Admissions

Albany Medical College is committed to the belief that educational opportunities should be available to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, color, age, sex, religion, marital status, handicap or national origin. Admission policies and procedures reflect and support this belief. Our programs are approved by the New York State Education Department for the training of veterans and other eligible persons.

Each year approximately 130 diverse and multi-talented students enroll in our freshman class, ready to begin an educational program leading to the degree of Doctor of Medicine. The selection of students is the responsibility of the Admissions Committee. The procedures that the Committee follows are designed to ensure that every applicant receives fair and careful consideration. All completed applications are individually read by Admissions Committee members. Admission is not restricted to New York State residents. Instead, the admissions process attempts to attract the best qualified applicants, thus reflecting a wide geographic diversity. Preference is given to United States citizens, although exceptional applicants who are citizens of other countries are occasionally admitted. These individuals should refer to the Noncitizen Tuition Policy before applying.

The academic record of an applicant provides the basis for predicting potential success in medical school. Academic performance is evaluated with regard to specific schools attended, selection of courses and course load. In addition, standardized tests provide a common measure by which to compare applicants.

Of equal importance are the personal characteristics of an applicant, such as motivation, maturity, compassion and fitness for a career in medicine. The personal essay, extracurricular activities and community involvement all provide insight into an applicant's character and personality. In addition, the Committee must rely, to a considerable extent, on the thoughtful recommendations of premedical advisors and college professors. In a sense, these individuals act as members of the Admissions Committee, sharing our obligation to society and to the medical profession to select the most qualified and promising applicants.

A personal interview provides the College and the applicant an opportunity to learn more about each other. Unfortunately, it is not possible or practical to interview all applicants. Thus, invitations for interviews are extended at the discretion of the Admissions Committee. For those selected, a final decision concerning admission will not be made without the benefit of an interview.

Under exceptional circumstances, deferments of admission may be granted. Requests are considered on an individual case basis. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Admissions Office.

General Preparation
Medical students are likely to find that a broad-based education best prepares them for the ever changing demands of today's practice environment. Consequently, in preparing for the study of medicine, premedical students are advised to choose a balanced program particularly one that develops their own special talents and interests. Competence in the natural sciences may be demonstrated through coursework that satisfies a major's requirements or through electives. Majoring in the sciences is not required. Our Admissions Committee is more concerned with an applicant's achievement, aptitude, and motivation rather than the specific major that they have chosen.

Students admitted to college with advanced placement (AP) credits should use this opportunity to expand their academic background. When AP credits are used to fulfill medical school admission requirements, students are encouraged to take advanced level courses in these areas.

An applicant who has been away from formal academic coursework for a prolonged period is advised to complete traditional college level courses before applying for admission to Albany Medical College.

The Admissions Committee finds it is difficult to evaluate coursework taken at a foreign university. Thus, it is strongly recommended that foreign nationals spend at least two years enrolled in an American college or university before applying 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.

Requirements for Admission
The requirements for admission to Albany Medical College's first year class are as follows:

Successful completion of a minimum three years college work (90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours of credit) completed in an accredited college or university, preferably in this country or Canada.
Successful completion of one year of each of the following with related laboratory experience:
           - General biology or zoology
           - General chemistry
           - Organic chemistry
           - Physics

(A minimum of six semester hours or nine quarter hours of credit constitute the usual one year course.)
Submission of results of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges and administered by the American College Testing Program. Applicants pursuing a standard four-year BS/BA program should take this test the spring before applying to medical school, but no later than the fall of the year of application.
Submission of letters of recommendation. The Admissions Committee prefers a composite letter from a premedical advisor or committee. For students attending schools that do not provide this service, individual letters from faculty may be substituted.
Ability to meet the Minimum Technical Standards for Matriculation.
Compliance with New York State and Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) immunization requirements.
Albany Medical College reserves the right to change entrance requirements at the beginning of any academic year without formal published notice.