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’s MSTP is committed to expanding the participation of diverse populations in our program and to increasing their numbers in academic medicine. MSTP encourages applications from students who are Black / African American, Native American, Native Alaskan or Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and Hispanic / Latino American. Students with disabilities are also encouraged to apply. Students with disabilities actively participating in the various aspects of life at Stanford, are an essential part of our greater community. Stanford University has a strong commitment to maintaining a diverse and stimulating academic community, representing a broad spectrum of talents and experiences. Stanford Medicine has a number of programs to support these goals.
The Stanford School of Medicine and the Medical Scientist Program encourage those with diverse backgrounds or disabilities to apply. Our applicants reflect a wide range of socioeconomic, cultural and religious affiliations, including people with disabilities. We do not discriminate and believe in the inclusion of all individuals.
Our selection process is accessible for students with disabilities and reasonable and appropriate accommodations will be provided to ensure that people with disabilities have fair and equal opportunities to demonstrate their qualifications.
Equal Access to the School of Medicine’s Educational Program
Stanford Medicine intends for its students and graduates to become competent and compassionate physicians who are capable of entering residency training (graduate medical education) and meeting all requirements for medical licensure.
Stanford Medicine has an institutional commitment to provide equal educational opportunities for qualified students with disabilities who apply for admission to the MD degree program or who are enrolled as medical students. Stanford Medicine is a leader in student diversity and individual rights, with a strong commitment to full compliance with state and federal laws and regulations (including the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and California law (Civil code 51 and 54). A “qualified person with a disability” is an individual with a disability who meets the academic and technical standards requisite to admission or participation in Stanford Medicine’s educational programs, with or without accommodations. Admitted candidates with disabilities are reviewed individually, on a case-by-case basis, with a complete and careful consideration of all the skills, attitudes, and attributes of each candidate to determine whether there are any reasonable accommodations or available options that would permit the candidate to satisfy the standards.
Stanford’s Policy on Non-Discrimination
Stanford University admits qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or marital status to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the University. Consistent with its obligations under the law, Stanford prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by applicable law in the administration of the University's programs and activities; Stanford also prohibits unlawful harassment including sexual harassment and sexual violence. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding this nondiscrimination policy: Director of the Diversity and Access Office, Mariposa House, 585 Capistrano Way, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-8230; (650) 723-0755 (voice), (650) 723-1791 (fax), equal.opportunity@stanford.edu (email). Stanford’s Title IX Coordinator, Cathy Glaze, has been designated to handle inquiries regarding sexual harassment and sexual violence: Mariposa House (2nd floor), 585 Capistrano Way, Stanford, CA 94305, (650) 497-4955 (voice), (650) 497-9257 (fax), titleix@stanford.edu(email).
Stanford’s Office of Accessible Education
The Office of Accessible Education (OAE) is the campus office designated to work with Stanford students with disabilities, at both the undergraduate and graduate levels (including the professional schools). The OAE provides a wide array of support services, accommodations, and programs to remove barriers to full participation in the life of the University. Office of Accessible Education, 563 Salvatierra Walk, Stanford, CA 94305, Phone: 650-723-1066.
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
The Knight-Hennessy Scholars program awards up to 100 high-achieving students every year with full funding to pursue graduate education at Stanford, including the MD-PhD Medical Scientist Training Program. To be considered, you must apply to Knight-Hennessy Scholars by September 27, 2017, and separately apply to the MD-PhD (MSTP) program by September 29, 2017.
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.
Only International Students applying to the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program may also apply to the Stanford MSTP. If applying to Knight-Hennessy, International Students may apply to the MSTP MD-PhD track at Stanford.
An International Student can still pursue a dual degree MD-PhD program here at Stanford outside of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars Program. 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.
NIH GRADUATE PARTNERSHIPS PROGRAM (GPP): Please note the Stanford MSTP is currently not participating in this program.