Cornell Medical School Acceptance Rate

AP credit from high school can be used to satisfy the WCMC requirement in physics. AP credit in other areas cannot be used to satisfy the WCMC requirement. If a student has AP credit in an area other than physics, they fulfill the WCMC requirement by completing advanced science coursework.

How to Get Into Weill Cornell Medical School: Requirements and Strategies

Learn the acceptance rate for Weill Cornell Medicine, admissions strategies, plus Cornell secondary essay prompts and sample essays

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: Weill Cornell Medical School MD programs

Part 3: How hard is it to get into Weill Cornell Medical School?

Part 4: Weill Cornell secondary application essays (examples included)

Part 5: Weill Cornell Medical School interview

Part 1: Introduction

If your goal is to attend one of the top New York medical schools, chances are you’re interested in learning how to get into Cornell Medical School. Weill Cornell Medicine prides itself on its “progressive” curriculum that de-emphasizes the lecture format in favor of self-directed, active learning, and small group inquiry.

Cornell Medical School shares a campus with four other world-renowned institutions: New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the Rockefeller University, and the Hospital for Special Surgery—which means lots of research opportunities for med students. For this reason, it’s also no surprise that the U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks Weill Cornell as a top-20 medical school for research.

In addition to putting its students in contact with one of the most diverse patient populations in the world, Cornell Medical School prioritizes internationalism. Students perform clinical care and conduct research in 62 countries on six different continents.

To learn more about Cornell Medical School’s admissions requirements, essay examples, and interviews, read on. We’ll cover all of that and more in this guide.

Part 2: Weill Cornell Medical School MD programs

There are a number of ways to achieve an MD at Cornell, including two renowned dual-degree programs:

• The traditional, four year MD
• The Tri-Institutional MD/PhD Program (in conjunction with Rockefeller University and Sloan Kettering Institute)
• The MD/MBA (a joint degree with Cornell’s Johnson School of Management)

Cornell Medical School tuition and scholarships

In the 2022–2023 academic year, Weill Cornell’s yearly tuition is $64,650 before fees, insurance, housing, and other expenses. Giving the high cost of living in New York City, you should estimate the total price of attendance to wind up being significantly higher.

Cornell’s admissions are need-blind, meaning admissions decisions are made without consideration to the applicant’s financial status. The majority of Weill Cornell students receive financial aid.

Starting in 2019, Weill Cornell eliminated all student loan debt for students who qualify for financial aid, replacing loans with scholarships for tuition, housing, and other living expenses. This initiative was meant to allow students from financially diverse backgrounds to attend the program and pursue careers in their area of interest rather than chasing the highest salaries to repay loans. Financial support for community service, research, and international clinical work and research is available to all students.

All students are also guaranteed subsidized housing on the Weill Cornell campus in Manhattan.

Part 3: How hard is it to get into Weill Cornell Medical School?

Cornell Medical School admissions statistics

Cornell’s acceptance rate is highly selective at 3.4 percent. Here are some admissions statistics for the class of 2025:

• Applications: 7,926
• Interviews: 782
• Matriculants: 106
• Median GPA: 3.91
• Median MCAT: 519

Cornell Medical School admissions requirements

Though the median MCAT score is quite high, there’s no cutoff for scores. Keep in mind that Cornell Medical School does not accept scores older than three years old at the time of application. For the 2022–2023 application cycle, you should expect to submit an MCAT score from an exam taken between January 2019 and September 10, 2022.

International applicants should remember, per the Weill Cornell Medical College policy, you are expected to complete “one year of full-time coursework at a college or university in the U.S.” Completing coursework in the U.S. provides the admissions team (and the applicant) with a perspective on how well you’ll do in Cornell’s medical program.

On that note, here is the coursework required for admission into Weill Cornell:

• Biology: Two semesters with lab (including molecular biology, cell biology and genetics)
• Chemistry: Two semesters with lab
• Physics: Two semesters with lab
• Organic chemistry: Two semesters with lab are recommended; one semester with lab plus one semester of another advanced biology or chemistry course is acceptable (e.g. biochemistry, physical chemistry, analytic chemistry, and molecular genetics)
• Writing-intensive courses: Two semesters, one in the humanities or social sciences (e.g., history, philosophy, anthropology) and one in English-language literature.

Cornell notes that actual lab work experience and integrated science courses may be acceptable substitutes for some of above requirements. Furthermore, applicants are strongly encouraged to pursue breadth in their undergraduate studies by going beyond the minimum required coursework.

Cornell Medical School application timeline

Here is the application timeline you’ll need in order to apply to Weill Cornell’s MD program: (Note: The dates for the 2023-2024 application cycle have not yet been released.)

• May 2, 2023:AMCAS application opens
• May 30, 2023: AMCAS application can be submitted
• June/July 2022: Weill Cornell secondary application opens
• September 2022: Interviews begin
• October 17, 2022: AMCAS application deadline
• November 15, 2022: Weill Cornell secondary application deadline
• March 2023: Admissions decisions sent out

Be aware that applications for the Tri-Institutional MD/PhD program are due September 14th, with additional application materials due October 19th. However, both programs strongly encourage you to submit your application as early as possible. We suggest June.

Cornell does not employ rolling admission. Most acceptances are sent out in March, with additional offers periodically going out after this to students on the wait list.

Part 4: Weill Cornell secondary application essays (examples included)

Cornell’s selection criteria stresses that they look for the most qualified applicants from diverse backgrounds, both academic and personal. Ideal applicants have shown exceptional academic performance and personal initiative (extracurricular activities from creative pursuits to research to other motivating life experience) to reflect the type of medical student they will become. Academic performance is easy to show in a transcript—but what about diversity and personal initiative? That’s where an outstanding essay can make the difference between an acceptance and rejection.

For each of Weill Cornell’s secondary essay prompts, we’ve compiled strategies and sample essays informed by our nearly 20 years of advising.

Question 1: Please write a brief statement giving your reasons for applying to Weill Cornell Medical College. (1525 characters)

This is a basic “Why us?” prompt, which means the best strategy for acing this essay is to do your research and tailor your answers to the school as specifically as possible. What is it about the school’s philosophy, faculty, research opportunities, and location that makes it the place you would thrive as a medical student?

Most run-of-the-mill candidates will stop there, but your essay needs to go a step further to stand out. Don’t just list off the most obscure factoids about the program you can find. Rather, tell a story about how the program aligns with your personal and academic experience and fits into your plans for the future. Here’s one example:

As a teenager, I fell in love with chemistry and French. Then, as an undergrad, I fell in love with biochemistry and francophone studies. I fell in love with women’s health working in a clinic in rural Senegal for the past three years, and I know my passion as a doctor will be to help women in underserved immigrant communities with an intersectional knowledge of language, culture, and medicine.

My priorities as a medical student run parallel with Weill Cornell’s priority of internationalism, and the opportunity to contribute to the school’s Center for Human Rights would be singular for my particular education. To augment my medical studies, I plan to conduct research within the Center on the effects of migration on pregnancy in women from francophone countries, and apply that knowledge to volunteering with the Weill Cornell Community Clinic. Weill Cornell is one of the only programs that combines a diverse patient pool with expansive research opportunities, which uniquely fit my aspirations as a future OB/GYN.

What’s so successful about this essay?

• The applicant concisely explains how their particular skill set and specific aspirations as a doctor developed. They highlight two Cornell initiatives they’re interested in and explain how they plan to contribute to each of them with their specific knowledge and skills.
• Then the applicant takes it a step further, explaining how working with these Weill Cornell initiatives will later serve them as a doctor. Weill Cornell is proud of their access to a diverse pool of patients due to their Manhattan location, as well as their world-class research facilities. This applicant incorporates both in their essay.

Let’s say you want to attend one of Cornell’s dual-degree programs. Here’s a successful example that addresses that situation:

As a genetic engineering major, I worked on the cutting edge of immunotherapy research and believe we are years away from groundbreaking cancer prevention technology. In addition to becoming a practicing oncologist, I plan to build a biotechnology firm that focuses on creating affordable, accessible routes to the latest developments in immunotherapy. Weill Cornell’s MD-MBA program will allow me to become both an exceptional doctor and an entrepreneur.

This course of study is a unique opportunity for me to work with immunotherapy technology on both micro and macro levels. As an oncologist, caring for individual patients that may benefit from this technology and learning their histories and concerns for the future will make my leadership at a biotechnology firm more human-centric and more effective. Weill Cornell’s MD-MBA is a singular opportunity for me to achieve my goals in both medicine and business.

What works here?

• It’s strongly specific to the program. The applicant articulates exactly why and how their studies in medicine and business intersect in the field of immunotherapy technology, and why they believe both degrees are integral to their career goals.

Question 2: Please describe a challenge you faced and how you addressed it. (1525 characters)

Question 3: If applicable, please tell us about any special circumstances related to COVID-19 that could help us understand you better. (1525 characters)

Question 4: If you are not attending college during the upcoming year, what are your plans? (1525 characters) (Optional)

Selection Criteria & Requirements

Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC) seeks applicants who uphold the highest academic and personal standards. Each year the Committee on Admissions selects 106 students from approximately 7,000 applicants. The committee seeks students who are best prepared for future leadership roles in medicine. In addition to thorough preparation in the basic sciences, applicants should have a broad liberal arts education, with demonstrated accomplishment in the humanities and social sciences.

Selection Criteria

Premedical Curriculum

We encourage applicants to pursue premedical curricula that allow them to sample a broad range of academic disciplines, and to explore one or more areas in depth. All required premedical coursework should be completed by January 31 of the year for which admission is sought.

Letters of Evaluation

Letters of evaluation play an important role in the committee’s assessment of your application. Those who know you well personally should write these letters.

MCAT Scores

The committee regards the MCAT as a standardized tool that allows for one form of comparison among applicants. MCAT scores are considered as part of an application, but do not outweigh other components of the application. There are no cutoffs for MCAT scores.

Extracurricular Activities

The committee is extremely interested in meaningful extracurricular activity participation, whether on- or off-campus. Such participation should demonstrate commitment and involvement, as evidenced by extension over time, leadership roles and accomplishments.

Investigation in the Field of Medicine

We encourage applicants to explore medicine in some form before entering medical school. This exploration may take the form of research, volunteer activities in medicine, preceptor experiences in medical practices or laboratories, summer employment, etc. We are interested in meaningful, rather than perfunctory, participation.

Research

The committee values applicants’ research experiences, whether in basic science, social science or liberal arts. Research in biomedical sciences is encouraged.

Character

The practice of medicine requires the highest level of personal integrity. The committee seeks applicants whose characters are developing in a way conducive to the best practice of medicine which includes emotional maturity, personal depth, commitment to others’ well-being, and ethical and moral integrity.

Interviews

Each year the committee members interview 700-750 applicants for the M.D. program, and around 70 for the M.D.-Ph.D. program. As we receive approximately 7,000 applications, only a small portion of applicants will be selected for interviews.

We interview for the M.D. program on Tuesdays and Thursdays. If you are offered an interview, we will notify you by email. The message will indicate available dates and times. If you are able to attend those dates and times, please confirm as soon as possible. If you are unable to attend, we are happy to arrange alternative times.

We will conduct virtual interviews in the 2023-2024 interview season. On the day of the interview, please plan to attend the following scheduled activities:

• an informational meeting with an Admissions Dean or Director
• Q&A with medical students
• two interviews with members of the Committee on Admissions. The interviews, scheduled for 30 minutes each, are designed to provide you with an opportunity to discuss your decision to pursue a career in medicine, your preparation for medical school, and your life interests and experiences.

Requirements

Basic Sciences

WCMC requires two semesters or their equivalent, in biology, chemistry and physics. These will typically be comprehensive introductory courses with laboratory work. In biology, coursework will typically include molecular biology, cell biology and genetics. We recommend that students who have not majored in basic sciences take at least two terms of biological science beyond the introductory level.

Organic Chemistry

We recommend two semesters of organic chemistry, with lab, but we accept one semester of organic chemistry, with lab, and one semester of other advanced biology or chemistry coursework. Examples include biochemistry, physical chemistry, analytic chemistry, and molecular genetics.

Writing-Intensive Courses

WCMC requires two semesters of writing-intensive courses: one in the humanities or social sciences (e.g., history, philosophy, anthropology), and one focusing on English-language literature.

Laboratory Coursework

In some instances, actual laboratory work experience may be substituted for laboratory courses.

Integrated Science Courses

Integrated science courses, that include biology, chemistry, physics and mathematical aspects of life sciences, may be substituted for coursework in the three basic science areas on a credit-hour-by-credit-hour basis. These courses should be rigorous, and competency in basic science content must be corroborated by achievement in other areas, such as advanced science courses, research and/or MCAT scores.

Breadth of Study

WCMC strongly encourages applicants to study a broad range of disciplines, including the humanities and social sciences, beyond the minimal requirements for admission. Of particular value in the modern practice of medicine are statistics, ethics, psychology, anthropology, sociology and management skills.

Validity of Courses

To fulfill an admissions requirement, courses must have been satisfactorily completed within 10 years of application. We recommend that one or more advanced science course(s) be completed within five years of application. All required premedical coursework should be completed by January 31 of the year for which admission is sought.

Advanced Placement Credit

AP credit from high school can be used to satisfy the WCMC requirement in physics. AP credit in other areas cannot be used to satisfy the WCMC requirement. If a student has AP credit in an area other than physics, they fulfill the WCMC requirement by completing advanced science coursework.

Minimum Grade

The minimum grade in any course to fulfill a WCMC admissions requirement is “C”.

Online Courses

In general, courses taken online will not be accepted to fulfill WCMC admissions requirements. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis; in these instances, the applicant must provide evidence of rigorous coursework.

WCMC will accept Pass/Fail grades and online courses to fulfill prerequisites for courses taken from the Spring 2020 to Spring 2022 semesters.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

In general, scores on CLEP examinations may not be used to fulfill WCMC admissions requirements. Exceptions are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Courses Taken Outside of the U.S. and Canada

Course taken outside of the U.S. and Canada may be used to fulfill WCMC admissions requirements. We encourage applicants in this situation to undertake additional coursework in the U.S.

Second Language

WCMC encourages applicants to develop skills and, if possible, proficiency in a second language.

While most WCMC students will have completed undergraduate bachelor degrees before matriculating at the medical school, an undergraduate degree is not a prerequisite for acceptance or matriculation.

Office of Admissions 445 East 69th Street
Room 104 New York, NY 10021 (646) 962-4931 [email protected]

Office of Medical Education 1300 York Avenue, Room C-118 New York, NY 10065 (212) 746-1050