The UCLA Medical Scientist Training Program

Frequently Asked Questions regarding the UCLA Medical Scientist Training Program?

How many students are admitted each year?

Usually 10-12 students are admitted each year. Of that number, two students are selected to pursue the Ph.D. degree at Caltech.

How many apply for admission?

We receive over 300 applications each year.

Does the UCLA program admit out-of-state applicants?

Yes. We do not give California residents any special priority over other applicants. However, the majority of our applicants are either from the West Coast or have attended schools in this part of the country. They may have family in this area or may have lived here at one time. Permanent residents are eligible for admission, but we do not accept international students at this time.

How many applicants are invited to interview for the MSTP?

Typically, about 85 applicants are invited for interview.

What is the deadline for application?

The deadline for applications is December 1, 2006 for the incoming class of 2007.

Does the UCLA MSTP have rolling admissions?

We do not have a rolling admissions policy, however, we may admit a limited number of highly competitive applicants prior to the end of our interview process. Whether or not this is done depends upon the quality of the applicant pool in any given year. 

Is there a minimum GPA or MCAT result necessary for an application to be considered for interview?

Although there is no set "minimum" GPA or MCAT scores, all applications are reviewed based on a combination of factors including the GPA, MCAT results and level of research experience. Based on the data from the past five years, students who were admitted to the MSTP generally had a strong GPA (average 3.8) and MCATs (average 11-13) and a significant research experience (average of 2 years). In addition, letters of recommendation are given considerable weight in the admissions process.

Are GRE Scores required for admission to the MSTP?

GRE sores are not required for your application, as MCAT scores are used in lieu of the GRE's.

If I do not receive an invitation to interview for the MSTP, will I still be able to interview for medical school?

Yes, if you are not invited to interview with the MSTP, your application will be returned to the main Admissions Office to be included with the medical school general applicant pool for screening and interview consideration. From that point on, the medical school Admissions Office will handle your application.

If I am interviewing for the MSTP do I need to interview with the Medical School?

No, when interviewing for the MSTP you are also interviewing for the medical school.

If I have already been interviewed for medical school, will I need to be interviewed again by the MSTP Admissions Committee?

Yes. The MSTP Admissions Committee evaluates applicants in a separate and more rigorous process than the medical school. If you have been scheduled for an interview with the medical school and intend to apply for the MSTP, it would be advisable to postpone your medical school interview until your application has been screened by the MSTP, then if you are invited to interview with the MSTP, you will not need to be interviewed by the medical school.

Is the MSTP interview a group interview or individual interviews? Is the interview blind?

Each applicant is interviewed individually by MSTP Committee members, the Program Director or Associate Director, and by faculty whose research relates to the applicant's interests and experience. Candidates may choose faculty with whom they would like to meet for informational interviews. All interviewers are given the applicant's file to review prior to the interview.

Does the MSTP conduct regional interviews?

The MSTP does not conduct regional interviews.

Does the MSTP pay for interview expenses?

The UCLA MSTP does not pay for the expenses of the initial interview. If the applicant is invited for a second visit, the program will pay all travel expenses incurred by the applicant.

How many letters of recommendation are required?

Three letters or recommendation are required with at least one letter from a research mentor who can address one's research experience and abilities. Letters must be submitted to the MSTP Office directly, particularly if they differ from letters submitted for medical school admission. Committee letters or composite letters are acceptable, but the names of the applicant's three referees must be listed on the application.

If I am a current graduate student, can I still apply to the MSTP?

Yes, but you must not have completed more than two years of graduate work if enrolled in a Ph.D. program.  Completion of a master's level degree is acceptable.

Does an applicant have to apply separately to a graduate department to be considered for the MSTP?

No. Students who are admitted into the UCLA MSTP are usually registered jointly with the medical school and the Graduate Division. After the 2nd year of medical school the student will decide on a graduate program and apply directly to the department or program in which the student will pursue the Ph.D.

Trainees who are accepted for the Caltech program will be admitted to the graduate program at Caltech after the second year of medical school.

Do I have to choose a graduate major at the time of admission?

No. Typically, MSTP students complete the first two years of medical school before entering a graduate program. During those two years, you have the opportunity to do three rotations in various labs before making a final selection.

When are research rotations conducted?

The first rotation is conducted in the summer prior to the beginning of the first year of medical school. The second rotation is conducted in the summer between the first and second years and the final rotation after the second year of medical school. Three rotations are recommended. Faculty advisors assigned to new students can be helpful in the selection of a lab. Trainees selected for the Caltech program will conduct rotations at Caltech.

How does the committee weigh GPA, test scores, research experience and so forth?

We do not have a specific point system for each factor. The committee examines each application as a whole and considers the applicant based on the interviews as well as the applicant's documentation. GPA and test scores may reflect the applicant's performance, aptitude and abilities, but we look at the individual's life experiences, commitment to research, interests and the inclination and capacity to pursue a rigorous program of study required to complete the dual degrees. We look for students with a substantial degree of research experience, not necessarily years of experience, but level of autonomy, understanding of the process of research and depth of knowledge.

What is the average profile of the MSTP student admitted last year?

The average GPA was 3.76, the average science MCAT score was 12 and accepted students had an average of 2-3 years of research experience.

Following my interview, when can I expect to hear from the MSTP regarding a decision on my application?

The final decisions of the MSTP Committee are made in mid March.  Letters containing applicant status information will be mailed out shortly after the final decision has been made.

If I am not accepted for the MSTP, but I am admitted to the medical school, can I reapply to the MSTP?

Yes, first- and second-year medical students can apply to the MSTP.

Can an applicant be accepted without funding?

Yes. An applicant may be designated an MSTP Associate and receive partial or no funding. This happens only in unusual instances. Currently, all MSTP students receive full funding.

What is the current stipend level?

The 2006-07 stipend for entering students is $24,000. The stipend for trainees in the graduate years is currently  $26,000. Tuition, registration fees and health insurance are covered by the program. There is a nominal travel allowance for fully funded students.

Are international students eligible for admission to the MSTP?

No.  The UCLA MSTP does not accept international students because of current funding restrictions.

Does the MSTP have any special admissions program for underrepresented minority (URM) students?

The UCLA MSTP has a strong record of admitting underrepresented minority students. Most of our URM applicants are competitive with the rest of the applicant pool. Those applicants whose GPA or MCATs are lower than the applicant pool are evaluated based on their research experience, life experiences, letters of recommendation and the interview.

If I am accepted to the UCLA MSTP, can I defer admission to the program?

The medical school has a no-deferral policy that applies to the Medical Scientist Training Program except for specific instances such as the award of a scholarship or fellowship (e.g. Rhodes, Fulbright or Marshall scholarships). Requests are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be made by April 15th.

Is there flexibility in the program for students who are interested in going into the laboratory sooner or staying additional time in the lab to complete the degree?

Yes. Students who wish to start research early may be accommodated, but this is an unusual request. The program allows a student to complete an extra year or two of research to complete the Ph.D. before returning to medical school. Our goal is to combine an excellent Ph.D. with a full medical education for all students. Trainees are encouraged to meet with the Program Director to formulate their plans. Any substantial diversion from the medical or graduate curriculum is subject to approval of the director and/or dean as well as the graduate department or program.

What educational programs are available for graduate students who want to maintain contact with medicine?

There are a wide variety of journal clubs, seminars and conferences open to MSTP students. In addition to weekly conferences and seminars, Grand Rounds are held weekly in every clinical department.

A two-week clinical introduction is required for graduate students returning to the medical curriculum. A longitudinal clinical elective may be arranged that matches the MSTP trainee with a STAR fellow who will serve as a mentor for the duration of the elective. The goal of this program is not limited to the acquisition of medical knowledge, but rather emphasizes continued familiarization with patient contact, clinical thinking, physical examination skills, outpatient medicine and continuity care. To accomplish this, students accompany their STAR mentor to their continuity clinic twice a month. During the mentoring sessions, trainees act initially as observers, but as they spend more time with their mentors, and as their mentors see fit, they are expected to be allowed more patient responsibilities

Are there other activities for MSTP trainees?

The MSTP Student Seminar Series, run by current MSTP graduate students, allows one to choose a topic for discussion, pull together literature on the topic and invite a physician-scientist to discuss the topic with students. Students may invite an investigator to speak on his/her research.

The MSTP Distinguished Investigator Lecture, held once a year, is a student-sponsored event which all MSTP students are expected to attend. The program sponsors several other activities during the year, both social and scientific, which we encourage all MSTP and research-oriented medical students to attend.

All trainees are required to attend the Annual MSTP Research Conference held in the Fall semester.

Am I subject to a Payback obligation if I accept a position with the MSTP?

No. The NIH announced as of June 10, 1993, predoctoral trainees no longer incur a payback obligation as a result of an appointment to National Research Service Award (NRSA) training grants such as the MSTP.

 

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