July 10, 2025
Written By
Michael Minh Le
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You’re drawn to the mission of CUNY School of Medicine. Maybe it’s the focus on serving underserved communities or the accelerated path to becoming a physician. But if you’re being honest, there’s a question sitting in the back of your mind: Do I actually have what it takes to get in?
In this guide, we’ll cover the CUNY School of Medicine acceptance rate, how the program stands out, what CUNY is looking for in applicants, and more.
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The CUNY School of Medicine (CSOM) isn’t your typical med school. It’s a mission-first, direct-entry BS/MD program that fast-tracks students from high school straight into the world of medicine. Through the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program, students earn both their undergraduate and medical degrees in just seven years, with zero MCAT required.
CSOM's admissions process is highly selective. In a recent admissions cycle, there were 980 applicants, of whom 341 were interviewed and 175 received offers of admission.
That makes the CUNY School of Medicine acceptance rate around 17.9%.
Something else to note: CSOM's admissions process focuses on applicants' academic achievements, commitment to primary care in underserved communities, and personal attributes. The program is designed for New York State residents only.
CUNY School of Medicine breaks the mold when it comes to admissions, because here, the MCAT doesn’t even enter the conversation. Since students are admitted straight out of high school into a 7-year BS/MD track, the focus shifts from test scores to academic consistency.
Translation: your GPA is what matters.
You’ll need at least an 85 GPA (on a 100-point scale) through your first three years of high school just to be eligible. But competitive applicants? They’re coming in with something closer to a 3.8 on the 4.0 scale. CSOM is looking for students who’ve been locked in academically from day one, not those who try to cram excellence into senior year.
To be considered for admission to the BS/MD program at CSOM, applicants must meet the following criteria:
For the 2024–2025 application cycle, SAT and ACT scores are optional, but that doesn’t mean your application can coast. Instead of focusing on test scores, CSOM wants to see real-world proof that you’re aligned with their mission. That means highlighting your commitment to primary care and service in underserved communities through your extracurriculars and volunteer work.
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the CUNY School of Medicine tuition is $41,600, with additional mandatory fees totaling $311.95. That brings the total direct cost to $41,911.95.
Not sure what we mean by additional fees? Here’s what you can expect:
These figures are notably lower than the average tuition and fees at public medical schools in New York, which average $64,428.
That being said, when considering indirect costs such as housing, food, transportation, books, and personal expenses, the estimated total cost of attendance (COA) is around $65,000.
But don’t let that sticker price deter you. The CUNY School of Medicine offers various scholarships to assist students in funding their medical education.
Additionally, you can explore external scholarship opportunities, including:
CUNY School of Medicine isn’t just another BS/MD program. It was built from the ground up to address one of the most pressing issues in healthcare: the shortage of primary care physicians in underserved communities. And that mission shows up in everything they do.
At its core, CSOM is about community. The program prioritizes students who are not only academically strong but who also show a deep commitment to serving vulnerable populations. That mission-driven approach shapes the entire curriculum, from the early clinical experiences to the community-based clerkships.
One of CSOM’s biggest differentiators? No MCAT required. Instead of spending months (or years) prepping for a single test, students can focus on developing real-world clinical skills and building a strong academic foundation. This also removes a major barrier for students from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
CSOM students don’t wait until year three to see patients. Clinical training begins early, allowing students to build confidence and competence alongside their classroom education. The program’s partnerships with NYC Health + Hospitals and other local providers give students a front-row seat to the real work of medicine, especially in underserved areas.
With small class sizes and a cohort model, CSOM offers a level of mentorship and support that’s hard to find at larger institutions. Faculty, advisors, and peers form a close network that helps students navigate the rigors of medical training together.
If you’re already in college, or even finished with undergrad, you’ve aged out of the CUNY School of Medicine’s BS/MD program. CSOM is designed for high school seniors only. Once that window closes, there’s no option to apply later or transfer in.
But that doesn’t mean your dream of becoming a doctor in New York is over.
There are plenty of other medical schools in New York that welcome traditional applicants who’ve completed their bachelor’s degree. Whether you’re aiming for primary care, research, or a surgical specialty, there’s a path for you.
SUNY Upstate Medical University
Getting into the CUNY School of Medicine (CSOM) isn’t just about grades. It’s about mission alignment, long-term commitment, and a clear desire to serve. Here’s what the application includes:
If you advance past the initial screening, you’ll be invited to interview, an essential part of their holistic admissions process.
And here’s what you need to be competitive:
CUNY School of Medicine is not a one-size-fits-all kind of program. It’s highly specific in both its structure and its mission, and that’s exactly what makes it a powerful fit for the right kind of student.
You know you’re drawn to CUNY’s mission, serving where it matters, skipping the MCAT, and starting your medical journey now. But if you’re past the point of applying to CSOM or considering other routes, the question shifts from “Can I get into CUNY?” to “What do I need to get into any top-tier school?”
That’s why at Premed Catalyst we created a free resource featuring 8 full AMCAS applications that earned acceptances to schools like UCLA and UCSF. These are real applications from real students. Use this insider access to see what works and model it for your own application.
Get your free resource here.
