New York, NY
🩺 School Overview
Tuition (In State): $69,363
Tuition (Out of State): $69,363
Accreditation Status: Full
Acceptance Rate: N/A
Total Enrollment: 162
Degrees: MD
Founding Year: 1767
Accreditation Year: 1942
Website: https://ps.columbia.edu
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📄 Application Information
Applications Received: N/A
Interviews Granted: N/A
Admitted: N/A
Average MCAT: 519
Average GPA: 3.75
Male: N/A
Female: N/A
Underrepresented:N/A
Interview Feedback Summary
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 14% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview mixed with a low stress level, and felt they did okay.
School Review Summary
Overall, students rated the program a 8 out of 10 for satisfaction. The student body is described as highly cooperative. The environment is considered supportive for underrepresented minorities, LGBTQ+ students, married students, students with disabilities, non-traditional students. Faculty members are seen as reasonably approachable.
5 Most Common Secondary Essay Questions for CUCPS
- 1. Other – Have you ever applied to medical school before? (Yes/No)
- 2. Personal Experiences and Challenges – If you took time off from your undergraduate studies, please briefly summarize the reasons for your decision.
- 3. Personal Experiences and Challenges – Did you work for compensation during college, either during the school year or in the summer? If so, what type of work did you do, and how many hours per week did you work?
- 4. Career Goals and Future Aspirations – If you have graduated from college, please briefly summarize what you have done since then.
- 5. Leadership and Teamwork – Please describe the leadership positions that have been most meaningful to you.
About the School
Founded in 1767, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S) was the first institution in the Thirteen Colonies to award the Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree . Located in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City, VP&S is part of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC), a 20-acre campus that integrates medical education, research, and patient care . The college is affiliated with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, one of the nation’s top hospitals . In 2017, a $250 million gift from Roy and Diana Vagelos enabled the school to replace student loans with scholarships for all students who qualify for financial aid.
Curriculum
VP&S offers an innovative and flexible MD curriculum that replaces traditional year-based designations with three major segments: Fundamentals, Major Clinical Year (MCY), and Differentiation and Integration (D&I) . The 18-month Fundamentals phase covers preclinical coursework. The MCY phase comprises 12 months of clerkships in major clinical areas. The D&I phase includes 14 months of electives and a required scholarly project . This structure allows students to explore individual scholarly interests and gain comprehensive clinical experience.
Facilities
The Roy and Diana Vagelos Education Center, a 14-story glass tower opened in 2016, serves as a hub for medical education at VP&S . Designed to foster collaboration and innovation, the building features technologically advanced classrooms, a state-of-the-art medical simulation center, and sustainable design elements aiming for LEED Gold Certification. Additional campus resources include the Augustus C. Long Health Sciences Library, a Simulation Center, and the People Development Center . Students also benefit from housing options like Bard Hall and the Bard-Haven Towers.
Demographics
For the VP&S Class of 2028, the school received 7,291 applications, conducted 757 interviews, and enrolled 140 new students . The class composition is 51% female and 49% male, with 4% identifying as first-generation college students. The GPA range for matriculants is 3.39–4.0, and the MCAT score range is 508–528. Students hail from 32 states and 60 colleges, reflecting a diverse and competitive cohort.
SDN Insights
Our analysis of CUCPS:
Student Loan Burden: $616,423
A student taking student loans for all 4 years of medical school at CUCPS, including tuition, fees, locally adjusted cost of living expenses, incidentals, and interest, can expect to have total student loans of $616,423. Estimate repayment with the SDN School Loan Repayment Calculator.
Cost of Living: Highest 97% Nationally
The cost of living at CUCPS is among the top 97% of all medical schools. Take this into consideration when considering loan burden.
Environment: Urban
While the neighborhood around CUCPS is primarily car-oriented, biking can be a viable option for certain trips. Students living nearby may appreciate the tranquility of the area, though access to shops and services is limited without a vehicle.
School Address: 104 Haven Avenue, Suite 105, New York, NY 10032
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Why no Tier Rankings?
Although we could tier rank, over the past 25 years we've found no compelling benefit for ranking schools. Students are most successful when they prioritize personal and academic fit over school rank.
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