Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD) section navigation

FAQ

Does Emory participate in the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program? 

Our program accepts applications for the Track 1 program. We are unable to support applications for the Track 2 or Track 3 programs. If you are applying to the Track 1 program, please mention this in your application and update us throughout the application cycle as needed.

Can I be considered for both the MD/PhD and the MD-only program?

Yes, but not at the same time. The programs have independent admissions committees and applications can only be reviewed by one committee at a time. All applications are pre-secreened by the School of Medicine. If pre-screening criteria are met, you will be asked to complete the secondary application. If you selected the MD/PhD program as your choice, you will receive the MD/PhD program secondary application. If you are not accepted to the MD/PhD program, or you want to withdraw your application from our pool, you may request to have your application assigned to the MD-only pool.

Are international students eligible for an MD/PhD award?

International applicants are welcome to apply. The admissions process at Emory School of Medicine is the same for domestic and international students. If an applicant's undergraduate degree is from a college outside the United States, the applicant must complete all science course requirements (and English, if English language skills are not strong) at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college before submitting an application to the Emory School of Medicine. All students admitted to the program receive the same financial support. Please visit the Emory School of Medicine Admissions website for more information.

Does the MD/PhD program accept transfer students?

The Emory University School of Medicine no longer accepts transfer students.

Does the MD/PhD program accept applicants who are already in the Emory MD program or graduate program?

Students who are currently enrolled in medical school at Emory are eligible to apply to the MD/PhD Program provided they meet the eligibility requirements; they should contact the MD/PhD Program for additional information. Applications from students already enrolled in doctoral programs in the Graduate School are not currently being considered.

Can I make additions to my application after it has already been verified and received by the MD/PhD Program Office?

Yes, applicants can directly submit application additions to either the School of Medicine Admissions Office or the MD/PhD Program, however additional supplemental material may increase the time it takes for your application to be completely reviewed, especially if it has already entered the review process. 

When is the application deadline?

December 1 is the deadline for the Emory Supplemental Application and all application materials (including letters of recommendation). We strongly encourage students to apply earlier, however, as interviews start as early as the end of October.

What is the application timeline?

Review of applications begins in early September and may last through February. During the peak of the interview season it may take as long as 6 weeks for an application to be completely reviewed (note that there is a lag between the submission of secondary applications in AMCAS and our receipt of this information). Additional time may be added to the review process if an applicant makes additions to his/her application or the committee requests additional information. In-person interviews are conducted between October and February. Students are notified monthly from October to March regarding their standing in the program.

What are the application requirements?

For the Emory MD/PhD Program,  the equivalent of at least two semesters of research is required.

For general medical school requirements, all applicants must take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT). Applicants are also required to complete at least 90 semester hours (or 135 quarter hours) of a balanced undergraduate education from a regionally accredited institution in the United States or Canada. Minimum course requirements include physical science, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, English and humanities. For the complete listing of required hours for each course, please check the Admissions Requirements on the Emory University School of Medicine Admissions website.

Competitive MD/PhD applicants have sufficient background to be competitive for each of the dual degrees. Applicants are evaluated by School of Medicine and Laney Graduate School faculty who are involved in admissions for their respective programs.

What type of research experience do you require?

Successful applicants demonstrate excellence in substantial, independent research projects. Typically, they have engaged in research projects beginning in their sophomore year, or earlier. Long-term research projects (i.e., a minimum of one year) are preferred over multiple short-term experiences; however there is no specific prescription for the type of research or research area that makes an application competitive. Peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals are not required but poster presentations at student or professional poster sessions are typical.

Do you require GRE scores as part of the MD/PhD application? 

The GRE is not required for most programs, including those in the Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Biomedical Engineering or Epidemiology. However, some nontraditional MD/PhD disciplines may require it. Applicants considering areas outside of the ones listed above should visit the PhD program's website for a full list of requirements, then contact the MD/PhD Program office for additional information. If the PhD program expects the applicant to complete the standard PhD application, we want to ensure the applicant is aware of applicable deadlines.

How do know if I am (or will be) a competitive MD/PhD candidate? 

The first step is to talk to academic advisors and mentors who are familiar with MD/PhD programs for a candid discussion about the applicant's eligibility trajectory and, as needed, outline options to improve competitiveness. Ideally, these conversations will happen throughout the student's undergraduate training. 

It is understood that some students may not have access to mentoring by practicing MD/PhDs, or may have mentors who are not very familiar with the MD/PhD career path. We hope that candidates will search for online resources (some are listed below) and share this information with mentors who are advising them or writing letters of support.