MSTP FAQs
Q. What are the MSTP applicant requirements? How do I know if I will be a competitive applicant?
A. The Medical Scientist Training Program seeks students with strong academic records and a commitment to biomedical investigation. Successful applicants generally have extensive research experience and strong letters of recommendation indicating their interest and potential in basic science research.
Q. Is the research that applicants pursue in their undergraduate years expected to be related to the research they pursue as graduate students?
A. Not at all. Students frequently change research interests after beginning their medical studies.
Q: What is the normal sequence of study for MSTP applicants?
A: Typically, students complete two years of medical school and then take a leave of absence to complete their PhD (on average 3-4 years). They then return to Pritzker for the final two years of medical school.
Q. If my application is turned down by the MSTP program, can I still be considered for the regular MD program?
A. Yes. If you are not accepted into the MSTP program, you will automatically be considered for the MD degree from the Pritzker School of Medicine. Please keep in mind that MSTP applications are not reviewed until after December 1. Please see the Admissions Timeline for more information.
Q. Can I apply to the MSTP program after I've started school at the Pritzker School of Medicine?
A. The MSTP program is primarily open to incoming medical students. Current Pritzker students interested in pursuing a PhD in the biological sciences may apply for the Growth and Development Training Program as well as various other Biological Sciences Divisional training grants.
Q. Can International Students apply for the MSTP program?
A. Most students in the MSTP program are on a federally funded training grant and therefore required to be U.S. citizens. On the rare occasion, exceptionally qualified international students have been considered for other funding.
Q. Do you require any applications in addition to the AMCAS application?
A. Every student who submits an application through AMCAS will receive an online Pritzker School of Medicine Supplemental Application by email. The supplemental application requires three letters of recommendation, an essay and a $75 processing fee. To apply for the MSTP program, applicants simply need to select the MSTP program when filling out this online application.
Q. Do you require any additional materials to the Pritzker Supplemental Application?
A. MSTP applicants should submit letters (no more than 3) from individuals familiar with their research. These letters need not duplicate letters that are sent in support of the application to Pritzker so long as the Pritzker letters support the applicant's research experience.
Q. Do I need to file a separate application to the graduate PhD program that I am interested in?
A: MSTP applicants interested in pursuing a PhD in the Biological Sciences Division only need to submit an application to the Pritzker School of Medicine MST program. If accepted into the program, students will apply to the PhD program during their second year of medical school.
Applicants interested in a PhD in the Social Sciences or humanities may have additional application requirements. These students are encouraged to apply for the MeSH program.
Q: Do I need to take the GRE?
A: MSTP applicants interested in a PhD in the Biological Sciences Division do not need to take the GRE. MCAT scores and coursework will be accepted in lieu of the GRE.
Q: Can I apply to both MSTP and to MeSH?
No, students must apply for one program or the other. The MST program is designed for students interested in pursuing their PhD in the biological or physical sciences. The MeSH program is for students interested in pursuing their PhD in the Social Sciences, Humanities, or at the University of Chicago’s other professional schools. (Business, Law, Public Policy, Social Science Administration)
