For the entering class of 2024, the stipend rate is $42,593.16 for the fiscal year beginning July 1 through June 30 based upon a 12-month enrollment. Stipends cannot be paid to trainees earlier than July 1st because allocations for new trainees are made on a fiscal year basis. Students are expected to complete USMLE Step 1 by the end of June of their second year of medical school, and should begin either their thesis research or a final research rotation at the beginning of July. Any student intending to deviate from this schedule must obtain approval for their plans from the MSTP Directors. Students who need more time to complete USMLE Step 1 or who do not intend to enter a research laboratory in early July may be required to take a leave of absence without funding.