Weill Cornell Medical College (WCMC), located in the heart of New York City, offers a progressive, fully integrated medical education that blends the scientific basis of medicine, patient care, and physicianship. Its innovative curriculum emphasizes active learning, self-directed inquiry, and small-group collaboration, while providing early and sustained clinical exposure to one of the most diverse patient populations in the world. Students benefit from unparalleled research opportunities through WCMC’s close affiliation with leading institutions – including NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Rockefeller University, and the Hospital for Special Surgery – and from a strong global health focus, with opportunities for clinical care and research in many countries. The school’s urban campus provides access to cutting-edge facilities, world-class cultural and intellectual resources, and guaranteed subsidized housing in Manhattan.

WCMC seeks applicants who are curious, collaborative, and driven to take initiative in their learning and professional development. Ideal candidates demonstrate a commitment to service, a readiness to engage with diverse patient populations, and the ability to thrive in an environment that demands both independent inquiry and teamwork. The admissions committee values individuals who show evidence of academic excellence, strong interpersonal and communication skills, cultural competence, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to the healthcare community both locally and globally.

WCMC Secondary Essay Tips

Essay #1 

Please write a brief statement giving your reasons for applying to Weill Cornell Medical College. (1525 characters)

Your response to this prompt should demonstrate both your interest in WCMC and why you are a good fit for the school. What drove you to apply there? On its website, the school emphasizes the core themes of “the scientific basis of medicine, patient care, and physicianship.” It also highlights the opportunity to live and learn in the heart of New York City. How will these values and this environment enhance your medical education? You may also mention specific WCMC programs, research opportunities, or extracurriculars that sparked your interest in applying there. Does the school offer unique opportunities that you feel will help you further your goals for a career in medicine? 

When reflecting on how WCMC can help you achieve these goals, make sure to discuss what you can contribute to its community. Are there particular parts of your identity, values, or experiences that you believe give you a unique perspective? How will this prepare you to foster a strong sense of community, interact with diverse patients, or contribute to scholarship at WCMC? 

Essay #2

Please describe a challenge you faced and how you addressed it. (1525 characters)

This prompt is looking for a personal story about a time when you overcame a challenge or obstacle. The challenge can range from major life experiences (family hardship, illness, discrimination, etc.) to something minor such as a difficult teamwork situation at work or in school. The important thing is to describe how you ultimately managed the challenging situation. What strategies did you use to manage conflict, stress, or uncertainty? Focus on ways that you learned or grew from this experience. Did you become more resilient, adaptable, empathetic, or patient? Your response should show authenticity and successful self-reflection. 

Essay #3

If applicable, please tell us about any special circumstances related to COVID-19 that could help us understand you better. (optional) (1525 characters)

Consider how you were personally impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. You may choose to describe additional challenges you faced while applying to medical school, personal circumstances, or how the pandemic shaped your view of medicine. Did you have difficulty completing premed courses or clinical experiences? Did you take on additional responsibilities in your family or personal life? How did you persevere through this challenging time? Did you learn something about healthcare or disparities in your community? Although everyone was impacted by COVID-19 in some way, this response should demonstrate your unique experience. 

Essay #4 

If you are not attending college full time during the upcoming (2025-2026) academic year, what are your plans? (optional) (1525 characters)

Answer this prompt only if you are not attending full-time college during the 2025-2026 academic year. If you write this essay, describe your plan for this upcoming year – including but not limited to employment, research, community service, shadowing, and any other activities or hobbies. Are you working on research publications or presentations? Are you planning to attend a conference? What will you do in your free time? Your response should provide the admissions committee with a picture of how you will be spending your time leading up to medical school matriculation. 

WCMC Application Timeline

Date/Time Frame	Deadline/Event
May	AMCAS application available for submission
July	WCMC’s supplemental application opens
September-February	Interviews (conducted virtually)
September 14	Latest MCAT date considered
October 15	Deadline for submitting AMCAS application (11:59 p.m. ET)
November 15	Deadline for submitting supplemental application and supporting materials (letters of recommendation, MCAT scores) (11:59 p.m. ET)
January 31	Deadline to complete all prerequisite coursework
March	Admissions decisions sent via email
March	Accepted Students Weekend
April 30	Deadline for accepted applicants to select either the “Plan to Enroll” or “Commit to Enroll” option on the Choose Your Medical School Tool in their AMCAS application
July 1	Deadline for accepted applicants intending to matriculate at WCMC to select the “Commit to Enroll” option on the Choose Your Medical School Tool in their AMCAS application
August	Matriculation, orientation, and White Coat Ceremony

Source: WCMC website

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

WCMC Class Profile

Here is a look at the WCMC Class of 2027 profile (data taken from the WCMC website):

Matriculants: 106

Bilingual/multilingual: 40%

Women: 46%

First-generation college students: 26% 

Undergraduate colleges represented: 52 

Cornell University alumni: 11

As the former assistant dean of student affairs at the William Beaumont School of Medicine and former director of pre-health advisement and the Postbaccalaureate Certificate Program at Sacred Heart University, Dr. Valerie Wherely brings more than 20 years of success working with pre-health candidates in medicine, dental, vet, PA, PT, OT, exercise science, and nursing. Her clients appreciate her expertise in the holistic admissions process and her patient, thoughtful, strategic, and data-driven working style. Work with Valerie! Schedule a free consultation today!

Related Resources

• Five Tips for Completing AACOMAS Secondary Applications
• Medical School Selectivity Index, a free tool
• Five Fatal Flaws to Avoid in Your Med School & Secondary Essays, a free guide