1. When may I apply for an elective?

Students may apply for electives as soon as the enrollment period begins. For domestic students, applications typically open the 1^st week in April. For international students, applications typically open between May — June. Please check our website periodically for precise dates as the enrollment period draws closer.

2. Is there an application fee?

There is a one-time, non-refundable application fee of 100 USD.

3. How do I apply?

See How to Apply.

4. Is the USMLE Step 1 exam required for international applicants?

USMLE Step 1 scores are required from applicants at international schools. We are unable to review applications submitted without USMLE Step 1 scores.

5. Will I be charged tuition for my elective(s)?

Memorial Hospital does not charge tuition for medical student electives.

6. Are electives available for alternative dates? 

Electives are only available for the dates published on our website.

7. What is the maximum amount of time I can spend in Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Elective Program?

Students may participate in MSK’s Elective Program for a maximum of eight weeks. 

8. When and how will I know if I have been accepted?

MSK’s elective program is very highly sought after and thusly, receives a very high number of applicants. We aim to notify students of a decision within 8 weeks after receiving their applications. Students may take longer to receive a decision if the number of applications received is higher than anticipated.

9. Upon completion of my elective(s), will I receive a seal?

At the successful conclusion of their elective(s), students will receive the seal of Memorial Hospital on an elective program certification letter or pre-approved confirmation documents. While a student’s status as a Memorial Hospital elective participant provides them with the equivalent rights and duties of a Weill Cornell medical student for the limited period of their elective(s), they will not receive any certification, validation, or seal from Weill Cornell Medical College.

10. May I contact faculty sponsor(s) for the program directly?

As a future physician, please be mindful of time constraints placed on a practicing physician’s busy schedule. All inquiries should be directed to medstudent@mskcc.org.

11. What kind of visa will I need?

Students are responsible for obtaining their own visas. Please see U.S. Citizenship and Information Services for more information on visa-related issues.

12. Is there a deadline for accepting my elective placement?

Students have one week from the day they receive their acceptance email to confirm their participation. Those who do not respond within one week will forfeit their elective placement(s).

13. May I request a change to my elective assignment?

All assignments are final. Please carefully review module dates and elective descriptions when making your selections.

14. Does Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center provide housing to visiting medical students?

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is unable to provide housing to visiting medical students. Accepted students will be provided with a list of housing resources.

If you did not find the answer to your question in the Frequently Asked Questions section, please send your question to medstudent@mskcc.org.