MSTP-Admissions

Applicants must complete the following steps:

1. Submit the AMCAS application to the University of Louisville School of Medicine and select the MSTP program option.
2. Complete the UofL School of Medicine secondary application when invited. Invitations and other application notifications are sent by email to the address listed in the AMCAS application. Applicants should monitor spam or junk folders to ensure messages are not missed.
3. Submit letters of recommendation, including letters from research mentors who can address the applicant’s research experience, intellectual curiosity, independence, perseverance, and potential for a physician-scientist career.
4. Complete interviews if invited. Selected candidates will interview with both the School of Medicine Admissions Committee and the MSTP admissions process.

Applicants should take the MCAT no later than the fall before the year in which they hope to matriculate. MCAT scores more than two years old are not accepted.

The MSTP uses a holistic review process. We do not rely on strict GPA or MCAT thresholds. Instead, we seek applicants with strong academic preparation, meaningful research experience, compassion for patients, and a clear commitment to a career that integrates discovery and clinical medicine.

The admissions committee considers several factors, including:

• Alignment between the applicant’s research interests and UofL MSTP mentors and research strengths
• Evidence of sustained commitment to research and potential for scientific independence
• Motivation to become a physician-scientist
• Commitment to improving health through discovery, clinical care, and community engagement
• Academic and research preparation
• Letters of recommendation, especially from research mentors
• Life experiences, service, clinical exposure, and background that may contribute to the applicant’s future impact as a physician-scientist

Because the MSTP prepares students for careers at the intersection of science and medicine, applicants should be prepared to discuss their research experiences in depth, including the questions they studied, methods used, results obtained, challenges encountered, and future directions.

Selected applicants are invited to interview virtually. Interview invitations are sent to the primary email address listed in the AMCAS application.

MSTP interviews typically occur in coordination with the School of Medicine interview process. Applicants meet with MSTP faculty and program leaders and have opportunities to interact with current students. Interviews focus on the applicant’s preparation for physician-scientist training, research experiences, career goals, fit with UofL research strengths, and interest in the distinctive features of the UofL MSTP.

Applicants should be prepared to discuss:

• Why they are pursuing combined MSTP training
• Their prior research experiences and scientific contributions
• How they think about research questions and experimental design
• Their clinical motivation and commitment to patient care
• Their long-term career goals
• Their interest in UofL’s MSTP community, research environment, and community-engaged mission

Following interviews, the MSTP admissions committee reviews each applicant’s full application, letters of recommendation, research background, interview evaluations, and fit with the program’s mission and research environment.

Applicants may receive updates after committee review, with final selections made by the spring of the matriculation year. Applicants who are not offered a position in the MSTP and wish to be considered for the regular MD program should notify the School of Medicine according to admissions office procedures.

Current UofL medical students may also apply to join the MSTP after demonstrating strong research aptitude during the early medical school curriculum. Interested students should contact the MSTP Co-Directors during the spring semester of the first year of medical school to learn about the internal application process. Selected internal applicants may be invited to interview with the MSTP admissions committee.