Admission to the Tulane Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP) is highly competitive. Two students are accepted each year from a pool of more than 150 applicants. Applicants are assessed based on research experience, GPA, MCAT scores and performance at a personal interview. The program directors and members of the Admissions Committee review all applications. These individuals assess qualifications, invite applicants for interviews and interact with a larger Admissions Committee to identify applicants that are offered positions in the program. Applicants selected for interview are contacted by program staff via e-mail to make arrangements for their visit.
Applicants admitted to the MSTP are also admitted to both the Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences and Tulane University School of Medicine without separate application or interview. Applications that are not selected for consideration for the MSTP may still be considered by the School of Medicine for admission to the M.D. program.
By its nature the P/S program requires that students have clearly defined long-term goals as well as a realistic appreciation of those goals. While rewarding, a career that demands expertise in the rapidly evolving fields of clinical medicine and science will always be challenging. For these reasons, applicants to the MSTP must demonstrate a refined understanding of this career choice.
Applicants must have evidence of meaningful research experience with strong letters of support from their supervisors. Publications are not required but are a means of demonstrating research productivity. Applicants whose research experience is limited to a summer in a laboratory will be at a significant disadvantage.
Applicants must also be able to articulate reasons for becoming a physician rather than a non-physician medical researcher. In this regard, exposure to "people professions" (such as teaching, nursing, social work) may be invaluable.
The deadline for applications is October 1st. Admissions is on a rolling basis and applicants can be informed about the status of their application as early as February, or as late as May or June.
- Applicants should be U.S. or Canadian citizens or U.S. permanent residents.
- The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is required.
- The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is recommended but is not required.
- Applicants are expected to have completed a baccalaureate degree at an accredited college or university.
- While there is no minimum grade point average (GPA) requirement, courses and achievement level must reflect a secure foundation in the sciences, including biology, physics, mathematics, and chemistry.
- At least 6 hours each of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry and physics are required.
For additional information please visit the Tulane School of Medicine, Office of Admissions
- AMCAS Application
- Applying with the AMCAS MD/PhD application will indicate your interest in the program
A personal interview is an important part of the admissions process for the Tulane MSTP. The interview provides an opportunity for the admissions committee to evaluate the applicants' qualifications and allows the applicants to meet and interact with Tulane’s current MSTP students. Each applicant may also identify faculty of particular interest so that information about research of special interest to the applicant can be discussed.
