Reviewed by:
Former Admissions Committee Member, Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine
Reviewed: 4/25/24
If you want to pursue a career in medicine and attend a top-tier pre-med program, New York has no shortage of exceptional schools that can help pave the way for your success.
With its numerous prestigious universities and colleges, New York is a hub of excellent pre-med programs that equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to excel in medical school and beyond.
Whether you're interested in attending an Ivy League institution, a small liberal arts college, or anything in between, New York offers diverse options for students seeking a medical career at the best pre-med schools in New York.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the 9 best pre-med schools in New York, showcasing the variety and quality of educational opportunities available.
Whether you're a high school student considering your options or a college student looking to transfer, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision about your future in the medical field.
New York, renowned for its world-class educational institutions, is home to an impressive array of top pre-med schools for aspiring medical professionals.
With a wealth of options ranging from prestigious Ivy League institutions to specialized liberal arts colleges, the city offers unparalleled opportunities for students seeking a successful medical career.
Explore the best pre-med schools in New York by delving into each institution's unique features and benefits.
Ranking: #10 in Medical School
Acceptance rate: 2.1%
SAT score: 1350-1530
ACT score: 31-35
Tuition: Full tuition scholarships are offered to all students
New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine is one of the most competitive medical schools in the country.
NYU offers a thoughtful and detailed Pre-health Program that provides students with academic guidance, practical experience opportunities, and connections to other aspiring medical students.
Personalized advising for each student considers strengths and weaknesses, assessing the candidate’s chances of admission and assisting them in assembling the most effective application possible.
NYU encourages students to gain clinical experience through volunteering at the many Manhattan hospitals nearby or through summer enrichment programs.
Ranking: #4 in Medical School
Acceptance Rate: 1.71%
SAT Score: 1450-1560
ACT Score: 33-35
Tuition: $69,363
Columbia University is home to the oldest and largest Postbac Pre-med Program, highly regarded among top medical schools for its rigorous approach to medical school preparation.
The Postbac Premed Program at Columbia allows students to complete the academic prerequisites for admission to schools of allopathic medicine, osteopathic medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and graduate programs in allied health.
Students in the Postbac Premed program take the same classes with the same professors as Columbia undergraduates, ensuring a high-quality educational experience.
Moreover, the premedical academic program can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each student, offering a traditional sequence, part-time, and an accelerated for those students who are prepared.
Ranking: #10 in Medical School
Acceptance Rate: 3.4%
SAT Score: 1450-1540
ACT Score: 33-35
Tuition: $67,400
Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, is a highly selective pre-med school that offers a rigorous curriculum for aspiring doctors.
Discover the many advantages Cornell offers beyond its renowned status as a major producer of pre-meds. Esteemed as a member of the prestigious Ivy League and admired for its exceptional merits, the university is recognized for its challenging academic programs.
Cornell goes above and beyond by providing numerous opportunities for undergraduate research and offering unique extracurricular activities, empowering pre-med students to enhance their applications.
Moreover, the university establishes valuable connections with the highly regarded Weill Cornell School of Medicine. This association facilitates learning from expert clinicians and enables research opportunities during breaks.
Ranking: #32 in Medical School
SAT Score: 1340-1500
ACT Score: 31-34
Tuition: $61,678
At the University of Rochester, there isn't a formal "pre-med major" or dedicated program. Instead, the path to medical school involves taking biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics courses alongside your chosen major(s).
When choosing a major, medical schools do not have preferences for specific majors over others. The decision should be based on your academic interests, strengths, and the alternative career field(s) you may pursue if you decide not to attend medical school.
The university is close to renowned institutions like Strong Memorial Hospital, the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and the Arthur Kornberg Medical Research Building.
As an undergraduate student, you can engage in research activities, participate in clinical volunteering, and establish contact with the esteemed faculty and admissions staff from the School of Medicine.
Rochester provides a supportive environment for premedical students to explore their academic and career interests while offering access to prestigious medical facilities and valuable connections with medical professionals.
Ranking: #58 in National Universities
Acceptance Rate: 5.5%
Tuition: $43,670
Stony Brook University boasts a robust pre-med program at its Renaissance School of Medicine, which ranks among the top ten globally.
The program combines the affordability of a state university with the prestige of an elite private institution, presenting an attractive option for undergraduates planning health careers.
Stony Brook takes a unique approach to pre-med education, strongly encouraging students to major in a subject they are passionate about. It also gives them adequate time and energy to complete the necessary prerequisite courses for medical school.
At Stony Brook, pre-health advisors work closely with students to guide them in selecting disciplines that connect to medical careers in various ways, not confining them to traditional choices like biology or chemistry.
Stony Brook Pre-Health Advising assists students throughout the medical school application process, from explaining and helping with the important committee letter to guiding interviews and helping students secure summer internships.
A unique aspect of the program is the Academic Associate Program, where Stony Brook undergraduates can work at the Stony Brook University Medical Center, screening patients for participation in clinical studies.
This hands-on experience can lead to further research opportunities and earn students academic credit.
Ranking: #73 in National Universities
Acceptance Rate: 42%
SAT Score: 1290-1450
ACT Score: 29-32
Tuition: $7,070
Are you seeking an exceptional pre-med program that won't break the bank? Look no further than SUNY Binghamton in beautiful upstate New York. Not only is Binghamton ranked among the top public universities in the nation, but it also offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in the state.
But don't let the low price tag fool you. Binghamton's pre-med program is rigorous and highly competitive. However, if you can meet the challenge, you'll be rewarded with an exceptional education that will prepare you for success in medical school and beyond.
The pre-med program constitutes approximately 10-15% of the student body at SUNY Binghamton. This smaller size offers a more relaxed environment, fostering diversity in student majors and interests.
The diversity and size of the pre-med student body at Binghamton thus create a welcoming and conducive environment for learning and collaboration.
Binghamton offers a vibrant campus life with students engaging in various activities. Whether hanging out outside or in the dining halls, students at Binghamton seem more interconnected, contributing to a more lively and engaging environment.
This positive atmosphere is critical, especially for pre-med students who must commit to a significant amount of work and might suffer academically if they are uncomfortable in their environment. Beyond academics, Binghamton has many on-campus activities, making it a preferred choice for many students.
Overall, SUNY Binghamton is an excellent choice for students seeking a high-quality pre-med program at an affordable price.
Ranking: #76 in Medical School
Acceptance Rate: 68%
SAT Score:1180-1360
ACT Score: 25-31
Tuition: $7,070
If you're looking for an outstanding pre-med program at an affordable price, SUNY Buffalo should be at the top of your list. As part of the SUNY system, SUNY Buffalo offers one of the most affordable tuition rates in the state.
Buffalo State provides an extensive array of courses—encompassing biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics—that are prerequisites for admission to various health professions schools, such as medical, dental, osteopathic, veterinary, optometry, podiatry, and chiropractic.
Recognizing that each institution has distinct requirements, Buffalo State's curriculum is designed to align with the prerequisites of a diverse array of health professions schools. The mastery of the material covered in these courses is subsequently assessed through entrance exams for these professional schools.
For students eyeing a career in the health professions, initiating contact with the pre-health adviser at an early stage, preferably during their freshman or sophomore year, is paramount.
This facilitates the commencement of the advisement process and lays the groundwork for planning the application process. In conjunction with the Pre-Health Advisory Committee, the pre-health professions adviser is available to guide students interested in embarking on a career in the health professions.
They help with prerequisites, course selection, and suitable extracurricular activities such as research and summer internships. Furthermore, they extend their support during the application process and in preparing the required supporting materials for student applications.
Ranking: #63 in Medical School
Acceptance rate: 44.5%
SAT score: 1020-11802
ACT score: 22-29
In-State Tuition: $7,440
The Pre-Health Program is tailored for students aiming to enroll in a health sciences professional school, either immediately after graduation or upon fulfilling the prerequisite conditions set by the professional school.
Brooklyn College, a proud part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, offers an unparalleled pre-med school program designed to shape the healthcare leaders of tomorrow.
This rigorous program boasts a rich curriculum integrating foundational sciences with practical healthcare knowledge, offering a comprehensive educational experience. Here, students delve into a wide array of subjects, all while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for success in the medical field.
The program is fortified by Brooklyn College's cutting-edge facilities, providing students with the tools and resources to conduct in-depth scientific research.
What truly sets the Brooklyn College pre-med program apart, however, is its unwavering commitment to student success. The college's dedicated faculty and advisors offer personalized guidance to each student, ensuring they are well-prepared for the challenges of medical school applications and beyond.
This holistic approach extends beyond academics, focusing on the growth of students as compassionate healthcare professionals. By fostering a nurturing environment for intellectual curiosity, ethical conduct, and a passion for medicine, Brooklyn College's pre-med program stands as a beacon of excellence, preparing students for a bright future in healthcare.
Ranking: #21 in Regional Universities North
Acceptance rate: 46%
SAT score: 1170 - 1340
ACT score: 25 - 31
In-state tuition: $7,382
In the heart of bustling New York City, Hunter College, a distinguished institution of the City University of New York (CUNY) system, provides an exceptional pre-med school program. This program is designed to provide aspiring medical professionals with a robust and wide-ranging education in the sciences.
Students encounter an interdisciplinary curriculum that intertwines biology, chemistry, and physics. The program is further enhanced by Hunter College's state-of-the-art facilities, offering students opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research and experiential learning.
The dedicated faculty and advising staff offer individualized guidance to each student, helping them navigate the complexities of medical school applications and the evolving landscape of healthcare.
Through a blend of rigorous academics and personal development, Hunter College's pre-med program equips its students to succeed in medical school and make lasting, positive impacts in healthcare.
Many pre-med schools in New York City prepare you for the MCAT, but Inspira Advantage can get you a guaranteed 520+ score. This makes it one of the best strategies for med school acceptance.
If you're looking to get accepted to any of these New York schools, Inspira Advantage can get you there. Meet with a pre-med advisor today who has over 15 years of experience helping students get into any medical school in New York and beyond.
New York has some of the best pre-med programs in the country, below we answer some frequently asked questions about the best schools for pre-med in New York.
NYU is a strong choice for pre-med students due to its rigorous academics, research opportunities, diverse healthcare access in NYC, dedicated pre-health advising, and affiliation with a highly regarded medical school.
However, factors like cost, campus environment, and personal fit should also be considered, and individual performance and dedication will ultimately determine medical school acceptance.
Additionally, NYU School of Medicine offers M.D., Ph.D., or both via a dual degree program.
Many State University of New York (SUNY) schools offer pre-med programs or pathways for students interested in pursuing a career in medicine. While there isn't a specific pre-med major, students typically select majors in the sciences and fulfill pre-med requirements alongside their chosen major.
Some SUNY schools with strong pre-med programs or resources include:
These schools offer rigorous coursework in the sciences, research opportunities, and pre-health advising services to help prepare students for medical school. Remember that the quality of your pre-med experience depends on your effort, academic performance, and extracurricular involvement.
It's essential to research each school thoroughly and consider factors such as location, campus environment, and resources to determine the best fit for your pre-med journey.
NYU pre-med is considered hard to get into.. NYU Grossman School of Medicine has a highly competitive acceptance rate of 2.1%. It is important to note that acceptance rates can vary depending on the program and the year.
Overall, NYU pre-med is a highly competitive program, and students should be prepared to work hard and have a strong application to be considered for admission.
To improve your chances, maintain strong academics, participate in extracurriculars, and showcase your passion in your application. Admission difficulty depends on your qualifications and application strength compared to other applicants.
New York hosts an impressive variety of top-tier pre-med schools, from Ivy League institutions to budget-friendly public universities, catering to diverse needs and aspirations.
When choosing a pre-med program, consider academic rigor, hands-on learning opportunities, location, and available resources. Engaging in relevant extracurricular activities, volunteering, and networking with professionals in the field can help strengthen your application.
Which will help increase your chances of being accepted into a top-tier medical program at one of the best pre-med schools in New York.
Best wishes!
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