Frequently Asked Questions About UW MSTP Admissions
- When is the application available?
- The MSTP application will be available on July 1, 2009.
- What is the deadline for application materials?
- The deadline for the receipt of all material is January 4, 2010.
- Do I need to apply to both the medical school and the UW MSTP?
- By designating the University of Washington on your AMCAS aplication, you are automatically considered by the UW medical school for the MD-only program. To apply for the MSTP, you additionally must complete the MSTP online application. If you prefer to be considered by the MSTP only, do not complete the secondary application from the medical school for the MD-only program if the medical school offers it to you.
- What are the average GPA and MCAT scores of students in your program?
- The average GPA of matriculated students in recent years has been a 3.8 and average MCAT has been a 36Q. Ranges of MCAT scores and GPAs of matriculated students have been very large, however.
- How many people apply to your program?
- In the last couple of years we have received around 300 applications per year.
- What is the average class size?
- We usually matriculate between 10 and 14 students.
- I'm not a Washington resident -- can I still be admitted to the MSTP?
- The UW MSTP does not have state residency restrictions; you simply must be a US citizen or have US Permanent Resident status. The UW MD-only program does have state residency restrictions; it is unlikely that you will be considered for MD-only admission unless you are a resident of Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, or Idaho.
- How current do my MCAT scores need to be?
- MCAT scores from the last three years are accepted. For example, for those applying to enter in 2010, scores from 2007, 2008, or 2009 are accepted. For applicants applying for 2010, the MCAT must be taken by September 30, 2009.
- What are the minimum course requirements for admission in 2010?
- The minimum course requirements for admission to the MSTP are the same as the MD-only program minimum requirements. These courses must be completed by the time of matriculation into our program in June, but preferrably before you apply:
- BIOLOGY and CHEMISTRY -- 6 semesters or 9 quarters. The subject matter in these courses must include general chemistry, general biology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, and cell biology/cell physiology.
- PHYSICS -- 2 semesters or 3 quarters
OR
PHYSICS (1 smr or 2 qtr) and MATH (1 smr or 2 qtr of Calculus or Linear Algebra) - SOCIAL SCIENCES or HUMANITIES -- 4 semesters or 6 quarters.
- What are the course minimum requirements for admission after 2010?
- Course minimum requirements will change for fall 2011 admissions. Please click here for further details.
- Is it possible to get any one of the minimum course requirements waived?
- Under exceptional circumstances, some course requirements may be waived for individuals with unusual achievements and academic promise. Applicants seeking a waiver of a minimum requirement should contact mstp (at) u.washington.edu for more information.
- What minimum courses and academic background is recommended but not required?
- The following courses and general academic background is recommended by the medical school, but not required:
- Ethics
- Anatomy or Comparative Anatomy
- Human or Mammalian Physiology
- Embryology
The biochemistry course for the first-year medical students focuses on molecular mechanisms central to human health and disease. It's taught with the assumption that participants have already mastered the fundamentals of biochemistry, including molecular genetics, structure and activity of proteins, and metabolism.
All candidates should demonstrate substantial academic ability in their major field as well as in the required science courses. Candidates should be proficient in the use of the English language, basic mathematics, personal computing, and information technologies.
- I am a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident, but I went to school internationally. Will my credits be accepted?
- The American Medical College Application Services (AMCAS) will not verify your international transcripts. We will need an original copy of your transcripts sent directly from the foreign institution, and a transcript evaluation from a bona fide credentials evaluator. This service can be provided by such companies as Seattle Foundation for International Services, Academic Credentials Evaluation Institute, World Education Services, National Association for Credential Evaluation Services, or Association of International Credential Evaluators. Please send transcripts and transcript evaluations to: UW MSTP Office, I-264 Health Sciences Center, Box 357470, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7470. The MSTP office should be in receipt of your transcript evaluation before you submit your Preliminary MSTP application online at our web site.
- My US Permanent Residency application is in process and I expect to receive it before I would matriculate into your program, but not by your application deadline. May I still apply to your program?
- Unfortunately no. You must be a US Citizen or have US Permanent Resident status at the time of initial application to this program, which is the time you submit the online Preliminary MSTP application on our website.