Application Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Does my AMCAS application suffice when I've checked the box indicating an interest in MSTP?

A. No. We will need your CWRU secondary application (submitted through iApply) and letters of recommendation.

Q. Where should I send my letters of recommendation?

A. All letters of recommendation must be submitted to the AMCAS letters service.

Q. Do I need to take the GRE?

A. For BME applicants, we prefer to receive but do not require GRE scores. GRE scores are optional for those students not entering BME.

Q. If my MCAT score is weak, or my GPA doesn't seem to be competitive, will I still be considered for the program?

A. Yes, you will be considered. An application is weighed on many factors. These factors include MCAT scores, GPA, research experience, publications, and personal qualities that indicate your ability to get along with people and succed in a scientific setting. Each and every application is considered individually.

Q. What factors are considered by the MSTP Admissions Committee?

A. See the previous question. You'll also find an answer to this question, along with other excellent information on MD-PhD programs in general, on the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website.
http://www.aamc.org/students/considering/research/mdphd/applying.htm

Q. What are the average GPA and MCAT scores for admitted applicants?

A. Each year is different, and there is no set cut-off. You will be compared to the field of applicants in the year you apply.

Q. Can a high school AP Calculus class fulfill the MSTP's Calculus requirement?

A. Yes, but only if it is listed as a credited course on your college transcript.

Q. How do I know whether all of my materials are complete?

A. You can check on the status of your application any time by logging in to your CWRU iApply account.

Q. What is the deadline for submitting my application to the MSTP?

A. The deadlines are November 1 for the AMCAS application and December 15 for the CWRU secondary application. You may request an extension beyond these deadlines by contacting the MSTP office.

Q. Is the MSTP open to international students?

A. Sorry, no. The Case MSTP is funded by a grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS), one of the National Institutes of Health. Because the grant is a type of National Research Service Award, trainees must be citizens or noncitizen nationals of the United States, or have been lawfully admitted for permanent residence (i.e., possess an alien registration receipt card I-151 or I-551).

See also the School of Medicine's Admissions FAQ page