Stanford's MSTP is interested in identifying students with significant undergraduate research experience that would predict successful completion of a PhD program. In addition, our successful candidates must meet the standards expected of the very best MD candidates. The Stanford Medical Scientist Training Program admissions process utilizes the same application as the MD-only application. For questions regarding this process, please contact the MD Office of Admissions directly.
The MSTP admissions process begins with submission of the AMCAS application. When an AMCAS application is received by the Office of MD Admissions the information and instructions for completion of Stanford's supplementary application are made available. Once the application file is complete, it is reviewed by members of the MSTP Admissions Committee. Admission to the Medical Scientist Training Program is contingent on acceptance to the Stanford University MD program, and the application process for both programs is collaborative.
The MSTP Admissions Committee wants to see letters of recommendation from your research mentor, or mentors, addressing your experiences in the laboratory. All letters of recommendation must be submitted through the AMCAS Letters Service. Please visit the AMCAS Letters Service site for instructions and more information.
Eligibility
Academic recommendations for the MSTP follow the same criteria as admission to the MD Program. Please see the MD Admissions website for information on Stanford University's Medical School Admissions academic recommendations.
If you have matriculated in an MD or PhD program at another institution, you are not eligible to apply to the MSTP. The Stanford MD and MST Programs do not accept applications from students applying for transfer. Stanford PhD students are eligible to apply through the AMCAS application process.
Stanford MSTP is committed to expanding the participation of diverse populations in our program, and to increasing the number of minorities in academic medicine. Stanford Medicine has a number of programs to support this goal.
International Students
The MSTP is not able to fund International Students. Stipend and tuition support from the MSTP can only be provided for U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Our federal funding restrictions do not permit us to support International Students. Unfortunately, self-support for PhD study is not an option. An International Student can still pursue a dual degree MD-PhD program here at Stanford. The applicant must apply and be admitted separately to both degree programs. It is possible to receive support for PhD study from the specific PhD department or program. Please contact the PhD program directly for PhD application procedures. International Students may be eligible for Institutional Financial Aid. Information on applying for financial aid for the MD program is available here.
PhD Programs
Stanford MSTP students enroll in PhD programs in the biomedical sciences, including those within the School of Medicine, the School of Humanities and Sciences(Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Statistics), and the School of Engineering (Bioengineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, and more).
MSTP application in conjunction with social science PhD programs is only permitted for current Stanford MD students previously admitted to a social science PhD program. MD students admitted to a Social Science PhD Program may apply for MSTP funding through the MSTP internal admissions process.
Admission to a PhD-only program is a separate application process. Application and School of Medicine Biosciences PhD admission information is available on the Biosciences PhD Programs site. For all other PhD programs, please contact the relevant Program or Department directly.
The Interview Process
Stanford MSTP conducts interviews monthly during the admissions season, usually October through February. We invite approximately 60 candidates for MSTP interview. If you are selected, you will be invited via email. MSTP and MD interviews are conducted separately on two consecutive days.
Your MSTP interview visit will include an introductory meeting with the Program Directors to talk about the structure and unique aspects of the Stanford program. You will have formal interviews with faculty and advanced MSTP students. You will meet again with the Program Directors to wrap up the visit and they will invite you to bring your questions and comments about the program and the admissions process.
Appointments will also be arranged with Stanford faculty whose research interests represent those you plan to pursue during your graduate work. You should use these informal meetings to learn about our faculty and potential research opportunities. You can familiarize yourself with faculty research interests through our Community Academic Profiles.
You will have lunch with current MSTP students on your interview day. MSTP students also plan an informal dinner for you. This is an optional event that our students enjoy hosting as it provides a relaxed opportunity to meet you and answer questions about Stanford's MSTP.
Applications that are not selected for MSTP interviews are automatically routed to Medical School Admissions to be considered for the MD-only program. Decisions by the MD Admissions Committee are made independently from the MSTP decision.
For details on getting to Stanford and places to stay, please visit our Travel page.
Admissions Decisions
Decisions regarding your MSTP application will be made after the Medical School Admissions Committee has made a decision regarding your MD application. The MSTP program offers 8-10 new positions each year. To facilitate your decision process, we encourage you to take advantage of your visit to the Stanford campus, advice from your mentors, and other resources, so that you have sufficient knowledge to decide if Stanford's MSTP is a good match for your interests and goals. Your ability to rank your choices for programs will greatly facilitate the entire admissions process both at Stanford and other programs across the country.
Admit Weekend
Admitted students will be invited to attend the Stanford Medical School Admit Weekend. The MSTP specific revisit events will be on Thursday, before the MD events begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information on admissions and the program check the Frequently Asked Questions.
Current Stanford School of Medicine Students please visit our Internal Admissions page.
NIH GRADUATE PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (GPP): Please note the Stanford MSTP is currently not participating in this program.