Frequently Asked Questions about MSTP

Q: What are the requirements for letters of recommendation? Are the minimum and maximum number of letters different for the MD-PhD program compared to the MD program? Additionally, are there any specific guidelines, such as recommending one letter from a physician or a particular individual, or can letters be from any professor or person who knows me well?

A: A minimum of three letters are required from individuals who can provide a well-considered evaluation of your qualifications for the medical profession:

• At least one letter of recommendation is required from a research-related faculty mentor, preferably your primary mentor.
• It is strongly recommended that you submit at least one letter from a clinical faculty, practicing physician, or a supervisor/mentor who observed clinical shadowing or volunteer work you completed.
• Please refrain from sending more than seven letters of recommendation. More information can be found here.

Q: Are the MD and MD-PhD applications considered separately? Meaning the outcome of one has no effect on the outcome of the other or when the other is reviewed? Or is the MD application only reviewed if the MD-PhD app is rejected?   

A: If you apply to the MST Program, we will consider your application first. If rejected by the MSTP, your application will be sent to the School of Medicine to consider you for MD-only.

Q: How do I know if I will receive a fee waiver?

 A: Applicants with an AMCAS fee waiver will automatically have their secondary fee waived on the UC San Diego Secondary payment page. If you did not receive an AMCAS fee waiver, you may still request one. After receiving a secondary application invitation, please email somadmissions@ucsd.edu with an explanation of your request.

Q: If I am interested in a certain faculty member or research group, how should I reflect this in my application (or during the admissions process)?   

A: Typically, applicants will include the research and/or faculty that they’re interested in as part of their MD-PhD statements. It is also advisable to bring this up during the interview process, as it shows interest in the institution.  It’s advisable that you only reach out to UC San Diego faculty members if you are offered admission.

Q: Do you accept updates to the application?

A: We do not accept updates to applications at this stage in the process. If offered an interview, then you can send updates for us to add to your application at that stage.

Q: Do you accept transfers from MSTP MD-PhD programs at other institutions?

A: The UC San Diego MSTP does not accept any transfer students from other institutions. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Q: Do you provide feedback on applications and/or interviews?

A: Unfortunately, we are unable to provide feedback on your application. Our staff and admissions committee members are necessarily focused on the evaluation and interview process. In addition, we want to maintain a system of evaluation in which an applicant’s accomplishments are self-generated and inherent to them, as opposed to being reactive to the process of applying to medical school itself.

Q: What are the prerequisites for the program? For prospective students, what experience is recommended before applying for the program?

A: Here is a link for course recommendations. Additionally, there is a minimum requirement of one year of basic science research.

Q: Do you require or recommend the GRE?

A: The GRE is not required or recommended.

Q: Is there a specific English requirement?

A: There is no formal English requirement. If accepted, you will need to acknowledge that you are proficient in the English language when signing our Technical Standards for Admission.

Q: Is there a minimum MCAT score required for applying?

A: There is no set minimum MCAT score. Applications are reviewed holistically.

Q: Are applicants with a Master's degree eligible to apply?

A: Yes

Q: Is there a maximum amount of gap years allowed between graduation and the time that I submit my application?

A: There is no maximum for gap years. Applicants need to have a valid MCAT score.

Q: Is age a factor when applying to MSTP?

A: Applications are reviewed holistically, and age is not a factor for consideration. Find more information related to School of Medicine eligibility requirements here:

SOM Application Process

Q: How long is the MSTP program?

A: Our program track is approximately 8 years. Click below to learn more about the Curriculum.
More about the CUrriculum

Q: Would it be possible to pursue research in any graduate department as an MD-PhD student, or am I restricted to the options listed on the MSTP website? 

A: You are not restricted to a specific set of PhD programs, but if you're interested in a specific graduate program, please mention it in your MD-PhD statement on the UC San Diego secondary application. This helps us arrange meetings with faculty from that program on your interview day, if needed.

Q: Is it possible for a current UC San Diego PhD Student to apply to transfer into the joint MD-PhD Program? 

A: It may be possible if you have not yet advanced at the time of matriculation into the MSTP. However, you would have to be admitted to SOM first.

Q: Can a student be accepted into the PhD program but not the MD program? If so, can they still pursue the PhD and reapply to the MD program later?

A: Students in a PhD program can apply to the School of Medicine through the standard medical school application process. However, the MSTP rarely accepts students already in PhD programs, and only if they’ve completed less than one year prior to admission to the School of Medicine. If not accepted into the MSTP, applicants may still be considered for MD-only admission. Note: PhD admissions are handled separately and require a separate application based on the timeline set by each graduate program.

Q: What is the citizenship requirement for applying?

A: UC San Diego School of Medicine will consider applications from U.S. citizens, permanent residents of the U.S. (green card holders), and DACA recipients. Applicants that do not satisfy one of these three eligibility requirements will not be considered. More information can be found here.

 Q: Does your school have any programs or resources specifically for minority students?

A: School of Medicine has many resources and programs to address diversity. Here are the links to the pages that contain information:

• Diversity
• Residency Fellowships
• Equity & Belonging
• In addition, UC San Diego has several Community Resource Centers

Q: Do the track programs for the School of Medicine apply for MSTP students or are they for MD-only applicants?

A: Yes, the track programs also apply to MSTP students. MSTP applicants are allowed to apply for the tracks (such as Global Health or the indigenous medicine track: PRIME-TIDE). We have MSTP students in these track programs.