FAQ
Q: If I submit an application to the MSTP program, will I be considered for both the MD and MD/PhD Program simultaneously?
A: UW MSTP and the UW Medical School have separate admissions processes. If you are a WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, or Idaho) resident, you can be considered concurrently for both.
If you are not from the WWAMI region, there is no option to be considered for both within the same application cycle. You must choose via AMCAS to apply for the “Regular MD Program” or “Combined Medical Degree/Ph.D” from the onset.
Q. What is your application deadline?
A. Your application must be complete by December 15 of each year. A completed application includes:
- Your AMCAS Application
- UW MSTP Secondary Application
- Application fee of $35
- Letters of recommendation from at least 3 faculty/research mentors submitted through AMCAS
- If non US Citizen, proof of permanent residency status.
Q: How many people apply to UW MSTP?
A: We receive approximately 600 applications a year.
Q. How many people do you interview?
A. We interview ~60 applicants a year.
Q. What format does the UW MSTP conduct interviews?
A. UW MSTP conducts interviews via a virtual format with an in-person Second Look visit.
Q. What is your typical class size?
A. We aim for an incoming class of 10, though in recent years, our classes have been 8-13.
Q: Do you honor fee waivers?
A: We honor fee waivers granted by AMCAS. Please forward your AMCAS fee waiver notification to us once your application home page indicates the application fee is due.
Q. I heard about WWAMI. Can I still apply if I live out of the area? Is preference given to WWAMI applicants?
A. Our program is national in scope – our students come from all across the country. They just never want to leave Seattle once they’re here. There is no preference given for any geographic region.
Q. Do you need to be a US citizen to apply?
A. Yes, you need to be a US citizen or hold permanent US residency status at the time of application. Due to our funding from the NIH, we are unable to accept applications from international applicants.
Q: I’m a first year UW medical school student interested in the MSTP. Can I still apply?
A: Yes. We welcome applications from first year UW medical school students. During your first year of medical school, simply submit your AMCAS application and the MSTP preliminary application like any other applicant.
Q. Where can I check the status of my application?
A: You can check on your status anytime from your application homepage. If an action by you is required, your homepage will provide further instructions.
Q. How will I be notified if I am invited to interview?
A. Interview invitations are sent via email. You will then be able to log into your application homepage to select an interview date.
Q. Can you tell me more about the required letters of recommendation?
A: Letters of recommendation are an extremely important part of your supplemental application. We require at least THREE faculty letters in your completed application. Letters of recommendation from your mentors are among the most helpful resources we have to learn about you. It is particularly important that faculty members who best know your research experience write on your behalf. Please submit your letters of recommendation via AMCAS. Please do not send letters of recommendation to the MSTP office.
Q. When do you make admissions decisions?
A. We typically make our admissions decisions immediately after an interview weekend. If admitted to the program, you’ll typically hear within a week of your interview.
Q. I did research while an undergraduate, but it’s not what I’d like to study for my PhD years. Am I allowed to switch research interests?
A. Yes. Your lab rotations allow you to explore labs, departments, and programs you are interested in pursuing during graduate school. The MSTP directors always have suggestions for mentors and labs doing research related to what you are interested in.
Q. Interested and want to stay in touch?
A. Join our UW MSTP Pre-MDPhD listserv! You’ll hear about future events, including sessions focused on application logistics and on getting a quality research experience. We will also use this listserv to inform you of seminars, conferences, and research opportunities related to preparing for MD-PhD training. Sign up here
Q. I have more questions! Who can I talk to about the program?
A. We’d love to hear from you. To ask additional questions, you may email mstp@uw.edu or call us at 206-685-0762.