<p>I am very early in the applying to graduate/professional school process, but I definitely know that I want to pursue a degree higher than my bachelors. I'm majoring in engineering, and am interested in continuing toward a PhD. At the same time, I do well in science and am a people person- I think I would be a good doctor, and I'm certainly interested in that branch of science.</p>
<p>Should I be spending the next few years as an undergraduate deciding which of the two I definitely want to pursue? It seems like applying to both would give me a better chance of getting into one or the other, but at the same time I would probably benefit from narrowing my focus. </p>
<p>Is it uncommon/unheard of to apply for med schools and PhD programs at the same time?</p>
<p>
[quote]
Is it uncommon/unheard of to apply for med schools and PhD programs at the same time?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Well, I would say it is quite rare simply because both require a huge amount of commitment. Getting a PhD is not a light matter. You should only get one if that's your true calling in life. It requires a passion for your field. While that passion is not mutually exclusive with medicine, I'd say that would be a very unusual combination. </p>
<p>There's nothing to preclude you from applying to both PhD engineering programs and medicine at the same time. However, both application processes are pretty demanding (with entrance tests, recommendation letters, essays, interviews, and all the soul-searching necessary to make the decision on where to go, etc.). If you don't have 100% commitment and drive, I think most people (and admissions committees) will see through it. </p>
<p>I think you gotta decide what you really want. I think only then will it make sense for you. It's 2AM where I am... and obviously I'm just killing time.. but I'm also doing work... However, I can live with that knowing I'm doing something I care about. Who knows, maybe you are a rare individual that truly does enjoy medicine equally with engineering. </p>
<p>However, you should think about why you really want to get that PhD. If it's just because you have a strong need to be called Doctor, or for the job opportunities (ha!) .. then perhaps you should re-evaluate your decisions.</p>
<p>
[quote]
Is it uncommon/unheard of to apply for med schools and PhD programs at the same time?
[/quote]
No, that's why people apply to MD/PhD programs.</p>
<p>I agree with sky that most people would benefit from choosing either an MD track or a PhD track -- the MD/PhD option is not for the faint of heart.</p>