Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai: Admissions Guide
Quick stats
Avg MCAT
520
Avg GPA
3.87
Acceptance Rate
~5%
Class Size
~140
Tuition
~$62,000/yr
Location
Upper East Side, Manhattan
Overview
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is one of the most innovative medical schools in the country. Known for its FlexMed program—early assurance for sophomores—its emphasis on research and social justice, and its affiliation with the Mount Sinai Health System, one of the largest in New York.
Icahn attracts students who want to combine clinical excellence with research and health equity work.
What Icahn looks for
- MCAT 518+ (520 average)
- GPA 3.85+
- Research experience with demonstrated intellectual curiosity
- Commitment to health equity and underserved populations
- Unique background or non-traditional path (Icahn values diversity of experience)
- A strong “Why Icahn” narrative referencing FlexMed, research, or social mission
- Clinical experience in diverse settings
Application timeline
June 1
Submit AMCAS by this date.
October 15
FlexMed deadline for current sophomores.
July–September
Regular-cycle secondary application window.
October–March
Interview season.
Rolling
Admissions decisions are released on a rolling basis.
Secondary essays
Icahn asks 3–4 prompts that commonly cover:
- Why Icahn/Mount Sinai
- Research experience
- Health equity or social justice experience
- Optional essay
The “Why Icahn” essay should reference the Icahn research enterprise, the Mount Sinai Health System’s diverse patient population, or specific programs like the Global Health program or the Institute for Health Equity Research.
Interview format
Icahn uses traditional interviews plus a group exercise component. The school evaluates collaborative problem-solving and communication.
Expect questions about health policy, social determinants of health, and your research. They want to see that you think beyond the individual patient.
Dr. Tomei's strategy tips
- 1If you have a non-traditional background, lean into it—Icahn rewards intellectual diversity.
- 2Sophomores with strong research should seriously consider FlexMed.
- 3Reference the Mount Sinai Health System’s East Harlem location and its mission to serve underserved communities.
- 4Prepare to discuss a health policy issue you care about.
- 5Research mentors at Icahn are highly regarded—a letter from one carries weight.
Build an application that belongs at Icahn
Icahn rewards students who think differently. Let Dr. Tomei help you build an application that shows exactly why you belong here.
Talk with Dr. Tomei