Chances of getting in to MD/PhD Programs

Pre-Med & Medical School Multiple Degree Programs
1

<p>Hey guys.</p>

<p>I am currently a senior undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota. I am an INTERNATIONAL STUDENT from the Philippines and I am getting a BA in Biology here at the UofM in the Spring of 2012. I am thinking of applying to MD/PhD programs for admission in Fall 2012. I would really appreciate it if you guys can look at my stats and tell me what you think of my application. Thanks!</p>

<p>Overall GPA: 3.4 (Upward Trend, range:3.0 to 3.8)
Science GPA: 3.4 (Upward Trend, range: 3.0 to 3.7)
Non-Science GPA: 3.9 (Consistent Trend, range: 3.7 to 4.0)</p>

<p>MCAT (practice test):
Biological Sciences: 12
Physical Sciences: 11
English:11
MCAT Cumulative: 34</p>

<p>Recommendations:
1 Professor (Research Adviser for 1.5 years)
1 Associate Professor (Research Adviser for 1+ years)
1 Associate Professor (Neuroscience Professor, got an A)
1 Assistant Professor (Research Mentor and later Adviser for a total of 1.5 years)</p>

<p>I specifically asked these professors if they can write me a GREAT LETTER and if they have any reservations in recommending me. They all promised of writing me a GREAT LETTER.</p>

<p>Research Experience:
At the time of application: 2.5 years (including summers)
1 conference publication
1 4th Author pub in a decent journal
1 1st Author pub under review (hopefully will get accepted!)</p>

<p>Extra Curricular Activities:
Senior Volunteer at 2 Hospitals in the Philippines for 1 year each (before coming to US to finish Bachelor's degree)
Shadowed a Cardiothoracic Surgeon and was present during many of his surgeries</p>

<p>I am thinking of applying to universities like the ff.:</p>

<p>U of Minnesota
U of Wisconsin
U of Michigan
U of Washington
Cornell
Dartmouth
Einstein College of Medicine
NYU
U of Utah
U of Pennsylvania</p>

<p>If you can suggest schools that are known to accept international students like me,please let me know!</p>

<p>As for the interview, I spoke to several professors here at my university and they told me that my ability to discuss my research experience and to convey my research interests in a clear and interesting way would serve me well in my interviews.</p>

<p>Please let me know what you guys think! Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I don’t know much about med school admissions but your MCAT score is great! That will help a lot, but your science GPA may weigh you down… MD/PhD programs are all about the ability to juggle med school with a strenuous research program in attempting a PhD, so it is definitely helpful you have lab experience. But the people who can really tell you your chances are professors and advisors at your school.</p>

3

<p>You are going to have an uphill battle because:

  1. A 3.4 is below average for MD/PhD
  2. 34 is average for all MD/PhD programs, and below average for the top-20 MSTP
  3. You’re an international student and many grants that fund MD/PhD programs do not fund international students. Thus, it can be tricky to find funding for an international student and many programs choose not to bother trying at all.
  4. Most everyone has “GREAT” letters</p>

<p>I would suggest checking SDN MD/PhD forums for better information and for MD/PhD programs that are friendly to international students!</p>

4

<p>First of all, you need to check which programs admit international students. Buy the MSAR.</p>

<p>Secondly, you do realize that it is already well into the application season for Fall 2012, right? If you haven’t applied yet, then you’re going to need to wait until June to submit an application for Fall 2013.</p>