MD Program Admissions
Applying to Medical School at Albany Medical College
Thank you for your interest in Albany Medical College. We understand that the process of applying to medical school can be both stressful and time-consuming. This section contains information you need to make sure the admissions process is as clear and straightforward as possible.
Our Admissions Philosophy
At Albany Medical College, our admissions philosophy focuses on taking a holistic approach when considering our applicants. This means that we consider your academic achievements in relation to your life experiences and circumstances, demonstration of the AMC Pre Med Competencies for Entering Medical Students, and personal characteristics. The Admissions Committee also relies on, to a considerable extent, the thoughtful recommendations of premedical advisors, college professors, supervisors, and mentors.
Each year, Albany Medical College seeks to enroll approximately 145 diverse and multi-talented students in our first-year class.
Our Commitment to Diversity
We are committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strive to have a class that represents diversity in its many dimensions.
Read more about diversity initiatives at Albany Medical College.
Application Process
Applying to medical school is easier when you know what to expect. For insight into Albany Medical College’s application process and what it entails, see below. And remember that this application process is just as much an opportunity for you to learn about us as it is for us to get to know you.
Albany Medical College participates in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), a centralized application processing service of the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). AMCAS verifies and distributes student applications to medical schools:
- On the AMCAS website, you will find the necessary application form and instructions for its completion and submission.
- The completed AMCAS application will be forwarded to our school at the request of the applicant.
- The deadline for the AMCAS application is November 1.
A. Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
Albany Medical College requires all applicants to submit their MCAT scores. All MCAT test scores taken are sent automatically by AAMC to the medical schools. The oldest MCAT accepted is 3 years old. For those planning to enroll in August 2025, the oldest MCAT score we accept is from January 2021. The latest MCAT score we can consider is one taken before September 30, 2024.
B. Letters of Recommendation
For the 2024-2025 application season, Albany Medical College will only consider recommendations through the AMCAS letter service. Here are the options for letters of recommendation:
- A premedical advisory committee letter (preferred)
- A letter packet from your college letter service
- For students attending schools that do not provide a committee letter service, between 3 and 4 individual letters of recommendation may be substituted.
The Admissions Committee prefers one faculty letter that discusses your personal attributes and academic abilities. In addition to a faculty letter, you may provide a letter from a supervisor in a paid or volunteer research or clinical role. If you have substantial experience in activities like clinical work, research, volunteering, teaching assistantship, or other health care roles, it is highly recommended to include a letter from the supervisor or principal investigator.
The maximum number of individual letters is four (4).
All applicants to Albany Medical College are required to complete a supplemental application for the school. This web-based application asks for more information that is not included in the standard AMCAS application. Everyone who has submitted an AMCAS application by the Nov. 1, 2024 deadline and whose application subsequently becomes verified will receive an Albany Medical College supplemental application.
A. Supplemental Application Deadline
Your secondary application is due by 11:59 p.m. EST on Dec. 1, 2024. As the applicant, you must monitor your application status page and ensure the timely submission of all required items.
B. Application Fees
The secondary application fee is $130. It is non-refundable. We only provide fee waivers to applicants who have received a fee waiver specifically through the AAMC Fee Assistance Program.
Please note that updates and letters of intent are not accepted by the MD Admissions office at any point in the season.
After submitting your application, it will be sent to the Admissions Committee for review. The outcome of the screening will determine whether you are placed in one of two categories: interview or no interview. You will be notified of your interview status through email.
If you have received an invitation for an interview at Albany Medical College, congratulations! Interviews begin in August and end in April. You will be contacted with a list of dates from which you can select a date and time that is convenient for you.
A. Interview Format
Albany Medical College uses a virtual Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. Applicants are asked to critically assess and discuss a variety of topics over an approximately two hour period via a series of short virtual one-on-one interviews.
B. Interview Rescheduling or Cancellation
To reschedule an interview, email the Admissions Office. Please note, interviews can only be rescheduled once. We ask that rescheduling requests are placed at least one week prior to the original interview date so that another candidate has time to fill the vacancy.
To cancel an interview, and withdraw your application from consideration, go to "Withdraw Application" in the left-hand sidebar of your applicant portal and complete the form.
Generally, interviewed applicants are reviewed by the Admissions Committee within 4 - 6 weeks. Shortly after, applicants will receive their decisions via email. Following the Admissions Committee's review, an applicant may be placed into three categories based on their rank:
- Immediate Accept
- Alternate List
- Reject
Applicants will be notified of their new status via email.
A. The Alternate List
Albany Medical College offers rolling admission and has an Alternate List from which we accept from in rank order to fill seats in our class.
Medical School Eligibility (Prerequisites)
Before you enroll at Albany Medical College, you’ll need to fulfill certain academic requirements, including prerequisite courses, examinations, and standards for personal abilities.
To be eligible to apply for our MD program, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Must have U.S. Citizenship or U.S. Permanent Residency
- Ability to meet the Minimum Technical Standards for Matriculation
- Compliance with New York State and Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) immunization requirements
- Successful completion of a minimum of three years of college work (90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours of credit) completed in an accredited college or university, preferably in the U.S.
- Submission of results of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- Submission of letters of recommendation
- Required coursework (see below)
College Work and GPA
Admission to Albany Medical College requires successful completion of a minimum of three years of college work (90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours of credit) completed in an accredited college or university, preferably in the United States.
Students admitted to college with advanced placement (AP) credits should use this opportunity to expand their academic background and take advanced-level courses. An applicant who has been away from formal academic coursework for three or more years is advised to complete traditional college-level courses before applying for admission to Albany Medical College. Applications from students with three years of undergraduate coursework should reflect a level of preparedness comparable to that of their four-year counterparts.
The average undergraduate GPA for students in our most recent incoming class was 3.7 overall and 3.6 in science.
Premedical Coursework
Albany Medical College requires successful completion of two semesters of each of the following with related laboratory experience. Additional laboratory and research experiences are valued. Albany Medical College expects that applicants will have taken at least one to two upper-level rigorous science courses showing a willingness to challenge themselves.
Required Courses
Biology
Examples of biology courses include molecular biology, genetics, cell biology/cell physiology, neuroscience, virology, and anatomy, although applicants are not required to take courses with these specific titles.
Chemistry
Examples of inorganic chemistry courses include introductory inorganic chemistry, structure and bonding, principles of chemistry, solid state chemistry, physical chemistry, and chemical synthesis.
Organic Chemistry
The organic chemistry requirement can be fulfilled with either two semesters of organic chemistry with related lab or one semester of organic chemistry and one semester of biochemistry (taken through the chemistry department) with related lab.
Physics
Examples of physics courses include introduction to physics, thermodynamics, mechanics, electricity, heat, light, sound, waves, optics, and biophysics.
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
Your MCAT score helps our Admissions Committee assess your ability to problem solve and think critically about behavioral and scientific concepts. Remember, tests taken after September of the year of application will not be accepted. Applicants to Combined Degree Programs do not need to take the MCAT.
The average MCAT score among students in our most recent incoming class was 510.
BBFL - 128.00
CARS - 126.00
CPBS - 127.00
PSBB - 128.00
Please Note:
While we maintained flexibility with online courses and with S/U grading during the height of the pandemic, we have returned to our pre-pandemic program requirements. We require that all program prerequisite coursework be taken in person. Additionally, coursework cannot be taken for S/U grading.
Prerequisite courses taken online between Spring 2020 and Spring 2021 are acceptable. No pass/fail courses for our prerequisites are accepted at any time.
Albany Medical College encourages applicants to demonstrate competency in the following subject areas: (based on the AAMC Pre Med Competencies for Entering Medical Students):
- Statistics/Math: A course in biostatistics is one way to demonstrate proficiency in this competency. Knowledge of statistics is important for understanding the literature of science and medicine.
- English Composition or Literature (or other intensive writing experience): A successful applicant must be competent to write, speak, and read the English language fluently. Proficiency in other languages is valued.
- Behavioral and social sciences: This competency may be met through a course in psychology, sociology, philosophy, ethics, anthropology, or economics.
In addition, medical students must possess a broad range of competencies to successfully learn and develop in medical school and become effective physicians. The premed competency model includes professional, thinking and reasoning, and science competencies, and serves as a roadmap for students as they prepare to succeed in medical school.
Professional Competencies
- Commitment to growth and learning
- Cultural awareness
- Cultural humility
- Empathy & compassion
- Ethical responsibility to self & others
- Interpersonal skills
- Oral communication
- Reliability & dependability
- Resilience & adaptability
- Service orientation
Thinking & Reasoning Competencies
- Critical thinking
- Quantitative reasoning
- Scientific inquiry
- Written communication
Science Competencies
- Human Behavior
- Living systems
Please note Albany Medical College recognizes that students may have variable amounts of time due to other commitments. Your activities will be reviewed within the context of other responsibilities and factors that may have had an effect on your ability to gain experience.
- Service: Service learning is a part of our medical school curriculum. It is important that our students and applicants understand the challenges facing underserved communities. A successful applicant demonstrates significant commitment to community service and a desire to help others.
- Meaningful clinical experience: Applicants should participate in significant clinical experiences prior to matriculation to gain a sense of working as a member of the health care team and what the profession entails. Clinical experiences can be volunteer, or work-related and should involve direct patient contact. Clinical settings include hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, physicians' offices, and hospices. Some examples of experiences include but are not limited to: EMT, nurses aid, scribing, or clinical/patient-based research.
- Leadership: Evidence of leadership roles include but are not limited to leadership roles within school organizations, clubs, and sports teams.
- Research experience: Albany Medical College does not have a research requirement, but research experience is valued. Research can take place in a scientific lab, in the humanities or social sciences, or in a clinical research setting. Research experience ties into the Scientific Inquiry AAMC Premed Competency for Entering Medical Students.
- Paid employment: Paid employment is not a requirement but work experience is valued, whether clinical or non-clinical. Non-clinical paid employment includes but is not limited to: service industry, retail, and administrative roles.
MD Admissions Timeline
We understand that the medical school application process can be complex, involving tests, essays, and interviews. To assist you in staying organized and meeting deadlines, we have prepared a timeline with important information and dates for your application to Albany Medical College.
May
The Primary Application is available via AMCAS.
July
We begin importing AMCAS applications for review.
August
We begin sending out secondary applications and reviewing completed applications.
September
We begin sending out interview invites and conduct our first interviews of the season.
October
We begin sending out decisions on a rolling basis on October 15th.
November
AMCAS applications are due by 11:59 EST on November 1.
December
Secondary applications are due by 11:59 EST on December 1.
January - March
We continue sending out interview invites and decisions on a rolling basis.
April
The interview season ends. We host Second Look for accepted students.
May - July
We continue sending out decisions until we fill our class.
August
Our incoming class officially matriculates at Albany Medical College.
To apply for a transfer request, an applicant must be the spouse or domestic partner of a current employee, student, resident, or postdoctoral fellow at the Albany Medical College, Albany Medical Health System, or Albany Medical Center.
To apply for a transfer request, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Consistently maintain a high level of academic performance at the medical school from which credit will be transferred.
- The medical school the applicant is transferring from must hold LCME accreditation.
- The course work for which transfer credit is sought must be comparable in content, depth, and quality to that taught in our first or first and second-year curriculum, as determined by the Undergraduate Education Council.
- Official transcripts from all schools attended (undergraduate, graduate, and professional) must be submitted in support of the transfer application.
- Proof of status as spouse or domestic partner of a current employee, student, resident, or postdoctoral fellow at Albany Medical College, Albany Medical Center, or the Albany Med Health System must be provided.
Please note that meeting these requirements will help facilitate a smooth transfer process. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to us.
For applicants seeking admission to the third year:
- Take and officially report a passing score for Step I of the USMLE if completing or have completed the second year of medical school.
- Even if seeking admission to the second year, applicants who have taken the USMLE must officially report their scores.
Additional requirements:
- Provide a Dean's letter and a letter of recommendation from the medical school in which the applicant is currently enrolled.
- Accepted applicants will need to fulfill all the admission requirements applicable to newly admitted students, which include documenting health history, immunization records, and health insurance coverage.
All transfer application materials should be sent to [email protected].
Please note, financial aid is limited and you will have to discuss affordability and award availability with the financial aid office - [email protected].
Combined and Joint Degree Programs
Albany Medical College reserves up to 45 places in our first-year class for students matriculating via a seven- to eight-year baccalaureate/MD program combined degree program with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), Union College, and Siena College.
Who should apply to a combined degree program?
Combined degree programs are designed for high-achieving high school seniors who:
- Exhibit motivation for a career in medicine supporting the focus of the chosen program
- Rank in the top 10% of their high school graduating class
- A minimum GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Are a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
To be considered for admission, applicants must submit a completed application to the undergraduate school by the required deadline. Applicants, make sure you indicate your interest in the Combined Degree Program by checking the appropriate box on your application.
Albany Medical College will only consider applicants to one of the three combined degree programs. Dual applications will not be considered. Please note, if an applicant applies to more than one combined joint degree program, the application will be administratively withdrawn by Albany Medical College.
Physician Scientist Program
Albany Medical College and RPI offer an accelerated Biomedical Program that enables qualified individuals to complete the requirements of both the BS and MD degrees in seven calendar years. Three years of study are carried out at RPI followed by a four-year course of study at Albany Medical College.
How to Apply
Applications are initially reviewed by RPI, and candidates who meet the program standards of RPI are forwarded to Albany Medical College for further review.
The application deadline is Nov. 1.
Visit RPI Undergraduate Admissions
Email RPI Admissions
Leadership In Medicine Program
Union College and Albany Medical College offer a joint program enabling qualified students to earn both the BS, MS, or MBA and MD degrees in eight years. Awarding of the MD degree is contingent upon the successful completion of all requirements at both Union College and Albany Medical College.
How to Apply
Applications are initially reviewed by Union College. Applications of candidates who meet the program standards of Union College are forwarded to Albany Medical College for further review. Invitations to interview will be extended to select applicants with uniformly superior academic credentials and test scores, as well as relevant backgrounds.
The application deadline is Nov. 1.
Visit Union College Admissions
Email Union College Admissions
Science Humanities and Medicine Program
A joint program with Siena College and Albany Medical College, the first of its kind in the country, places emphasis on humanities, ethics, and social service. Students accepted into this program will earn a BA degree from Siena after four years of study and an MD degree from Albany Medical College upon completion of the medical curriculum.
How to Apply
Applications are initially reviewed by Siena College. Applications of candidates who meet the program standards of Siena College are forwarded to Albany Medical College, and applicants are sent a supplemental from Albany Medical College to complete.
The application deadline is Nov. 1.
Visit Siena College Admissions
Email Siena College Admissions
Albany Medical College offers dual-degree programs for medical students interested in pursuing an additional master’s degree. Learn about the difference between each of these dual-degree programs and how you can apply.
MD/PhD
A combined program of study that leads to the awarding of both an MD and PhD degree is available to Albany Medical College students who wish to pursue a career in research and academic medicine. Programs usually take six or seven years to complete. Students complete the first two years of medical school followed by a second two or three-year period of graduate study and thesis preparation and a final two years of ambulatory and hospital-based clinical clerkships. Stipends are available to cover tuition and defray expenses during the years when a student is enrolled as a PhD candidate.
How to Apply
Application to this program is generally made during the first or second year of medical school. Contact Graduate Studies at 518-262-5253 for more information.
MD/MPH
If you are currently enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at Albany Medical College and want to enhance your ability to address public health issues in your career as a physician, you can enroll in the Master of Public Health (MPH) through the University at Albany to earn an MD/MPH. The degree can be completed in five years with the MPH coursework completed during the summers and the third year of study.
How to Apply
To be considered for admission into the MD/MPH program, applicants must be admitted first to medical school at Albany Medical College. Albany Medical College students usually apply to the program during their first or second year. From there, applicants must then apply separately to the School of Public Health for admission into the MPH program.
Visit the UAlbany School of Public Health Website
Email the UAlbany School of Public Health
Dual MD/MBA in Health Care Management
The Clarkson University MBA in Health Care Management/Albany Medical College MD is designed to provide students with a business understanding specific to health care and move them on to their medical education quickly. While many other medical schools offer a generic MBA, the Clarkson University MBA in Health Care Management is focused on the health care environment. The combined degree is typically completed in five years.
How to Apply
Dual degree students are first admitted to Albany Medical College and then apply separately to Clarkson University. Once admitted to both institutions, they defer the start of medical school by one year and spend one year at Clarkson University working on MBA courses. The second through fifth years are spent completing the MD degree requirements at Albany Medical College.
It is possible to join the dual degree program after the start of medical school. Students would leave medical school at the end of their third year and spend 13 months at Clarkson University completing MBA course requirements. They return to medical school for their final year.
Visit the Clarkson University Joint Programs Website
Apply to Clarkson University
Program Contact Information
We look forward to receiving your application and getting to know you. If you have any questions, please contact our office directly.
Mailing address:
Albany Medical College
Office of Admissions, Mail Code 3
47 New Scotland Ave.
Albany, NY 12208
518-262-5521
Fax: 518-262-5887