Last updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:33 am
Program Overview & Institution Identity
CUNY School of Medicine is a unique public medical institution located in New York, NY, that offers one of the most distinctive medical education pathways in the United States. Formerly known as the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program, CUNY School of Medicine recently transitioned to become a freestanding medical school within the City University of New York system.
Official Program Name
The CUNY School of Medicine operates the Sophie Davis Biomedical Education Program, which offers a 7-year BS/MD combined degree program. Students earn both Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees from The City College of New York in an accelerated timeframe.
Program Duration and Structure
The CUNY School of Medicine BS/MD program is a 7-year combined degree program that allows students to enter directly from high school, bypassing the traditional 4-year undergraduate and 4-year medical school sequence. This innovative structure includes:
- 3 years of undergraduate biomedical education
- 4 years of medical school training
- No MCAT requirement – making it one of the few medical programs in the U.S. without this standardized test requirement
- Early clinical exposure beginning in the undergraduate years
Location and Campus Details
CUNY School of Medicine is located in New York, NY on an urban campus. The program is based at The City College of New York in Manhattan, providing students access to diverse clinical training opportunities throughout New York City’s extensive healthcare network.
Accreditation Status
CUNY School of Medicine holds full accreditation from the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), the official accrediting body for medical education programs in the United States. This accreditation ensures that graduates are eligible to take the USMLE examinations and apply for residency programs throughout the country.
Rankings and Recognition
While CUNY School of Medicine may not appear in traditional U.S. News medical school rankings due to its unique structure, the institution has achieved remarkable recognition for its mission-focused approach:
- 100% residency match rate in 2025, exceeding the national average of 93.5%
- 46% of graduates enter primary care specialties
- 61% serve in healthcare professional shortage areas
- 79% of graduates remain in New York State to practice medicine
Admission Requirements
Academic Prerequisites
CUNY School of Medicine has unique admission requirements because it admits students directly from high school into the 7-year BS/MD program.
High School Requirements
- Minimum GPA of 85 (on a 100-point scale) through the first three years of high school
- Strong academic record in science courses
- Completion of eleventh-grade mathematics
- Competitive applicants typically have GPAs significantly higher than the minimum requirement
Standardized Testing
- SAT and ACT are optional for the application cycle
- No MCAT required – this is one of the program’s most distinctive features
- Students complete their medical education without taking the MCAT at any point
Extracurricular Activities & Experience Requirements
CUNY School of Medicine uses a holistic admissions approach that evaluates:
- Volunteer and work experience, particularly in health-related settings such as hospitals and community health centers
- Leadership experience and demonstrated initiative
- Evidence of motivation to pursue a career in medicine
- Commitment to serving underserved communities – this aligns with the school’s mission focus
Special Requirements
- New York State residency is required – the program is designed exclusively for New York residents
- Commitment to primary care medicine and serving in underserved communities
- Personal attributes that align with the school’s mission of eliminating healthcare disparities
Application Process & Timeline
Application System
CUNY School of Medicine uses a two-part application process:
- CUNY Application: Separate general CUNY application must be completed
- BS/MD-specific application: Available on the CUNY Med website
Key Application Timeline
- Early September: BS/MD application goes live
- Early October: Registration begins for Annual Open House
- November 16: Annual Open House (registration required)
- December 30, 2025: Application deadline at 11:59 PM EST (no late submissions accepted)
- Early January: Interview invitations sent
- Late January: In-person interviews conducted on campus
- Mid-March: Admissions decisions completed
- April 1: Decision notifications sent to all applicants
Required Documents
- Completed CUNY application
- BS/MD program-specific application
- High school transcripts
- Letters of recommendation
- Personal statement demonstrating commitment to serving underserved communities
- Documentation of volunteer and leadership experiences
Interview Process
- By invitation only
- In-person interviews conducted on the CUNY Med campus
- Holistic evaluation process focusing on personal attributes and mission alignment
Admission Statistics & Success Rates
Overall Acceptance Rate
CUNY School of Medicine has an acceptance rate of approximately 17.9% based on recent admissions cycles:
- 980 total applicants
- 341 students interviewed
- 175 offers of admission extended
Class Profile
- First-year class size: 57 students
- Geographic distribution: New York State residents only
- Program designed for students from diverse ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds
- Focus on recruiting students committed to primary care and underserved communities
Academic Performance
Since no MCAT is required and students are admitted directly from high school, traditional medical school statistics don’t apply. However, the program maintains high academic standards:
- Minimum high school GPA of 85 required
- Competitive applicants typically exceed minimum requirements significantly
- Strong science background expected
Residency Match Success
CUNY School of Medicine achieved outstanding residency placement results:
- 100% match rate in 2025 (exceeding national average by 6+ percentage points)
- 13 different specialties represented in matches
- 46% matched into primary care specialties
- 50% remain in New York City for residency
- 79% stay in New York State
Tuition & Financial Information
Current Tuition Rates
CUNY School of Medicine tuition varies by residency status:
New York Residents
- $41,600 per year ($20,800 per semester)
- Total program cost: Approximately $291,200 over 7 years
Out-of-State Students
- $69,260 per year ($34,630 per semester)
- Note: Out-of-state students are not typically admitted to the BS/MD program, which is designed for New York residents
Additional Fees
- Technology Fee: $125
- Consolidated Fee: $15
- Senate Fee: $1.45
- Activity Fee: $14.50
Total Cost of Attendance
Based on CUNY cost-of-attendance budgets, students should budget for additional living expenses:
Students Living at Home
- Books and Supplies: $1,500
- Transportation: $1,188
- Personal/Living Expenses: Approximately $8,600
- Total additional costs: ~$11,400 per academic year
Students Living Away from Home
- Housing: $17,604
- Books and Supplies: $1,500
- Transportation: $1,188
- Food and Personal Expenses: ~$7,800
- Total additional costs: ~$27,100 per academic year
Financial Aid Options
CUNY School of Medicine offers various financial aid opportunities:
- Federal financial aid programs (grants, loans, work-study)
- State of New York financial aid programs
- Merit-based scholarships (limited availability)
- Need-based financial assistance
- Significantly lower cost compared to most private medical schools
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Curriculum & Program Structure
Educational Philosophy
CUNY School of Medicine follows an integrated, mission-focused curriculum designed to prepare primary care physicians who will serve underserved communities. The educational approach emphasizes:
- Early clinical exposure beginning in undergraduate years
- Community health focus and population health perspectives
- Specialized integrated curriculum combining undergraduate and medical education
- Emphasis on health disparities and social determinants of health
Pre-Clinical Years (Years 1-3)
The undergraduate component includes:
- Biological and physical sciences
- Biomedical sciences
- Epidemiology and bioethics
- Humanities and social sciences
- Three-year continuity experience in health centers for patient care exposure
Clinical Training (Years 4-7)
Medical school clinical rotations take place at affiliated hospitals including:
- St. Barnabas Hospital
- Staten Island University Hospital
- Harlem Hospital
- Kings County Hospital
- Jacobi/North Central Bronx
- Family Medicine clinics in the Bronx and Long Island
Unique Program Features
- No MCAT requirement throughout the entire program
- Guaranteed progression from undergraduate to medical school (with academic requirements met)
- 7-year completion compared to traditional 8-year pathway
- Mission-focused training specifically for primary care
- Extensive clinical network throughout New York City
Residency Preparation
CUNY School of Medicine provides comprehensive support for residency matching:
- Career advising throughout the program
- USMLE preparation and support
- Research opportunities for interested students
- Strong match results with 100% placement rate
Pre-Medical Preparation
For High School Students
Since CUNY School of Medicine admits directly from high school, preparation should focus on:
Academic Preparation
- Strong science foundation: Excel in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics
- Maintain high GPA: Aim for well above the minimum 85 average
- Advanced coursework: AP or honors courses in sciences demonstrate academic rigor
Extracurricular Planning
- Healthcare exposure: Volunteer at hospitals, clinics, or community health centers
- Community service: Demonstrate commitment to serving others, particularly underserved populations
- Leadership roles: Show initiative and responsibility in school or community organizations
- Long-term commitment: Sustained involvement in activities rather than sporadic participation
Mission Alignment
- Understanding of health disparities: Learn about healthcare access issues in underserved communities
- Primary care interest: Demonstrate genuine interest in family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics
- Community connection: Show understanding of and commitment to New York communities
Alternative Pathways
For students who don’t gain admission to the BS/MD program or discover medicine later:
- Traditional pre-med track: Complete bachelor’s degree with medical school prerequisites
- Post-baccalaureate programs: For career changers or academic enhancement
- CUNY undergraduate programs: Strong foundation for traditional medical school applications
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CUNY School of Medicine require the MCAT?
No. CUNY School of Medicine does not require the MCAT for any part of its BS/MD program. This is one of the most distinctive features of the Sophie Davis program, allowing students to complete their medical education without taking this standardized test.
What is CUNY School of Medicine’s acceptance rate?
CUNY School of Medicine has an acceptance rate of approximately 17.9%, making it moderately competitive among medical programs. However, the uniqueness of the program and its mission focus create a different competitive landscape compared to traditional medical schools.
Does CUNY School of Medicine accept out-of-state students?
The BS/MD program is designed exclusively for New York State residents. While the data indicates the school “accepts out-of-state, Canadian, and international students,” this likely refers to other programs or special circumstances, as the primary BS/MD program prioritizes New York residents committed to serving the state’s communities.
What makes CUNY School of Medicine different from other medical schools?
Several factors make CUNY School of Medicine unique:
7-year BS/MD program (vs. traditional 8-year pathway)
No MCAT requirement
Direct admission from high school
Mission focus on primary care and underserved communities
Significantly lower tuition compared to private medical schools
Urban, diverse clinical training environment
When should I apply to CUNY School of Medicine?
Applications should be submitted during your senior year of high school. The application opens in early September and closes on December 30 at 11:59 PM EST. Early preparation is recommended given the competitive nature and specific mission focus.
What clinical experience is needed for CUNY School of Medicine?
While specific hour requirements aren’t mandated, meaningful healthcare exposure is essential. This includes:
Hospital volunteering
Community health center experience
Clinical shadowing
Health-related work experience
Quality and depth of experience matter more than quantity of hours.
Does CUNY School of Medicine require research experience?
Research experience is not explicitly required for the BS/MD program. However, students have research opportunities during their 7-year program, and some research experience can strengthen applications by demonstrating intellectual curiosity and commitment to advancing medical knowledge.
What is CUNY School of Medicine’s curriculum like?
The integrated 7-year curriculum combines undergraduate and medical education with:
Years 1-3: Biomedical sciences, liberal arts, early clinical exposure
Years 4-7: Traditional medical school curriculum with clinical rotations
Community health focus throughout
Primary care preparation emphasis
Population health perspective
Where do CUNY School of Medicine graduates match for residency?
CUNY School of Medicine graduates have achieved outstanding residency placement:
100% match rate (exceeding national average)
13 different specialties including pediatrics, orthopedics, anesthesiology, surgery
46% in primary care specialties
79% remain in New York State
61% practice in healthcare professional shortage areas
How much does CUNY School of Medicine cost?
CUNY School of Medicine is significantly more affordable than most medical schools:
New York residents: $41,600 per year tuition
Total 7-year program cost: ~$291,200 (tuition only)
Additional living expenses: $11,400–$27,100 per year depending on housing situation
Financial aid available through federal and state programs
What financial aid is available at CUNY School of Medicine?
Financial aid options include:
Federal grants and loans
New York State financial aid programs
Merit-based scholarships (limited)
Need-based assistance
Work-study opportunities
Lower overall debt compared to private medical schools due to affordable tuition
Does CUNY School of Medicine offer interviews to all qualified applicants?
No. CUNY School of Medicine uses a holistic review process and invites only selected applicants for interviews. Recent data shows that out of 980 applicants, 341 were invited to interview, representing about 35% of applicants. Interviews are conducted in-person on campus and are by invitation only.
The admissions committee considers academic achievement, healthcare experience, leadership, and mission alignment when selecting interview candidates. Strong applications demonstrate not only academic excellence but also a genuine commitment to serving underserved communities through primary care medicine.
