Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

MD/PhD Frequently Asked Questions

  • An applicant's complete record is reviewed. MCAT scores, GPA, letters of evaluation and research record are extremely important.

  • The laboratories of all GSBS Basic Science Division Faculty accept MSTP trainees.

  • We aim for an incoming class of three to five students (about 2% of applicants) each year.

  • An MD/PhD specific admissions committee reviews all applicants and selects candidates for interview. This group reviews interview evaluations along with data submitted in each application and selects candidates for admission.

  • he Second Portal Program allows qualified students to apply to the program for admission after the first two years of medical school. More information on Second Portal Admissions can be found here.

  • Admission is a rolling process. The first candidates are usually admitted in December. The admissions process is usually completed in May.

  • Tufts MD-PhD program accepts only United States citizens and US permanent residents.

    Funding from NIH can only be used to support citizens or permanent residents of the United States. International applicants are also not qualified for the traditional loan programs that support citizens and permanent residents.

  • All applicants must complete the MCAT. GRE scores are not required and cannot be substituted for the MCAT.

  • Applications for the MSTP are first received by the Tufts Medical School Admissions Office. The schedule used for medical school admission is also used by the MSTP .

  • Applicants who are not accepted by the MSTP program are considered for admission to Tufts Medical School. Applicants may be able to arrange a medical school interview that coincides with their MSTP interview visit.

  • All MSTP students receive tuition remission throughout their education, a stipend and health insurance benefit. The stipend level is set by GSBS for all years of the program. More information about financial aid for MSTP students can be found here.

  • Most students are funded by the MSTP grant from NIH at some points in the education. Additional funding is provided by the school. The source of funding does not affect the level of support.

  • Complete individual health coverage through enrollment in an HMO is funded by the program for all years.

  • Most students rent apartments in communities throughout the Boston area. Transportation to the campus is facilitated by convenient subway and bus service. Parking near the campus is also available for a fee.

  • The time required depends on the individual. The average MSTP student takes 7 to 8 years to complete the program.

  • Our major academic clinical affiliates are Tufts Medical Center, Caritas St Elizabeth's Hospital, Faulkner Hospital, the Lahey Clinic, Maine Medical Center, and Newton-Wellesley Hospital.

  • Students may select any of the five Basic Science Division PhD Programs: Cell, Molecular & Developmental Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Molecular Microbiology, and Neuroscience.