MD/PHD Admissions

Selection Criteria

MD/PhD Admissions: Selection Criteria

Selection criteria for admission to the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell include academic credentials, personal traits, career objectives, the commitment to and suitability for the MD/PhD dual degree program as well as an individual's ability to make a positive contribution to society, the profession, and the Zucker School of Medicine. Specifically, the Admissions Committee at the Zucker School of Medicine will consider, among other criteria:

  • Undergraduate and graduate academic performance including GPA, rigor of undergraduate study, the university attended, and academic major
  • MCAT scores.
  • Extracurricular activities, including community service, leadership roles, honors and awards, employment, research experience, and unique accomplishments
  • Capacity to contribute diversity to the educational environment
  • Demonstrated commitment to and motivation for a future career in medicine
  • Personal statement describing his or her  individual, educational and social backgrounds, and the applicant's response to unique challenges
  • Character traits, including honesty, integrity, leadership, team work, empathy, maturity, emotional stability, creativity, ability to communicate with others, and self-direction
  • Perseverance through adversity
  • Motivation for the MD/PhD dual degree program

It is in the best interest of the community, as well as the educational environment at the Zucker School of Medicine, for the Admissions Committee to select a class whose members represent a broad range of diverse experiences, backgrounds and interests. This diversity may include, but is not limited to:

  • Socioeconomic background
  • Educational background
  • Professional background
  • Geographic background
  • Status as first generation college student
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Interest in different medical specialties
  • Interest in working with underserved populations of patients

The selection criteria used by the Admissions Committee will be determined by the philosophy and the mission of the Zucker School of Medicine. 

For additional information about the Zucker School of Medicine’s technical standards, please see our Policy on Essential Capacities for Matriculation, Advancement, and Graduation (Technical Standards) and our Policy on Essential Capacities for Matriculation, Advancement, and Graduation for PHD Students (Non-Academic Standards for PhD Students).