- If I am still in school June 1, can I start the program later in the summer?
- If I am not accepted into the MD-PhD Program, can I still be eligible for acceptance into the MD-only Program?
- Do I have to declare my research area of interest or choose a graduate program before I start the program?
- Is this program funded by a Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) grant?
- What can I expect from the interview process?
- When will I be notified if I am accepted into the program?
- If I am accepted into the program, when do I have to accept or decline the offer?
- What is the minimum GPA requirement?
- What is the minimum MCAT score requirement?
- Do you accept current University of Utah MD students?
- If I am a current University of Utah MD student and join the program, do you retroactively provide tuition coverage and the fellowship (stipend)?
- Does the program provide health, dental, and vision insurance?
Q: If I am still in school June 1, can I start the program later in the summer?
Yes, students can coordinate a later start date. The June fellowship (stipend) will be pro-rated.
Q: If I am not accepted into the MD-PhD Program, can I still be eligible for acceptance into the MD-only Program?
No, students must select their preferred program at the time of application.
Q: Do I have to declare my research area of interest or choose a graduate program before I start the program?
No, students will rotate in 4 different labs before they select their graduate program. Students will rotate in 2 labs the summer before their first year of medical school and 2 more the summer after.
Q: Is this program funded by a Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) grant?
Yes, the program does have MSTP funding. All students receive full tuition coverage, an annual fellowship ($37,000 for Academic Year 2024-2025), and health, dental, and vision insurance for the entirety of the program.
Q: What can I expect from the interview process?
There are 4 interview weekends that take place in October, November, December, and January. The goal is to have a hi-brid interview scenario, with in-person interviews for the MD-PhD Program and virtual interviews for the MD Program. However, this may change based on CDC Guidelines. The interviews start on a Thursday and end on a Saturday. On Thursday, candidates pre-select faculty they would like to meet with. On Friday, candidates have multiple interviews with MD Admissions. There are a variety of social events (e.g., dinners, recreational activities) throughout the weekend.
Q: When will I be notified if I am accepted into the program?
Candidates will receive an email notification no later than March 15.
Q: If I am accepted into the program, when do I have to accept or decline the offer?
Candidates must accept or decline the offer by April 30.
Q: What is the minimum GPA requirement?
Applicants must have a science, non-science and overall GPA of at least 3.00 or above to be eligible for consideration. To determine average criteria, the applicant’s GPA is compared to the average GPA of students who have gone on to attend medical school from the applicant’s undergraduate institution.
Applicants should strive to achieve a higher GPA score to be considered competitive.
Q: What is the minimum MCAT score requirement?
At a minimum, applicants must have an MCAT score at or above 500. Applicants should strive to achieve a higher MCAT score to be considered competitive.
Q: Do you accept current University of Utah MD students?
Yes, current MD students can apply to the program. They must submit their application by November 1 during their second year of medical school, and must have approval from the School of Medicine Dean of Student Affairs.
Q: If I am a current University of Utah MD student and join the program, do you retroactively provide tuition coverage and the fellowship (stipend)?
No, we do not retroactively provide MD-PhD Program benefits. The tuition coverage, fellowship, and health, dental, and vision insurance benefits begin when you officially start the MD-PhD program.
Q: Does the program provide health, dental, and vision insurance?
Yes, students will receive health, dental, and vision insurance every year of the program at no cost.