VirtualEvals

Special Instructions for MD/PhD Applicants (revised June 2008)

This is probably the most confusing issue with which we deal. But it is important that you adhere to the instructions below. Some background will likely help

• Keep in mind that when an applicant is applying to MD/PhD programs, it is almost always the case that he/she will be evaluated by both the MD/PhD committee and the MD committee at each school. Thus both offices need access to the letters, even if the applicant tells you he/she is only applying to MD/PhD programs at a specific school.
• At most schools, the MD office downloads all letters. If an applicant is applying to MD/PhD programs, the MD admissions office provides a copy of the letters to the MD/PhD admission committee.
• Some MD/PhD programs have asked to access VirtualEvals separately from their MD program and we have been happy to give them access. Scroll down for a list of those programs. Please note that this year the list is shorter. Several MD/PhD programs that accessed letters directly from VE in the past, are moving this year to a process in which the MD program accesses letters on VE and provide the appropriate letters to the MD/PhD program.

What does this mean for sending schools working with MD/PhD applicants?

• If an applicant is applying to a program that downloads directly from VE, you must make sure to attach BOTH the MD/PhD program AND the MD program at that school to the applicant record.
• You will need to know the MD/PhD programs to which your applicants are applying.
• To make it more obvious which MD/PhD programs access PDF’s on VE directly, we put the MD/PhD first in their name so that they are clustered in the alpha list of schools. Or if you prefer you can sort the school list by state and then when you attach the MD/PhD program it may help you to remember to also attach the MD program at that institution.

Can an MD/PhD applicant use a different set of letters of evaluation (LOE) for MD programs vs MD/PhD programs? Yes, but frankly it’s less confusing if they use the same letters. If an applicant does want to use different letters for MD am MD/PhD, you may upload 2 different PDF’s to the applicant record. When uploading the MD/PhD specific PDF, you should check the box next to “This an MD/PhD Evaluation.” You will note in the pod that shows you both PDF’s, the MD/PhD evaluation has a star next to it and appears in orange.

Suggestion: For any applicant applying to at least one MD/PhD program, make sure to check the MD/PhD box on the Applicant Edit screen. This will help you to filter and track your MD/PhD applicants. You may also check MD or any other designations that apply.

The MD/PhD programs that access VirtualEvals directly in the 2009 cycle are:
(note there may be a few more deletions from this list as we hear from more programs)

Mayo Medical School
Medical College of Georgia
Medical Scholars Program at U Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Texas A&M U College of Medicine (through the AMCAS letter pilot; this is a TMDSAS school for MD their program)
U Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas (this is a TMDSAS school for their MD program)
U California San Diego School of Medicine Note as of 7/21 MD program will download for MD/PhD
U of Washington School of Medicine
U Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Vanderbilt U School of Medicine
Washington U St Louis School of Medicine