Interview Day
After a review of written applications, including letters of recommendation, approximately 30 applicants are offered an opportunity to interview with the Physician Scientist Training Program (PSTP) at the program's expense.
Although interviews are required for a full evaluation, the PSTP interview day experience is designed to be fun and interactive. Applicants have an opportunity to meet with investigators of interest, speak with many current students, and discuss their research with the PSTP selection committee. PSTP interviews are in addition to medical school interviews. At the time applicants are invited to interview, we request that they identify specific investigators in Pittsburgh with whom they would like to meet. Based on the applicant's stated field of interest, the program staff will bring to the student's attention additional appropriate investigators. Candidates meet with at least three members of the PSTP admissions committee, in addition to faculty members with shared scientific interests. Applicants also interview a current PSTP student serving on the PSTP admissions committee.
Post-Interview Decision Notifications
After interviewing with the PSTP, applicants are notified of one of the following actions:
- Accepted into PSTP: The PSTP award remits partial tuition for all four years of medical school (no tuition is required for the research year), a stipend for the two summer lab rotations, and a stipend for the research year, of which a portion (50%) is supplied by the mentor. The PSTP also covers health insurance during the research year and supplies support to attend national scientific meetings.
- Waitlisted for acceptance into PSTP with funding: Every year, several applicants are placed on the PSTP waitlist. The PSTP selection committee frequently reexamines the makeup of the incoming class as the medical school admissions process unfolds.
- Not Accepted into PSTP.