do full time research.  This is looked upon favorably admissions committees and I can say from personal experience that this really strengthened my own application.  Why is this so favorable?  Having a full time research experience gives you a sense of what graduate school will be like (its joys, failures, and frustrations).  You’re training is an investment and so they want to make sure that you’ll be in it for the long haul, even when it gets hard (which it will!).  A significant full time experience means you probably won’t run screaming from the lab after a few months with little or no productivity.  In addition, a long term experience ensures that you’ll  get a significant amount of work done, which  may lead to a publication in a scientific journal.

On that note, let me take the time to debunk a myth that I have found to be common among applicants with regards to publications.  NO, you do not need a publication to gain acceptance, and indeed only 15% of applicants have one.

You NEED a good MCAT score and undergraduate GPA

Some of us aren’t great test takes.  Unfortunately, you’ve got to go up against those that are.  The high caliber of the students applying is clear from the statistics.

  1. Overall, in 2011, the average MCAT score was a 34 and the average GPA was a 3.8
  2. When you look at some of the top schools, its pretty clear these candidates are serious
    1. Columbia average MCAT was 38 and average GPA 3.80
    2. Cornell average MCAT was 35 and average GPA 3.7
    3. Johns Hopkins average MCAT was 38 and average GPA was 3.94
    4. Washington University in St. Louis average MCAT was 36 and average GPA 3.8
 

Although, no one will say so, the admissions committee will use these scores as an initial screening process.  If you don’t measure up, you run the risk of having your application being overlooked (unless you’ve got something else to capture their attention in your application).  Also, past success is an indication of future success.  The committee needs to feel like they are making a good investment in you.  Having gone through this process and as a NYC MCAT tutor, I can say that virtually EVERYONE utilizes these test prep services.  These programs can help you learn how to take a test like this, and maximize your score to ensure consideration by the admissions committee.

Letters of Recommendation say A LOT (not all of it is good)!

On paper, one candidate can be indistinguishable from another.  Letters of recommendation can give real insight into a students potential to become a successful physician-scientist.  But be warned, in some instances they can do more harm then good.  Make sure that you ask for recommendations from individuals who known you.  Don’t ask those professors in whose classes you got a good grade, but barely know your name.  Recommendations need to be personal, and give a real snapshot into what kind of student you are.  In my experience, I’ve seen applications with letters that were vague, and hastily written by a professor who is essentially a stranger.  Admissions committees will read these letters, and not give them another thought.  The best recommendations are those that SHOW don’t TELL what an amazing scientist you are and how amazing you can be, and these only come from people who know you.  Also, if possible, make sure that most of your recommendations are coming from research mentors.  This doesn’t have to just be the professor who runs the lab, but could also come from postdoctoral fellows with whom you work with closely.  Anyone who can speak to your passion for research will be helpful.  On a more practical note, please give your recommenders ample time to complete these recommendations.  No one, no matter how good you are, can write a letter a day before the deadline.

These are the aspects that you can control, to strengthen your application.  Research is the key, and your application materials need to speak to your passion for science, and your desire to pursue a career as a physician scientist. MD/PhD application consulting could be very useful, allowing you to highlight the important parts of your application that show your dedication to this career path, and your potential for future success.

GOOD LUCK with the process, enjoy it, and keep up with the blog for more about MD/PhD programs!

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