Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I apply to the University of Maryland School of Medicine MD/PhD Program?
A: Application is made through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). AMCAS is open for students applying for enrollment in 2024-2025 school year.
Q: Do I complete a separate application to the University of Maryland School of Medicine?
A: You must select the MD/PhD Program on your AMCAS application. After your AMCAS application is received by the University of Maryland you will be sent an e-mail with instructions for completing the on-line secondary application. This allows you to complete the required two MD/PhD essay questions that describe your interest in the combined degree program.
Q: Where should I send letters of recommendation? 
A: All letters should be sent directly to AMCAS. AMCAS will forward your letters to the School of Medicine.
Q: What is the deadline for receipt of my MD-PhD application?
A: The AMCAS primary application must be submitted by October 1, 2024. Once we receive your verified primary application through AMCAS, we will email you a secondary application to be completed and returned along with your $80 payment. The secondary application must be submitted by October 15. Transcripts must also be sent to AMCAS by October 16. All letters of recommendation must be submitted via AMCAS by October 15, 2024 11:59 p.m.
The secondary SOM application should indicate that you are also applying to the MSTP (dual degree MD/PhD Program). You will be asked to provide a list of any publications or abstracts from previous research experience and any honors or prizes that you have received for research related activities. The MSTP (MD/PhD Program) is especially interested in the opinions of individuals with whom you have carried out research. Thus, you should include at least one letter of reference from a research mentor in addition to the other letters of reference requested by the UMSOM Admissions. We strongly encourage our applicants to submit as many references as possible from research mentors.
Completed applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. Selected candidates will be contacted by the MSTP Office for a virtual interview. Although the official deadline is October 15, the most competitive applicants apply early in the cycle and are evaluated early.
After the October 15 submission deadline, updates and additional information may be provided directly to the MSTP office by email to jbacon@som.umaryland.edu.
Q: Are international students eligible for the MD/PhD Program?
A: U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for admission, as are 
Canadian citizens. Due to funding restrictions, all other international students are ineligible to apply.
Q: I am currently a medical student at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Am I eligible to apply to the MD/PhD Program?
A: Students currently enrolled in the University of Maryland medical school program or PhD program can apply if they meet eligibility requirements. It is recommended that potential applicants contact the Director of the MD/PhD Program to discuss this process.
Q: When will I hear from the MD/PhD Program at UMB?
A: Applications are reviewed by the Medical School Admissions Office and MD/PhD Advisory Committee. Following the review process we will contact you if you are selected for an interview.
Q: What factors are considered in selecting applicants to interview for the Program?
A: Applicants must meet admissions requirements for the School of Medicine, including MCAT scores, undergraduate and graduate academic records and letters of recommendation. Also a
strong background in research is essential. Interviews are extended to applicants based on the above criteria using a holistic approach.
Q: What is the average GPA and MCATs of the students invited to interview?
A: GPA 3.80, MCAT 515.
Q: What makes a competitive applicant?
A: In recent years, accepted MD-PhD students have had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.77 with a range of 2.71 to 4.0, and an average MCAT of 515 with a range of 508-524. Students with a weak undergraduate GPA often have done a MS with a strong GPA.
The research experience and potential to become a physician-scientist, as described in your physician scientist motivation statement, is the most important part of your MD-PhD application. Students should have a significant amount of research experience. This includes, but is not limited to, at least one year undergraduate research, post-undergraduate research, senior thesis research, and/or multiple summer projects – prior to applying to the MD-PhD Program.
Strong letters of recommendation from faculty who know the student's research experience and comment on their potential as scientists are important.
Publications are not required.
Q: What are my chances of admission?
A: Each year our program receives approximately 250 applications. Interviews are extended to about 50 applicants. Approximately, 50 percent of interviewees are accepted. Our program matriculates approximately 8 new students per year.
Q: When are interviews held?
A: Two-day virtual interviews are held in the months of November, December, January, and February.
Q: Are accepted applicants invited back for a second visit?
A: Yes, accepted applicants are encouraged to revisit the campus.
Q: If I am not accepted for admission by the MD/PhD Program will I be considered for MD only?
A: Yes, applicants not accepted into the combined degree program are automatically evaluated and considered by the medical school.
Q: How many students are currently enrolled in the MD/PhD Program?
A: The program has 65 current students. We expect to remain this size (approximately 8 per entering class).
Q: Do all students in the MD/PhD Program receive support?
A: Yes, all students are provided with a yearly stipend, tuition, fees, individual health insurance and malpractice insurance.