MSTP Admissions
The Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program admissions follows
the same application process as the MD-only admissions application.
General information and procedures for admission can be found on the School of Medicine Admissions site. For
questions regarding this process, please contact mdadmissions@stanford.edu.
The MD-PhD admissions process begins with submission of the AMCAS application. When an AMCAS application is received by the Office of MD Admissions, it is evaluated, and the information, forms, and instructions necessary for completion of Stanford's supplementary application are made available. When the application file is complete, it will be reviewed by members of the MSTP committee.
Admission to the Medical Scientist Training Program is contingent on acceptance to the Stanford University MD program, and the application process for both programs is collaborative. New this year all admissions materials, with the exception of Stanford's supplementary application, are to be sent to AMCAS. There is no need to send duplicate copies to the Medical Scientist Training Program office.
The MSTP Committee wants to see letters of recommendation from your research mentor, or mentors, addressing your experiences in the laboratory. Be sure that these letters are sent to AMCAS. The Office of MD Admissions no longer accepts letters sent directly to the School of Medicine.
Stanford's MSTP is interested in identifying students with significant undergraduate research experience that would predict successful completion of a PhD program. In addition, our successful candidates must meet the standards expected of the very best MD candidates. Please see the MD Admissions website for additional information on Stanford University's Medical School Admissions policies, deadlines, admission criteria, maps, directions to Stanford, and local accommodations.
Stanford MSTP is committed to expanding the participation of underrepresented minorities in our program, and to increasing the number of minorities in academic medicine. The Center for Excellence in Diversity has been established by the School of Medicine to support this goal.
PhD Programs
Stanford MSTP students enroll in PhD programs in the biomedical sciences, including PhD Programs within the School of Medicine, and the Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, and Physics. Admission to Social Science PhD programs are on an individual case-by-case basis by arrangement with the MSTP Program Director. Admission to a PhD-only program is a separate process. Application and PhD admission information is available on the Biosciences PhD Programs site.
Eligibility
Prerequisites and requirements for the MSTP follow the same guidelines as admission to the MD Program. However, stipend or tuition support from the MSTP can only be provided for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
International Students
The MSTP is not able to fund
international students. Stipend and/or tuition support from the
MSTP can only be provided for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Our federal funding restrictions do not permit us to support
international students. Unfortunately, self support for PhD study is
not an option.
An international student can still pursue a dual degree MD-PhD
program here at Stanford. The applicant must apply and be admitted separately to both degree programs. It is possible to
receive support for PhD study from the
individual PhD department or program. Please contact the PhD
programs directly regarding graduate admissions procedures.
The Interview Process
Stanford MSTP conducts interviews during the admissions season, usually November through February. We invite approximately 50 candidates for MSTP interview. If you are selected, you will be invited via email. MSTP and MD interviews will be conducted separately.
Your MSTP interview visit will include a meeting with the Program Directors to talk about the structure and unique aspects of the Stanford program. You will have formal interviews with faculty and advanced MSTP students. You will meet again with the Program Directors to wrap up the visit and they will invite you to bring your questions and comments about the program and the admissions process.
Appointments will be arranged with Stanford faculty whose research interests represent those you plan to pursue during your graduate work. You should use these informal meetings to learn about our faculty and potential research opportunities. You can familiarize yourself with faculty research interests through the Community Academic Profiles.
You will have lunch with current MSTP students on your interview day. The second-year MSTP class also plans an informal dinner for you. This is an optional event that our students enjoy hosting as it provides a relaxed opportunity to meet you and answer questions about Stanford's MSTP.
What if I am not invited to interview for MSTP?
Applications that are not selected for MSTP interviews are automatically routed to Medical School Admissions to be considered for the MD-only program. Decisions by the MD admissions committee are made independently from the MSTP decision.
Please note you cannot apply to the Biosciences PhD Programs with the MD application. Application and admissions information is available on the Biosciences PhD Programs site.
Travel
Stanford MSTP does not provide travel funds for interviews (sorry). You may have the option to be hosted by a current MSTP or MD student. Alternatively, there are conveniently located lodgings in the city of Palo Alto (closest to Stanford). The Cardinal Hotel, Hotel California, and Hotel Keen are all located near Caltrain stations, Stanford Shuttle stops, and local restaurants. More lodging options are available at Stanford's Where to Stay. Please note, we do not recommend the Stanford Guest House. It is not convenient unless you have a car. The shuttle service does not run early enough to get you here on time.
Both the San Francisco and the San Jose airports are convenient and can easily be reached by public transportation through BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and Caltrain, our local commuter train service. Stanford runs a free local shuttle service called the Marguerite, from the Palo Alto University and California Avenue train stations to the Stanford campus and Medical Center.
Transportation links, including BART and Caltrain
Marguerite Stanford's free local shuttle
School of Medicine maps
Campus and local maps
Stanford Visitor Information
Where to Stay
Parking on Campus
Admissions Decisions
Decisions regarding your MSTP application will be made after the Medical School Admissions Committee has made a decision regarding your MD application. The Medical School Admissions Committee makes decisions on a rolling basis, and if you receive an 'Accept' to the MD program, you remain in the MSTP pool. If you receive a 'Hold' or 'Reject' from the MD program, the MSTP cannot make an offer to you….we can only make MSTP offers to candidates who have received an acceptance to the MD program.
MSTP offers will be made on a 'modified rolling basis'. Our program offers 8-10 new positions each year, and our offers are made with the expectation that student decisions can be made in a fairly short time frame. To facilitate your decision process, we encourage you to take advantage of your visit to the Stanford campus, advice from your mentors, and other sources you may identify, so that you have sufficient knowledge to decide if Stanford's MSTP is a good match for your interests and goals. Your ability to rank your choices for programs will greatly facilitate the entire admissions process both at Stanford and other programs across the country.
Internal Admissions
2012 MSTP Internal Application instructions
2012 MSTP Internal Application cover page
Deadline: Tuesday, January 17, 2012
The Stanford MSTP invites applications from current
medical students who are already in a laboratory pursuing a research project.
The application consists of a research proposal based on the work in progress,
a letter of support from your research mentor, and an educational plan for your continued
progress in an MD-PhD program. These applications are solicited at the
end of Autumn quarter each year and are due early in Winter quarter. Please check with the program administrator for further information and the exact deadline date.
NIH GRADUATE PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (GPP): Please note that the Stanford MSTP is currently not participating in this program.
updated 7/18/2011
