How To Get Into Cornell Medical School

How to Get Into Weill Cornell Medical School

Hi premeds! This page serves as a high-yield resource for the Weill Cornell School of Medicine! We’ll teach you how to get into Cornell Medical School by standing out on each part of the application. We’ve compiled it from Weill Cornell’s admissions statistics, the Weill Cornell website, and most importantly, from Cornell med students themselves! We’ll give you intel on admissions statistics, an insider perspective about the curriculum, and student life.

Whether you’re comparing medical schools that you’ve been accepted to, preparing for an interview, or wanting to learn more about Weill Cornell School of Medicine, keep reading!

Each year, the Cracking Med School Admissions team gets people accepted to Cornell. We can help you get accepted! Contact us today.

Why Choose Weill Cornell Medicine?
 
  • Location: the number one reason many students want to go to Cornell for medical school is that it is located in New York City. Located in the Upper East Side, students love the professional and personal perks of living in Manhattan! Weill Cornell treats a diverse patient population and offers unparalleled clinical activities. Additionally, students like to take advantage of all the incredible activities the city has to offer. Not only is it an exciting place to attend medical school and live, but it is also in the heart of NYC also provides networking opportunities, cultural activities, and partnerships for extracurricular activities.
  • Strong Emphasis on Research: Cornell Medical School is recognized as a leader in biomedical research, with a strong emphasis on translational research, which aims to translate scientific discoveries into clinical practice. The school has several research centers and institutes dedicated to different areas of medicine, such as the Weill Cornell Medicine Brain and Spine Center, the Meyer Cancer Center, and the Institute for Computational Biomedicine. Students can participate in research projects in a variety of areas, including cancer biology, neuroscience, genetics, and infectious diseases. The school also offers several research opportunities outside of traditional laboratory settings, such as clinical research and health services research.
  • Clinical Training: Cornell Medical School offers clinical training at some of the top hospitals in the New York City area, including New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Weill Cornell Medicine. These partnerships provide students with access to diverse patient populations and a variety of clinical settings, from academic medical centers to community hospitals. The school also offers a robust simulation program, which allows students to practice clinical skills in a safe and controlled environment.
  • Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Weill Cornell Medical College is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The school actively recruits students from underrepresented backgrounds and has several initiatives in place to support and promote diversity. These include the Gateways to Medicine, which is a program designed to increase the diversity of the medical school applicant pool, and the Diversity Center of Excellence, which provides support and resources for students from diverse backgrounds.
  • Early Residency Placement: Weill Cornell offers three-year accelerated MD programs for students committed to specific specialties. This enables early residency placement for those dedicated students.
  • Dual-Degree Programs: Cornell offers several strong dual-degree programs. For example, the MD/PhD program is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in biomedical research, while the MD/MBA program is designed for students who are interested in healthcare administration and management.
  • World-Class Faculty: The faculty at Cornell Medical School includes some of the most distinguished and respected physicians and researchers in the world. Many faculty members have won awards for their research or clinical practice, and they are actively engaged in teaching and mentoring students. The school also has a strong commitment to interprofessional education, which means that students can learn from and work with faculty members from a variety of healthcare professions, such as nursing, pharmacy, and social work.

Applications

The Weill Cornell SOM Secondary Application consists of several mid-length essays. The Weill Cornell School of Medicine secondary essay prompts are mostly similar to other medical schools because they ask about your specific motivations to attend Weill Cornell and require you to share a specific story to exemplify your readiness to attend medical school. Weill Cornell is focused on training excellent clinicians and researchers who are focused on advancing medicine and wants to recruit students who have similar priorities. It is important to read this blog post to gain more insight about Weill Cornell SOM’s unique curriculum and opportunities. Doing your research will make you stand out among other applicants! Given its short length and generalizable questions, we recommend completing this secondary as early as possible.

How To Get Into Cornell Medical School

Weill Cornell School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Prompts

  1. Please write a brief statement giving your reasons for applying to Weill Cornell Medical College. (1525 characters)
  2.  Please describe a challenge you faced and how you addressed it. (1525 characters)
  3. If applicable, please tell us about any special circumstances related to COVID-19 that could help us understand you better. (Optional – 1525 characters)
  4. If you are not attending college full time during the upcoming (2024-2025) academic year, what are your plans? (Optional – 1525 characters)

How to get into Cornell Medical School – we have an ENTIRE page dedicated to the Weill Cornell Medical School secondary essay tips. Study them. Apply them. And that’s how you’ll stand out!

Contact Dr. Rachel Rizal and Dr. Rishi Mediratta if you have any questions about the Weill Cornell Medical School, how to get into Cornell Medical School, or how to submit awesome Weill Cornell secondaries.

Need Help With Your Weill Cornell Secondary Essays?

Get the Cracking Med School Admissions team’s expertise through our secondary essay editing packages. If you have questions, email us at info@crackingmedadmissions.com or contact us.

Weill Cornell Medical School
Interview Format

To ace your traditional interview, you need to know how to answer common medical school interview questions. It’s important to practice, practice, practice.

Cracking Med Resources for Interviews:

Contact us if you want to schedule a mock interview with our Cracking Med School Admissions team! Take a look at our interview packages.

download your interview guide

If you are prepared, the interview gives you the perfect opportunity to standout and shine by sharing with people what you are passionate about.

Med School Admissions Interview Guide eBook Cover
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Weill Cornell Medicine Acceptance Rate

Applied
7221
Interviewed
0
Accepted
0
Admit Rate
0

Weill Cornell Medicine Admissions Statistics:

  • Weill Cornell Medicine Average GPA: 3.8
  • Weill Cornell Medicine Average MCAT: 520

Prior US News Ranking (before becoming unranked):

  • Research: #14
  • Primary Care: #43

Medical School Specialty Rankings:

  • Anesthesiology: #13
  • Internal Medicine: #13
  • Obstetrics and Gynecology: #12
  • Pediatrics: #10
  • Psychiatry: #10
  • Surgery: #10

Your medical school application Coaches, Mentors, & Cheerleaders

We Personally Advise Every Student We Work With

Dr. Rachel Rizal

Rachel Rizal, M.D.

Changing the trajectory of people's lives

Undergraduate
Princeton University

Medical School
Stanford School of Medicine

Residency
Harvard, Emergency Medicine

Awards & Scholarships
Fulbright Scholar
USA Today Academic First Team
Tylenol Scholarship

Rishi Mediratta, MD, MSc, MA

Rishi Mediratta, M.D., M.Sc., M.A.

Advising students to attend their dream schools

Undergraduate
Johns Hopkins University

Medical School
Stanford School of Medicine

Residency
Stanford, Pediatrics

Awards & Scholarships
Marshall Scholar
Tylenol Scholarship
Global Health Scholar

Each year, the Cracking Med School Admissions team
helps students get accepted to top medical schools.
We can help you get accepted!

Contact us today.

The Insider's View on Weill Cornell Medicine's Pre-clinical years

How to Get Into Cornell Medical School – Know the Pre-Clinical Curriculum:

As a Weill Cornell School of Medicine med student, your first 18 months are spent as a pre-clinical student. Weill Cornell employs a hybrid approach through which students learn foundational knowledge through lectures, often supplemented with active learning tools like polls or Q&A, and enhanced by case-based learning in small groups to synthesize knowledge. During the pre-clerkship phase, students are graded on an entirely Pass/Fail basis with no internal rankings.

Alongside learning in the classroom, students participate in an Area of Concentration to provide students with more in-depth knowledge, research focus, and faculty mentorship in a particular area of interest. Students can choose from an Area of Concentration including Laboratory Science; Clinical Practice; Population Research; Health Information Technology; Medical Education; and more!

Weill’s pre-clinical curriculum is divided into: Basic Science Phase, Clinical Science Phase, and Advanced Clinical Experience Phase:

  • During the basic science phase, students take a series of integrated courses that cover topics in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, genetics, and more.
    • Classes are small and taught by experienced faculty members, allowing for personalized attention and feedback.
    • Students also participate in small-group problem-solving sessions, where they work collaboratively to apply their knowledge to real-world medical cases.
    • The curriculum integrates basic science concepts with clinical applications, preparing students for the clinical phase of their education.

Unique Aspects of Weill Cornell Medical College Pre-Clinical Curriculum: 

  • Mentorship: Students at Cornell Med have access to a wide range of mentorship programs, including a one-on-one advising system that matches students with faculty advisors who help guide their academic and professional development. The school also has a robust alumni network that provides students with valuable networking opportunities and career guidance.
  • Interdisciplinary Education: Cornell Med is part of the larger Cornell University system, which allows students to take advantage of a wide range of interdisciplinary educational opportunities. Students can take courses in fields such as public health, healthcare management, and entrepreneurship, providing them with a broader perspective on healthcare delivery and innovation.
  • Small groups with med school peers: Cornell med students love working in small groups throughout the pre-clinical phase at Weill Cornell! The hybrid model means there are methods of teaching for every style of learner.
  • Immersion Program: Cornell Med offers an optional Immersion Program for incoming students during the summer before their first year. This program provides an opportunity for students to get a head start on their medical education by taking a condensed version of the Basic Science Phase curriculum. Students also participate in clinical skills workshops and interact with faculty, staff, and fellow students.

There is ample time to do projects throughout your time at Cornell, including the last 1 1/2 years.

Source: https://medicaleducation.weill.cornell.edu/medical-education/md-program/curriculum-glance 

Dual Degree Programs at Cornell:

  • MD/MBA 
  • MD/MPH
  • MD/MS in Clinical & Translational Investigation
  • MD/Certificate in Health Informatics 
  • MD/MS in Healthcare Policy and Research

Many students Dr. Rachel Rizal and Dr. Rishi Mediratta have mentored have pursued MD/MBAs and MD/MPHs. Email us at info@crackingmedadmissions.com if you have any questions!

What students are saying about Weill Cornell Medicine

The Insider's View on Weill Cornell Medicine's clinical years

 

How to Get Into Cornell Medical School – Know the Clinical Curriculum:

During the 3rd and 4th years of medical school, students complete clinical rotations across a network of prestigious institutions which treat a wide diversity of patient populations. Students also have access to Weill Cornell’s Clinical Skills Center throughout their clinical year to practice clinical and procedural skills!

Clerkship Grading: All clerkship rotations are graded Honors, High Pass, Pass, or Fail (which is different from the pre-clinical phase).

The required clinical clerkships at Weill Cornell Medical College include: medicine, surgery, ambulatory care, Pediatrics, OBGYN, psychiatry, neurology, anesthesiology critical care, and emergency medicine.

During the advanced clinical experience phase, students can pursue advanced electives, participate in research projects, and gain additional clinical experience in their areas of interest. Students can pursue advanced electives, allowing them to tailor their education to their specific interests and career goals. Elective options include topics like global health, medical ethics, clinical research, and more. In addition, students can gain additional clinical experience by participating in specialty clinics and outreach programs, providing care to underserved populations in the local community and beyond.

Clinical Rotation Sites:

  1. Cayuga Medical Center at Ithaca (CMC) – A community hospital in Ithaca, New York, offering comprehensive healthcare services, including emergency care, surgery, and specialized medical treatments.
  2. The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) – Renowned globally for its expertise in orthopedic surgery and rheumatology, HSS is a top hospital for musculoskeletal health.
  3. Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH) – Not many students take advantage of this, but Houston Methodist Hospital has a partnership with Weill Cornell Medical College. Most students who rotate there are also conducting biomedical research.
  4. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) – A world-leading institution dedicated to cancer care, research, and education, providing cutting-edge oncology treatments. This is an excellent place to do rotations in oncology!
  5. Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center (Lincoln) – A public hospital in the Bronx, part of NYC Health + Hospitals, offering a full spectrum of medical, surgical, and psychiatric services.
  6. New York-Presbyterian/Queens (NYPQ) – A major tertiary care facility in Queens, offering comprehensive healthcare services, including advanced cardiology, oncology, and women’s health.
  7. New York-Presbyterian/Brooklyn Methodist Hospital (NYPBMH) – A teaching hospital in Brooklyn, providing a wide range of medical services with a focus on cardiology, surgery, and primary care.

During the fourth year, students are required to take USMLE Step 1 and 2. Additionally, students have 40 weeks for electives in addition to required courses including:

  • Bedside to Community
  • Advanced Clinical Elective
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Internship Readiness

Unique Aspects of Weill Cornell Medical College Clinical Curriculum:

  • Cornell-Columbia Partnership: Cornell Med has a unique partnership with Columbia University’s Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, where students from both schools can take classes and participate in clinical rotations at the other institution. This partnership provides students with a broader range of educational opportunities and clinical experiences. Additionally, Columbia and Cornell students and collaborate with faculty from both institutions. From our experiences, however, medical students at each institution tend to collaborate with faculty from their own home institution.
  • Diverse Patient Population: Weill Cornell students have the opportunity to train at many diverse and prestigious clinical sites. Students have opportunities to follow patients across different specialties and settings, fostering a continuity of care.
  • Clinical Skills Center: Cornell Med has a state-of-the-art Clinical Skills Center, where medical students can practice and improve their clinical skills in a simulated clinical setting. The center is equipped with high-tech mannequins and other simulation tools, allowing students to practice procedures and simulations in a safe and controlled environment before working with real patients. Medical students in surgical fields take advantage of this awesome clinical skills center.
  • Global Health Programs: Cornell Med has a strong commitment to global health, with several programs that provide students with opportunities to work in underserved communities around the world. Students can participate in global health programs that focus on topics, such as HIV/AIDS, women’s health, and refugee health.
  • Collaborative Learning Environment: Cornell Med fosters a collaborative learning environment that emphasizes teamwork, communication, and professionalism. Students work in small groups to solve problems, participate in clinical rotations, and engage in research projects. The school also offers a variety of clubs, organizations, and events that allow students to connect with one another and with the broader medical community. Students have extensive opportunities to engage in research-focused or specialty-specific electives, including robust electives in global health, to refine their skills!

What students are saying about clinical rotations at Weill Cornell Medicine

Housing & Social

Social Life:

  • There are many non-traditional students at Cornell. Students enjoy the culinary and art scene nearby. Many medical school students are interested in advancing health care in creative and innovative ways. Students work on many side projects, including research, working for local companies, working for local nonprofits, and other independent projects of their liking!

  • Current students at Weill Cornell tell the Cracking Med School Admissions team that the medical school is extremely friendly and collaborative. Medical students are not competitive and cutthroat.

Housing:

  • Because Cornell’s location is in the heart of New York City and students tend to be older (formerly worked in the private sector), many of the students are independent and live on their own.

financing

Cost of Attendance:

  • $97,624 – tuition and fees and other expenses
  • $13,398 – housing

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