Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What's the deal with the new AMCAS Letters system?
A: UVa MSTP has access to letters from the AMCAS Letters system. Go ahead and assign the letters to the University of Virginia, and our office will be able to retrieve them. Here's the paragraph from the Medical Admissions website:
Please note that the University of Virginia School of Medicine only accepts letters of evaluation/recommendation through AMCAS. Letters of recommendation may not be mailed directly to the University of Virginia; all letters are required to be submitted to AMCAS. There are several mediums by which a letter writer can send your recommendation to AMCAS. Letters may be sent to AMCAS through VirtualEvals, Interfolio, and via the mail. In addition, letter writers who currently mail evaluations can opt to upload letters directly to AMCAS through the AMCAS Letter Writer Application (anticipated to be available in late fall). For full details as to how to utilize the AMCAS letters service, please visit the AAMC website.
Read further discussion of UVa MSTP Letters of Reference here.
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Q: But what if I have letters that I want to make sure you see?
A: First, you should identify the two most important letters on the UVa MSTP online application. We will not review your application until we have received (through AMCAS) the letters that you specify. Please note: if one of the letters that you specified is delayed or canceled, your application will be stalled till it arrives! Second, if there is a problem with any of your letters (for instance, you find out a letter didn't make it into your packet, or is coming from overseas), just send us an email at mstp@virginia.edu to let us know, and we'll handle it as you request.
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Q: How do I apply to the NIH Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Virginia?
A: Applicants must apply through the AMCAS system. Applicants must also complete two different supplementary applications: one to the Medical School and one to the MSTP.
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Q: What is the deadline for the MSTP application?
A: The deadline is January 5, 2010. Late applications to the MSTP may be processed at the discretion of the the Director and Admissions Committee. The AMCAS deadline for application to UVA School of Medicine is November 1.
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Q: Is there an additional application fee for the MSTP?
A: No. The UVa School of Medicine application fee covers both applications.
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Q: Where do I send my publications?
A: Send publications to MSTP, Graduate Programs Office, PO Box 800738, Charlottesville, VA 22908, or -- and this is the preferred method -- email them to mstp@virginia.edu.
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Q: I posted my references on Virtual Evals or Interfolio. Do you have access to them?
A: Yes, if you assign them to us through the AMCAS letters program. Quoting the Medical Admissions website:
University of Virginia School of Medicine encourages applicants to submit letters of recommendation to AMCAS via electronic means, through a confidential credential file management service such as Interfolio or VirtualEvals. Applicants are encouraged to submit letters of recommendation electronically to AMCAS whenever possible, since it will result in faster processing of your application materials.
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Q: Do you restrict which PhDs you can get at UVa?
A: No. At UVa you can get any PhD. However, departments outside of the nine biomedical sciences degree granting departments may require extra coursework, and this may prolong your studies. Also, you still need to have a strong research profile in order to be admitted, so there should be strong science background, or overall excellent academic work with a very well-defined and medically relevant plan for the PhD. You have an MSTP Academic Advisory Committee which helps you in this process.
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Q: I applied to the regular MD, but now I want to try for the MD/PhD (or vice versa). Do I need to resubmit my AMCAS application, or can you take care of this at UVa?
A: You will need to resubmit your AMCAS application. Please call to let us know, though, because we're probably already processing your application.
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Q: If I'm not accepted for the MSTP, will my application still be considered for admission to the MD Program?
A: Yes. We try to minimize the delay for consideration in the MD program if we are not able to offer an interview. Offers for MD-only interviews generally occur January-March. Also, if you come for an MSTP interview, UVa Medical Admissions can make an independent offer of admission.
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Q: I really like UVa and really want an MD and PhD. What if I don't get in to the MSTP?
A: You can reapply next year. Students who are early on in medical or graduate training can apply to the MSTP and successfully transition into the program. The MSTP curriculum is integrated, so it is difficult to transition later in medical or graduate training. The Physiology Department at UVa also has a small accelerated MD-to-PhD program.
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Q: I've taken the MCAT more than once. Which scores do you look at?
A: At UVa Medical Admissions, they will take the most recent scores. Admissions at the MSTP is individualized, and our directors look closely at all the information they are given. If you believe you can significantly improve your score, you should take it again.
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Q: Does my non-Virginia residency status affect my chances of being admitted to the MSTP?
A: No. There are no residency requirements for MSTP students.
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Q: As a foreign student, am I eligible to apply to the MSTP?
A: Yes. If you meet the eligibility requirements of the medical school (completion of 90 semester hours in an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution, and completion of prerequisites) you are eligible to apply to the MSTP. Due to our funding limitations, admission is particularly competitive for foreign students, but we do have excellent foreign students in our program.
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Q: What does the scholarship package include?
A: The MSTP funding package includes an annual stipend ($25,000/year effective June 2008), all tuition and fees, a travel allowance, and individual health and dental insurance. Health insurance is paid directly, and dental insurance is reimbursed to the student.
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Q: What is the length of the program?
A: The average length of time to complete the MSTP is about 7 years. Some students finish in 6 years, some take longer than 7. The length of time in medical school is set, but students vary in how long they take to complete the PhD.
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Q: How many applications do you receive?
A: The program receives between 130-175 applications per year. Of these, we interview around 50 students. Applicants are contacted by e-mail initially, and then by phone, to arrange an interview.
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Q: Are there a required number of rotations?
A: Students are required to complete two or three laboratory rotations.
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Q: Are rotations required before my first year?
A: A summer rotation is encouraged but not required. Usually about one half of the entering class participates in a summer rotation before beginning medical school.
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Q: What sort of housing options are available?
A: The three primary rental living options for students are:
1) Privately owned student apts adjacent to the medical school. Most students choose this option. PROS: convenience, numerous options, walk to the corner (bars, restaurants). CONS: can be noisy, usually don't allow pets, tend to be student sized (i.e., smaller), parking can be tricky.
2) Privately owned off-grounds apt complexes. Off grounds complexes are an option if you have a car and don't mind parking and riding, or choose a complex with a shuttle. PROS: tend to be larger for the same price, usually have amenities (e.g., pool, workout center), most allow pets, usually are quieter, large parking lots. CONS: may have a longer commute, may have to pay for an on-grounds parking sticker.
3) University housing. University housing is available for graduate students in dedicated dormitories. There is also discounted family housing available for married students.
Further information on housing options both on and off Grounds (as the UVa campus is known) can be found at The Graduate Guide.
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Q: What's your policy on deferred admissions?
A: Deferrals are only granted for reasons of professional development or for completing an obligation such as the Peace Corps.
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