February 24, 2025
Written By
Taking the next step in your education can be daunting. With so many universities to choose from, many students spend considerable time evaluating admission requirements, assessing competitiveness, and planning their academic path.
Among the top options is Stony Brook Medical School—formally known as the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University—a leading institution recognized for its research excellence, rigorous clinical training, and strong commitment to medical education. The admissions process is undeniably competitive, but understanding each step can make all the difference.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about applying to Stony Brook Medical School—from academic prerequisites and the Stony Brook Medical School MCAT to letters of recommendation and additional requirements for international applicants. We’ll also cover the CASPer test and what makes an application truly stand out.
We’ll share:
Let’s go ahead then!
Founded in 1957, Stony Brook University is a top public research institution within the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Its 1,454-acre campus on Long Island serves over 25,500 students and is known for its contributions to science, technology, and healthcare. As an R1: Doctoral University – Very High Research Activity, it co-manages Brookhaven National Laboratory and operates multiple research centers and business incubators, driving innovation across disciplines.
The Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, established in 1971, is among the most respected medical schools, known for advanced research, rigorous clinical training, and academic excellence.
The Stony Brook Medical School is a truly comprehensive learning system. Its integrated curriculum blends foundational sciences with hands-on clinical training, reinforced by partnerships with Stony Brook University Hospital, Nassau University Medical Center, and Northport Veterans Affairs Medical Center.
Given the competitive Stony Brook Medical School acceptance rate, a well-planned pre-med path is crucial for aspiring applicants.
The university curriculum is divided into three phases of learning:
Now that we've had a peek at Stony Brook Medical School's curriculum, let's take a look at what it takes to get into this university.
According to available data, between 70% and 80% of students at the Renaissance School of Medicine finance their education, in whole or in part, through federal loans (Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford and Grad PLUS). All admitted students receive a financial aid packet that requires completion of the annual FAFSA and additional institutional documentation.
For the 2024 cycle, annual tuition for residents was approximately USD 45,650 plus about USD 4,488 in fees, while non-residents paid around USD 67,110 plus fees.
Additionally, need-based scholarships—requiring parental income data—are available, along with private loan options for international students.
If you want to learn more about student loans, scholarships and more, you can check our guide.
For those wondering how to get into medical school, it's important to recognize that while the admissions process follows national standards, each institution has specific requirements.
The following section outlines every step to consider when applying to Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University.
Nonetheless, before breaking down each step of the application process, it's essential to understand that many of these steps are not just sequential but also interdependent.
Stony Brook Medical School requirements for entrants encourage students to:
Let’s see each of these in detail.
Before starting the admission process at Stony Brook University, and after earning a baccalaureate degree, students must submit the AMCAS application, a nationally standardized system for medical school admissions.
The AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service®) serves as a national, centralized platform managed by the AAMC, streamlining applications to multiple medical schools, including Renaissance School of Medicine.
Once submitted, the Stony Brook Medical School MCAT, academic performance, extracurricular activities, and personal attributes become key factors in the admissions decision. The process is overseen by an admissions committee, making the next steps in the application journey crucial.
Strong letters of recommendation provide valuable insight into an applicant’s academic ability, professional potential, and commitment to medicine.
Here are some guidelines you should follow:
The Stony Brook Medical School MCAT is a required component and must be taken within three years of matriculation. For the 2025 entering class, only scores from January 14, 2022, to September 14, 2024, will be considered.
This standardized, multiple-choice exam evaluates key areas in:
MCAT attempts are limited—three times per year, four over two years, and seven in a lifetime—so strategic planning is essential. Scores are typically released 30–35 days after the exam.
💡 The AAMC offers a Fee Assistance Program for applicants needing financial support, which includes test prep resources.
All applicants must take the CASPer exam, a situational judgment test designed to assess key personal and interpersonal qualities essential for medical professionals, such as ethical decision-making, professionalism, and problem-solving.
The CASPer test consists of 12 sections, each featuring video or written scenarios, followed by three timed-response questions per section. This evaluation complements academic achievements and helps standardize the admissions process and doesn’t require studying. Nevertheless, you might want to familiarize with the test format in advance at CASPer’s website.
For the 2025 entering class, the last available CASPer test date was on November 14, 2024, at 6:00 PM (EST). Applicants must register and complete the exam before this deadline to remain eligible for admission. CASPer test results are valid for a single admissions cycle, meaning applicants who took the test in previous years must retake it.
International applicants are eligible to apply to Stony Brook Medical School. That said, there are some academic and immigration requirements in place.
📌 English proficiency requirements:
For those engaging in clinical training, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorization is required for any off-campus activities, whether paid or unpaid. Visa & Immigration Services must approve participation before any training begins.
While not mandatory, completing pre med courses is highly recommended as they strengthen an applicant’s academic foundation. These courses demonstrate proficiency in science, writing, and social sciences, all essential for medical training.
🔹 Highly recommended coursework:
As you might have guessed, admission to Stony Brook Medical School is highly competitive, with academic performance being a major factor—though not the only one.
For those advancing to Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, successful applicants generally have:
However, admissions decisions are holistic—strong MCAT scores and GPA are important, but resilience, leadership, and commitment to patient care and research also weigh heavily in the selection process.
And if you don’t believe us, here’s a full AMCAS breakdown:
3.47 sGPA/502 MCAT Earns SIX Interviews (AMCAS Breakdown)
The timeline for this process is expected to be simple. If you're interested in the yearly admissions program, there are two important deadlines to remember:
Gaining admission to Stony Brook Medical School is a competitive process that requires not only strong academics, a solid MCAT score, and compelling Letters of Recommendation but also soft skills like the ones we’ve mentioned.
At Premed Catalyst, we help aspiring medical students craft standout applications by highlighting these key attributes. Through personalized mentorship and strategic guidance, we ensure your story is compelling and your strengths shine.
Ready to take the next step? Fill out a quick form and start building your path to medical school today.