How to Apply to the Medical Scientist Training Program
Though this is a joint MD and PhD program, the application process is different from other MD programs. Please note that acceptance to an MD program does not make an applicant automatically eligible for the MSTP.
Deadlines Heading link
- University of Illinois COM AMCAS Application Deadline: November 1, 2023
- University of Illinois COM Supplemental Application Deadline: December 1, 2023
The Application Process Heading link
Applying through the American Medical College Application Service
The first step of the application process is submitted through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
The AMCAS application includes a check box for choosing MD/PhD programs. When you check the box, the AMCAS application will include 2 additional essays, which you should complete.
The Supplemental Application
Once your application is verified by AMCAS, the UI College of Medicine Admissions Office will send you a Supplemental Application. Complete the Supplemental Application at your earliest convenience for full consideration of your application. The latest a Supplemental Application can be received is December 1, 2023. Admission to the MSTP requires admission by the College of Medicine Admissions Committees.
Please note that applicants to UI COM MSTP must complete/meet all the requirements to UI COM. For further information on the application process please see UI College of Medicine Admissions.
MSTP Review Process
MSTP reviewers process applications in the order received and have rolling admissions. All applicants to the MSTP are viable candidates until we complete the seating of our new class. The steps in our review process are the following:
- Preliminary read by office staff and one or two faculty members.
- Applications are reviewed and reviewed by entire admissions committee at a monthly meeting. We then issue invitations to interview. These invitations are sent in order of rankings, as space is available.
- Interviewed candidates are then reviewed and ranked by the entire admissions committee. Offers tendered gradually, in order of rankings. All interviewed candidates remain on the waitlist.
- As early offers are declined, more offers are tendered.
- Candidates who accept their offers are invited for a second visit.
- We continue making offers until we fill our class of ten slots. Sometimes offers are made relatively late because a slot opens up.
What to expect, if you are not accepted into MSTP
Your MD-PhD application will be reviewed by the MSTP’s own admissions committee, separately from your medical-only application by the COM’s Admissions office. Your MSTP status will not hinder your application to the College of Medicine. If an interview offer is not extended to an applicant the application will be sent to UI COM MD only for further review and consideration.
Get more information
All matters related to your medical school application are handled by UI College of Medicine Admissions.
UI COM Admissions Heading link
Criteria for Admission Heading link
In addition to acceptance to the UI COM MD program, there are other criteria for admissions to MSTP. These criteria include:
- Academic excellence
- Prior research experience
- Potential for independent and creative research
- Commitment to a career in academic medicine
Laboratory work concentrating in the following areas is also helpful in preparing for study in the Medical Scientist Training Program.
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biophysics
- Bioengineering
- Behavioral sciences
Specialization
The admissions policy is flexible enough to accommodate those students who have already identified the field in which they wish to carry out research as well as those who are still undecided about their areas of research specialization.
Residency requirements
Admission to the Medical Scientist Training Program is open to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
Tests scores
The MCAT examination is accepted in lieu of the GRE examination. Application to the MSTP is normally made at the time of application to the College of Medicine.
Information about admission to the College of Medicine may be obtained from the Office of Medical College Admissions.
Important note concerning the COM Behavioral and Social Science pre-requisite
Most MSTP applicants are from outside Illinois and complete their undergraduate education without attention to the somewhat unusual Behavioral and Social Science pre-requisite of the UI College of Medicine. A special version of this pre-requisite, approved specifically for MSTP students, is stated below:
Pre-medical education across the country generally meets this broadened description. Behavioral & Social Sciences (BESS), Humanities—Three Courses. Recommended courses include: behavior psychology, sociology, anthropology, foreign language and other courses that encourage a greater appreciation for diversity and cultural competency. As writing skills are important in the study and practice of medicine, MD/PhD candidates are encouraged to fulfill the requirement with courses that include a writing component.
Please see UI College of Medicine Admissions Requirements and Timeline for more information.
Other helpful information Heading link
University of Illinois College of Medicine Statement on Disability Accommodations
The University of Illinois is committed to the most fundamental principles of academic freedom, equality of opportunity, and human dignity, and requires that decisions involving students and employees be based on individual merit and be free from invidious discrimination in all its forms.
Learn more about procedures for student disability accomodations.
Resources for Applicants
Review our helpful video on the application process for the MSTP program. The American Medical College Application Service also has many helpful resources.
- UI COM-MSTP: Video on How to Apply for MSTP Program
- AMCAS: Choose Your Medical School (CYMS) Page for Applicants
- AMCAS: Choose Your Medical School Tool Overview (PDF)
- AMCAS: Choose Your Medical School Tool Guide for Applicants (PDF)
- AMCAS: Choose Your Medical School Admissions Decisions Dashboard Guide (PDF)
- AMCAS: Choose Your Medical School Tool FAQs (PDF)
- AMCAS: Choose Your Medical School Webinar
- AMCAS: Application and Acceptance Protocols for Applicants
