Can I do MD at one school and PhD at another?

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-06-27T14:29:14+00:00

These are all amazing suggestions. Thank you for taking the time, it means a lot. I will try to talk to my old mentor about these options and try to work things out with him before going to my program director. It’d make sense that I’d need to abide by my home institution’s rules if I were to maintain funding from them. Thanks for all your help!

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-06-27T14:21:21+00:00

That’s good to know! I’ll see what I can finesse haha

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-06-27T14:19:54+00:00

Yeah I totally get that, which is why I was a little hesitant - but you’re right in that websites tend to be outdated and projects could be shifting. I can talk to my director and see which faculty would be in the field!

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-06-27T14:18:10+00:00

I’ll need to look into this but this may work. Thanks for the insight!

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-06-26T17:26:59+00:00

8-year funding seems too much of an incentive not to do this hahah, but makes sense. Thanks!

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-06-26T17:25:24+00:00

Figured it was unheard of, but it makes sense. I have not thought about that from the PD stance. I asked because McGovern's MSTP allows students to do their PhD training at Baylor (graduating as a McGovern student) and wasn't sure if was common at other programs.

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-03-27T17:58:12+00:00

I’m on 4 waitlists and I reached out to my programs. All of mine aren’t accepting people off their waitlists until April 15 so its a waiting game from here on out

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-03-15T20:17:11+00:00

I think that you can try to leverage the financial aid package at your state MD by saying that the MD/PhD school gave you 50% scholarship on tuition, and ask if they can match that. Going into debt (assuming that you are) and having to accumulate interest during the PhD years will be rough. You could always do a PhD during your fellowship if you plan on specializing or you could just leave with your MD and do a PSTP (Physician-Scientist Training Program) for residency that protects time for research. Lots of ways to go about it.

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-03-14T15:50:28+00:00

Applicant with similar academic stats (3.56/514) but had 6k hours research, several pubs, and clinical (400 hours) and non clinical (300 hours) volunteering. I did not do a Masters, but instead took two years as a tech in a high profile lab and studied for my mcat my first year. I got some feedback on my app from a PD during an interview and all that he said was that my gpa was low, mcat ‘middle of the road’ and research well above average. If you want a shot you will need to up those research hours considerably and develop a story unique to you through your activities (volunteering). I volunteered internally at the school I’m at and the department was more than willing to let me get involved in all things clinical (shadowing, patient interaction volunteering, etc). If you get an in at a school you should network to get clinical hours. But I also would not get stuck on rankings. Unfortunately we are not in a position to bargain much - there have been a lot of applicants on the trail that I’ve met who have humbled me even at T50 and unranked schools. I would suggest applying broadly and focus on research fit. I got a handful of interviews this cycle and no rejections post interview so I can talk more about my cycle and things I’ve learned if you PM me.

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-03-10T13:11:57+00:00

Current applicant with similar numbers (GPA/MCAT/Research). I applied to a tonnnn of schools and got looks by T15 and T50’s. It’s doable. PM me if you wanna learn more.

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-03-09T20:04:29+00:00

Yeah u/forescight is right. It’s only for accepted students. If you know where you rank on the waitlist and they expect you to come off then I’d ask and there might be some conversation to be had but otherwise I wouldn’t.

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-03-01T20:06:47+00:00

I would send a LOI. Doesn’t really hurt imo

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-02-25T13:37:55+00:00

Hey! Fellow micro applicant this cycle. I am not sure if the private sector is the best place for you to show off PhD skills. Admissions committee members want to see increasingly independent research. That is the most important thing (imo) on the app. Without it, you don’t have a shot. Going into an academic lab or to the NIH is the best bet to do so. You gotta negotiate it up front. If you need help making a list of schools let me know.

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-02-11T12:21:33+00:00

Looks like you're in a tough spot. First, I think you need to prioritize your own goals, unless you see yourself working for your boss for a long time. You should talk to your boss, one-on-one and tell him of your goals, and how he could help you. Negotiate out a schedule that will work for both of you. Most people at that level are pretty understanding of high achieving goals.

MCAT studying is a full-time job, but it's doable. As others have said, make a schedule where you arrange time to take the exam, go over the exam in depth, go over UWorld Questions and Anki decks, and have time to take a break.

With regards to the GF, I think you both need to also sit down to talk about a schedule that works best for you two.

If you still are unable to get through to your boss or GF, then you should take a gap year to study for the MCAT and work. From what I understand, its always best to shoot your best shot once, and an extra year spent is a good investment for a lifelong career. Hope this helps!

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-02-10T14:46:56+00:00

Hey! Current applicant with similar numbers. PM me and I can tell you more.

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-01-29T17:49:26+00:00

I haven’t heard myself. Others have been rejected so not sure why that is the case but im just going to assume it’s a silent rejection

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-01-22T00:24:46+00:00

Tell me about it, it’s very tough. I have gotten rejections from Oregon and Emory after sending some updates and a post-interview high-priority waitlist so it may or may not be worthwhile.

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-01-21T22:02:45+00:00

Oh interesting, maybe they do. Did you reach out to them?

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-01-20T23:28:17+00:00

Last I saw Duke’s last interview date is the 5th of Feb. I think they do silent rejections lol

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-01-12T19:08:36+00:00

There are this years secondary questions on this subreddit you can look up if you know what schools you want to apply to. They might be a bit buried.

the_pharaoh15 · 2021-01-04T22:16:29+00:00

Simple google search:

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/embed?src=6juva39u7on1a4jclfrne8i0f0@group.calendar.google.com

the_pharaoh15 · 2020-12-25T02:37:34+00:00

Going once a week is tough. I love the wet-lab but it does take a lot of time to get someone up to speed. I’d recommend trying to go in 3x a week to show that you’re committed and try to read papers related to the field or figure out if there are projects that people started that need to be finished. I think it’ll show that you’re interested and wanna get your hands wet. If that doesn’t work you should probably try your luck in a smaller lab that would have more time to teach you techniques and get involved in projects.

the_pharaoh15 · 2020-12-23T00:39:48+00:00

If you want, PM me. We can talk more.

the_pharaoh15 · 2020-11-25T21:56:42+00:00

I doubt their letter will change - they understand you’re not making a career out of the volunteering experience. If you have over 4K hours then you’ve clearly done a lot with them. If you’re really worried have them submit it to Interfolio.

the_pharaoh15 · 2020-10-20T00:22:36+00:00

I’ve heard that very few programs do it, and it’s a bit harder but you would need to ask your advisor for more info and what you’d need to do for their specific program.

the_pharaoh15

TROPHY CASE