NYU Pre-Med: Ranking, Acceptance Rate, & Requirements (2025)
Thinking about NYU pre-med? Learn about rankings, acceptance rates, course requirements, and how NYU prepares students for medical school.
Posted March 12, 2025
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New York University (NYU) pre-med? You’re not alone. NYU is a top choice for premed students because of its strong academics, research opportunities, and access to world-class hospitals like NYU Langone Health.
But is NYU good for pre-med? That depends on what you’re looking for. The school offers excellent resources, but it’s also competitive. Many aspiring medical professionals choose NYU because it provides strong preparation for the medical school application process.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about NYU premed -- ranking, acceptance rates, course requirements, and more. Whether you’re just starting your pre-med journey or preparing for medical school applications, this breakdown will help you decide if NYU is the right fit.
Let’s get started!
Is NYU Good for Pre-Med Students?
NYU is a strong choice for premed students. It offers rigorous academics, top-tier research opportunities, and access to leading hospitals like NYU Langone Health. But is NYU good for pre-med? Let’s break it down.
NYU’s Reputation in Pre-Med Education
NYU is well-known for its commitment to the medical field. Many of its graduates go on to medical school, making it a top choice for students pursuing a healthcare career.
NYU’s pre-med journey is challenging but rewarding. Students receive strong advising through the Preprofessional Advising Center, which helps with the medical school application process. Additionally, NYU’s location in New York City gives students access to extensive clinical exposure and research opportunities.
The school is not an Ivy League institution, but it competes with them in medical school admissions. Many NYU graduates attend top medical schools, proving that the program prepares students well.
Strengths of NYU’s Pre-Med Program
- Strong Advising – The Preprofessional Advising Center helps students through the medical school applications process.
- Clinical Exposure – NYU’s location in New York City provides access to top hospitals and clinical settings.
- Research Opportunities – Students can work on groundbreaking studies, often at NYU Langone Health.
- High Medical School Acceptance Rates – Many premed students successfully enter medical school.
- Diverse Extracurricular Activities – Clubs, shadowing, and internships help equip students with valuable experience.
NYU Pre-Med Ranking (2025)
NYU is a well-respected school for premed students. It offers top academic programs, research opportunities, and strong medical affiliations like NYU Langone Health. While it’s not part of the Ivy League institutions, it competes with them in terms of medical school admissions success.
Where Does NYU’s Pre-Med Program Rank?
There is no official ranking for NYU premed, but NYU consistently ranks among the best schools for aspiring medical professionals. Its strong faculty, advising system, and location in New York City make it a popular choice.
- NYU is ranked among the top 30 U.S. universities overall.
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine is a top-ranked med school, adding to the university’s reputation.
- Medical school applications from NYU students often have strong acceptance rates, showing the program’s quality.
Top Pre-Med Schools and Their Acceptance Rates
| School | Medical School Acceptance Rate | Location |
| NYU | 3% | New York City, New York |
| Harvard | 3.3% | Cambridge, Massachusetts |
| Johns Hopkins | 4.5% | Baltimore, Maryland |
| Columbia | 3.6% | New York City, New York |
| Duke | 4% | Durham, North Carolina |
Read: Top Pre-Med Schools: A Comprehensive Ranking and Guide
NYU Pre-Med Acceptance Rate (2025)
- NYU Pre-Med Acceptance Rate: 3% (approximately)
Getting into NYU as a premed student is competitive. The university attracts high-achieving students, many of whom are interested in the medical field. While NYU does not have an official pre-med acceptance rate, we can look at the competitiveness of its pre-med track and the medical school acceptance rate of its graduates.
According to NYU’s Preprofessional Office, students who maintain strong GPAs (3.7+), gain clinical experience, and score well on the MCAT have a high acceptance rate (~80%) into medical schools.
NYU Pre-Med Requirements (2025)
To prepare for medical school applications, NYU premed students must complete specific premed courses. These courses help build a strong foundation in the medical field and meet medical school admissions requirements.
Required Pre-Med Courses at NYU
NYU pre-med students must complete the following coursework to be eligible for medical school applications:
- Biology: General Biology I & II (with lab)
- Chemistry: General Chemistry I & II (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry: Organic Chemistry I & II (with lab)
- Physics: General Physics I & II (with lab)
- Mathematics: Calculus
- English: English Elective
Recommended Additional Courses
While not always required, these courses can improve a student’s application and equip students with broader knowledge:
- Biochemistry – Required by many medical schools.
- Psychology & Sociology – Covered on the MCAT.
- Genetics & Physiology – Helpful for medical school preparation.
NYU Pre-Med GPA and MCAT Expectations
To be competitive in medical school applications, NYU premed students need strong academic performance. GPA and MCAT scores play a major role in medical school admissions, making them crucial factors for aspiring medical professionals.
Minimum GPA for Pre-Med Students
There is no official minimum GPA for NYU’s pre-med track, but to stay competitive, students should aim for:
- 3.5 or higher – The minimum GPA needed for a solid medical school application.
- 3.7+ – A strong GPA for top-tier medical schools.
- Below 3.5 – Can still work, but students may need a strong MCAT score and outstanding extracurricular activities.
NYU’s science courses are tough, so maintaining a high GPA requires discipline. The Preprofessional Advising Center helps students stay on track with academic planning.
Average MCAT Score for NYU Pre-Med Students
The MCAT is one of the most important factors in medical school applications. NYU students tend to score well due to the university’s strong science curriculum and access to NYU Langone Health for research and clinical exposure.
- Average MCAT Score for NYU Pre-Meds: 512–518
- Competitive Score for Top Medical Schools: 520+
- National Average MCAT Score: 506
Scoring well on the MCAT requires strong preparation. Many premed students use NYU’s resources, such as study groups, pre-med advising, and MCAT prep courses.
A combination of a high GPA, strong MCAT score, and meaningful clinical settings experience increases the chances of medical school admissions success.
NYU Pre-Med vs. NYU BS/MD Program
NYU offers two different paths for aspiring medical professionals: the traditional NYU premed track and the BS/MD program. Both prepare students for the medical field, but they have key differences in structure, admissions, and commitment.
Differences Between NYU’s Traditional Pre-Med and the BS/MD Program
| Feature | Traditional NYU Pre-Med | NYU BS/MD Program |
| Time to Complete | 4 years (undergrad) + 4 years (med school) | 7 or 8 years (combined program) |
| Medical School Admission | Requires separate medical school applications | Guaranteed admission to NYU Grossman School of Medicine |
| Competitiveness | High (strong GPA and MCAT needed) | Extremely competitive (few students accepted) |
| Flexibility | Can apply to multiple medical schools | Must commit to NYU’s medical school early |
| Advising & Support | Uses Preprofessional Advising Center | Structured guidance throughout the program |
The BS/MD program is a great option for students who want a direct path to medical school, but it requires an early commitment.
Clinical and Research Opportunities for NYU Pre-Med Students
Hands-on experience is crucial for premed students. NYU offers access to top hospitals, research institutions, and clinical settings that strengthen medical school applications.
Where Can NYU Pre-Med Students Gain Clinical Experience?
NYU premed students have multiple ways to gain clinical exposure, including:
- NYU Langone Health – One of the top academic hospitals, offering shadowing, internships, and volunteering.
- Bellevue Hospital – One of the oldest public hospitals in the U.S., providing experience with diverse patient populations.
- New York City Free Clinics – Run by NYU medical students, these clinics offer hands-on experience in clinical settings.
- Emergency Room & Hospital Volunteering – Many students gain direct patient care experience at hospitals across New York City.
- Scribing Programs – Some premed students work as medical scribes, assisting doctors in real-time.
These opportunities equip students with real-world experience and make them stronger candidates for medical school admissions.
Research Opportunities for NYU Pre-Meds
Research is another important part of the pre-med journey. NYU provides many ways for students to get involved in groundbreaking medical studies.
- NYU Langone Health Research Programs – Opportunities in neuroscience, cancer research, genetics, and more.
- Summer Undergraduate Research Programs (SURP) – A competitive summer research experience for students interested in the medical field.
- Faculty-Led Research – Many students work directly with professors in labs, assisting with ongoing studies.
- Independent Research Projects – Some students design their own research projects and present their findings at conferences.
- Paid & Volunteer Research Roles – Options are available for both paid positions and unpaid research assistantships.
Both clinical exposure and research experience strengthen medical school applications and prepare students for a future in healthcare.
Final Thoughts: Is NYU Pre-Med Right for You?
Choosing the right pre-med program is a big decision. NYU premed offers a strong academic foundation, access to world-class research, and valuable clinical exposure in New York City. For students serious about the medical profession, NYU provides the resources needed to succeed.
The program is rigorous, and students must maintain a high GPA while excelling in premed courses. However, those who commit to the challenge benefit from expert advising, top medical school admissions support, and hands-on experience at NYU Langone Health.
If you’re passionate about a healthcare career, willing to work hard, and want access to some of the best hospitals and research facilities in the world, NYU is a great place to start your pre-med journey. With the right preparation, premed students at NYU can build strong medical school applications and take their first steps toward a future in the medical profession.
FAQs
Can I major in a non-science field and still be pre-med at NYU?
- Yes, at NYU, "pre-med" is a track, not a major. This means you can choose any major you're passionate about while completing the required pre-med courses. Many students find that majoring in a non-science field allows them to explore diverse interests and can make them well-rounded candidates for medical school.
How does NYU support pre-med students in their medical school applications?
- NYU offers robust support through its Preprofessional Advising Center. Advisors assist with course planning, MCAT preparation, and the medical school application process. They also provide resources like application workshops, career seminars, and opportunities for internships and volunteer work.
What opportunities are there for clinical experience at NYU?
- NYU's location in New York City provides access to numerous clinical settings. Students can gain experience through volunteering or interning at renowned medical centers such as NYU Langone Health, Bellevue Hospital, and various free clinics.
Is it possible to maintain a good GPA while pursuing pre-med at NYU?
- Maintaining a strong GPA at NYU requires dedication, as the coursework is rigorous. However, with effective time management and utilization of available resources, many students successfully achieve competitive GPAs.
Are there research opportunities for pre-med students at NYU?
- Absolutely. NYU offers numerous research opportunities across various disciplines. Students can work with faculty members in their labs, participate in summer research programs, or even pursue independent research projects.
How competitive is the pre-med track at NYU?
- The pre-med track at NYU is known for its rigor and competitiveness. Students are part of a motivated peer group, which can be both challenging and inspiring. While the environment is demanding, it fosters a strong support system among students and faculty, encouraging collaboration and mutual growth.
What is the role of the Preprofessional Advising Center at NYU?
- The Preprofessional Advising Center at NYU provides guidance to students pursuing pre-health tracks, including pre-med. Advisors help with academic planning, offer resources for MCAT preparation, and assist throughout the medical school application process.
Can I apply to the pre-med track after starting my studies at NYU?
- Yes, students can declare their intention to follow the pre-med track after enrolling at NYU. It's advisable to consult with the Preprofessional Advising Center early to ensure proper course planning and to stay on track with pre-med requirements.
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