1. Admissions
two medical students discussing

MD-PhD Admissions

Successful applicants to the MD-PhD Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have a passion for both science and medicine, as well as a deep commitment to advancing biomedical knowledge to improve patient care. They are demonstrated leaders, critical thinkers, excellent communicators, curious and empathetic individuals, and committed team players.

Who Should Apply?

The MSTP MD-PhD Program is building a vibrant community of scholars from a variety of backgrounds and experiences. We recognize that a diverse student body enriches the learning of all students, helping to create an inclusive and collaborative atmosphere. In fact, more than 50 percent of our recent graduates have co-authored a publication with another MSTP student.

Our Program seeks to enroll students who, once trained, will contribute as leaders at the interface of biomedical innovation and patient-centered research and care. Significant research experience, clinical exposure, and a commitment to physician-scientist training are essential. Candidates must meet the minimum subject requirements for our MD program, and should have completed advanced courses in the sciences. While many candidates have an undergraduate degree in the sciences, it is not required.

Preference will be given to applicants joining the Program during the first year of MD-PhD training. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. 

Application Process Overview

The following provides a general overview of the application process for the MSTP at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, including information on required materials, relevant deadlines, and finances.

Application Requirements and Deadlines

As a first step, applicants will submit their American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS) application, which becomes available in the late spring and is due October 1. Every completed AMCAS application includes:

  • Official transcript(s)
  • Three to five letters of recommendation 
  • Personal statement and essays
  • Work and activities experiences
  • Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) exam
  • Application fee

Upon receipt and processing of the AMCAS application, candidates are sent our secondary application. The secondary application deadline is November 1, but early submission is advised.

Candidates selected for further consideration are then invited to a virtual interview, typically taking place between November and late January. The interview provides an opportunity for applicants to showcase their qualifications, research experience, and personal attributes, while also allowing for the candidate to learn more about the Program.

Admissions decisions for Icahn Mount Sinai’s MSTP are released on a rolling basis starting in February. In April, admitted students are invited to the Icahn School of Medicine campus for an immersive two-day experience called Explore Icahn.

Explore Icahn gives admitted students an opportunity to connect with current students, faculty, and staff, all while gleaning valuable insights into our MD-PhD Program. Students also enjoy the chance to foster connections with future classmates through engaging social activities at Icahn Mount Sinai and throughout New York City.      

Important Dates and Deadlines

  • AMCAS application deadline: October 1
  • Mount Sinai secondary application deadline: November 1
  • Virtual interviews: November through February
  • Explore Icahn, admitted students day: April 12-13

Finances

All MSTP students receive a comprehensive funding package for the duration of their time in the Program. This funding includes an annual $47,000 stipend, tuition remission, health benefits, and more. Moreover, students can take advantage of guaranteed campus housing, which is offered at a significantly lower rate compared to the market prices.

MSTP Admissions Statistics, 2019-2023

  • Number of applications: 517
  • Number of interviews: 103
  • Number of matriculates: 12
  • Percent of women in entering class: 52%
  • Percent of students underrepresented in science and medicine (URiSM): 32%
  • Mean GPA: 3.84 (range 3.28-4.0)
  • Mean MCAT: 517 (range 507-527)
Kasopefoluwa Oguntuyo headshot

Kasopefoluwa Oguntuyo, 2023 MD-PhD Graduate

"During my MSTP training, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with an incredibly passionate student body, conduct collaborative research, and learn in a diverse clinical environment. While training and living in NYC, I’ve also fostered lifelong relationships with my peers, faculty, and staff. Beyond science and medicine, some of my favorite memories include bonfires at our annual MSTP retreat, playing soccer or rock climbing with friends, attending weddings of classmates, and workshopping poems or short stories during creative writing seminars."

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Kasopefoluwa Oguntuyo, 2023 MD-PhD Graduate

"During my MSTP training, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with an incredibly passionate student body, conduct collaborative research, and learn in a diverse clinical environment. While training and living in NYC, I’ve also fostered lifelong relationships with my peers, faculty, and staff. Beyond science and medicine, some of my favorite memories include bonfires at our annual MSTP retreat, playing soccer or rock climbing with friends, attending weddings of classmates, and workshopping poems or short stories during creative writing seminars."

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Sky Kihuwa-Mani, Second-Year MD-PhD Student

"My time as an MSTP student at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York City's dynamic landscape has been transformative. Straddling the vibrant neighborhoods of the Upper East Side and East Harlem, Mount Sinai offers a unique environment that mirrors the diversity and complexity of science and medicine. In my first year, I have been able to explore computational neuroscience research, shadowed plastic surgeons, and conducted research on ovary development disorders. These experiences have profoundly shaped my growth as a future physician-scientist, a physician-scientist who is equipped to lead the charge in transforming the science and medicine of tomorrow."

Kasopefoluwa Oguntuyo headshot

Kasopefoluwa Oguntuyo, 2023 MD-PhD Graduate

"During my MSTP training, I’ve had the opportunity to engage with an incredibly passionate student body, conduct collaborative research, and learn in a diverse clinical environment. While training and living in NYC, I’ve also fostered lifelong relationships with my peers, faculty, and staff. Beyond science and medicine, some of my favorite memories include bonfires at our annual MSTP retreat, playing soccer or rock climbing with friends, attending weddings of classmates, and workshopping poems or short stories during creative writing seminars."

Kihuwa Mani headshot

Sky Kihuwa-Mani, Second-Year MD-PhD Student

"My time as an MSTP student at the Icahn School of Medicine in New York City's dynamic landscape has been transformative. Straddling the vibrant neighborhoods of the Upper East Side and East Harlem, Mount Sinai offers a unique environment that mirrors the diversity and complexity of science and medicine. In my first year, I have been able to explore computational neuroscience research, shadowed plastic surgeons, and conducted research on ovary development disorders. These experiences have profoundly shaped my growth as a future physician-scientist, a physician-scientist who is equipped to lead the charge in transforming the science and medicine of tomorrow."

Sandhya Chandrasekaran headshot

Sandhya Chandrasekaran, 2022 MD-PhD Graduate

"I am beyond blessed to have called Mount Sinai my home for such a pivotal part of my education. Mount Sinai's MSTP promoted a growth mindset that enhanced my confidence in fully exploiting new opportunities. As a creative spirit, I exercised my ability to establish interdisciplinary collaborations. These collaborations not only bridged my research interests in neuroepigenomics, but they also bolstered my social initiatives for the underserved, and invigorated my clinical passions."