The New York University (NYU) Grossman School of Medicine, located in the heart of New York City, is a leader in reimagining medical education for the 21st century. Known for pioneering the first three-year MD program among top academic medical schools and offering full-tuition scholarships to all MD students, the school empowers future physicians to pursue their calling without the burden of debt. Its Curriculum for the 21st Century: Personalized Pathways curriculum integrates foundational science with early clinical experience, research collaboration, and global health opportunities, while allowing students to tailor their training through accelerated pathways, several dual MD/master’s degree programs, or an MD/PhD. With access to world-class clinical affiliates and a diverse patient population, NYU Grossman provides an immersive, innovative, and flexible learning environment designed to produce physician-leaders who advance patient care, research, and medical education.

The school seeks academically exceptional, well-rounded applicants who combine strong interpersonal skills and leadership potential with a demonstrated commitment to service. Ideal candidates bring life experiences that reflect cultural competence, resilience, and a passion for improving healthcare on both local and global scales. While academic excellence – evidenced by high GPAs, strong MCAT scores, and a solid foundation in the sciences – is essential, the admissions committee also values diverse perspectives, a collaborative spirit, and the readiness to thrive in a rigorous, patient-centered, and innovation-driven environment.

Essay #1

If applicable, please comment on significant fluctuations in your academic record. (No limit)

Respond to this prompt only if you have discrepancies in your grades that you can explain in a short essay and that are not addressed elsewhere in your application. When presenting this kind of information, avoid blaming others, and always try to show how you have rectified the situation and/or grown from the experience. For instance, if your grades suffered when you were juggling multiple jobs and coursework, focus on how the experience taught you to be more efficient – rather than complaining that your professor unjustly penalized a late paper. 

Although there’s no character length specified for this essay, you should keep your submission short and straightforward. Be as specific as possible, and always be honest.

Essay #2

If you have taken any time off from your studies – before, during, or after college – please describe what you did during that time and your reasons for doing so. (No limit)

Similarly, if you have any breaks in your educational history, present your explanation of these gaps succinctly, honestly, and with as much emphasis on the positive as possible. I suggest that you limit this essay to a paragraph for shorter breaks that occurred when you were in college while explaining your gap activities if you are a nontraditional applicant. For instance, if you worked in another career for a while, that might justify a longer essay. If you have graduated from college, provide a short summary of what you have been doing since graduation, focusing especially on full-time work and volunteer activities. Keep things positive; highlight your personal and professional growth, the impact you have had on others, and how you have learned from these beneficial or educational experiences.

Essay #3

Please upload your most recent CV, ensuring it includes up-to-date publications, abstracts, and presentations.

Don’t overlook this important item! First, ensure you are submitting a CV and not a resume. Second, your CV should be updated and current. Third, double-check that your publications, abstract, and presentations are written and formatted correctly on your CV. And, finally, upload a PDF – not a Word or Google Docs file.  

Essay #4

Tell us about a long-term goal you pursued over several years. What obstacles did you encounter, and what sustained your motivation when progress was slow? (2,500 characters)

Your response to this prompt has direct parallels to medical school, residency, and your journey to becoming a physician because you are describing a multiyear process that required patience, resilience, and overcoming obstacles. Since this prompt doesn’t specifically say you need to identify something related to medicine – though it does need to be something pursued over several years – you have the luxury of writing about a hobby, passion project, or personal interest. If you learned to play an instrument, learned a new language, wrote a book, trained and ran a marathon, or renovated a house, any of those would provide interesting material to write about and would enable you to discuss your commitment, long-term devotion, and ability to rebound from setbacks.  

Essay #5

Medical training demands continuous improvement. Share an example of feedback you received that was difficult to hear. How did you act on it, and what changed as a result? (2,500 characters)

The purpose of this essay is to have you 1) clearly identify the scenario that elicited feedback, 2) write honestly about the feedback given, 3) share openly your initial feelings about the feedback, and 4) highlight how you applied the feedback and made relevant and positive changes moving forward. Initially, receiving critical feedback can feel tough – especially when you are working hard, learning something new, and trying your best. The adcom wants to read how you processed it, learned from that moment, and used it as a growth opportunity.  

Essay #6 

Conflicts arise daily from differences in perspectives, priorities, worldviews and traditions. How do you define respect? Describe a situation in which you found it challenging to remain respectful while facing differences. (2,500 characters)

In this essay, it’s important to focus on a specific situation and be honest about your role. There should be a genuine conflict that you sought to resolve rather than circumstances in which you were a relatively passive observer. A strong essay will show that you have grown and matured as a result of the conflict. Try to write this essay for someone who doesn’t know you well, which will require you to provide detail. The situation can come from your academic, professional, or personal life. And don’t forget to define “respect”; be sure to provide your personal definition, not the dictionary definition.

Essay #7

Describe a situation in which you faced an ethical dilemma or pressure to compromise your values. How did you navigate the situation, and what guided your decision? (2,500 characters)

An ethical dilemma is one where you must choose between two or more conflicting opinions, and no choice is considered “right.” When writing this essay, be sure to let the adcom know all sides of the dilemma, leaving personal opinion and bias aside. Write about the considerations you took into account when rendering your opinion, what values you prioritized, and the recognition of any resulting complications. A strong essay will demonstrate an initial struggle to make a decision and a final navigation guide involving both positive communication and constructive action.  

Essay #8 

Some of the most meaningful achievements are non-academic in nature. Describe the personal accomplishment that makes you most proud. Why is this important to you? (2,500 characters)

This prompt asks you to think about your achievements broadly and to include experiences that might not otherwise be covered in a traditional application. Your achievement could be in the arts, sports, community service, or possibly even personal arena. The focus should be on why this non-academic achievement was important to you. Do not write about academic awards or your grades/MCAT scores. I also don’t recommend that you write about getting into med school or another academic-type program.

NYU Grossman Application Timeline, 2026-2027

Date	Event
July 2026	NYU Grossman begins sending interview invitations
September 2026	Interview season begins
October 1, 2026	FAFSA applications available to submit
October 15, 2026	Primary applications due
November 10, 2026, 11:59 p.m. ET	Secondary applications due
December 2026	Interview season ends
January 2026	Notification of admissions decisions
February 2, 2027, 11:59 p.m. ET	Tertiary applications due
February 19, 2027	Accepted applicants may begin to select the “Plan to Enroll” option in the AMCAS Choose Your Medical School Tool
March 1, 2027	FAFSA applications due
April 15, 2027	Accepted applicants may hold no more than three medical school acceptances but may remain on other waitlists
April 30, 2027	Accepted applicants committed to matriculating may select the “Commit to Enroll” option in AMCAS (must withdraw from other acceptances and waitlists)
April 2027 to May 2027	Registration, health forms, housing, and orientation information sent to incoming students
June 2027	MD program applicants must select “Commit to Enroll” in AMCAS at least three weeks before orientation
July 2027	Orientation and classes begin for all MD students

Source: NYU Grossman website

***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with NYU Grossman directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***

NYU Grossman Class Profile

Here is a look at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine Class of 2024 (data taken from the NYU Grossman website):

Applicants: 8,271

Interviewed: 821

Accepted: 208 (acceptance rate: 2.50%)

Matriculated: 106 (91 MD, 13 MD/PhD, 2 OMS)

Total students in all classes: 422

Students receiving grants and/or scholarships: 100%

Median MCAT: 523 

MCAT range: 516-527

Median GPA: 3.98 

GPA range: 3.79-4.0

Gender

• Men: 51%
• Women: 49%

Average age: 23 

Age range: 20-30