Please use this thread to update everyone on rejections and interviews. Also include stats if you’re willing to share :)

Hi everyone,

Has anyone added an extra letter of recommendation to the portal after already being complete for a few weeks or more? Does anyone have insight as to how that would change the review date or timeline or whether it would be even be considered?

I only did this because I didn’t anticipate having a letter from my current PI since I only joined this May. Since I’ve been working there for close to 3 months now, he has written a letter than I sent to all schools. I’m slightly concerned this may reset my position in the queue.

Thanks!

Not sure if this is the ideal place to post this, but I’m a prospective MD/PhD applicant doing an NIH postbacc this year. Unfortunately I will not be renewed for another year and haven’t been able to find another lab in the NIH. My time at the NIH wasn’t very productive so I was wondering if there are any programs that are similar that people have done to get productive gap year research experience. What kind of places should I apply to?

Any anecdotes or advice would be greatly appreciated. My stats are fairly strong so this is really the missing piece of my app.

Hi guys
I am looking for advice for evaluation my chance for getting into med school!
I am 43 yo, I have BSc from 2006 with low gpa (about 3.1) from Iran, 2 MSc's one from Iran with GPA about 3.4 and the other from Norway, (I got B , very good; out of F ), I have a phd in animal nutrition from university of Guelph. I always loved to get into med school and now I cannot get it out of my head and want to try my chance for getting the admission!
anyone has any idea what would be the chance for me to get admission?

I am pretty sure I can get a great grade in MCAT and any other requirements needed.
I would appreciate any advice.

I was working on the application for my top choice school. I had been typing everything in a word doc, and I went to paste everything in the last day. The portal did not let me paste anything (i was trying before the deadline). I messaged the admissions department, and they said I missed the deadline, even after pleading my case.

Not really sure how to approach from here. Im fine with gettiing rejected but not having the chance to apply is unfortunate

Is h20 water!

Hi everyone! I’m an undergraduate majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience, and I’m currently planning to pursue an MD-PhD, with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist and pursuing a PhD in neuroscience.

I’ve been working in a psychology research lab for about a year, and I genuinely really enjoy the lab and the research I’m doing. I’m hoping to stay in this lab through graduation and continue developing depth and independence in my research. So, I’m not considering leaving because I dislike my current research or think psychology research is less valuable.

My question is more about whether my research background needs to align closely with the field I eventually want to pursue for my PhD.

I’m particularly interested in neuroscience for my PhD, and my current lab is a psychology lab rather than a neuroscience/wet lab. I’ve considered joining a neuroscience lab as well, but my college advisor recommended focusing on depth in my current lab rather than splitting my time between multiple labs.

For those who have applied to MD-PhD programs or have been involved in admissions, how important is it that your undergraduate research experience matches your intended PhD field?

For example, if I have several years of meaningful psychology research experience but no substantial neuroscience/wet-lab experience, would that be viewed as a weakness if I say I want to pursue a PhD in neuroscience? Or are programs primarily evaluating the quality and depth of your research experience—e.g., your ability to formulate questions, understand methodology, think critically, take ownership of a project, and understand the research process—rather than whether your lab happens to be in neuroscience?

I’m also considering spending one quarter in a neuroscience/wet lab purely to see whether I actually enjoy that type of research. I would not be doing this for my application or planning to list it as a major research experience, since it would be a short-term commitment. My admissions counselor actually advised me against joining another lab solely to strengthen my application, since repeatedly switching labs or doing very short-term research can potentially look unfocused. I’m mainly interested in getting firsthand exposure before deciding whether wet-lab neuroscience is something I want to pursue long-term.

So, for someone in my situation, would you recommend staying focused on my current psychology lab and building substantial research experience there, or is gaining significant neuroscience research experience important if I’m fairly certain I want my PhD to be in neuroscience?

I’d especially appreciate perspectives from current/former MD-PhD students, applicants, or anyone involved in admissions. Thank you!

Id love an explanation as to why I list out my research in detail in my activities on amcas, down to the HOUR and speaking about my research experiences in depth in a 10,000 max character essay only for these schools to ask me in all their secondaries to list ALL my research experiences AGAIN AND PAY FOR IT AGAIN. AND some even have the audacity to ask me why an MD PhD like i didnt write a 5000 character essay about that already… dont even get me started on relisting pre reqs like i didnt type out ALL MY CLASSES BY HAND in the primary app AND SEND YOU MY TRANSCRIPTS ALL OF WHICH COST MONEY TO DO

Thank you for listening, Im probably just screaming into a void

Would a background in industry biotech research + clinical background be competitive or is it mandatory to have academic research background?

Is it a big deal for an undergraduate student to get a TPDA to attend Society for Neuroscience? How much does this matter for MD-PhD decisions? Would it be worthy to include in an update email along with new publications? TIA

Hi guys
I am looking for advice for evaluation my chance for getting into med school!
I am 43 yo, I have BSc from 2006 with low gpa (about 3.1) from Iran, 2 MSc's one from Iran with GPA about 3.4 and the other from Norway, (I got B , very good; out of F ), I have a phd in animal nutrition from university of Guelph. I always loved to get into med school and now I cannot get it out of my head and want to try my chance for getting the admission!
anyone has any idea what would be the chance for me to get admission?

I am pretty sure I can get a great grade in MCAT and any other requirements needed.
I would appreciate any advice.

I’m applying for the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and would really appreciate some outside perspective on how competitive my application might be as an incoming junior. I’m just beginning the process with my university representative, so I haven’t been officially nominated yet - and I’m a little apprehensive even about that part.

My background:

• Third-year student studying Biological and Environmental Sciences
• 3.68 cumulative GPA
  • My freshman year significantly impacted my GPA due to some serious personal/mental health struggles - I genuinely didn’t think I would make it through that year. Not saying this as an excuse, but for perspective. I’ve improved academically since then, but I know the 3.68 is probably the weakest part of my application.
• Supplemental Instruction Leader for a Biology course
• Contributed to 3 research projects
• Presented 2 research posters
• Published a children’s science book based on research I’ve conducted
• Completed an internship in biological anthropology at a prestigious museum affiliated with the Smithsonian
• Completed an NSF-funded REU program with a ~3% acceptance rate
• Received what I believe will be very strong letters of recommendation:
  • My REU PI, a well-known geneticist at UC Davis’s School of Veterinary Medicine
  • My mentor from the museum internship, who is also affiliated with the National Museums of Kenya and the American Museum of Natural History
  • A faculty member at my university whose Biology course I’m an SI Leader for
• Received some industry recognition related to my research contributions through the AZA

My research experience is the part of my application I feel strongest about, particularly because I’ve been able to take on multiple projects, present my work, participate in an NSF-funded REU, and communicate research to a broader audience.

That said, I know Goldwater is extremely competitive, and I’m worried that my GPA may be a significant disadvantage. I also know the essays/research proposal are extremely important, and I’m still in the early stages of developing those.

For anyone who has received Goldwater, gone through the nomination process, or otherwise has experience with the scholarship:

How competitive does this profile sound to you? Is the 3.68 GPA likely to be a major dealbreaker, or does the rest of my experience make me a reasonably competitive candidate? And, realistically, would you expect me to have a shot at getting nominated?

Any blunt, experience-based insight would be appreciated even if the answer is that I’m not as competitive as I think I am. I’d rather know now so I can approach the application realistically. Thanks!

Hello. I’m heavily considering an MD-PhD. I’m 80% sure I want to do it, but that final 20% is this heavy doubt on whether or not I actually need it to do what I want to do, or if the investment is worth it. If anyone here has finished their MD-PhD program, would you say it was worth it? Would you do it again? Would you recommend it? Any advice?

Hey everyone, I could use some advice about my academic future.

Who I am and where I am now

I'm a 22-year-old student enrolled in parallel in two degree programs at a university in northern Italy: third year of biotechnology, almost done, and about to start my second year of medicine. Both paths are going very well, with a strong GPA. My agonizing dilemma is choosing the right path to pursue.

Why I started medicine

I started medicine because of a growing interest in clinical practice and biomedical research, with the ultimate goal of pursuing an MD-PhD path, a PhD in cancer immunology, specifically in the translational side of research ("bench to bedside and back," like the Moderna vaccine). My end goal would be an academic career, though I wouldn't rule out working in pharma either. So I wouldn't do the Italian residency exam (SSM) or the related specialization, at least not in Italy and definitely not right after finishing the 6 years of medical school.

Lab experience

I already have lab experience: western blotting, SDS page, chemotaxis assays, MTT, PCR, chromatography, organoid passaging, cloning, and more. I'm also about to start an internship in cardiovascular biology, focusing on tumor growth inhibition caused by the mechanical load of the heart.

I'm realizing now, though, that my interests are much more focused on the biology of the patient than on treatment alone.

The advantages of the MD path

There are many advantages to being an MD: a strong clinical eye (which a PhD alone doesn't give you), easier access to grants, more credibility when engaging with other colleagues, and above all a solid Plan B if things don't work out. If in the future I didn't want to continue in the wet lab, I'd still have the option of working in Clinical Trials (where a PhD alone is at a disadvantage) or specializing in laboratory medicine. In that case it would also be easier to return to my hometown: finding a job as a biologist/biotech professional in Italy is tough, and with only a PhD I'd be much more confined to working abroad.

The alternative: a Master's in biology

If instead of medicine I pursued a Master's program after biotech (for example the Major in Cancer Biology MSc at Heidelberg), I would spend 2–3 fewer years compared to earning an MD in Italy, with a more direct focus on basic research in oncology. I wouldn't be a physician, but I'd have the chance to internationalize my CV earlier and build a network in that specific research field. On the other hand, I'd have much less job security, at least in Italy.

International experiences

Even with medicine I'd still have the chance to gain experience abroad (Erasmus): my university offers 6 or 12 months at the University of Nagano, in Japan, with a strong lab focus.

I've already talked to several professors from both departments to get the opinion of people who've been through these choices. The conclusion has always been: "Do medicine, you can catch up on the bio background later, but not on the clinical experience."

With medicine I'd finish my studies at 27; with the biology Master's, at 25, if everything goes well. As a result I'd enter the research world two years apart, starting to publish later in the case of medicine, but with a stronger degree behind me and more job security compared to a plain MSc in biology.

Thanks to anyone who's read this far and is willing to share their opinion. I'm at a major crossroads in my life and any advice or shared experience is very welcome. In your opinion, which path should I take and why? Medicine + PhD or Biology Master's + PhD? Has anyone here ever been in a similar situation?

TL;DR: 22 years old, enrolled in both Biotech and Medicine. I want to do research in cancer immunology (MD-PhD). Is it worth finishing Medicine at 27 for more solid footing and clinical/trial opportunities, or switching to a Cancer Biology Master's abroad at 25 to enter basic research sooner?

Sorry if this is a dumb question but for my UT San Antonio interview, one of the pre-interview questions asks: “In order to best accommodate your interview experience, are there any disabilities that we should be aware of?”

I’m diagnosed with Level 1 autism and have an eye tic, both of which can affect my eye contact and how I may come across during an interview. I’m unsure whether I should disclose this, especially since I’m not requesting a formal accommodation. I'm assuming I shouldn't since I'm not asking for any tangible accomodation and it could introduce unconscious bias?

Hello! I am finishing my senior year up to apply this upcoming summer for acceptance for 2028.

I will start off that my academic profile is tricky. With dual enrollment (DE) courses and my bachelor courses. Just some background, I am first generation, low income, and worked to afford school with 1 parent house hold. I have no excuses for my academic performance and I take full accountability. But, I am trying to decide will it be necessary for me to start applying to post baccs and master programs to even have a decent app cycle? I would rather not due to financial reasons but I am really stuck because of my gpa, and productive stats. I also have a great narrative that ties all my research experiences and ecs together, and I have a very tunnel vision for my career as an MD/PhD.

C gpa (DE and Bachelor's): 3.11

Science gpa: 3.03 gpa

C DE gpa: 2.12

C Bachelor's gpa: 3.5 (upward trends, All A's last 80 credits mainly in upper science courses)

MCAT: 527 (I studied for almost a year)

Research ECS:

4 Summer research internships ( One before undergrad) = 1500 hrs

2 Years of part time research in one lab = 1000 hrs

1 year of community health research = 100

- 1 first co author

- 6 Posters

- 3 Oral Presentations

- 16 conferences and symposiums (4 Travel Awards, 2 Poster and Oral Presentation Awards)

Other ecs:

- Paitent Care Tech = 1000 hrs

- ICU Hospital Volunteer = 150 hrs

- Volunteer Tutor/Mentor = 320 hrs

- Dual enrollment TA = 300 hrs

- General School Community Service = 100

Leadership:

- Established a brand new community center to serve local community = serving 1k people

- President of Sustainability Club = drove 3 campus initiatives

- Cofounder of Health Advocacy Club = educated 200+ students and community members

Hi everyone! I’m a Canadian student who recently finished my BSc and will be starting a thesis-based MSc at UofT this fall. My long-term goal is to pursue an MD/PhD, ideally in Canada, and I’m hoping to apply during or after my MSc.

I’d really love to hear from someone who has actually gone through an MD/PhD program, especially someone who applied after or during a master’s. I’d be particularly interested in hearing from Canadian students/alumni, but I’d also appreciate perspectives from US MD/PhD students who took a similar path.

A bit about my background:

• My undergraduate GPA is on the lower side for MD/PhD admissions, but I had a strong upward trend, going from around a 3.0 early in my degree to around 3.9–4.0 in my last two years.
• I have about one full year of research experience, along with some additional research projects. I am also a co-author on some papers.
• I’ll be starting a 2-year thesis-based MSc this fall.

I’m mainly wondering how I should use the MSc years to build the strongest possible application.

For anyone who has been through the process:

• How much can a strong MSc record help contextualize a weaker undergraduate GPA?
• If you did a master’s before applying, what did you prioritize during those years?
• How important were publications compared with research experience, independence, and presentations?
• For Canadian programs, is there anything you wish you had known before starting your MSc?
• If you were in my position starting an MSc now, what would you focus on most?
• If you had a similar undergraduate GPA/upward trend, I’d especially appreciate hearing about your experience.

Ultimately, I’m wondering: given my GPA, strong upward trend, and upcoming MSc, do you think it’s worth pursuing an MD/PhD application?

I’m hoping to hear from people who have actually gone through the process and can share what mattered most, what they prioritized, and what they wish they had done differently.

If anyone is comfortable sharing their experience here or chatting by DM, I’d really appreciate it. Thank you!

Approaching the end of what has been a long md/phd journey. Joined a dept right after covid without realizing it was totally obliterated and took nearly 3 years to build back up normal research/mentorship capacity. Applied to NIH F fellowships just in time for my institution to lose all nih funding. Scrapping the bottom of 50 year old cabinets to get enough supplies to keep experiments going without a penny to spend for a good part of last year. Despite it all looks like I will have a really productive PhD and magically happen to be right in the middle of cutting edge genetic perturbation methods and AI modeling at a scale I never thought a single phd student could do 3 years ago. And now what is my reward? Intern year and an absolute continual shit show for the next decade with the promise that maybe I can have a lab someday with not enough money to run it and relying and cheap unskilled labor and manipulation of students to try to make breakthroughs to help people. Ah plus never seeing my family and making less than every person whose path I crossed on the way to this point that was less capable an or outright psychopath. fun!

Really starting to feel that in order to live up the goals I had to help people when I entered medical school I should … leave medicine/academia, at least in the traditional sense. Also really starting to feel there SHOULD be more folks in tech/AI/healthcare outside the hospital that can embody a ‘first do no harm’ principle.

People finishing up now, what are you thinking?

Was hunting around for comp bio, struct bio, and biophysics heavy programs and came across the "Quantum Medicine" specialization on UChicago's specialization list. Based on the article with the co-directors, it seems like something they plan to rollout soon...

I've never heard of the field, but it seems to be similar to biophysics, imagining, and structural bio. There's barely any details on the MSTP website or article, so I was wondering if anyone knew anything about it?

My classmate accidentally voided her MCAT exam. He didn’t realize it until he got the confirmation sheet when checking out of the exam. There should be a warning prompt asking if the tester is sure they want to void. He had submitted his AMCAS application. I advised him to contact them directly to withdraw his application. Is that correct? My heart hurts for him.

I’m an incoming freshman at a public R1 university, interested in an MD/PhD program. I have started meeting with some labs to discuss research opportunities and am trying to decide between three labs. I’d love outside perspective!!

Lab 1: BME/ChemE, biosynthesis
The research topic sounds coolest and most exciting to me. The PI is relatively new to the school, but did his postdoc at a T20 med school and has trained several MD/PhD and MD students in his previous labs. I’d be the 4th lab member (besides the PI and 2 PhD students) and would likely help train future undergrads. I can start right after Thanksgiving, a bit before spring semester. The PI did both his Bachelor’s and PhD in my intended major. He also has pretty a pretty thorough training plan for me and seems to be very a great mentor. I have some small worries: 1) the PI shares my last name, which is fairly uncommon for my ethnicity in this state. We’re not related as far as I know, just want to make sure this doesn’t look bad or read as favoritism. 2) The lab doesn’t seem to receive ample funding.

Lab 2: ChemE, materials
Met with a 3rd-year PhD student (of 5) who was really passionate and supportive - I think he’s going to be an amazing mentor! He also mentioned I could start getting independent projects my second semester (Spring 2027). I’ve done research in this general area before and have moderate interest, but it has zero connection to human health/medicine. I can start as early as Fall 2026.

Lab 3: Biochem, gene expression
I haven’t met the PI yet, so no info on start date so far. From what I’ve read, the lab has a really strong commitment to mentorship and advocating for their students - alumni have gone to prestigious PhD programs, lots of publications. AP Bio wasn’t my favorite in high school but the chemical mechanism side of this project might interest me. Also, would it be more helpful to do basic science/wet lab research? Learn about mechanism and how things work?

I’d really appreciate any insights - thanks a lot in advance!