All schools applied to are MD/PhD programs.
Unlike most people, I didn't apply early. Most secondaries were submitted late September, but files were not complete until late November because of the letters. While I definitely see the advantages to applying early, I don't think that applying late is as disadvantageous (nor as scary) as most people imply. I'm not advocating last-minute applications, but if circumstances prevent early apps, don't dismay (or panic). This is my bit, but then again, I'm pretty laid back. If you can't handle the stress of waiting, then by all means disregard this.
Another tip: Use a collection service for completing and sending documents, especially letter of recommendation. I used Interfolio, but there are several other online services. The way it works is this: indicate to interfolio that you want letters froom these people. interfolio then generates a form indicating that the letter is confidential and you waive your right... etc etc. Send this form to the writer and the writer submits the letter to Interfolio. You of course don't get access to this. Once all of your letters are submitted, you can ask Interfolio to send one package containing all the letters to various schools (many available as electronic transfer). it's an easy way to organize things and less hassle for the writers as well since they only need to submit the letter once. Granted the writers can't personalize each letter to each school, but that's one concession I was willing to give.
Interviews
UMDNJ-Rutgers-Princeton:
This was my first interview invite. The committee pays for everything except the means to get to New Brunswick. I was interviewed with 8 other MD/PhD apps (no MD only apps). Arriving at New Brunswick on Thursday, we started with a tour of the NB facilities. I must say, this is the most impressive part of the interview. All of the facilites (new cancer institute, new childrens hospital, and the main hospital) were state of the art and well designed. The political issues in NJ dont seem to affect research. Then we had dinner with several students and 2 faculty (1 happened to be one of my interviewers). The conversations with the students seem very much like a sales pitch, although they answered most of our questions honestly. They seemed to be genuinely excited about being in NJ. After the dinner, we headed to a local bar (aside from the faculty) and met up with other current students. They all seemed personable, some less social than others, but mostly very nice.
The interview day started with a breakfast and presentation at the Piscataway campus (15 min away). The presentation mostly emphasized on the students of the MD/PhD program. 4 interviews, 3 geared for the PhD and 1 for the MD. I think I did pretty well, but the interviews left me with a subpar impression of the faculty's interest in students.
The program is not as well integrated as say U Washington Seattle. The non-MSTP status of the program doesn't seem to hamper funding for students. Also several of the students chose this program over other schools that had offered acceptances. As I said earlier, the most impressive aspect of this school is the amazing facilities and the capacity to grow. I'm not too thrilled with the idea of living in that area though.
Accepted 4 weeks after interview.
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University of Colorado Health Science Center
I was really thrilled to visit CO. I'm very outdoorsy and the prospect of living there was very exciting. But onto the interview...
The interview was scheduled for two days: Thursday for half the day and Friday all day. We started Thursday with a lunch with Angie Robera for an overview of what to expect for the day. The lunch was very informal and more of a conversation as opposed to the powerpoint type presentation it normally is. The lunch was followed by a tour of the Fitzsimmons facilities (officially called Anschutz, I believe). This place was impressive. Two research towers are now functional and two more are currently being built. The whole campus consists of the main hospital, medical school quad, children's hospital, the library, and others, including a full golf course. It's about 10 mi east of Denver. The medical school is expected to make its move around christmas 07. Four interviews then followed, all MSTP oriented. Dinner with several students and then on to bed to prepare for 7:30 am start the next day.
Friday we joined the MD applicants for the MD-only interviews. These consisted of two semi-blind interviews (they only know essays and activities), followed by a lunch with the MD students and a tour of the Denver campus. I have to say, I'm glad that the medical school is moving to a new facility. The only bad part is that the Denver campus is surrounded by lots of stores and various eateries, but I suspect it's only a matter of time before Fitz develops. Then back to Fitz for more MSTP interviews (2 more) and then dinner at a house of one of the MSTP students where we were joined by other current MSTP students.
Overall, the interview process was a success in that they succeeded in convincing me that U of C MSTP is one of the most ideal MSTP out there. The progam itself is well integrated (thanks to a new MD curriculum integrating more grad school courses) and very well organized (the directors are amazing). The feel of the campus is very supporting and noncompetitive. People are very happy, both faculty and students. I believe it's a combination of the program and being in CO. The students are some of the nicest I've met and the research is pretty amazing. The labs are more grad student-oriented as opposed to post-docs or scientists. The best part is that all of these great things about the school is located in one of the best places in the country for an outdoors enthusiast. CO offers just about everything: skiing, rock climbing, disc golf, hiking, and whatever else you could fancy. In the end, UCHSC is definitely a place I can see myself being happy for many years.
