Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply to all three participating schools?

No.  You need only apply to RWJMS via AMCAS, indicate your interest in MD/PhD.

How does it work with 3 schools participating?

All students will receive their MD from RWJMS.  All required MD/PhD courses are completed while in the M1 and M2 years.  The PhD phase is completed under the direction of a mentor, and the primary affiliation of the mentor determines the school and the graduate program from which the student will receive their PhD.  The RWJMS graduate programs are joint with Rutgers and a joint degree is awarded from both schools.  MD/PhD program functions such as monthly meeting, clinical exposure in the PhD phase, the social events as well as the MD/PhD symposium keep students in contact through out the program.

Does applying to the MD/PhD program hurt my application to the MD program?

No.  While the MD and MD/PhD admissions committees work to assure a single interview date, the acceptance to the MD PhD program is determined by the two committees in a coordinated manner.  You must be accepted into the MD program to be accepted into the MD/PhD program.  Students not selected for an MD/PhD interview are deferred to the MD only applicant pool. 

What is unique about your program?

The RWJMS/Rutgers/Princeton MD/PhD program is a collaboration between 3 strong institutions that each bring unique resources to the program while building upon historic and recent collaborations between the institutions.  The 3 schools offer a wide range of options for the PhD, and a vibrant, interdisciplinary and interactive environment.  Additionally, physician scientist training is a major focus at RWJMS, and thus students in the MD phases are also interacting with colleagues with a strong research interest.

Can I really apply to do my PhD in a non-traditional area?

YES!  While our students frequently are in the classic biomedical disciplines, we welcome students with interest and backgrounds in engineering, policy, chemistry, computer science, and other areas.  The large number of graduate programs, especially at Rutgers, gives students many options for the PhD.  Students interested in pursuing a degree in a non-biomedical sciences program should contact the program director for specific instructions on the additional application materials that may be required for these programs.  As an example, the PhD in Anthropology at Rutgers will accept applications for MD PhD studies.

Is a rotation mandatory before the M1 year?

No, while we strongly encourage this option, it is not required. The MD/PhD stipend will initiate when the rotation begins.

When do interviews occur?

Students are invited for interviews in the fall.  The MD and MD/PhD interviews are held on the same day.  The students arrive on Thursday afternoon, and are hosted at a local hotel.  There is dinner and the opportunity to see the New Brunswick campus.  On Friday students meet with the program director Dr. Terri Goss Kinzy, the program coordinator Praxades Dominguez and the Associate Dean for Admissions for RWJMS Dr. Carol Terregino.  You will have interviews, opportunities to meet with our students, and get information on the program.  The dates for Fall 2009/Spring 2010 are:

• Thurs PM and Friday, Oct. 8-9, 2009
• Thurs PM and Friday, Nov. 19-20, 2009
• Thurs PM and Friday, Dec. 10-11, 2009
• Thurs PM and Friday, Jan. 7-8, 2010

Students unable to attend those dates were scheduled on other dates as an interview is required. 

Do I need to take the GREs or MCATs?

All students are required to take the MCATs, however, the GREs are not required for applicants planning to pursue the PhD in the biomedical sciences.  Please note that non-biomedical sciences applicants MAY be required to take the GREs and should contact the program director.  Students that participate in RWJMS programs that waive the MCAT requirement are still required to take the MCAT to apply to the MD/PhD program.

Do you accept out of state applications?

The importance of geographic and scientific diversity is recognized by the program and out of state applicants with outstanding credentials are encouraged to apply.

Do you accept early decision applications for MD/PhD?

No.  You CAN apply early decision to RWJMS using the MD/PhD application via AMCAS. However, only the MD portion of your application will go through the early decision process at RWJMS. The MD/PhD process is separate, as indicated above, and the MD/PhD program will assess your application with all other MD/PhD applicants.

Can I apply for the MD/PhD program after I have matriculated at RWJMS?

Yes, we allow students to apply after matriculation.  The applicant will add the MD/PhD Motivation and Significant Research Experience sections of the AMCAS application to their MD application by submission directly to the program. In addition, letters of recommendation can be added if sent directly to the MD/PhD program. Contact Perry Dominguez for specific instructions on submission of these items.