MSTP Admissions

Individuals apply to the MSTP track by selecting MD/PhD program on the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) forms. The admissions process at Vanderbilt requires that candidates choose either the MD or MD/PhD Program on the AMCAS application. Once the AMCAS is received by Vanderbilt, all applicants will create a user ID and password to access the secondary application online.

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine recognizes that the undergraduate academic experience of applicants varies greatly. Therefore, we have made the decision to move away from “requirements” to “recommendations.” Learn more about our course recommendations .

The secondary application fee to the Vanderbilt MSTP is waived for all candidates. 
  
Vanderbilt University School of Medicine uses the AMCAS Letter Service for all letters of recommendation. Applicants should solicit confidential letters of recommendation through this system from at least three individuals who can specifically address their qualifications for the dual degree. We strongly encourage applicants to submit letters from all previous research mentors. 

Competitive applicants are invited by the MSTP to interview virtually with the Vanderbilt MSTP. The interview process includes time to meet formally and informally with faculty and students. Each applicant will also have an opportunity to meet with faculty members who are working in his or her primary area of scientific interest during the interview. 

The AMCAS application opens for submission in May, and can be submitted at the end of May, and we will begin receiving verified applications at the end of June. The deadline for submission of the AMCAS application is November 1. The secondary application and letters of recommendation must be received no later than December 1 of the year prior to enrollment. Since admission is highly competitive, individuals are encouraged to complete the application early in the cycle. Applications to the MSTP can be received from individuals who are currently enrolled in the M.D. program and students in the first year of Ph.D. training may also be considered for admission. Individuals in their residency or fellowship training who elect to pursue a Ph.D. during this time may join the MSTP. 

AMCAS 

• Available in May to submit in June 
• Vanderbilt receives in July 
• Note: verification can take up to 6 weeks 

Vanderbilt Secondary 

• Available early July 
• Deadline: November 30 at 11:59 CST 
• Fee waived for MSTP applicants 

Application Review 

• May take at least 8 weeks 
• Email us [mdphd@vanderbilt.edu] for updates  

Application Review Results 

• Interview invitation OR 
• Placed on hold to be considered for an interview at a later date OR 
• Notification that applicant will not receive an interview 

Interview 

• October – February* 
• Virtual interviews scheduled Thursday afternoon and Friday 
•   

Admissions Decisions 

• Rolling; large acceptance groups in late December and late February 
• Applicant may be wait-listed 
• Additional acceptances from waitlist are given throughout the cycle 

Second Look Weekend 

• Late March or Early April* 

Accept Vanderbilt Offer 

• April 15: Must narrow to 3 offers 
• May 1: Must hold only 1 offer 
• 21 days before orientation: “Commit to enroll” 

Orientation 

• Mid June*: MSTP Orientation 
• Mid July*: MD Orientation 

*Dates are provided to admitted students when they are finalized.

We anticipate MSTP interview invitations will begin in September. We will update with exact dates when they are available.

• Virtual Interviews: select dates in October, November, December, January, February
• Second Look Weekend: April 2026
• MSTP Orientation: June 2026
• MD Orientation: July 2026

Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis. Early applications are strongly encouraged. Successful candidates will be notified of their acceptance to the program by the admissions committee.   

Please email Dr. Megan Williams to schedule an appointment if you have questions about this process. 

Bringing together the most talented people 

• Vanderbilt is a place for those who recognize that by bringing together a variety of ideas, talents, perspectives and experiences, we can work toward solving pressing challenges. 

Cultivating a supportive and challenging environment 

• We foster an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow.   

Belonging, Collaboration and Growth 

• We bring together the brightest minds from all backgrounds and perspectives.  
• We understand that thriving looks different for everyone, which is why we provide resources that meet the physical, emotional, social, and intellectual needs of our community.