<p>I have a quick question after reading some profiles from mdapplicants. I saw some that were applying for MSTP programs get accepted to MD/PHD from some universities and get accepted to MD programs for others.</p>
<p>My question is, did these people apply to some schools just for the MD program as a "plan B" or are schools willing to deny someone from entry to a MD/PHD program but offer admission to the MD program?</p>
<p>In a more simple form: If I apply to a school for a MD/PHD program and don't get accepted, will they still consider me for the MD program?</p>
<p>Yes, that's the way it works. Denied MSTP applicants are shuffled off into the MD admissions pile.</p>
<p>However, I will warn you that if you are waitlisted as an MSTP, and you don't get it, that may imply that you were likely to get an MD-only application through. In some situations, then, it's still possible to harm yourself by applying MSTP.</p>
<p>Well, for my specific situation, having 2 MS degrees, one in Electrical Engineering and one in Biomedical Engineering (in progress). It may be best that I just do the MD and in the future just apply for a Biomedical Engineering PHD program directly since that will only take 2 more years because I will already have a Masters in this field?</p>
<p>Or is there a benefit of doing the MD/PHD combined rather than seperately?</p>
<p>MSTP will be fully funded by the NIH - tuition-free with a small stipend. Not sure how long the PhD would take in an MSTP program.</p>
<p>Word on the street is that MSTP programs usually try to put MD/PhD students in labs where they are sure to have a relatively snag-free thesis project and are able to finish the PhD in four years flat (the average time to PhD in the biological sciences is currently between five and six years).</p>
<p>Right - I'm not sure how long it would take for the OP, though, given the two master's degrees. My suspicion is that it wouldn't speed him up any, so MD/PhD takes him the full eight years - but I'm not sure about that.</p>