This book is a student reference guide book for the MD PhD application process. It begins with
an overview of the structure of a typical MD PhD program as well as student outcomes and career
choices of MD PhD graduates. Next is an outline of the academic and extracurricular
prerequisites as well as the basic components of the application itself. The authors then
address the factors that MD PhD students should consider when selecting schools to which to
apply. Continuing to the main application examples are provided of all the different essay
types that MD PhD applicants will encounter along with comments on how to address the
deliberately vague and abstract prompts while tailoring the responses to the combined-degree
program. Most uniquely included is a very detailed explanation of the many types of interviews
that applicants will encounter and how to prepare for them by integrating extensive personal
experience and first-hand discussions with MD PhD program leaders. Lastly there will be a
discussion on how to cope with the year-long timeline that constitutes this application process
and provide guidance regarding properly responding to acceptances and waitlist offers. Written
by a team of authors each experienced with the MD PhD application this book aids the
prospective applicant with navigating this challenging process.
