Frequently Asked Questions

 

Admissions Process and Timeline

How Do I Apply?
All applicants must apply through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).  Applications are online at http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm. The deadline to submit the AMCAS application for the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University is November 15, 2024.  Once we receive your verified AMCAS application, you will be sent an email with our Supplemental Application. You will be notified by email when your application is complete and forwarded to the Committee on Admissions for their review.

Can I include additional documents with my application?
Yes. We will accept materials that you send in support of your application.

Should I send my transcripts as part of the application process?
No. We receive your official grades through AMCAS and there is no need to send us your transcripts directly. However, be sure that your official transcripts are sent to AMCAS within their deadline (their web site is www.aamc.org) Transcripts are required only if you are accepted to the entering class.

When will I hear from your office after submitting my supplemental application?
Once your application is complete, you will receive an email from our office. A complete application includes – a verified AMCAS, supplemental application, fee or waiver, MCAT scores, CASPer results, and letters of recommendation. 

How long does it take to hear a decision from the Committee on Admissions?
The Committee on Admissions screens each applicant individually, the process may take from several weeks to a couple of months. 

Is the Renaissance School of Medicine on rolling admissions?
Yes. First acceptances are made in mid-October and will continue until the interview process is completed in mid-March. We also establish a wait list, and offers of admission are extended after May 1st to applicants on the wait list.

Do you participate in an Early Decision (ED) program?
Yes. The Early Decision program allows highly qualified applicants to apply initially only to the Renaissance School of Medicine. The AMCAS deadline for the ED Program is August 1st. The MCAT must be taken by July 13, 2024, and the CASPer must be taken by July 21, 2024, 4:00 PM EST. If you apply to us under this program, you must adhere to the tenets of the program. ED applicants will be notified of our admissions decision by October 1. If you are accepted, it is expected that you will enroll at the Renaissance School of Medicine. Under ED program guidelines, you may not apply to another medical school in the United States (AMCAS or non-AMCAS) unless we do not offer you acceptance by October 1 or we release you from the ED commitment.

What should I do while my application is being considered?
While your application is under review, be sure to update any email change with AMCAS as email is our primary means of communication. Also be sure to keep your address and phone current in AMCAS.  Please feel free to email any updates to us at: somadmissions@stonybrookmedicine.edu

Can I speak with an admissions counselor?
Due to the large number of applications we receive, we do not provide individual counseling. However, we will try to answer your questions. Please feel free to email any questions to us at: somadmissions@stonybrookmedicine.edu. For individual counseling, we recommend that you meet with your health professions advisor at your college or university.

 

Prerequisites

Information on our current prerequisite course requirements are located on the “Admissions Requirements” page.

 

Supplemental Application

How do I get a Supplemental Application?
When we receive your verified application from AMCAS, we will send you an e-mail with instructions on how to access our Supplemental Application Form. The application fee is $100, and is non-refundable.

How can I get a waiver of your application fee?
Fee waivers are automatically granted to applicants who have an AMCAS waiver. This information is forwarded to us by AMCAS. If you were not granted a fee waiver by AMCAS, you may send us a written request for a Renaissance School of Medicine fee waiver. In your written request, you should explain in detail the reasons for the request and attach relevant documentation, i.e., a letter of support from your college's Financial Aid office.  Each request will be considered on its individual merits.

 

Letters of Recommendation

How many letters of recommendation do I need to submit?
We prefer a composite letter of recommendation from the applicant's university pre-health careers advising office. If your college does not have a Preprofessional committee, please provide letters from two instructors (at least one in science). Additional letters are not solicited but will be accepted.  AMCAS will accept a maximum of 10 letters of recommendation.

 

MCAT

What are the oldest MCAT scores you accept?
For the 2025 entering class, only the new MCAT will be accepted.  The earliest MCAT date considered will be January 14, 2022, and the last MCAT scores which will be accepted are for the September 14, 2024 exam.

How are the MCAT scores evaluated?
If an applicant has taken multiple MCAT exams, scores are averaged.

CASPer

What is the deadline to take the CASPer exam?   

All applicants are required to complete an online assessment (CASPer). Please go to www.takeCASPer.com to sign up for the test CSP-10111 (U.S. Medicine). Be sure to sign up for your exam no later than November 14, 2024 at 6:00 P.M. (EST).

How long are CASPer exam scores good for?                               

CASPer test results are valid for one application cycle.

Do you need to complete the CAPSer Snapshot?                               

The CASPer Snapshot and CASPer Duet are not part of our admissions requirements.

Residency and Citizenship

Do you accept applications from out of state students?
We do accept out of state applicants to our medical school. Approximately 25% of our entering class for the last 4 years have been out of state residents.

Do you consider foreign students or graduates from a foreign university?
We welcome applications to the first year class from international students. There are, however, two separate issues that international students need to consider:

  • Cost: Financial aid is offered only to those applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S. 
  • Prior educational experience: International applicants (not Canadian) must have completed at least one year of study in an U.S. college or university.

Do you consider Canadian applicants for admission?
Yes, we welcome applications from Canadian citizens. If accepted, Canadian citizens who are not permanent residents of the U.S. are not eligible for financial aid from U.S. financial institutions. Financial aid is offered only to those applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.

Do you consider DACA applicants for admission?
Yes, we welcome DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) to apply. If accepted, DACA who are not permanent residents of the U.S. are not eligible for financial aid from U.S. financial institutions. Financial aid is offered only to those applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the U.S.

 

MD/PhD - Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP)

How do I apply to the MD/PhD (MSTP) Program?
Please visit the MSTP website for more information: Medical Scientist Training Program | Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University (stonybrookmedicine.edu)

Do you have a joint BA/MD program?
Yes. Information about the Scholars for Medicine Program can be found at https://www.stonybrook.edu/undergraduate-admissions/academics/honors.php#medicine-scholars For questions regarding the BA/MD Scholars for Medicine Program, please contact Thien Nguyen August, Scholars for Medicine Admissions Coordinator: thien.nguyenaugust@stonybrook.edu or call 631-632-6875.

 

Transfer Requests

Do you accept transfer students?
Transfer or matriculation with advanced standing into the Renaissance School of Medicine is uncommon and dependent on the anticipated availability of clinical rotations in Phases II and III of the LEARN Curriculum. In the event that seats become available, the (COA) will review applications from all interested applicants who have completed coursework equivalent to Phase I of our LEARN Curriculum.  To be considered you must be matriculated at a U.S. or Canadian LCME-accredited medical school, and must be in good standing. Applicants should contact our office in the spring to see if transfer position are available.

Important Dates

August 1, 2024 AMCAS application deadline for Early Decision
November 15, 2024 AMCAS application deadline for all other applicants to the Renaissance School of Medicine
December 13, 2024 Deadline for Supplemental Application & letters of recommendation for the Renaissance School of Medicine