How to Get Into Albert Einstein College of Medicine: Requirements and Strategies
/Learn the Albert Einstein Medical School acceptance rate and admissions strategies, plus Einstein secondary essay examples
THE ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE IS RANKED #37 BY US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT FOR RESEARCH
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Part 1: Introduction
If you are interested in applying to a top medical school known for its prolific research, commitment to clinical excellence, and diverse patient population, you should consider applying to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1 of 18 medical schools in New York. As an Albert Einstein medical student, you will have the opportunity to rotate in various clinical settings including the four Einstein-Montefiore centers of excellence as well as several outpatient care sites.
In addition to the extensive clinical opportunities, Einstein is known for its biomedical research; the Jack and Pearl Resnick campus hosts over 1,500 faculty researchers. Additionally, Einstein is awarded millions of dollars of funding from the National Institutes of Health annually. Einstein students are successful; the admissions website cites that their students consistently have passed both the United States Medical Licensing Exams I and II at a rate higher than the national average.
If you hope to join the next generation of Albert Einstein College of Medicine clinical trainees, keep reading to learn more about the various programs available at Einstein, the application requirements and process, secondary application, and interview format so that you can put your best foot forward when applying to Einstein.
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Part 2: Albert Einstein College of Medicine MD programs
There are several ways to obtain a medical degree from Einstein; you may opt for either a traditional four-year MD program or choose to combine your medical degree with a second graduate degree via the various dual degree programs detailed below:
The MD-PhD program which is also known as the Medical Scientist Training Program is a prestigious, NIH-funded opportunity. Unlike other MD-PhD programs, the Einstein MD-PhD program focuses on blending the MD and PhD learning throughout every stage of your clinical training. While you are in your PhD phase, you will have continuity of clinical care by participating in weekly Continuity Clinics.
The MD-MS program will allow you to simultaneously pursue the Clinical Research Training Program (CRTP) in addition to your clinical studies. CRTP serves a foundation for a future career as a physician-scientist. If you select this dual degree program, you will take additional courses in epidemiology, biostatistics, research ethics, and data analysis while also spearheading your own research initiatives. You will complete this dual degree program in five years; however, you will only pay four years of tuition.
The MD-MBE program will empower you to build knowledge and skills founded in bioethics to comprehensively care for your future patients. The College of Medicine partners with the Cardozo School of Law to offer this Masters to interested students.
The MD-MPH program will enable you to focus on issues of health and wellness within the public health realm through a partnership with City University of New York. You will complete this dual degree program in five years. In addition to completing core classes, you will have the opportunity to participate in the Einstein Global Health Fellowship program.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine tuition and scholarships
For the 2023–2024 academic year, tuition and fees at Einstein cost $71,903 for a first-year medical student; this expense includes health insurance ($6,236) which can be waived if the student provides documentation of comparable insurance. Note that this expense does not include room and board or other living expenses. Moreover, tuition for students in the MD-PhD program is remitted and, additionally, these students receive a yearly stipend.
In February 2024, Einstein College of Medicine made a major announcement that it received a $1 billion donation from Dr. Ruth Gottesman, a longtime professor at the school. This donation has allowed Einstein to offer free tuition to all of its students from this point forward.
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Part 3: How hard is it to get into Albert Einstein College of Medicine?
Albert Einstein College of Medicine admissions statistics
With an acceptance rate of 3.3%, admission into Albert Einstein College of Medicine is tough. Let’s take a look at some admissions statistics for the class of 2027:
Applications: 9,012
Interviews: 948
Matriculants: 183
Average GPA: 3.82*
Average MCAT: 516*
*Note: Belongs to the class of 2025 which has the latest published statistics.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine admissions requirements
The Albert Einstein Medical School admissions committee will evaluate your application to see if you have demonstrated accomplishments in their four key competencies: co-curricular activities and relevant experiences, communication skills, personal and professional development, and knowledge. These are detailed further below for your review so that you can tailor your application effectively:
Co-curricular activities and relevant experiences: You should highlight your clinical experiences, research, and activities to demonstrate your preparedness for medical school; this can be accomplished in your personal statement and Work & Activities section of the AMCAS application
Communication skills: The admissions committee will assess your ability to communicate effectively with patients and your future colleagues. You can highlight this strength in your personal statement and Work & Activities section of the AMCAS application; additionally, the admissions committee will look at your letters of recommendation for insight into this competency
Personal and professional development: You will be assessed to see if you are a good team member, culturally aware, able to respond to stressors, and committed to leadership and advocacy; again, you can utilize the writing portions of your AMCAS to highlight these strengths
Knowledge: The admissions committee will assess your success in your chemistry, biochemistry, biology, physics, mathematics, humanities, social, and behavioral sciences coursework. Please note that Einstein does not have specific semester requirements for each of the recommended science courses; however, the admissions website states that applicants should have 40 credit hours of science and mathematics, including advanced biology and 40 credit hours of humanities and social sciences
Please note that regarding MCAT scores, the admissions office states that “all applicants must take the MCAT no later than September of the year preceding matriculation and not later than three years prior to application. So, if you are applying for Fall 2024 entrance, the latest MCAT you can take is September 2023. You should use the average GPA and MCAT score to gauge if Einstein is a good target school to which you should apply.
Beyond the numbers: Demonstrating your mastery of the Albert Einstein admissions requirements
Knowing what factors the Albert Einstein College of Medicine admissions committee will look for when assessing your application is only half of the battle. You’ll also want to have specific activities you’ve engaged in that satisfy each requirement. To do this, you’ll need to have a solid plan that balances the activities with your time constraints.
With this in mind, we’ve put together some suggestions for types of activities to pursue to give you an idea of what the admissions committee would like to see on your application.
Satisfying their requirement for co-curricular activities and relevant experiences
There are plenty of ways to rack up co-curricular or extracurricular activities for medical school. Indeed, these are required for any worthwhile medical school application. Depending on the type of extracurricular activity, you’ll need a certain number of hours to be competitive, but you should prioritize certain aspects of these activities for Einstein.
Seek Out Experiential Learning: Immerse yourself in hands-on experiences related to healthcare. This could include shadowing physicians, volunteering at clinics or hospitals, engaging in community health outreach programs, or assisting with public health initiatives. These experiences allow you to witness the realities of medicine—something Einstein wants its candidates to be fully aware of.
Pursue Research Opportunities: Einstein values a research mindset. Explore research positions—whether in traditional labs, clinical research settings, or public health organizations. Many undergraduate institutions offer summer undergraduate research programs that can act as a gateway to showcasing your research interest. Demonstrating a passion for discovery and the ability to think critically will set you apart.
Focus on Meaningful Impact: Don't simply participate for the sake of your resume. Choose activities that genuinely align with your interests and demonstrate your commitment to making a difference. This will give you excellent material for your essays and your interview responses. It’s not just how many activities you engage in, but the quality of those activities that matters.
Satisfying their requirement for communication skills
Join a debate club or public speaking group: These activities help you develop confidence, articulate ideas clearly, and think critically under pressure—invaluable skills for communicating with patients and colleagues.
Become involved in explanatory roles: Volunteer as a tutor, mentor, or teaching assistant. Explaining complex concepts to others helps you develop clarity in your communication and the ability to tailor your message to different audiences.
Practice active listening: Engage fully in conversations with friends, family, and mentors. Focus on understanding their perspectives, asking thoughtful questions, and demonstrating genuine interest. This will translate into effective patient interactions and is something your interviewer at Einstein will be looking for.
Satisfying their requirement for personal and professional development
Embrace self-reflection: Regularly set aside time to assess your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. Journaling, seeking feedback from mentors, and utilizing self-assessment tools can be valuable.
Step outside your comfort zone: Challenge yourself to pursue activities that push your boundaries. This could mean learning a new skill, volunteering in an unfamiliar setting, or taking on projects that expand your knowledge base.
Satisfying their requirement for knowledge
Explore Beyond the Classroom: Engage in independent learning related to medicine, science, and healthcare. Seek out online courses, attend seminars and conferences, or read relevant research papers and journals.
Engage with Current Issues: Stay informed about current events within healthcare, medical research, and public health. Discuss these topics with peers and mentors to demonstrate your interest and critical thinking skills.
Seek Out Interdisciplinary Learning: Take courses outside of traditional premed subjects to expand your knowledge base and critical thinking, perhaps in fields like public health, ethics, or medical humanities.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine application timeline
Here is the timeline you’ll need to apply to Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Like the majority of other American medical schools, Albert Einstein uses AMCAS in its application process.
May 1, 2024: AMCAS application opens
May 28, 2024: AMCAS application can be submitted
August 1, 2024: Early Decision applications due to AMCAS
August 15, 2024: Secondary application due for Early Decision
August 2024–April 2025: Interviews conducted
October 1, 2024: Early Decision candidates notified
October 15, 2024: AMCAS application deadline
December 1, 2024: Secondary application due
February 1, 2025: Admissions decisions begin to be released
Einstein accepts students on a rolling basis, so the earlier you submit the better. That way, you can submit your secondary application in July and be among the earliest candidates reviewed.
The best place to highlight your alignment with the school’s mission and your unique qualities is in your secondary application. To differentiate yourself from other applicants with equally strong test scores and academic achievements, you can strengthen your Albert Einstein College of Medicine “anything else” essay. We have this portion of the application detailed further so you can stand out in the sea of other competitive applicants.
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Part 4: Albert Einstein College of Medicine secondary application essay (example included)
The Einstein secondary application asks you several questions about your academic record, any time that you have taken off in between various stages of education, and prior enrollments in medical school. Additionally, it affords you the opportunity to discuss whether you have any specific connection to Einstein in the past. This is a good area to highlight if you have volunteered or participated in any activities through an Einstein program or with an Einstein mentor. You can view a full list of the questions asked here.
The final question of the secondary application asks you to write about “anything else” that is not found elsewhere in your application. This is a great opportunity to highlight a connection to the school, such as growing up in New York City, a unique hobby or activity, a personal story that conveys why you would be a great physician, or any special experiences that may be helpful for the admissions committee to see when evaluating your candidacy.
Head over to our comprehensive guide to secondary essays for further guidance on how to tackle an “anything else” essay.
Let’s dive into this final question and view an example essay that works.
Please use this space to tell us anything about yourself that you would like us to know. If you do not wish to write anything, please write “NA.”
Example:
As an undergraduate student at New York University, I had the opportunity to volunteer, work, and visit many of the boroughs that make New York City the most compelling, most diverse, and most exciting city that I have ever lived in. My four years in New York City have been foundational to my own personal development and professional growth and I yearn for the opportunity to give back to the community that has made me the person who I am today. For this reason, I am excited to apply to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The Albert Einstein College of Medicine fuses together my passion for research with my desire to learn at a multitude of clinical settings while simultaneously enabling me to continue giving and thriving in my favorite city in the world.
As a clinical research assistant at the emergency department in the Jack D. Weiler Hospital of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, I met patients of all different ages, ethnicities, and regions of the world. I recall walking into my first shift in awe of the healthcare workers: nurses, technicians, respiratory therapists, and physicians all moving with a sense of purpose amidst what I would soon appreciate as organized, synchronous chaos. What struck me the most was during each shift I could meet eight to ten completely different individuals, and it was a privilege to hear all of their unique stories. I remember Gabriel, a 19-year-old Spanish-speaking male who suffered from Crohn’s disease. I met him clutching his abdomen, writhing around the sterile bed in pain. He did not have access to an outpatient gastroenterologist for continued optimization of his treatment plan, and thus, he frequented the emergency department when he had exacerbations of his chronic disease. I conversed with him in Spanish and learned that it was not just the disease pathology that plagued him, but it was also the various burdens that prevented him from seeking out consistent care despite his own advanced literacy of his condition. This experience motivated me both to continue honing my Spanish skills through advanced classes at my university but also to explore the structure of our healthcare system through an internship with the New York City health department.
I remember leaving my shift and taking the subway back downtown to my dormitory on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. I looked around me; just as I had recognized that each patient in the emergency department that day had a unique story, in that moment, I realized that each person packed into the downtown 2 train had a host of stories and experiences that made them extraordinarily different from their neighboring passengers. It is this diversity of individuals and stories that inspire me to continue learning and working in New York City.
It would be an honor and privilege to pursue my medical training at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. I would seize the opportunity to train from the thousands of world-renowned faculty such that I can learn various strategies to best help my future patients. Additionally, I would specifically be interested in applying for the Global Health Fellowship as I would love the opportunity to volunteer for Project Peru Centre or the Miguel Angel Asturias Spanish School and further learn about Spanish language and culture. The Albert Einstein College of Medicine education would not only empower me to grow to become a multidisciplinary, well-rounded physician but it would also continue my life-long journey of learning form New York City and all of its people.
Why does it work?
This is a strong essay that serves multiple purposes; the writer writes about an experience that is connected to the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, discusses why she is compelled to work and train in New York City, and highlights why the Albert Einstein College of Medicine is a great fit for her.
She uses colorful language to show a personal, clinical experience that strengthened her desire to become a physician to strengthen her argument.
Gain instant access to med school secondary essay examples for every single prompt required by every medical school in the United States and Canada. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
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Part 5: Albert Einstein College of Medicine interview
Interviews for Albert Einstein College of Medicine occur between August and April and, in the 2023–2024 academic year, are held virtually via Zoom. The admissions committee typically extends invitations to about 12–13 percent of the total applicants.
Einstein uses a traditional interview format; you will have one 30 to 60 minute interview with a clinician or scientist who is a part of the Einstein 80-member admissions committee. Because the interview process follows a traditional approach, you should have well-thought out answers to “Why Einstein?”, “What are your most significant experiences that highlight your conviction towards medicine?,” and “What makes you stand out from the other interviewees?”
Being aware of the questions you are likely to encounter on interview day can enhance your chances of interview success and reduce your anxiety on the big day. Our research has shown the following questions often come up during Albert Einstein College of Medicine interviews:
What's the biggest challenge you've had to overcome?
What role do you think spirituality plays in healthcare?
Why Einstein/Bronx?
Tell me about yourself.
Can you really feel empathy for someone who has had different life experiences than you?
Why not just research?
Why didn't you apply to medical school sooner?
What would you change about the healthcare system?
What makes you interested in X field?
How would your friends and family describe you?
You may be able to easily answer questions such as “Tell me about yourself,” but how should you approach a question like, “What role do you think spirituality plays in healthcare?” At a school like Einstein, questions like this can make all the difference in communicating your fit for their specific program.
Additionally, if you feel as though you did not connect with your interviewer, you are encouraged to request a second interview immediately. You can make this request at the Office of Admissions on the day of your interview in person. After your letter of disposition is mailed, you will not be eligible for a re-interview.
(Suggested reading: How to Ace Medical School Interviews)
Invited to a med school interview? Congrats! There's no need to land in waitlist purgatory or the rejection pile. Learn how to craft memorable, acceptance-worthy responses using the resource below.
Gain instant access to the most common traditional and MMI interview questions, plus sample responses for each, to help you craft responses that lead to acceptances. Subscribe today to lock in the current investments, which will be increasing in the future for new subscribers.
Final thoughts
The Albert Einstein College of Medicine seeks students who have demonstrated significant commitment to clinical experiences and who have the potential to thrive in a rigorous academic and research-intensive environment. It is critical that you spend time assessing what qualities you have that will make you a good fit for Einstein to ensure that you can convey why you deserve an acceptance letter from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine admissions committee.
THERE'S NO REASON TO STRUGGLE THROUGH THE MED SCHOOL ADMISSIONS PROCESS ALONE, ESPECIALLY WITH SO MUCH ON THE LINE. SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO ENSURE YOU LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE.