Albany Medical College Early Assurance Programs: A Comprehensive Guide
Albany Medical College (AMC) offers several Early Assurance Programs (EAPs) in collaboration with various institutions, providing streamlined pathways for qualified students to gain admission to its Doctor of Medicine (MD) program and other healthcare-related programs. These programs allow students to bypass the traditional medical school application process, including the MCAT, and secure their spot in medical school early in their academic careers. This article provides a detailed overview of the EAPs offered by Albany Medical College, including eligibility requirements, application processes, and program highlights.
Early Assurance Program with Union College
This program is exclusively for Union College students. It allows students to apply at the end of their sophomore year and, if accepted, gain assured admission to AMC’s MD program two years later, contingent upon maintaining academic and professional conduct standards.
Requirements for Consideration
- Coursework: Applicants must complete a minimum of two of the following four science sequences by the end of their sophomore year:
- BIO 103 and BIO 104
- CHM 101 and CHM 102
- PHY 110 and PHY 111
- CHM 231 and CHM 232Accepted applicants must maintain a full course load during their junior and senior years. While not mandatory, upper-level science courses like biochemistry and genetics and an undergraduate statistics course are recommended.
- Grade Point Average: Students must have a minimum GPA of 3.50 in biology, chemistry, physics, and math, as well as a cumulative overall GPA of at least 3.50 at the time of application. A grade of B or better is required in all classes.
- Standardized Testing: The MCAT is not required for the EAP application. However, students must have obtained standardized test scores meeting the following minimum requirements at the time of application: ACT > 31 or SAT > 1400.
- Extracurricular Activities: Meaningful extracurricular activities are essential. These include physician shadowing, research, volunteering, direct clinical care, community outreach, and tutoring. These experiences help students develop core competencies such as teamwork, communication, service orientation, and ethical responsibility. Albany Medical College will consider applicants to only one of the three combined degree programs, dual applications will not be considered.
Accelerated Biomedical Program with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
Albany Medical College and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) offer an accelerated Biomedical Program enabling qualified individuals to complete the requirements for both BS and MD degrees in seven calendar years.
Program Focus
The program focuses on medical research, conducted at the medical school during the third year at RPI and the first and second years at Albany Medical College. It aims to prepare physicians who will advance medical practice through clinical skills and the ability to conduct healthcare research.
Application Requirements
- Applicants must complete high school with superior credentials.
- Three years of science (including chemistry and lab-based physics) are required.
- SAT I in math, writing, and science (physics, chemistry, biology, or biology E/M) are required. ACT scores may be submitted in lieu of the SAT. All tests must be completed by the November test date.
- The application deadline is in November.
- Applications are initially reviewed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
Joint Program with Union College (BS, MS/MBA, and MD)
Albany Medical College partners with Union College for a joint program allowing qualified students to earn BS, MS, or MBA, and MD degrees in eight years.
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Curriculum Highlights
The curriculum emphasizes thorough undergraduate preparation in the sciences, humanities, and healthcare management. An interdepartmental major, a non-science discipline, and 10 courses in healthcare management provide a broad knowledge base not typically found in premedical programs.
Admission Criteria
- Invitations to interview are extended to select applicants with superior academic credentials, test scores, and relevant backgrounds.
- Candidates must complete high school with superior scholastic credentials.
- SAT I math, writing, and science are required. ACT scores may be submitted in lieu of the SAT.
- Clinical or volunteer service in medicine, either in person (preferred) or virtually, is required.
- The application deadline is in November.
Joint Program with Siena College (BA/MD)
This joint program with Siena College and Albany Medical College emphasizes humanities, ethics, and social service.
Program Structure
Students accepted into this program earn a BA from Siena after four years of study and an MD degree from Albany Medical College upon completing the medical curriculum.
Curriculum Highlights
In addition to traditional science courses, students take more humanities courses at Siena, including philosophy, ethics, decision making, social work, medical sociology, and metaphysics.
Experiential Learning
The program includes two summers of volunteer service. During the summer between the junior and senior year at Siena, students engage in non-medical work with disadvantaged individuals. The summer following the second year of medical school involves medically oriented volunteer experiences in underserved rural or city clinics. Grants are available for travel and living expenses.
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Admission Requirements
- Competitive applicants are well-rounded high school seniors with strong academic records and demonstrated concern for others and the community through volunteer activities.
- High school seniors interested in this program must initially file an application with Siena College.
- SAT math, writing, and science are required. ACT scores may be submitted in lieu of the SAT.
- The application deadline is in November.
Early Assurance Program with Syracuse University
Syracuse University's Early Assurance Program (EAP) partnerships allow Syracuse University students to be accepted or conditionally accepted to medical, dental, and pharmacy programs.
Syracuse University / SUNY Upstate Medical University Combined Bachelor’s-M.D.
This program offers a smooth transition from Syracuse University to SUNY Upstate’s M.D. program, with no MCAT requirement, detailed insights into Upstate’s College of Medicine, co-curricular experiences, mentorship opportunities, and early engagement with faculty members from Upstate.
Preferred Candidate Criteria:
- New York State residents, particularly those from Central/Upstate New York
- Strong interest in Central New York with demonstrable ties to the region
- Backgrounds including rural, lower socioeconomic status, first-generation college, or medically underserved communities
- Strong demonstrated interest in attending Syracuse University regardless of acceptance into combined M.D. program with Upstate
Eligibility Requirements:
- An excellent high school GPA (minimum 90% average or a 3.50 GPA).
- Extra-curricular activities that clearly document experience in a healthcare setting, medically-focused research, and/or a commitment to community service or volunteer work.
- SAT test scores of 1360 or better (combined critical reading & math) or ACT test score of 29 composite or better.
Application Process:
- Submission of a short form and 250-word supplemental essay about medical experience.
- Additional application to SUNY Upstate Medical University. Application and application fee due to SUNY Upstate Medical University: Late January (estimated)
- Interviews: First week of February (estimated)
- Committee decisions: End of March/first week of April (estimated)
- Admission to Syracuse University and the combined program: April (estimated)
Additional Pathway: 3 Plus 4 Option
Syracuse University offers a 3 plus 4 option, allowing students to accelerate their journey to medical school with a major in biology. Students who do not wish to major in biology are still eligible for this program, but would follow a 4 plus 4 timeline.
Conditions of Acceptance after Enrollment at Syracuse University:
- Regular meetings with academic advisors
- Completion of graduation requirements and specified medical school prerequisite courses with grades of “B” or higher including:
- General Biology I and II (with lab)
- General Chemistry I and II (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry I and II (with lab)
- General Physics I and II (with lab)
- Biochemistry
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Minimum of twelve (12) credit hours each semester
- Maintenance of a 3.50 cumulative GPA and completion of 40 hours of volunteer service during undergraduate enrollment
Early Assurance Program (EAP) partnership between Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and Syracuse University
This program provides the opportunity for students to be accepted to medical school, dental school, or the doctor of pharmacy program prior to matriculation at Syracuse University or after the completion of the first year of study.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University + DO, PharmD, DDS, and DPM at LECOM
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Application Process: High School Students
To apply, complete BOTH the Syracuse University Common App or Coalition App and the LECOM EAP application.
If accepted, you will receive a provisional acceptance to LECOM indicating your intended date of entry (matriculation). citizens or permanent residents will be considered for the DO and DDS programs at LECOM. International students with an F-1 Visa may apply to the PharmD program.
Application Process: Syracuse University Students
Current Syracuse University students may apply to the LECOM EAP up until they complete their junior year of college or university. resident
Requirements During College (after acceptance to EAP)
Students must maintain specified GPA in science and non-science courses
Standardized testing requirement varies based on LECOM program:
- DO Program: MCAT not required
- PharmD Program: PCAT not required
- Dental Program: DAT academic average ≥ 18 (scoring ≥ 17 in each section)
The EAP partnership between Albany Medical College and Syracuse University
This program provides the opportunity for students to be accepted to medical school prior to the junior year of undergraduate study. As the MCAT and typical pre-med course requirements are waived for students accepted to the Albany Medical College EAP, they are able to pursue additional majors and minors, study abroad opportunities and research endeavors.
Degrees Offered
Bachelor’s degree at Syracuse University + MD at Albany Medical College
Application Process
Students interested in the Albany Medical College EAP must participate in the Pre-Health Evaluation Committee process starting in fall semester of their sophomore year.
Siena College Programs
Siena students preparing for the study of medicine, dentistry, physician assistant and most other health professions careers normally major in one of the sciences. The minimum undergraduate course requirements for entry into most medical or dental school include: General Biology I and II, General Chemistry I and II, Organic Chemistry I and II, General Physics IA (or I) and IIA (or II), Calculus IA (or I) and Calculus IIA (or II), and one year of college-level English. All students should consult with the Director of Health Professions, Dr. Daniel White, and their academic advisor to insure appropriate course selection and course sequencing. Students interested in other health professions should consult with the Director of Health Professions to be certain of meeting specific requirements for other professional schools.
Joint Program with Siena College and Albany Medical College
This program is for talented high school seniors who have demonstrated a commitment to the service of others. Students enrolled in this accelerated program will complete three years at Siena prior to matriculating into NECO for four years (an optional 4 + 4 track may be available).
Admission Requirements
- Joint acceptance by Siena and Albany Medical College.
- A 3.5 average in the sciences is required to remain in the program.
- Academic emphasis on the humanities in the junior and senior years at Siena.
- Declaration of a minor in one of the humanities or social sciences.
- An extended commitment to volunteer service during the summer between the junior and senior years. Funding is provided for travel and living expenses.
- Candidates must complete the Common Application and Siena Supplemental Application by November 1 of the student’s senior year in high school.
Early Assurance Program between Siena College and Albany Medical College
This program is for Siena students interested in a 4+4 BS/MD path.
Eligibility Requirements
- A 3.5 overall GPA, as well as a 3.5 GPA in science courses.
- Application early to Albany Medical College at the end of their sophomore year at Siena.
- Interviews by both Siena and Albany Medical College representatives.
- Submission of a proposal, including service and research for their last 2 years at Siena.
- Students admitted to the program will not need to take the MCAT, nor will they be allowed to sit for the exam.
Early Assurance Program for Physician Assistant Studies
This program is an opportunity for well-motivated, highly qualified Siena College students to apply early to the Center for Physician Assistant Studies at Albany Medical College (CPAS).
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a Siena College student since their freshman year (no transfer students are eligible to apply).
- Working toward their baccalaureate degree.
- Have an Overall and Science GPA of 3.20 or higher.
- Complete MOST of the prerequisite classes by the end of their junior year. Students MUST complete Human Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2 by the end of their junior year.
- Prerequisite Classes include 2 semesters of General Biology, 2 semesters of General Chemistry, 2 semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology, 1 semester of Organic Chemistry OR Biochemistry, Microbiology, Statistics, 1 semester of Psychology, and English Composition or other writing intensive course. Grades in the prerequisite classes must be a “C” or better.
- Students must also complete at least one half (approximately 500 hours) of the 1000 hours of required hands on health care experience.
Early Acceptance Agreement Program between LECOM and Siena College
This program allows undergraduate students (in their first or second year) to apply early in their academic career to LECOM School of Dental Medicine in Bradenton, Florida.
Eligibility Requirements
- citizen or permanent resident (international students may apply to Pharmacy)
- may not already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
- must have at least two years remaining as a full time student at Siena
- must SAT Score (Math and Verbal Reasoning) greater than or equal to 1170 on a single exam taken before 3/1/16, a SAT score of 1240 or higher on a single exam taken after 3/1/16 or an ACT Composite score greater than or equal to 26 on a single exam
- must have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale
Students interview at LECOM during their senior year in high school and Siena is notified of their acceptance.
Early Acceptance Program to LECOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program
This Agreement establishes an Early Acceptance Program to which Siena College undergraduate students (in their first or second year) can apply early in their academic career to LECOM. Once recommended by Siena College, LECOM will interview the student prior to completion of the student’s second year at Siena. Students successfully interviewing will be offered a provisional acceptance to LECOM’s Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program.
Siena College and Lake Erie College of Pharmacy
Siena College and Lake Erie College of Pharmacy have established three tracks leading to a PharmD. degree. The options are a 2+, 3+ or 4+ program between Siena and LECOM Pharmacy.
- The 2+ program is available for exceptional high school students, where students can be jointly accepted by both LECOM and Siena. After completing two years at Siena they begin their professional training at LECOM School of Pharmacy. No Siena degree is attained.
- For the 3+ program, must have a provisional letter of acceptance in the EAP before starting their second year at Siena. After completing the 3-year undergraduate phase (accelerated curriculum) they enroll at LECOM. A Siena Degree may be obtained at the end of the first year of professional study.
- The 4+ program allows students to apply to LECOM School of Pharmacy by February 1st of their sophomore year. They spend all four years at Siena.
Continuation in these programs is contingent on maintaining a 3.4 overall GPA. Students have the choice to enroll in the traditional four year pharmacy curriculum or an accelerated three year curriculum. Professional training on the Erie, PA campus is an accelerated 3-year curriculum, while the Bradenton, FL campus is a full 4- year curriculum.
Joint Degree Program with SUNY College of Optometry
Siena College is one of only 24 colleges in the country to have an accelerated Joint Degree Program with SUNY College of Optometry.
Admission Requirements
- Admission directly from high school requires a 93% academic average, 1360 SAT (or 29 ACT), strong interest in Optometry and successful interview at SUNY Optometry.
- Siena students may also be eligible for this accelerated program if they met the above GPA and SAT/ ACT requirements and have at least a 3.3 GPA at Siena.
- Accepted students must maintain a 3.3 GPA (overall and science) at Siena and earn at least 330 on every section of the OAT.
Students complete three years of pre-professional training at Siena College and then enroll at SUNY Optometry for four years of professional school. Students will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Biology upon successfully completing their first year at SUNY.
Siena College and The College of Saint Rose Speech Therapy Program
Siena College and The College of Saint Rose Speech Therapy Program, undergraduate Communication Science and Disorders ( CSD) prerequisite courses will be made available to Siena students prior to and after admissions to the graduate program through cross registration. Students who complete these seven to nine CSD courses during their 4 years at Siena will be prepared to enter seamlessly into Master’s in Speech Therapy Programs. Early admission to the College of Saint Rose Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders is offered to Siena students seeking to begin the graduate program in the Fall semester if they submit their application by January 15th. Early Admission is offered to Siena students seeking to begin the graduate program in the Spring semester if they submit their application by September 15th.
Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences
Siena College and Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences have developed a collaborative agreement to provide qualified students from Siena College who wish to pursue a Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the Russell Sage College.
Admission Requirements
- On track for earning a baccalaureate degree
- Overall and Science GPA of 3.25 or higher
- Completion of the Physical Therapy Program Prerequisites with grade of “C” or better
- Prerequisite classes include: 2 semesters of General Biology, 2 semesters of General Chemistry, 2 semesters of General Physics, 2 semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent, Cell Biology OR Microbiology, Statistics, General Psychology and Lifespan Psychology
Master’s in Occupational Therapy (MS in OT) OR a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the Russell Sage College
Siena College and Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences have developed a collaborative agreement to provide qualified students from Siena College who wish to pursue a Masters in Occupational Therapy (MS in OT) OR a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy from the Russell Sage College.
Admission Requirements
- On track for earning a baccalaureate degree
- Maintain a 3.25 overall GPA and 3.0 science GPA
- Completion of the Occupational Therapy Program Prerequisites with grade of “C” or higher
- Prerequisite classes include: 1 semester of General Physics (recommended but not required), 2 semesters of Human Anatomy and Physiology or equivalent, Roots of Medical Terminology, Statistics, General Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Lifespan Psychology, and General Sociology
- For OTD candidates - Submission of a clear concise personal essay supporting applicants rationale to pursue the OTD degree
Master’s in Applied Nutrition Program at the Russell Sage College
Siena College and Russell Sage College School of Health Sciences have developed a collaborative agreement which allows Siena College graduates to seamlessly transition into the Masters in Applied Nutrition Program at the Russell Sage College.
Admission Requirements
- On track for earning a bachelor’s degree
- Maintain a minimum of a 3.0 GPA
- Complete the undergraduate Nutrition prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher
- Prerequisite courses include Anatomy and Physiology 1 and 2, General Psychology, Statistics for the Social Sciences, Microbiology, General Chemistry, Biochemistry, Scientific Writing or Chemical Communications, a Research Methods course ( to be approved by the Graduate Program Director)
Albany Medical College Physician Assistant (PA) Program
Albany Medical College’s Alternate Admissions Program is designed for those students who are highly motivated and academically excellent. We work with a few local colleges to capture students in either their high school or college junior academic years. We do not have a defined number of seats each year. Our 28-month-long program leads to a Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies.
Application Process:
CASPA Application (Primary Application)
- Albany Medical College uses Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA), a service of the Physician Assistant Education Association (PAEA).
- You must submit and CASPA must verify your application before Oct. 1.
- We strongly recommend that all application components be submitted no later than Sept. 1 to allow CASPA's verification process to be completed by Oct. 1.
- You cannot change the application once it is submitted.
- Official school transcripts from all postsecondary institutions you attended need to be sent to CASPA for verification.
- We prefer all transcripts be completed prior to submission but we will accept pending courses and degrees.
- All prerequisite courses and degrees must be completed prior to Oct.
- All prerequisite courses should be identified in the Prerequisite Course Section on CASPA.
- We accept any class or lab taken online or in person at any regionally accredited institution.
- We prefer all prerequisite courses and degrees be completed prior to application, but all pending courses and degrees must be completed prior to Oct. 1.
- All experiences you want to be counted toward your PCE should be listed in the patient care experience section on CASPA.
- We prefer PCE hours to be completed prior to application but if you have hours pending, we will extrapolate your hours until Oct. 1 based on your current job(s) listed in CASPA.
- We require three individual verified letters of recommendations (committee letters only count as one letter).
- We do not require any shadowing, but we recommend that all applicants shadow a PA to become familiar with the profession.
Baccalaureate Degree
- All PA Program applicants must earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited US institution.
- We accept baccalaureate degrees from any area of study but recommend a science-heavy curriculum.
- You can apply with a baccalaureate degree pending but it must be completed prior to Oct.
Prerequisite Courses
- institution and have a course grade of C or better.
- We prefer you apply with all prerequisite courses completed, but any pending courses must be completed before Oct.
- Two semesters or two-quarters of General Chemistry with corresponding labs.
- Two semesters or 2 quarters of General Biology with corresponding labs.
- Two semesters or 2 quarters of Anatomy and Physiology (A&P) with corresponding labs.
- One semester or one quarter of any Statistics course.
- Most prerequisite courses do not have an expiration date. However, you must have one Chemistry lecture (at least 3 credits) and one life science Biology lecture (at least 3 credits) within the last five years. This does not need to be a General Biology or Chemistry.
- We accept AP credits for corresponding prerequisites only, provided they are individualized courses on a college transcript.
- We are now accepting all courses, both in-person and online courses and labs.
Patient Care Experience
- Health care experience is evaluated on education required, training, and direct contact with patients, and level of responsibility.
- Experience must be in a licensed health care setting and can be paid or volunteer.
- We prefer PCE hours to be complete at the time of submission, but we will accept pending PCE.
- If you are currently working, we will review your application based on the predicted hours at your current job(s) and hours listed in CASPA.
- Any experiences obtained as part of your schooling or training (i.e.
- The PA program values and strongly encourages but does not require PA shadowing experience.
- Experiences that do not involve the direct care of a patient (i.e.
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