Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many students apply and are admitted each year?
In 2009, the UT-Houston MD/PhD Program received 122 applications, and interviewed 60 applicants. The Program accepts 5 new students each year.
2. What factors are considered in the admissions process?
A variety of factors are considered in the admissions process, and they include MCAT scores, GPA, and level of research experience. There is no minimum GPA or MCAT required, but current students have an average GPA of 3.7, and average MCATS of 9.4 – 10.8. Applicants should also have sufficient research experience to ensure they understand the research process and are committed to a career as a physician-scientist.
3. When are applicants notified about their acceptance?
Initial acceptance letters are typically mailed by March, and additional offer letters are made as space is available.
4. Why should I consider the UT-Houston MD/PhD Program?
The Program was established in 1982 and is unique in its approach of allowing students to complete three years of Medical School before beginning their dissertation research. This is critical because it is not until the third year of Medical School that students actually evaluate patients, diagnose problems, and recommend treatment plans, and are thus prepared to understand limitations of current methods for preventing, diagnosing, and treating disease and to appreciate the importance of clinical and translational research.
5. Is financial support available for students in the UT-Houston MD/PhD Program?
All students in the MD/PhD Program receive financial support that includes a stipend and school tuition/fees. In 2008-2009, the stipend for students enrolled in Medical School was $20,800 a year, and students enrolled in the Graduate School and working on dissertation research received $26,000 a year.
6.How long does it take students to complete both degrees?
The average time required to earn dual MD/PhD degrees of trainees in the last 10 years is 7.3 years. This includes the standard 4 years of Medical School and the additional time required to earn the PhD.
7. What opportunities do students have for laboratory rotations?
Students take 3 research tutorials with Graduate School faculty prior to selecting a laboratory to pursue their dissertation research. There are over 600 Graduate School faculty with research interests spanning the entire spectrum of biomedical sciences, and students can search the Graduate school research database to help them identify faculty conducting research in areas where they have an interest (Search GSBS Research Tutorial).
