Icahn School of Medicine: How to Get In

Icahn School of Medicine Mission Statement

“The Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai advances science, medicine, and health care delivery for the benefit of humanity through a culture of excellence, innovation, collaboration, and inclusive diversity. We conduct groundbreaking research; educate and nurture the next generation of exceptional clinicians, researchers, teachers, and leaders; and deliver the most advanced compassionate care with an unwavering commitment to health equity.”

Icahn School of Medicine Admissions Statistics and Eligibility

Acceptance Rate: 1.4%

In-state Acceptance Rate: 2.2%

Out-of-state Acceptance Rate: 1.3%

International Acceptance Rate: 0.37%

Median GPA: 3.92

Science GPA: 391

Median MCAT: 519

• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: 130
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills: 129
• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: 130
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior: 131

Icahn School of Medicine accepts applications from in and out-of-state students, Canadian and international students. Applicants with DACA status can also apply.

Early Admissions Options at Icahn School of Medicine

The Icahn School of Medicine has two early admissions programs designed to support diverse educational journeys, welcoming both traditional students and those with unique backgrounds and experiences.

FlexMed Program

The FlexMed Program at the Icahn School of Medicine offers early assurance to college sophomores, allowing them to pursue non-traditional pre-medical education. Accepted students bypass the MCAT and follow a flexible curriculum tailored to their interests while completing essential coursework before matriculation.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Full-time second-year student pursuing a first bachelor’s degree at an accredited four-year institution in the U.S. or Canada
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Completed SAT and/or ACT
• Cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher
• Completed one academic year of college biology or chemistry 

U.S. Military Institutional Partnership

This program recognizes the unique experiences and contributions of active-duty military personnel. It provides a pathway to medical school and supports service members transitioning to a career in medicine.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Full-time, active-duty status from any branch of the U.S. military
• Completed one academic year of college biology or chemistry
• Taken the SAT or ACT exams

Selection Factors at Icahn School of Medicine

The Icahn School of Medicine has high academic standards and other extremely important selection factors that you must understand in order to compile an application that wows the admissions committee.

According to the admissions website, the school has a specific vision for the type of students they accept into the program.

“Icahn Mount Sinai is looking for applicants poised to be the next generation of expert clinicians, physician advocates, physician-scientists, and medical educators. We seek those who demonstrate academic excellence, a passion for clinical medicine, and a commitment to patient communities through advocacy and scholarly endeavors.”

In addition to academic excellence, the school is looking for candidates with the following personal qualities:

• Maturity
• Integrity
• Creativity
• Leadership
• Innovation

Shadowing in healthcare settings is also recommended.

Check out some stellar medical school secondary essay examples:

GPA and MCAT Scores for Icahn School of Medicine

The Icahn School of Medicine does not have a minimum required GPA or MACT score for screening, but the most recent matriculants had a median GPA of 3.92 and a median MCAT score of 519.

If your GPA is not as strong as you would like it to be, there are a few things you can do to improve it:

• Retake courses, especially prerequisites, to get a higher grade.
• Take courses you know you will excel in.
• Access additional resources, like teaching assistants and study groups, to improve your understanding of the course material.

The school can see all your MCAT scores and will consider the highest total. While these scores are important, the admissions committee reviews each application holistically, which means a lower MCAT score might not preclude an otherwise strong applicant from being accepted.

If you decide to retake the MCAT, these tips from our admissions experts can help you get a higher score:

• Use an MCAT diagnostic test to identify topics or question types you struggle with.
• Develop a structured MCAT study schedule focusing on targeted review and practice in weak areas.
• Experiment with different study methods like spaced repetition and practice tests to enhance retention and test-taking skills.
• Regularly take full-length practice tests to improve your MCAT timing.
• Consider working with an MCAT prep service for expert support and advice.

Getting the right help to improve your MCAT score can propel you into a higher percentile. One of our students worked with us on a section where they struggled, and they have no regrets!

“Having worked through all of the Biology & Biochemistry content available on BeMo with Dr. Sabry, I can confidently say that I am well prepared for the Biology/Biochemistry section on the MCAT. On my most recent practice test, I scored a 130 on the Bio/Biochem section (96th percentile) and that wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for Dr. Sabry. Her wide range of knowledge and ability to teach complex biological concepts has helped me tremendously and is evident in my practice results. She is beyond incredible, patient, and is always a joy to work with. She has given me the confidence to do well on a section that I have historically struggled with.” – Former BeMo Student

Prerequisites and Recommended Courses for Icahn School of Medicine

To be eligible for admission to the Icahn School of Medicine, applicants must fulfill several prerequisite requirements, including earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada. International degrees require evaluation of transcripts by a NACES member organization.

The school has the following coursework prerequisites:

Prerequisite courses completed at community colleges or online are evaluated case-by-case, with a preference for coursework completed in person.

Additionally, applicants are encouraged to complete coursework emphasizing social determinants of health and healthcare disparities, such as sociology, public health, and global health.

Icahn School of Medicine Extracurriculars

The Icahn School of Medicine carefully reviews extracurricular activities to determine whether students have already been exposed to some of the key aspects of medicine that are important to their program. This includes shadowing a physician, community service, and research.

Here is a summary of the extracurricular activities of the most recent matriculants:

Icahn School of Medicine Personal Statement

The Icahn School of Medicine admissions committee will turn to your medical school personal statement to confirm your suitability for their unique program; this is your chance to wow them by aligning your narrative with the school’s mission and values. Icahn holds nothing back when talking about what kind of students will excel in their program, and we will help you incorporate this information into your personal statement.

Focus on Core Values

Highlight personal experiences and reflections that demonstrate maturity, integrity, creativity, leadership, and innovation. Provide specific examples of these qualities exhibited in academic, professional, or personal contexts.

Emphasize Academic Excellence

Link academic pursuits to a passion for clinical medicine and patient care.

Demonstrate Commitment to Patient Communities

Illustrate a commitment to patient advocacy and community service through concrete examples of engagement and impact. Discuss how these experiences shaped your perspective on healthcare and your future role as a physician.

Highlight Diversity and Inclusivity

Emphasize how your diverse background, perspectives, and experiences contribute to the richness of the medical community. Discuss the importance of diversity in driving excellence in medicine and research.

Showcase Personal Growth and Reflection

Reflect on pivotal experiences that influenced your decision to pursue medicine and how these experiences shaped your personal and professional growth. Use vivid anecdotes and specific details to bring your journey to life.

Icahn School of Medicine Secondary Essays

All verified applications receive a secondary application, which includes a requirement to submit secondary medical school essays. Secondary essays are due in early November.

Secondary essay prompts can be updated, but historically, the Icahn School of Medicine has used these essay prompts and required lengths:

1. If you are currently not a full-time student, please briefly describe the activities you are participating in this academic year. (100 words)
2. If you are committed to a particular community or if there is an important aspect of your identity not addressed elsewhere in the application, we invite you to do so here. Briefly also explain how such factors may have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine. Completing this section is optional. (150 words)
3. What is the toughest feedback you ever received? How did you handle it and what did you learn from it? (250 words)
4. Describe a situation that you have thought to be unfair or unjust, whether towards yourself or towards others. How did you address the situation, if at all? (200 words)

Using these essay prompts, elaborate on themes important to the admissions committee: diversity, resilience, ethical awareness, and advocacy. Secondary essays allow you to share experiences that have yet to be included in the application materials. Focus on providing specific examples and reflections for each of these themes and connecting responses to the school's mission and values.

If the thought of writing outstanding secondary essays is overwhelming, know that you don’t have to do it alone! Working with an admissions consulting company can make the process easier, faster, and far more effective. Check out how we helped one BeMo student tackle their secondary essays:

“Danielle provided expert guidance in crafting compelling narratives and selecting relevant experiences. She has a keen eye for selecting the most relevant experiences to address the essay prompts, which I believe will make a significant impact on the quality of my answers. I feel significantly more prepared to write strong secondary essays!” – Former BeMo Student

Letters of Recommendation for Icahn School of Medicine

The Icahn School of Medicine requires a minimum of three medical school recommendation letters and will accept up to six. Committee letters and letter packets are preferred, but they will accept individual letters. If an applicant does not have a pre-health adviser or a committee to submit letters, they can ask individuals like professors, research mentors, supervisors, or clinical preceptors.

The admissions committee uses the recommendation letters to further assess an applicant’s fit for the school and the overall goals of the MD program. Whether you are following an established protocol at your school or asking for recommendation letters, here are some proven tips to help you get letters that set you apart from other candidates:

• Familiarize yourself with your current school’s process and requirements for committee or packet letters.
• Attend all required meetings and interviews.
• Share your personal story with referees and highlight how your experiences align with the Icahn School of Medicine’s mission and values.
• Provide referees with objective examples of your skills and experiences that expand on the information you have shared in your application.

Icahn School of Medicine Interviews

Getting an interview invitation to the Icahn School of Medicine is a big deal! Only 8% of verified applicants were invited to interview in the last admissions cycle.

For the next admission cycle, the Icahn School of Medicine is conducting video interviews. Applicants will attend two half-hour interviews with faculty members and/or senior medical students. These interviews are open-file.

Interviews follow a semi-structured, traditional format. During these sessions, candidates are evaluated on their academics, clinical exposure, community service, research, and extracurricular activities. Interviewers also assess qualities that align with the school’s mission and evaluate the candidate’s communication skills. The evaluation is modeled on the Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students, as endorsed by the Association of American Medical Colleges Group on Student Affairs.

Applicants should start medical school interview prep before receiving their first invitation. Formulating answers to practice questions and doing mock interviews can take your interview skills from unremarkable to absolutely unforgettable!  

Acceptance and Waitlist Information for Icahn School of Medicine

The Icahn School of Medicine accepts up to 120 students each application cycle. Acceptance letters are sent beginning in early January, and the last acceptance letters are sent towards the end of July. Accepted students have up to two weeks to respond, and no deposit is required at that time.

The Icahn School of Medicine has a waitlist, but the number of applicants added to the list and eventually accepted varies yearly. Waitlisted applicants are encouraged to use the application portal to accept their place on the list and submit additional information. Additional information can include:

• A Letter of Interest to reinforce the applicant’s enthusiasm for attending the school if accepted
• Notice of Significant Updates that includes new achievements such as published articles, grants, or awards

It is possible to go from waitlisted to accepted, changing a silent suspense into a splendid success, and our blog post about how to get off a medical school waitlist can help! 

Application Timeline for Icahn School of Medicine

The Icahn School of Medicine uses AMCAS for its application process and follows a similar timeline to most medical schools: 

Icahn School of Medicine Tuition Costs and Debt

Tuition and Fees: $66,446

Health Insurance: $6,168

Other: $22,045

Total Cost of Attendance: $94,659

At the Icahn School of Medicine, tuition costs are the same for in and out-of-state students. The average amount of debt at graduation is $140,908

Funding Opportunities for Icahn School of Medicine

According to the Icahn School of Medicine, 67% of students receive some form of financial aid. Students have several options for financial support.

Institutional Scholarships and Loans

The MD Program at the Icahn School of Medicine offers institutional scholarships and loans to support medical students based on financial need. These funds are made possible through generous contributions from alumni, students' parents, friends, and trustees. Student Financial Services manages the administration of these scholarships and loans.

Eligibility and Application Process

To qualify for institutional aid, medical students must complete the following requirements:

• Federal Aid Application (FAFSA) (required for domestic students)
• CSS Profile
• MD Scholarship Application
• Submission of federal taxes and W-2s for parents and/or non-custodial parents, as well as for oneself and/or spouse

Students should begin the application process as soon as possible after being accepted.

External Scholarships and Loan Forgiveness Programs

Students can explore external funding sources to supplement their financial aid packages. Upon acceptance, the Icahn School of Medicine provides students with comprehensive lists of external scholarships and loan forgiveness programs.

Federal Loan Programs

The Icahn School of Medicine participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, offering the following types of federal loans based on federal guidelines:

• Federal Unsubsidized Loan: Available without demonstrating financial need
• Federal Graduate Plus Loan: Requires a credit check

Students can borrow up to their designated cost of attendance as determined by the program. Requests for funding beyond this amount necessitate a budget increase request along with supporting documentation.

Visit the Icahn School of Medicine Financial Aid website for more information.

Residency Match Rate at Icahn School of Medicine

The residency match rate was 98.7% during the most recent admissions cycle. 133 students were matched to 26 different specialties. The most popular specialties were internal medicine (28), pediatrics (11), anesthesiology (10), obstetrics (8), gynecology (8), neurology (7), ophthalmology (7), and psychiatry (7).

Available Programs at Icahn School of Medicine

The Icahn School of Medicine attracts thousands of students thanks to its impressive rankings and outstanding programs; the school is the academic teaching branch of the extensive Mount Sinai Health System. Applicants to this institution can select from some of the following programs of study: 

MD Program

The Icahn School of Medicine MD program combines state-of-the-art technologies and scientific-based learning to prepare students to address and improve healthcare locally and abroad. The school bridges the conventional gap between pre-clinical and clinical years by incorporating basic sciences into courses and acclimatizing students to the clinical setting right from the beginning. 

Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

This program equips students with the skills to pursue a successful career in the constantly changing world of biomedical sciences, health care and public health. Students will have the chance to collaborate with top researchers and scholars as they work toward becoming leaders and changemakers. 

MD/PhD Program

The MD-PhD program at the Icahn School of Medicine is meant for applicants who want a career as a physician-scientist. Students can select their multidisciplinary training field, thesis research, and curriculum. They will commence learning in their laboratory rotation during the summer preceding the start of their medical school time. 

The integrated MD/PhD curriculum supplements the medical school curriculum with tutorials, lectures, and graduate-level journal clubs. The goal is to build student's analytical thinking skills and acquaint them with disease research programs. 

MD-MPH

Applicants can obtain a medical degree and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree concurrently. The program equips students with in-depth knowledge of subjects such as epidemiology, health care management, global health, public health, and outcomes research. 

MD-MSCR

This combined degree program is part of the PORTAL program (Patient-Oriented Research Training and Leadership). Students work with a mentor and learn what it takes to kickstart a career in translational research. Developing and engaging in research studies helps students learn innovative methods of presenting, diagnosing, and treating diseases as they prepare for careers in different scientific and medical fields. 

The Military Institutional Partnership Program

If you want to become a military doctor, this partnership might be the right fit for you. The program allows students presently enrolled in the military to get into medical school. One significant advantage of the program is that some regular admission requirements, like MCAT scores, are not compulsory for students. 

Academic Curriculum at Icahn School of Medicine

The Icahn School of Medicine curriculum enables students to reach their full potential through exceptional clinical experiences, innovative curricula, community involvement, and guided research. The school is using a new MD program curriculum called ASCEND. The updated curriculum aims to “advance exceptional clinical care and science that is free of racism and oppression in all its forms.”

Key Features of Icahn’s ASCEND Curriculum

Curriculum Content

• USMLE Step-relevant content as a fundamental part of the curriculum
• Emphasis on the early and continuous development of clinical reasoning skills
• Focus on understanding diseases and healthcare issues critical to the community
• Promote a comprehensive view of the patient, considering signs, symptoms, goals, values, lived experiences, and family caregiver perspectives
• Emphasis on health systems science, team-based care, and inter-professional education
• Training in the social determinants of health and issues of racism and bias
• Foundations and mechanisms of basic and translational science to ensure understanding of disease underpinnings

Curriculum Framework

• Minimize extraneous cognitive load through more effective content delivery and integration
• Offer increased flexibility in engaging with curricular content
• Contextualize biomedical, social, and health systems science through early and continuous clinical experiences
• Increase opportunities to develop lifelong learning and critical thinking skills
• Develop areas of concentration for career path exploration

Learner Assessment

• More frequent learner feedback mechanisms, allowing students and educators to track progress
• Simulation, standardized patients, and interactive experiences to better prepare students for clinical participation
• Focus on competency-based assessment and developmental outcomes as core training elements

Year One 

You are introduced to basic scientific principles and core patient-care skills in year one. The curriculum comprises formal skills-based guidance on research techniques, knowledge of global health, and research skills. First-year courses include Art and Science of Medicine and Longitudinal Clinical Experience, Molecular, Cellular and Genomic Foundations, immunology, pathology, physiology and medical microbiology. 

Year Two

The year two curriculum amplifies the core scientific principles students learned in year one. It focuses more on an organ system-based technique in pathophysiology and disease treatment. Students also practice and improve key patient care competencies with longitudinal ambulatory and inpatient clinical experience. 

Year Three

In year three at the Icahn School of Medicine, students undergo rotations in major clinical fields and an optional 10 weeks of career study. The schedule includes four 12-week modules, providing experience in anesthesiology, ambulatory care, neurology, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, and surgery. 

Year Four 

In the fourth year, students are prepared for a residency program by being exposed to experiences developed using a personalized approach to enhance in-depth understanding and skill development. During this period, senior students have elective time to curate an individualized course of study. 

Icahn School of Medicine Campus Life

The Icahn School of Medicine is located on the border between the Upper East Side of Manhattan and East Harlem. Thanks to its convenient location, most students do not need a car since the school and Mount Sinai Hospital are within walking distance of student housing and the extensive public transportation system easily connects students to additional clinical sites.

Living between the Upper East Side of Manhattan and East Harlem offers a rich tapestry of experiences. East Harlem celebrates a vibrant Hispanic heritage, while the Upper East Side boasts world-class museums and dining options. Proximity to Central Park provides ample opportunities to connect with nature. It is truly a place where a world of opportunities and experiences are just steps away!

To see it first-hand, check out the Icahn School of Medicine virtual tour.

Housing

In a city where rents are high and apartment availability is low, the Icahn School of Medicine takes the stress out of finding housing by guaranteeing a residence to each student in the MD program. Most students reside in Jane B. Aron Residence Hall. On-campus housing is also available for eligible student couples.

Student Life

Students currently enrolled at the Icahn School of Medicine describe the student life experience as vibrant, dynamic, and collaborative, thanks to a variety of available groups, programs, and supports.

Student Organizations and Activities

Students have access to diverse student interest groups and affinity organizations. Whether through the Student Council, Recreation Office, or various community-building events, students can participate in social gatherings, intramural sports, and cultural activities. The vibrant backdrop of New York City further enhances their experiences, offering discounted tickets to shows, concerts, and other city events.

Diversity Programs

The Racism and Bias Initiative is dedicated to combating racial injustice and promoting health equity. The Center for Multicultural and Community Affairs fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion through innovative education, research, and community service initiatives.

Support Systems for Gender and Sexual Minority Students

Located in New York City, a hub for LGBTQ communities, the Icahn School of Medicine supports its LGBTQ students through the Stonewall Alliance. This student group organizes social events, mentorship programs, and educational initiatives like the Queer(ing) in Medicine Nexus Elective. The school integrates LGBTQ health content into its curriculum and provides mentorship opportunities and fellowships focused on LGBTQ health.

Wellness Programs and Resources

The Icahn School of Medicine prioritizes student wellness through its comprehensive C.A.R.E.S. model, emphasizing Community involvement, self-awareness, resilience-building, embracing support, and prioritizing self-care. Programs overseen by the Office of Medical Student Affairs and the Office of Well-Being and Resilience include well-being workshops, peer support groups (PEERS), and personalized advisor check-ins, ensuring students have the resources to thrive academically and personally.

Icahn School of Medicine Highlights

Teaching Hospitals

• Mount Sinai Beth Israel
• Mount Sinai Brooklyn
• Mount Sinai Hospital
• Mount Sinai Queens
• Mount Sinai West
• Mount Sinai Morningside
• New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai

Research Fields

• Cancer Research
• Neuroscience and Psychiatry
• Chronic Diseases and Conditions
• Public Health and Community Engagement
• Specialized Medical Interventions and Systems

Fun Facts about Icahn School of Medicine

• The Icahn School of Medicine includes 45 research, educational, and clinical institutes, 38 academic departments, and over 350 research labs.
• The school is renowned for being an international leader in biomedical education, patient care, and research.
• Originally named Mount Sinai School of Medicine, the school was renamed the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in 2012 after New York philanthropist Carl Icahn donated $200M.
• In 2023, U.S. News & World Report ranked the school 11th overall among research-based medical schools.

Contact Information for Icahn School of Medicine

Admissions website

Email: [email protected]

Office of Admissions

Annenberg Building, Room 13-90

One Gustave L. Levy Place--Box 1002

New York, NY 10029-6574 USA

Phone: (212) 241-6696 

Fax: (212) 241-6696

FAQs

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Your friends at BeMo

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