SUNY Upstate Partnership

Are you passionate about pursuing a career in medicine while benefiting from a transformative liberal arts education?

The Purchase College/SUNY Upstate Medical University Guaranteed Entrance Program (GEP) offers highly motivated students a unique pathway to earn their undergraduate degree at Purchase College and secure a guaranteed seat in the M.D. program at Upstate Medical University.

Program Highlights

Guaranteed pathway from Purchase College to SUNY Upstate Medical University’s College of Medicine
No MCAT required for admission to Upstate’s M.D. program
Opportunity to pursue a wide range of majors at Purchase
Early engagement with Upstate faculty and medical school representatives
Advising and mentorship designed to support pre-medical students
Co-curricular opportunities that strengthen preparation for medical school
Focus on developing future physicians committed to serving communities throughout New York State, particularly Central New York

Eligibility

An excellent high School GPA with a 90% average minimum.
Extra-curricular activities that document some experience in a healthcare setting and commitment to service work.
Admitted students typically have combined Math and Reading SAT scores of 1350 or better or ACT score of 30 Composite or better, though all applications are considered as part of a holistic review process that also evaluates academic achievement, rigor of curriculum, extracurricular involvement, leadership, service, and demonstrated interest in medicine and regional engagement.

Completion of graduation requirements for the specific degree program.
Completion of Medical School prerequisite courses: Biology 1 and 2, General Chemistry 1 and 2, Organic Chemistry 1, General Physics 1 and 2, including labs for all listed courses, Biochemistry and Statistics, with no grade lower than a B.
NOTE: Student are generally expected to complete prerequisite coursework at Purchase College to ensure continuity of advising and curriculum alignment. Exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis with approval from the Purchase pre-medical advisor and the Upstate GEP advisory committee.
Carry a full course load of at least 12 credits each semester.
Earn a GPA of 3.5 or higher every semester.
Completion and documentation of 40 hours of volunteer service, preferably in a clinical/healthcare setting, while an undergraduate.
Admission to the GEP is conditional and dependent on continued academic and professional standards.

General Information

Prospective students for the Guaranteed Entrance Program (GEP) should be aware that this is a highly selective partnership. Only 5 students will be accepted each year. Students applying to this program must express a commitment to serving the Central New York region.

Acceptance into the Guaranteed Entrance Program is binding. Students who apply to other medical schools once accepted into SUNY Upstate will be immediately withdrawn from the Guaranteed Entrance Program.

How to Apply

Students who wish to be considered for this program must apply for admissions to Purchase College by November 15 and must opt in to the GEP through the Purchase application.

Student must first be admitted to Purchase College before being considered for the GEP. Final decisions regarding admission to the Guaranteed Entrance Program are typically made by January 1 for enrollment the following fall. Selected finalists may then participate in interviews with the Upstate Admissions Committee in February or early March. Students accepted to both Purchase and the GEP must submit their Purchase enrollment deposit by May 1. There is no separate deposit required for the GEP beyond the standard Purchase enrollment deposit.

Learn more about the Guaranteed Entry Program Application Process

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