Admission Requirements

Fourth-year undergraduates with exceptional qualifications and research potential may apply for the joint Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California and California Institute of Technology (USC/Caltech) M.D./Ph.D. training program. In general, requirements for admission to the M.D./Ph.D. program mirror those of the M.D. program and at least one of the Ph.D. programs; students need not commit to a specific Ph.D. program at the time of application. A special M.D./Ph.D. Admissions Committee reviews each applicant’s scholastic aptitude, academic performance, letters of recommendation and previous research experience.

Application

Qualified individuals interested in the M.D./Ph.D. program should inquire about the program at the time of application to the medical school. In order to complete an application to the combined M.D./Ph.D. program, students must first submit an AMCAS application indicating the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California. Shortly after receipt of the completed AMCAS application, the Office of Admissions will direct an applicant to the Keck School of Medicine's online application. A portion of the school’s supplemental application will be specifically designated for the M.D./Ph.D. program. Applicants who wish to be considered for the combined degree program are asked to complete and submit the additional section.

In addition to the standard medical school application, two letters of reference should be provided from individuals familiar with the student's research potential. Although not required, Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores will help the committee in the evaluation of student applicants and are encouraged.

Students who are currently pursuing the medical curriculum at the Keck School of Medicine may also apply to the M.D./Ph.D. program.

Interview

Those applicants meeting the basic criteria will be notified of their acceptance into the pool of candidates for the USC/Caltech M.D./Ph.D. program and will be invited for an interview with members of the faculty at Keck School of Medicine and the California Institute of Technology. For more on Keck School of Medicine interview information such as procedures, housing accommodations, and directions to campus, please visit: http://keck-admit.hsc.usc.edu/. You will have to log in with your AMCAS ID and Password. After the interview is scheduled, the applicant will receive a separate notice from the MD/PhD program outlining the procedures specific to the M.D./Ph.D. applicants which differ from those of the regular MD applicants.

Notice of Acceptance

Students selected for the coming year will be notified between December and May. Students begin their program in the fall semester and are registered for the medical curriculum at that time.

Financial Aid

All M.D./Ph.D. students receive fully funded scholarships for the M.D. years from the MD/PhD program. Complete support during the Ph.D. training will be provided for each student by the specific graduate department, program and/or research preceptor.