How to Apply
Prospective students must apply individually to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and complete the MSTP online application. The criteria for acceptance to the MSTP include an outstanding academic record and letters of recommendation, positive personal interviews, and significant prior research experience. Admission to the MSTP is competitive, as is admission to graduate school, with students applying to the PhD programs of their choice after the first year of medical school. Applicants can apply to either the MSTP (MD/PhD) or the MD program and will only be considered for the program they have applied for.
Every year the program receives 600+ applications for a maximum of 15 available positions. Each completed application is screened by a review committee, and well-qualified applicants are invited for interviews. The 2025 matriculating class had an average undergraduate GPA of 3.9 and an average MCAT score of 517. The application should include two letters of recommendation from faculty and/or scientists who can describe your prior research experience. In addition, your application should indicate your anticipated research interests and factors that have influenced your choice to apply to the MD-PhD program. All components of the application are considered by the review committee with a focus on your research experience and interests, and commitment to a career as a physician-scientist. A bachelor's degree or equivalent must be completed prior to matriculating.
For additional information contact:
University of Pittsburgh
MSTP
M250 Scaife Hall
3550 Terrace Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
Telephone: (412) 648-2324
Fax: (412) 648-2185
Email: mstp@medschool.pitt.edu
AAMC Fee Assistance Program
The AAMC Fee Assistance Program assists those who, without financial assistance, would be unable to take the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®), apply to medical schools that use the American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®), and more.
MSTP Application Deadline
Applicants must submit an initial application through AMCAS by October 1.
In order to be considered for the MSTP, your MSTP application, along with the supplemental application for Pitt-CMU MSTP and all supporting documents, including letters of recommendation, are due no later than 11:59 PM on OCTOBER 15. We do not grant application deadline extensions. Early applications are strongly encouraged.
Our MSTP admits only U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents; international students are ineligible for the MSTP.
Acceptances
We accept students twice a year; therefore, it is very important to complete the application, including recommendation letters, as early as possible.
Applicants are ranked and notified of the following action:
1) Acceptance into MSTP with full funding for all years of medical school and graduate school (including tuition and stipend)
2) Wait-listed for acceptance into MSTP with funding
3) Not accepted into MSTP
The second group of students is placed on the waitlist. The University of Pittsburgh MSTP also accepts a small number of matriculated second-year medical students into the dual-degree program based on their outstanding performance and developing interest in research pursuits during their medical school experience.
The University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University MSTP recognize that our training environment is positively enriched by trainees with all backgrounds and interests. Our program gives full consideration to all eligible applicants.