MD | PhD Application Requirements
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Getting Started

Important information for prospective Michigan MSTP applicants.
Special Guidance for Applicants

The Michigan MSTP application cycle will follow any changes implemented by the MD program. 

Applicant Requirements

Applicants must:

  1. Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. All applications receive equal consideration, regardless of in-state or out-of-state residency status. Please note: Applicants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status are welcome to apply to the MD program, but unfortunately cannot apply to the MSTP due to federal funding restrictions.
  2. Submit a complete University of Michigan Medical School application (AMCAS and secondary)
  3. Complete the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
More Application Information
  • Three letters of recommendation (or a committee letter) are required with a maximum of 6 letters. Letters may come from any individuals you believe can objectively assess your qualifications for graduate study and potential for scientific research.
  • We advise choosing letter writers who can provide insight on your suitability for the MD/PhD program. At least one letter should be from a research mentor that focuses on your qualifications for graduate study and potential for scientific research. If you have had multiple short research experiences, rather than one long one, more than one research letter is advisable. The Medical School Office of Admissions uses the same letters when evaluating MSTP applicants.
  • ALL letters need to be submitted using the AMCAS letter service.
  • Do NOT send any letters directly to the University of Michigan Medical School MSTP Office.
  • Essay 1: Describe why you are applying to the University of Michigan MSTP. If you are interested in a specific department, program, or area of research for your Ph.D., please provide a brief explanation. We recognize that your interests may change. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).
  • Essay 2: Please respond to only one of the following two prompts. Do not exceed 2500 characters including spaces (about 400 words).
    • Describe how your identity impacts the development of your values and attitudes toward individuals different from yourself and how this will impact your interactions with future colleagues and patients. OR
    • If you recognize and/or represent a voice that is missing, underrepresented, or undervalued in medicine, please describe the missing voice(s) and how increased representation in medicine could impact the medical community.
  • Essay 3: How was your journey to medical school affected by the COVID pandemic? Please feel free to describe any positive or negative aspects. Do not exceed 2500 characters including spaces (about 400 words).
  • Essay 4: Outside of medicine, and beyond what we can read in your application, please tell us what you’re curious about, or what you’re passionate about, or what brings you joy – and why. Some examples include listening to historical novels, exploring national parks, woodworking, baking cupcakes, podcasting, knitting, playing pickleball, filmmaking, making music, etc. Do not exceed 1500 characters including spaces (about 250 words).

Technical standards are the basic requirements every MSTP student needs to meet for admission, enrollment and graduation.

The Medical School recently updated its technical standards to be more inclusive for qualified candidates who may require specific accommodations. We evaluate and work with students on a case-by-case basis to be sure all technical standards can be reasonably met.