Admission Procedure

Online Application

Each applicant must complete the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application.  Please note that MSTP applicants are required to provide additional information regarding their research experience and motivation to pursue a physician-scientist career in the AMCAS application.  The application must be submitted between June 1st and September 30th.  The Program starts to review completed AMCAS applications in the summer, therefore prompt submission of all application materials is strongly encouraged. The process for the submission of all materials, including letters of recommendation, is the same for MSTP and MD applicants.  Materials do not need to be sent separately to the MSTP Office.  Secondary information from the UCSD SOM will be made available once an applicant’s AMCAS application has been received. 

Letters of Recommendation

UCSD will be participating in the AMCAS Letters Service for the 2010-2011 Application Year.  Click here for more details about this service.  A minimum of three letters are required from individuals who can provide a well considered evaluation of your qualifications for the medical profession. (Two of the three should be from faculty with a science background at a four-year undergraduate institution – course instructors, research mentors, clinical faculty are all acceptable.)   A minimum of two letters of recommendation are required from research related faculty.  Please refrain from sending more than seven letters of recommendation. 

Interviews

Selected candidates will be invited to the UCSD campus for an interview. The admission process for the MSTP is integrated with the School of Medicine so one visit is sufficient for both.  Application to the graduate programs are not required; acceptance to the MSTP includes acceptance to a graduate program. Travel and financial arrangements for interviews are the applicant's responsibility. Students should arrive the preceding evening in time for tours and dinner, and are hosted by an MSTP student. The interview day consists of interviews by two faculty members who are members of the admissions committee, one MSTP student, and faculty chosen by the applicants.  Lunch is held with current MSTP students and a reception with faculty and students concludes the day.  Interviews are non-confrontational and are conducted one-on-one. Faculty often ask about an applicant's research experiences, career goals and the desire to become a physician scientist.

Contact Information

For additional information about the application process, admission, or about the Medical Scientist Training Program, please contact:

Mary Alice Kiisel, Program Coordinator
MSTP, Mail Code 0606
UCSD School of Medicine
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0606
mstp@ucsd.edu
800-925-8704
858-534-0689