FlexMed: Your Complete Guide to Admission, Requirements & Tips

What Is FlexMed?

FlexMed is an early assurance program: you apply in the second year of your Bachelor’s and, if successful, you will enter your third year of study knowing a spot at the Icahn School of Medicine is waiting for you! 

If you are accepted into the program, you must sign a formal statement confirming your intention of attending the Icahn School of Medicine, but there is no penalty if you eventually decide later on in your undergraduate degree that their medical school is not right for you.

Keep in mind, any student who decides to apply to other medical schools or sit the MCAT forfeits their place in FlexMed early assurance program. It is also important to note that FlexMed is not an accelerated program like QuARMs, for example – you will still have to fulfil all of the requirements of your Bachelor’s program before entering the MD program at the Icahn School of Medicine. 

While the MCAT and traditional science prerequisites are not required to apply to FlexMed, you will need to complete many of the traditional medical prerequisites to keep your place at the Icahn School of Medicine, if accepted.

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The Origin and Purpose of the FlexMed Program

The FlexMed program evolved from the Humanities and Medicine Program (HuMed) launched at Icahn School of Medicine in the late 1980s. HuMed targeted high-achieving Humanities majors by waiving traditional premed requirements and exempting the MCAT, providing a special summer science program instead.

HuMed’s success led to the broader FlexMed program, which now accepts undergraduates from any major. The goal is to diversify medical education by attracting students from varied academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, ultimately producing more well-rounded physicians. 

FlexMed Admissions Statistics: Everything You Need to Know

The FlexMed program is prestigious and exclusive, which means that any applicant must brace themselves for going up against some tough competition. In their very first application cycle, the program received 750 applications for only 35 available spots. In more recent years, the number of available spots has risen to around 50, but the number of applicants also remains higher than ever!

The program now receives between 800-1,000 applications annually.

• 50-60 spots are available each year.
• The average acceptance rate is around 6-7%.
• Accepted students typically have a GPA of 3.9 or higher (3.5 is the minimum) with SAT scores above 1500 and ACT scores of 34+.

FlexMed Eligibility & Application Process

Program Requirements

While the FlexMed program is based on the idea that students from a wide variety of academic backgrounds can thrive as medical students and, eventually, as physicians, that doesn’t mean that the program is easy to get into. The general application requirements are:

The Five Essential Attributes of FlexMed Applicants

Additionally, the FlexMed program lists the following five personal attributes as essential for successful FlexMed applicants:

• Team player
• Life-long learner
• Self-improving and well
• Change Agent/Change Leader
• Advocate

In thinking about these attributes and how you might fulfil the criteria, consider the following questions for each attribute: 

Would you like to learn more about medical school early assurance programs? Check out our video:

The FlexMed Application Process

The FlexMed admissions cycle starts and ends in August. In August of each year, the application process is opened to new applicants, while the due date for all applications is January 15. Note that this application does NOT involve AMCAS—students must apply to Icahn directly. 

FlexMed Application Requirements

Your application for the FlexMed program will involve the following elements:

1. The standard FlexMed application – this is done through Icahn’s applicant portal
2. Your SAT/ACT examination results
3. Your academic transcripts
4. Three letters of recommendation
5. A personal statement component, consisting of three essays
6. An application fee of $110 USD 

Let’s take an in-depth look at the FlexMed application process, with strategies to help you succeed every step of the way.

Before Applying

1. Aim high on your SAT/ACT. The SAT or ACT is an important indicator of your academic abilities, which is why the FlexMed admissions committee wants to see high scores from applicants. Previous data suggests that successful FlexMed applicants score an average of 1350 or above on the SAT. Taking the extra time to study and prepare yourself will benefit you immensely. Think of it this way: putting a lot of time and effort into preparing for the SAT/ACT now could end up sparing you from the time and effort you’d have to put into sitting the MCAT later!   
2. Complete your degree’s requirements. Make sure that you have completed not only the prerequisites involving the mandatory science course and the SAT/ACT, but also the requirements for your Bachelor’s program. If in any doubt, consult an academic advisor to make sure you are exactly where you should be – and remember, all of the necessary prerequisites required to apply to FlexMed must be completed by the January 15 deadline. 
3. Maintain a high GPA. Don’t slack off in any of your courses, not even the 8 AM elective you’re wishing you hadn’t signed up for! The FlexMed program accepts high-achievers only, regardless of major. The higher your GPA, the better your chances, so make the most of every course you take. You can boost your GPA by taking courses in disciplines you excel in, and by joining study groups to help keep you accountable and motivated. If you find yourself struggling in any course, be sure to seek help from professors and TAs during their office hours. If you find that you still need extra help for a particular subject, consider hiring a tutor. 
4. Choose Your References Wisely. Your references are a crucial component of your FlexMed application. Your FlexMed application requires three references, and they should be from the following:

• One should be from a high school teacher/guidance counselor or college professor/faculty advisor
• One should be from a professor in the sciences
• One should be an academic or professional reference, such as a research mentor or supervisor 

In deciding whom to choose as your references, take the following steps:

Consider who knows you and your abilities best. The better someone knows you, the more thoroughly and convincingly they can speak about your abilities and academic performance to date. Perhaps you’ve connected with a great mentor during a high school medical internship, or have a teacher who can speak to your abilities. Draw up a list of potential references for each of the three required categories, and ask yourself questions such as: 

• How well does this mentor know me?
• How long has this mentor known me? (The longer someone has known you and the more closely they have worked with you, the more weight their opinion will have)
• What valuable insights can this mentor offer to the admissions committee?
• Does this mentor have the necessary authority/academic standing to serve as a reference?
• Is this mentor a good fit as a reference for the FlexMed program specifically, or is there someone who might be a better fit?
• Will this mentor write me a strong letter of reference? 

Be considerate when approaching your mentors. While mentors are usually happy to support former or current students, it is always important to approach a potential referee mindful of the time and effort writing a reference requires. Connect with them to discuss your goals and your need for a compelling letter; if they seem hesitant, ask someone else.

Do not make reference requests at the last minute! Instead, approach your referee well ahead of any deadline – you should give them at least a month’s notice so the task doesn’t impede on their personal life.

Share the list of the five essential attributes for FlexMed applicants with your writers. This is so that they can tailor their references to highlight any evidence they have that you possess those attributes. For example, a professor who worked on a research project with you will be able to speak about your strengths as a team player, while a professor who supervised your work as a TA could write about your mentorship abilities and commitment to helping others.

Help your references help you. A strong reference is actually a team effort: the more helpful you are in providing information to your mentor, the easier it will be for them to help you in providing a strong letter. Always be prepared to give your writers whatever they may need, from copies of your academic transcripts to more information about your extracurricular activities.

Writing Your Personal Statement

Your references can speak about you in a compelling and persuasive way, but only you can speak for yourself. The personal statement component of the FlexMed application consists of three essays. While the following essay questions were used in the latest FlexMed application cycle, make sure to check the official site for any changes in the prompts: 

• Describe something in your life that has given you a sense of personal, professional, or academic accomplishment. (300 words limit)
• Describe something in your life that has given you a sense of personal, professional or academic disappointment. (300 words limit)
• How FlexMed will change your educational plan and enhance your future career in medicine? (300 words limit)

When writing your essays, pay attention to the word limits, structure (Introduction, body and conclusion) and always keep in mind the five essential personal attributes of FlexMed applicants mentioned earlier. Use every opportunity you can to prove to the admissions committee that you have those highly desirable attributes: a team player, a life-long learner, someone dedicated to self-improvement and staying well, and someone who is both a change agent and advocate in your community. Here are some more tips to remember:

Acing Your Interview

The FlexMed program receives an average of 800-1000 applications per year. Out of these initial applications, between 140 to 160 applicants are selected each year for an interview. 

Invitations to interviews are sent out on a rolling basis starting in the middle of March and lasting until the end of March. All of the interviews take place during the month of April. The interview stage follows the traditional interview format, consisting of two interviews. Each interview lasts around 30 minutes. Each applicant will meet two interviewers from the Members of the MD Admissions Committee. 

The FlexMed program emphasizes that its assessments are holistic in nature, and this means assessing you across several core areas, including personal attributes. The interviewers will evaluate you in terms of academic excellence, commitment to clinical medicine, research experience, service activities (e.g. your extracurriculars for medical school), and more.

Your general suitability is assessed using the AAMC Core Competencies for entering med school students. And of course, the five essential attributes discussed above are absolutely central to their assessment of your suitability for the FlexMed program, so always keep them in mind!

The secret to effective interview preparation is simple but time-consuming: practice, practice, and more practice! The more you familiarize yourself with some of the common medical school interview questions, the better you can brainstorm what a strong answer to some of these common questions could be.

You should also practice answering questions "tell me about yourself" and "What's your greatest weakness?", as these are often used in academic and professional interviews. Doing mock interviews is also a crucial part of your preparation, since it allows you to gain familiarity and confidence in dealing with the dynamics of an interview. Seek the help of your mentors and/or professional academic consultants to ensure you are doing your med school interview preparation effectively. Perfect practice makes perfect!   

If you are selected for the FlexMed program, keep in mind that you still have a lot of work to do to maintain yourself in good standing. The Icahn School of Medicine reminds all successful applicants that they must continue to meet the following requirements:

The FlexMed program also requires that successful applicants complete the following requirements prior to undertaking their medical studies at the Icahn School of Medicine:

1. One year of Biology or Chemistry at the postsecondary level (with lab work)
2. One year of an English course at the postsecondary level, involving writing-intensive coursework 
3. One semester of physics (AP or IB high school physics with a score of 5 accepted to meet this requirement)
4. One semester of health policy, public health, or global health studies
5. One semester of ethics

One semester of statistics (preferably biostatistics) 7.A senior thesis or its equivalent (any academic area)8.100 hours of clinical experience providing exposure to illness and healthcare delivery.

 Furthermore, every applicant needs to keep the following two items in mind:

• Any student who has not yet taken advanced science courses will be required to participate in the school’s Summer Enrichment Program (SEP) before attending the Icahn School of Medicine. The SEP features courses in Cell and Molecular Biology, Biochemistry, and Organic Chemistry.
• Students are strongly encouraged to develop proficiency in a second language, to better attend the needs of future patients at Mount Sinai 

You will also have to address two items of paperwork before entering the Icahn School of Medicine. The school stresses that these steps are simply clerical formalities – it is important to understand that this is not a re-application process, and you will not be assessed again. The two items of paperwork are:

1. Filling out the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application the year before your matriculation.
2. Completing the Icahn School of Medicine’s supplemental application (with the exception of the essay component). You will not be charged the usual application fee when you do so.

Pros and Cons: Is the FlexMed Program Right for You?

Pros of the FlexMed Program

More intellectual flexibility. If you are the sort of student who enjoys a wide variety of interests apart from medicine, the FlexMed program gives you the freedom to explore your own passions during your undergraduate degree. The lack of typical prerequisites gives you the chance to shape your undergraduate education in a way that reflects your own priorities, and in doing so, you will have a chance at receiving a more well-rounded education than that of a traditional premed student.

The option to change your mind. Maybe you are absolutely sure that you do wish to pursue a career in medicine after you graduate from your Bachelor’s program. But then again, maybe you are not entirely sure, and would prefer to keep your options open. Since there is no penalty for choosing to withdraw from the FlexMed program if you realize you want to pursue a different path in life, FlexMed can give you the best of both worlds: the early assurance of a spot at the Icahn School of Medicine and the freedom to still explore other academic interests, and – if necessary – to choose a different postgraduate career instead.  

No MCAT. The FlexMed program spares you the hours of studying, the cost of prep materials, and the significant stress of sitting the MCAT. MCAT prep is a huge, lengthy commitment – the FlexMed program frees you from all of that added time and stress! For any student who finds exams a struggle, the lack of the MCAT is a major advantage. 

Save time and money. If you are accepted into FlexMed, you no longer have to worry about applying to multiple medical schools, with all of the stress and expense that involves; the journey from high school to med school is already a tough one, so this can ease some of your stress along the way and make for a more seamless transition. A traditional premed student typically applies to 15-20 medical schools, and the cost of applying to so many schools can add up to thousands of dollars. Getting into FlexMed means avoiding the lengthy process involved in application systems such as AMCAS or TMDSAS, which in turn equals having more time (and less stress).

A different approach to what makes a good doctor. Both the HuMed and FlexMed programs were built upon the same founding principle: it is not scientific or medical aptitude alone that makes a good doctor. The FlexMed program urges its applicants to consider medicine as a calling that requires many different types of intelligence, and the ability to apply different aptitudes and skills in various contexts. If you’re someone who believes that your passion for studying foreign languages and cultures will help you communicate with patients from many different backgrounds, or that the rigors of logical thinking honed as a philosophy major will serve you well in solving medical conundrums, then it’s highly likely you are the sort of applicant the FlexMed program is hoping to attract.

Cons of the FlexMed Program

It limits your medical school options. The FlexMed program may give you plenty of academic freedom during your undergrad, but it grants no leeway in terms of your medical school options. As discussed above, acceptance into the FlexMed program means giving up the opportunity to apply to other medical schools, as well as the opportunity to sit the MCAT. If you’re not entirely sure that the Icahn School of Medicine is your school of choice, and you would rather try your luck at several different medical schools, then the FlexMed program is not right for you. You should also keep in mind that many other medical schools will require you to complete medical school prerequisites and submit your MCAT score. 

It may make it harder to commit to medicine. On one hand, the freedom of the FlexMed program allows students to pursue other interests and keep their options open, and there is merit in that approach. But on the other hand, it might feel a little too open for some students! If you are the sort of person who struggles to make decisions or commit to things when you don’t have a clear pathway in place, then the FlexMed program might make it difficult for you to choose what to study during your undergrad, or may even make it harder for you to feel certain that medicine is indeed your calling. The traditional premed path may be more intimidating for some students, but for other students, it may be exactly what they need to feel truly confident and motivated in pursuing their medical school goals.

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To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

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