How to Apply

Attend a virtual information session

The University of Minnesota MSTP will be holding a virtual Information and Q&A Session on Tuesday, June 25 at 7:00 PM CDT. At this session, you can learn more about the physician scientist career path, the University of Minnesota MSTP and the MD/PhD application process. There will be a Q&A session with the MSTP Director and current MSTP students. Register for the session at http://z.umn.edu/mstpinfo

Information for the 2025 application cycle

MCAT

The University of Minnesota Medical School has a minimum MCAT score requirement of 495. The MCAT is valid for three years prior to the application year. The oldest MCAT considered for the Entering Class of 2025 will be January 2021 through September 15, 2024.

All applications to the University of Minnesota MSTP with a minimum MCAT score of 495 will be reviewed by our program upon receipt of our supplemental application. The subsequent review and evaluation process will NOT consider the MCAT.

Prerequisites and Academic Coursework

Applicants must complete 7 prerequisite courses at an accredited U.S.-based or Canadian college or university by July 1 of the year they matriculate. We conduct a holistic review of all applications and the academic profile is reviewed in terms of courses taken, grade trends, and final outcomes.

NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program

The University of Minnesota MSTP will not be accepting applications from candidates seeking a position in the NIH MD/PhD Partnership Training Program.

Application Deadline

The AMCAS application deadline for the University of Minnesota is November 1. Our supplemental application must be received by November 15.

Interviews

The University of Minnesota MSTP is committed to providing each candidate with a fair and equitable interview process. Interviews for the 2025 application cycle will be conducted virtually via Zoom.

Questions?

Please contact MSTP Director Dr. Yoji Shimizu at shimi002@umn.edu if you have any questions about the 2025 application cycle.

Application procedure for the University of Minnesota MSTP

We welcome your application to the University of Minnesota’s MSTP (MD/PhD). Follow these steps to submit an application:

  1. Complete the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) no later than September 30 of the year you wish to apply. MCAT scores more than three years old are not acceptable.
  2. Verify that you will have completed all course prerequisites prior to your intended matriculation date. If there are courses that you have not yet completed, create a time table for satisfying these requirements.
  3. Complete and submit your medical school application via AMCAS: Applications are open between June 1 and November 1 for a matriculation date in late June/early July of the following summer. To complete the application you will need:
    • MCAT Scores
    • Academic Transcript
    • Personal Statement
    • MD/PhD Statement
    • Significant Research Experience Statement
    • Biographical Information
    • Official Transcripts
    • Four letters of recommendation OR one committee packet. At least one letter must be from a research advisor
  4. Applicants will be invited to complete a brief supplemental application. There is no fee associated with the supplemental application.


The application deadline is November 1, however decisions regarding interviews and admissions are made on a rolling basis. Therefore, applicants are encouraged to complete their applications early.

Completed applications are forwarded to our office upon final verification by AMCAS. Our office may contact you with a request for additional information.

Click here to learn more about our evaluation process.

Applicants who apply to the University of Minnesota MSTP are not eligible to be considered for admission to MD only in the same application year. Individuals interested in applying for MD only may reapply in the next application year. Applicants can apply multiple times to the MSTP. Although there is no limit to the number of times you can apply, please assess any changes in a reapplication in the context of our basic eligibility requirements for admission. Although you may use previous recommenders, updated letters of recommendation should be submitted with a reapplication.

NOTE: Do not assume that your file is complete until you have received notification from the MSTP office. If you feel that you have completed all of the requirements for application but have not received notification from the Program, please contact us via email at mdphd@umn.edu.