SUNY Upstate (Norton)

State University of New York Upstate Medical University Alan and Marlene Norton College of Medicine Syracuse, NY · Public · MD

Deadlines

Gap year plans

Which medical specialty do you currently plan to pursue?

What experiences have you had with underserved communities/populations? What have you learned from these experiences?

Describe any ties or meaningful experiences you have had related to Central New York or SUNY Upstate Medical University.

How will you contribute to the diversity of your medical school class and The Norton College of Medicine?

The Norton College of Medicine is committed to improving the healthcare of Central New York. How do your career plans advance this mission?

Are there any areas of weakness in your application that you would like to clarify for the Admissions Committee? If yes, Please describe.

Upstate is unusually candid: the FAQ says GPA and MCAT are the two most heavily weighted factors and that weaker scores are the most common reason for rejection without an interview. If your numbers sit well below the class averages (512 and 3.74), use the optional weakness question to explain the dip.
Four of the supplemental questions point at the same thing: service, Central New York and the school's mission. Plan them as a set so each adds a different piece. One experience per prompt, no repeats.
Early decision is binding and Upstate says it admits only a small part of the class that way. Use it only if Upstate is your clear first choice and your numbers are strong.
The three-year program is chosen after you're accepted, not at application, and it ties you to one residency program. If you're drawn to it, your specialty answer on the supplemental is the place to show a settled interest.