How to Get Into Albert Einstein College of Medicine: The Definitive Guide (2023)

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine is a research-intensive private medical school in New York. The college has over 60 years of experience leading and educating the future physicians of America. Albert Einstein Medical School was founded in 1953, and today, the school has well over 9,000 alums and a staff of 1,900 including Robert Singer who is the Professor of Cell Biology. Robert Singer is well-known at the college and across the country for his illumination of our understanding of gene activation.

The university prides themselves on their mission of diversity. The school’s mission statement, which can be found on their website, is “Our mission is to prepare a diverse body of students to become knowledgeable, compassionate physicians and innovative scientific investigators, and to create new knowledge.”

Be an Informed Applicant

As you will find with the vast majority of medical schools across the United States, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine has strict guidelines and requirements which are school specific. To best help students focus their application and have the best chance of acceptance, we find that is best to develop an understanding of the university’s identity, selection criteria, and values.

This article covers:

• Albert Einstein College of Medicine Rankings
• Medical Programs at Albert Einstein Medical School
• Selection Factors: What Albert Einstein College of Medicine Looks for in an Applicant
• Academic Requirements
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine Acceptance Rate, Class Profile, and More
• AMCAS Primary Application and Albert Einstein Medical School Secondary Application
• Albert Einstein Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Essay Answers, and Advice
• Medical School Admissions Consulting Services
• Voluntary Healthcare Internships Abroad

Personalized Help

We at International Medical Aid understand how tough the medical school application process can be. There are many steps involved from completing your primary application to filling out a secondary application and interviewing for a spot in the college’s medical program. 

It is our goal to help make navigating this process as easy as possible for students. We achieve this by offering professional medical admissions consulting services. Our medical school admission consultants work with students one-on-one to offer constructive feedback, help them develop an application strategy, prep for interviews, and ensure they present the best and most competitive application possible.

If you feel overwhelmed and lost by the med school application process, do not hesitate to reach out and seek the help of our medical school admissions consulting services.

Why Albert Einstein College of Medicine?

This university located near the Bronx has a rich history, dating back to 1945. In 1945, Dr. Samuel Belkin the Yeshiva University President envisioned creating a new medical school. After persuading the New York State Board, Dr. Samuel Belkin was granted the opportunity to construct a new medical school in the state of New York. 

In March of 1953, following his 74th birthday, esteemed Professor Albert Einstein granted permission for the medical school to bear his namesake.

The first class of medical students consisted of only 53 men, 3 women, and 75 faculty members. Today, the college has nearly 800 members of its student body, not to mention the nearly 2,000 faculty including well-known names such as Erika Banks, Pablo Castillo, Russell Portenoy, and Robert Singer.

Many of the students who attend the university, go on to work at the Albert Einstein hospital or attend residency there. The Albert Einstein Hospital is located nearby the college in the heart of the Bronx, New York. Other medical facilities such as the Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center (MECC) are also associated with the college and Albert Einstein Hospital.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine Rankings

• #37 in Best Medical Schools: Research
• #56 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
• #73 Most Diverse Medical Schools
• #106 Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas
• #136 Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care Fields
• #134 Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas

Medical School Programs at Albert Einstein Medical School

Students should take their time to thoroughly research the various programs offered at Albert Einstein College of Medicine before applying. Conducting thorough research into what the university has to offer will help you make the best and most informed decision possible, and allow you to focus your application strategy.

In addition to the standard MD program, the Albert Einstein Medical School offers several other medical education programs such as PhD programs and MS programs.

For this article, we will be focusing on the college’s MD program and their other main medical training programs.

Four-Year MD Program

The curriculum at the university is always changing and adapting as medical and technological innovations and breakthroughs are made. Currently, the college’s curriculum is broken down into 2 phases: the preclerkship phase and the clerkship phase.

Preclerkship Phase – This phase of the curriculum is designed to integrate clinical and basic health system sciences. While this phase is primarily devoted to biomedical science courses, students do begin to be immersed in patient-centered experiences just a few weeks after matriculation.

Clerkship Phase – During this phase, students begin to apply their biomedical science knowledge and courses to problems related to human diseases and illnesses, both in outpatient and inpatient settings. Clerkship exposes students to a variety of specialties as they begin rotations. Rotations are often conducted at the Albert Einstein Hospital. Some of the specialties students will encounter while performing clerkship duties at the Albert Einstein Hospital includes Family Medicine/Primary Care, surgery, and Pediatrics.

Other Programs Offered by Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Aside from the above mentioned four-year MD program, Albert Einstein Medical School offers the following programs:

Graduate Program (PhD) – Albert Einstein College of Medicine offers a graduate program with a focus in biomedical sciences.

MSTP Program – The MSTP program offered by the university is one of the oldest MSTP programs in the US. This program currently has 499 alums.

Master’s in Clinical Research (MS) – The Master’s in Clinical Research program offered by the university is a 2-year program that is best for those who want to pursue a career in clinical research.

Master’s in Bioethics – A Master’s in Bioethics is a highly flexible program that can be attained on the student’s desired timeline. Students who attend university full-time can earn their degree in as little as 12 months, while those who attend school part-time typically complete the program in 2.5 years.

Selection Factors: What Albert Einstein College of Medicine Looks for in an Applicant

Are you curious about what values and requirements the Albert Einstein College of Medicine admissions committee is looking for—scores, traits, and more?

Most med schools across the United States take a holistic approach to reviewing incoming applications. A holistic approach leads the committee to view your application as a whole and try to obtain the big picture of who you are, not just how well you scored on a test. For more information about the general values medical schools are looking for, check out the AAMC Core Competencies. 

Albert Einstein College of Medicine specifically states that the college’s goal is to bring forth a highly diverse student body. The students’ academic accomplishments, research, and community service should indicate that they will go on to become exceptional educators, healers, and scientists. 

Key traits applicants should possess are:

• Kindness
• Empathy
• Compassion
• Maturity
• Leadership
• Professionalism
• Creativity

To further improve your chances of being accepted into one of the medical programs at Albert Einstein Medical School, consider seeking personalized help and guidance from International Medical Aid.

Application Requirements for Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Albert Einstein College of Medicine has guidelines, prerequisites, and academic criteria that students must meet in order to be considered for acceptance. Applicants must meet the necessary requirements to receive a secondary application.

GPA and MCAT Requirements for Albert Einstein Medical School

The university does not have a minimum required MCAT or GPA score for application. However, the college bases their score requirements on the previous class of matriculants. Based on the college’s most recent class profile, matriculants had an average GPA of 3.82 and an average MCAT score of 516.

Keep in mind that most medical schools will only accept MCAT scores that are no more than 3 years old. If your MCAT score is older than 3 years or you have yet to take the MCAT exam, consider registering for one of the upcoming test dates.

Albert Einstein Medical School Letters of Recommendation

Students who plan to apply to the university should have 3 letters of recommendation prepared and include those in their AMCAS primary application. It is best to include your letters of recommendation with your primary application as some medical schools do not accept any LORs sent directly to the college.

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine accepts 3 forms of LORs: individual letter, letter packet, or committee letters. Students who have completed their pre-medical education at an institution that has a pre-professional advisory committee should obtain a LOR from the committee to provide to the college. Those who attended colleges that do not have pre-professional committees need to provide LORs written by at least 2 faculty members who have taught the applicant. The third letter should be written by a science faculty member. 

Required Coursework for Albert Einstein College of Medicine

The following pre-medical coursework is required by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Those who apply to the university and have not met the listed prerequisites will not be invited to complete a secondary application. 

Here is the list of all prerequisites that are required by the Albert Einstein Medical School. 

Chemistry/Biochemistry – Applicants should have knowledge of both organic and inorganic chemistry.

Biology – Applicants should have a proper understanding of biology concepts, such as eukaryotes, viruses, and prokaryotes.

Physics – Knowledge of basic physics concepts is required.

Mathematics – Applicants should possess good math skills

Humanities, Social, and Behavioral Sciences – All applicants should have a firm understanding of factors influential to human decision-making and behaviors.

Does Albert Einstein College of Medicine Require the CASPer test?

The CASPer exam is an online situational judgment test designed to help an admissions committee gain a further understanding of a candidate’s non-academic abilities. 

Currently, the CASPer test is not one of the required scores/materials needed to apply to Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Albert Einstein Medical School Acceptance Rate and Admission Statistics

The Albert Einstein College of Medicine has a competitive acceptance rate of 2.23%. This acceptance is lower than the national medical school average acceptance rate, so it is crucial for students to put their best foot forward when applying to this college.

Let’s take a look at some of the statistics for the most recent class:

• 8,088 Applicants
• 1,030 Interviews Granted
• 183 Matriculants 
• Average GPA 3.82
• Average MCAT 516

Albert Einstein College of Medicine Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Students will need to budget for various costs including tuition, textbooks, living expenses, and personal expenses. The college has provided a rough estimated budget for the yearly cost of attendance. Please note that costs do not include living expenses or personal expenses as these costs have not been estimated by the college.

Year 1:

1. $58,121 Tuition
2. $6,380 for Health Insurance
3. $3,479 Educational Technology Fee
4. $67,890 Total

Year 2:

1. $58,121 Tuition
2. $7,292 Health Insurance
3. $3,479 Educational Technology Fee
4. $68,892 Total

Year 3:

1. $58,121 Tuition
2. $7,292 Health Insurance
3. $3,479 Educational Technology Fee
4. $68,892 Total

Year 4:

1. $58,121 Tuition
2. $7,292 Health Insurance
3. $3,479 Educational Technology Fee
4. $68,892 Total

AMCAS Primary Application and Albert Einstein College of Medicine Secondary Application

The AMCAS application is the standardized and accepted primary application used by most medical schools in the United States. It typically takes medical schools between 4 to 6 weeks to review your primary application. 

After the committee has reviewed your primary application, if they feel you may be a good fit for the college, they will invite you to complete their secondary application. Secondary applications are highly school-specific and it is important to note that failure to meet the school’s requirements will prevent you from being invited to complete a secondary application.

If you would like further clarification about the difference between primary and secondary applications, read our helpful guide about applications.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine Secondary Application: Essay Prompts, Sample Essay Answers, and Advice

One of the most important steps when applying for medical schools is completing secondary applications. Most secondary applications consist of a series of questions and essay prompts that are designed to allow the applicant to further express who they are as a person and candidate. This is your time to discuss your career goals, ambitions, and motivations. Here are some of our best tips for creating strong secondary application answers:

• Pay close attention to the questions and prompts, ensuring that you read them thoroughly and answer all parts of the question.
• Provide concrete evidence for your answers. Concrete evidence can come from your professional, work, and academic experiences.
• Do not repeat information from your primary application.
• Proofread your answers
• Ensure that you write clearly and concisely
• Consider seeking the guidance of a medical school admissions consultant.

The secondary application for the Albert Einstein College of Medicine consists of a list of yes or no questions. Any questions you answer yes to require an explanation of up to 3000 characters.

Question #1

I have taken time off from school between high school and college.

Here is a sample response:

Between graduating high school and starting my college career, I took a year off. During my gap year, I spent my time working in a receptionist role at a local medical center. This time was also spent developing my career plan and deciding which branch of the medical field I wanted to pursue.

Question #2

I have taken time off from school during my undergraduate years.

Here is a sample response:

During my undergraduate education, I had to take a year off. This year off occurred early on in my college journey, between year 1 and year 2. While this gap year in the midst of my education was not planned, I had to take time off to help care for my family. 

At the time, my mother, who was the only parent in the home, had fallen ill and was unable to supply sufficient income to care for herself and my younger siblings. I returned home to help care for her and provide income for the family.

Question #3

I have taken at least a year off from school since college graduation, including this year that I am applying.

Question #4

I have taken and received credit for online science core courses (e.g. chemistry, biology, organic chemistry, physics, and mathematics) that were taken prior to the Covid Pandemic (earlier than Spring 2020)

Question #5

I have applied previously to medical school.

Question #6

I have submitted an AMCAS application to Einstein previously.

Question #7

I am/was a graduate student in the Sue Golding Division of Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Question #8

I was accepted to medical school previously but did not attend.

Question #9

I was previously enrolled in medical school.

Question #10

I can attest that I have fulfilled the Albert Einstein College of Medicine COMPETENCIES for admission. If you answered, “no” to the above question, please explain.

For example, if you plan to take pre-medical coursework in the coming summer, fall, or spring, please list the courses and tell us when and where you will be taking them. If your answer was, “yes,” please write “NA” in the box below. (3000 characters)

Question #11

I will have a Baccalaureate Degree by the time I matriculate into medical school.

Question #12

I am presently holding a deferral from another medical / graduate / professional school.

Question #13

I have received a grade of “F” during my college/graduate school years.

For this question along with the subsequent questions 14, 15, 16, and 17 it is important to tell the committee why you scored a low grade, had a withdrawal, or an incomplete. 

Here is a sample answer to help you get an idea of how to phrase your response:

During my undergraduate years, I did receive a grade of F. This grade reflects on my transcript which you will see upon reviewing it. This mark while it does not reflect well on me as a candidate academically, is not a true reflection of who I am as a student overall.

The circumstances surrounding this grade are a combination of stress, poor adjustment to a new learning style, and poor study skills. I struggled to adjust to the new online learning style and in turn, this led to me failing to grasp many key concepts of the material for the class. On top of this new learning style that I was trying to navigate, I also was poorly managing my work-life balance and failing to adequately study for the class.

I understand that this grade does not look great on a transcript, but as my subsequent grades show I have improved academically and learned how to allot adequate study time for all courses while still maintaining a work-life balance. I have also sought the help of tutors and other professionals when needed. 

Question #14

I have received a grade of “D” during my college/graduate school years.

Question #15

I have received a grade of “W” during my college/graduate school years.

Question #16

I have received a grade of “I” during my college/graduate school years.

Question #17

As an undergraduate, I transferred from one college to another.

Question #18

I have been the recipient of a warning notice for a non-academic issue that did NOT result in a disciplinary action.

Question #19

I have been subject to a disciplinary action and/or administrative action, expunged or not, while an undergraduate or graduate student.

Question #20

I currently have disciplinary charges pending.

Question #21

I have been prohibited or suspended from practicing in a professional capacity because of alleged misconduct.

Question #22

Please tell us the year Parent/Guardian received their highest academic degree, the name of that degree, and the name of the school. If high school or less, please write “high school or less.”

Question #23

If you were employed during the academic year, other than during winter and summer breaks, please write the number of hours you worked per week, and tell us what you did and why you were employed.

Question #24

Anything else you would like to share with us? (4000 characters max)

Here is a sample answer:

I would like to further elaborate upon my clinical and volunteer experiences. Over the summer, I participated in a voluntary healthcare internship abroad through International Medical Aid. I traveled to East Africa where I was able to shadow doctors in a variety of clinical environments. While abroad, I had the opportunity to learn a variety of knowledge on the topics of disease, observe various surgical procedures, and develop my communication skills which will aid me in my future career as a patient-centered physician. 

Medical School Admission Consulting Services

Our goal is to provide aspiring physicians with accurate and detailed information to help aid them in their medical school application process. The process of applying for med schools is easily one of the hardest parts of your medical education journey.

The best way to ease the stress of this process is by enlisting the professional help of medical school admissions consulting services. Whether you need help perfecting and editing your secondary application essays, developing your application strategy, or starting the application process, International Medical Aid is here to help. 

Those who need extra guidance with this process should visit our medical school admissions webpage and schedule a free consultation with us.

Voluntary Healthcare Internships

It’s no secret that one of the key parts of faring well during the application process is having a compelling and competitive application. But how do you achieve a competitive application? While all parts of your application play a role, your clinical experiences and volunteer service can set you apart from the sea of applicants.

What’s the best way to gain clinical and volunteer experience? While there are plenty of ways to do so, pre-med shadowing study abroad programs provide volunteer and clinical experience at the same time. Not to mention these programs look great on any medical school application. 

IMA’s pre-med shadowing study abroad programs allow aspiring physicians to travel to areas like the South America and East Africa where they can shadow doctors and work with the medically underserved. Students who take part in these programs gain much more than a compelling application. They gain broadened perspectives, memories, healthcare insights, and valuable doctoring knowledge they will carry with them for a lifetime. 

Good Luck!

From all of us at International Medical Aid, we want to wish you luck as you embark on your educational journey to become a medical professional. We want to remind you to take your time, develop a strong application strategy, and always ask for help if you feel you need it.

If your mind is still filled with questions like “what are the best medical schools near me” or “which school is right for me” then we highly recommend checking out our other medical school guides. We have articles on medical schools across the country, including other New York medical colleges.

• Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
• University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 
• University of Toledo College of Medicine
• Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
• Ohio State University College of Medicine
• Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
• Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSOM)
• Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) 
• Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
• Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU)
• A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Saint Louis University School of Medicine
• University of Missouri Medical School
• Kansas City University (KCU)
• UMKC School of Medicine
• New York Medical College
• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• University of Wisconsin Medical School
• VCU School of Medicine
• University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Case Western Medical School
• University of North Carolina Medical School
• University of Florida Medical School
• Emory University School of Medicine
• Boston University College of Medicine
• California University of Science and Medicine
• UC San Diego Medical School
• California Northstate University College of Medicine
• Touro University of California
• CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
• UC Davis School of Medicine
• Harvard Medical School
• UC Riverside School of Medicine
• USC Keck School of Medicine
• UT Southwestern Medical School
• Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio
• University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
• UT Austin’s Dell Medical School
• UTMB School of Medicine
• McGovern Medical School at UT Health
• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
• McGovern Medical School at UT Health
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
• UNT Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
• University of Houston College of Medicine
• Texas A&M College of Medicine
• Johns Hopkins Medical School
• Baylor College of Medicine
• George Washington University School of Medicine
• Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
• St. George’s University School of Medicine
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (in Pennsylvania)
• Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
• Wake Forest University School of Medicine
• Western University of Health Sciences (in California)
• Drexel University College of Medicine
• Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago
• Georgetown University School of Medicine
• Yale School of Medicine
• Perelman School of Medicine
• UCLA Medical School
• NYU Medical School
• Washington University School of Medicine
• Brown Medical School