Congratulations on earning your Einstein medical school interview. Let's make sure you're ready for it.

Albert Einstein College of Medicine MD program · 2026-27 MD applicants (entering fall 2027)

Your Einstein medical school interview

If Einstein invites you, applicants report one interview: a one-on-one video conversation, usually with an interviewer who has read your file. Most describe it as relaxed and conversational, though a few report a short, brisk session or an interviewer who pushes back to test you.

Sources (8)

Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Interview Feedback & Student Reports · Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Interview Prep Briefing (2026) · Student Doctor Network: 2022-2023 Einstein (2022) · Student Doctor Network Forums: 2024-2025 Einstein (2024) · Student Doctor Network Forums: 2026-2027 Albert Einstein in College of Medicine (2026) · Reddit: Name and Shame/Fame: Interview edition (2022) · Reddit: Einstein Reach : r/premed (2026) · Student Doctor Network Forums: Letter of Intent Timing (2023)

1000-1200applicants invited to interview in a typical cycle, applicants report (2024), from a pool a 2026 applicant puts at over 14,000 applications. Student Doctor Network Forums · Reddit

About 165seats in the entering class those interviews fill, per applicants (2025). Student Doctor Network

Congratulations again: applicants report Einstein interviews only a small share of a very large pool. The Einstein pages used here say nothing about how much the interview weighs in the decision. Applicants' estimates of acceptance after interviewing range from about 10% to about 40%, so treat those numbers as rough.

Sources (6)

Student Doctor Network Forums: 2024-2025 Einstein (2024) · Reddit: Flowkirkenuinely what does Albert Einstein Want Vro 💔💔 (2026) · Reddit: Albert Einstein (2025) · Reddit: Einstein Reach : r/premed (2026) · Student Doctor Network Forums: Letter of Intent Timing (2023) · Student Doctor Network: 2022-2023 Einstein (2022)

WhoOne interviewer, one-on-one in 99% of SDN reports; older reports describe physicians Student Doctor Network · Student Doctor Network · Student Doctor Network

How longSDN average about 47 minutes; 2026 applicants report 25 to 45, some report exactly 30 or about an hour Student Doctor Network · Student Doctor Network · Student Doctor Network Forums · Student Doctor Network · Student Doctor Network · Reddit

WhereVirtual in recent cycles, per applicant reports Student Doctor Network · Student Doctor Network · Student Doctor Network

What they knowUsually your full file: 92% of SDN reports say open-file, 8% closed-file Student Doctor Network · Student Doctor Network

4 more: when, odds, after, if it goes badly

WhenApplicants report invites as late as January and interviews into March or April Reddit · Student Doctor Network · Student Doctor Network Forums · Reddit

OddsApplicants' post-interview estimates range from about 10% (2026) to 27% (2023) to about 40% (2022) Reddit · Student Doctor Network Forums · Student Doctor Network

AfterApplicants report first decisions around February 1, with more waves into spring and some emails in early May Student Doctor Network · Reddit · Student Doctor Network Forums · Student Doctor Network Forums · Student Doctor Network · Reddit

If it goes badlyApplicants report (2024) you can ask for another interview and it was granted Student Doctor Network Forums

How you get an interview

Einstein draws a huge pool. A 2026 applicant puts it at over 14,000 applications, and applicants report (2024) that Einstein historically invites around 1000-1200 people to interview.

Invites come late for many. Applicants report invitations from Einstein as late as November, Christmas or even January, with interviews running into March. Silence in the fall is not a rejection.
Late-season invites can be for the waitlist. In a 2019 report, a dean interviewer said rolling admissions were nearly over and March interviews were for the waitlist.
Mission fit drives screening. 2026 applicants say high stats alone don't get you in; little or no community service can leave a file "dead on arrival."
Updates are disputed. One 2026 applicant says Einstein does not accept update letters; applicants report (2024) that pre-interview updates are only accepted once you are invited.

Sources: Reddit: Flowkirkenuinely what does Albert Einstein Want Vro 💔💔 (2026) · Student Doctor Network Forums: 2024-2025 Einstein (2024) · Reddit: People who got in to their top schools last year when were you invited to interv (2025) · Reddit: For those of you that got an Einstein II last night (2019) · Reddit: For those who got the Einstein interview… : r/premed (2026) · Reddit: PSA 26' applicants = Einstein is a reach for EVERYONE : r/premed (2026) · Reddit: Albert Einstein (2025) · Student Doctor Network: 2023-2024 Einstein (2024)

What the interview is like

Most applicants describe a relaxed, conversational one-on-one. Typical reports: a nice talk covering family, school and activities, with standard opening questions such as why medicine.

Your research gets probed. Applicants report "a number of follow-ups" asking for details and clarifications.
Length varies by interviewer. 2026 applicants report 25 to 45 minutes, sometimes ending early depending on your questions; one interviewer asked questions for 15 minutes and left the rest for the applicant's questions.
Not always gentle. Applicants report (2024) some stress-test interviews where the interviewer grills you or purposely disagrees to see how you handle pressure. Don't read that as failure.
Some interviewers talk a lot. An older report advises finding chances to speak even when few questions come.
Bronx questions happen. A 2009 applicant was asked what they knew about the population of the Bronx.

Sources: Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Interview Feedback & Student Reports · Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Interview Feedback & Student Reports · Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Interview Prep Briefing (2026) · Student Doctor Network Forums: 2026-2027 Albert Einstein in College of Medicine (2026) · Student Doctor Network Forums: 2024-2025 Einstein (2024) · Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Individual responses (2010) · Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Individual responses (2009) · Reddit: Name and Shame/Fame: Interview edition (2022)

What they're looking for

Einstein's own pages used here don't list admissions criteria, so this comes from applicants.

Service, especially in the Bronx. A 2025 applicant says the interview centers heavily on how you intend to push forward service in the Bronx. 2026 applicants point to Einstein's community service graduation requirement and its focus on underserved communities.
Mission fit over scores. 2026 applicants stress that Einstein is a reach even with a 517+ and that alignment with the mission matters more than numbers.
Research isn't required. A 2025 applicant says Einstein actively admits service-focused, non-traditional applicants without research.
Your story. A 2026 applicant suggests talking about your upbringing and community work.

Sources: Reddit: Albert Einstein (2025) · Reddit: For those who got the Einstein interview… : r/premed (2026) · Reddit: PSA 26' applicants = Einstein is a reach for EVERYONE : r/premed (2026) · Reddit: Einstein Reach : r/premed (2026) · Reddit: Flowkirkenuinely what does Albert Einstein Want Vro 💔💔 (2026)

How to prepare

Because most interviewers have your file, know it well.

Reread everything. Applicants advise reviewing your AMCAS, your secondary and SDN interview feedback.
Practice out loud. Use mock interviews and record yourself, then aim to sound conversational and relaxed.
Build clear examples. Have stories ready for motivation, service, teamwork, ethical reasoning, resilience and fit, tied to Einstein's mission and the Bronx.
Bring real questions. 2026 applicants say questions keep the conversation flowing; write two that a quick website scan can't answer.
Test your tech. Check camera, lighting, microphone and internet, and keep a backup audio or internet plan.

Sources: Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Interview Feedback & Student Reports · Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Interview Feedback & Student Reports · Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Individual responses (2010) · Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Individual responses (2010) · Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Interview Prep Briefing (2026) · Student Doctor Network Forums: 2026-2027 Albert Einstein in College of Medicine (2026) · Reddit: Albert Einstein (2025)

The rest of the interview day

Applicants report some extra steps around the interview:

Confirm the day before. Applicants report (2024) being asked to call the admissions office at 718-430-3014 or email mary.pace@einsteinmed.edu by 3:00 p.m. EST the day before (or Friday if your interview is Monday).
Certification email. Applicants report (2024) a criminal/disciplinary "supplemental application certification" email sent to everyone scheduled or interviewed.
Student session. An optional, informal Q&A with current students: 5-6 PM in a 2026 report, 4:30 PM with cameras on in a 2024 report, said to have no impact on your application.
Survey. Applicants report (2022) an interview day survey email that afternoon.

Sources: Student Doctor Network: 2023-2024 Einstein (2024) · Student Doctor Network Forums: 2026-2027 Albert Einstein in College of Medicine (2026) · Student Doctor Network Forums: 2024-2025 Einstein (2024) · Student Doctor Network: 2022-2023 Einstein (2022)

After the interview

Applicants report that first decisions come around February 1, with more waves in early March and mid-April, and some emails in early May.

Small waitlist. 2026 applicants describe a very small waitlist with little movement, partly because few admitted students turn down the tuition-free offer. A 2019 report saw more movement to Manhattan schools.
High Priority Waitlist. Applicants report (2025) that those accepted off it were typically given 5 days to commit.
Letters and updates. Opinions conflict. Older reports say Einstein welcomes post-interview updates and interest letters; one 2026 applicant says it does not accept update letters. Several suggest a letter of intent if Einstein is clearly your first choice, ideally after initial decisions or once waitlisted.

Sources: Student Doctor Network: 2022-2023 Einstein (2022) · Reddit: Does anyone know how often Einstein rolling admissions decisions come out? (2021) · Student Doctor Network Forums: 2019-2020 Albert Einstein (2020) · Student Doctor Network: 2024-2025 Einstein (2025) · Reddit: PSA 26' applicants = Einstein is a reach for EVERYONE : r/premed (2026) · Reddit: For those who got the Einstein interview… : r/premed (2026) · Reddit: For those of you that got an Einstein II last night (2019) · Student Doctor Network Forums: 2015-2016 Albert Einstein College of Medicine Application Thread (2015) · Student Doctor Network Forums: Letter of Intent Timing (2023) · Reddit: post interview update/loi for einstein (2026)

Your interviewer

Rebecca Shulhof, MD Fictional interviewer

Get a briefing on your own interviewer

Know who's interviewing you? Their LinkedIn profile is the best source.

Use a computer if you can. Open their LinkedIn profile in a web browser, click More (or ⋯) under their name, then Save to PDF.
On a phone: the LinkedIn app can't save a profile. Open linkedin.com in your phone's browser instead, switch to the desktop site, and use More → Save to PDF.
Upload the PDF here, or paste what you know about them (a bio, a profile page).

See the sample briefing

Bronx family physician at a community health center, Einstein admissions interviewer since 2017; she reads your whole file and will ask about specifics in it.

Dr. Shulhof has practiced family medicine in Bronx community health centers since 2014. Before that she spent four years at a Manhattan practice, where she started a Saturday walk-in clinic for patients who couldn't leave work on weekdays. She has been medical director of a teaching practice since 2021 and supervises ("precepts") third-year students in her clinic. She has interviewed for Einstein for about nine years, roughly 30 applicants a year. Her About section says she reads the whole file and usually asks about one specific detail, such as a grade, a dorm or an hour count. She says she isn't trying to catch you out; she wants the version of the story that didn't fit in the essay. Before medicine she studied sociology and spent two years as a housing caseworker. She also volunteers monthly at a free clinic. Expect a conversation that keeps coming back to real patients' lives (rent, family, a pharmacy that closed) and to what your service work actually involved.

Their path

BA in Sociology, Brandeis University, 2001
Caseworker at a Brooklyn housing nonprofit, about two years before medical school
MD, SUNY Downstate College of Medicine, 2007
Family Medicine residency, Hudson Valley, 2007-2010
Staff physician, Harlem River Family Practice, 2010-2014; started a Saturday walk-in clinic
Volunteer physician at a Bronx church-basement free clinic, monthly, 2012-present (about 14 years)
Attending family physician, Concourse Community Health Partners, Bronx, 2014-present (about 12 years); medical director of the teaching practice since 2021
Einstein faculty admissions interviewer and first-year clinical skills small-group facilitator, 2017-present (about 9 years)

What it means for your conversation

Expect at least one question about a specific, maybe uncomfortable, detail in your file: a weak grade, a gap, a withdrawal, an unusual hour count. Reread your AMCAS and secondary so you can explain any line plainly and briefly.
She says she wants 'the version that didn't fit in the essay.' Prepare the unpolished details behind your main stories: what went wrong, what a specific person said, what you would do differently.
Her work centers on the social side of health: rent, transportation, pharmacies, people who can't miss work. Doctors call these 'social determinants of health.' It is likely she will value answers that show you notice these things in real people, not just name the term.
She has seen about 270 applicants over nine years. Rehearsed, generic answers about 'helping people' or 'serving the underserved' will probably land flat. Concrete stories will stand out.
She teaches students at every level, from first-year clinical skills to third-year clerks. She may picture you as a future student in her clinic, so honesty, teachability and how you talk about patients will likely matter.
Her own path included years of non-medical work before medical school. She will likely take gap years and non-traditional jobs seriously if you can explain what you learned from them.

Questions they may lean toward

'I noticed [specific item] in your application. Tell me about that.' Her profile says outright that she usually asks about something specific in the file: a grade, a dorm, an hour count.
'Tell me about a patient or person from your service work. What was going on in their life beyond the medical issue?' Her About section describes visits that are 'also about rent, a grandchild or a pharmacy that closed.' She likely wants to see whether you noticed the whole person.
'What do you know about the Bronx, and how would you serve here?' She has practiced in the West and South Bronx for over a decade, and applicants report Bronx and service questions at Einstein.
'Your hours say X. What did you actually do there week to week?' She mentions hour counts specifically. Inflated or vague activities are likely to get probed.
'What would you do if a patient couldn't follow your treatment plan because of work or money?' She started a Saturday clinic for working patients, so access problems are part of her daily practice. This kind of question would be a natural one for her to ask.
Questions about your research, with detailed follow-ups Applicants report Einstein interviewers probing research. She isn't a researcher, so expect plain 'explain it to me' questions rather than technical ones.

Honest common ground

If you have done community service, clinic volunteering, free-clinic work or social-service work, that is real shared ground. Talk about what you did, not about her resume.
If you speak Spanish or care for patients who do, she runs group visits in Spanish and English. Mention this only if it is genuinely part of your experience.
If you worked a non-medical job or took gap years, she did too, as a housing caseworker. Speak about your own experience; don't point to hers.
If you were a sociology or social science major, she studied sociology. Mention it only if it naturally comes up in your story.
If you are from the Bronx or New York City, or worked there, local, specific knowledge will likely resonate.

Questions to ask them

In your experience, what separates students who thrive on clinical rotations in the Bronx from those who struggle at first? She precepts third-year students, so she can answer from direct experience. A quick website scan can't answer this.
How do Einstein students' community service requirements actually play out? What does meaningful student service look like versus box-checking? It ties to Einstein's service graduation requirement and to her own long-running free-clinic volunteering, without quoting her profile back.
What do first-year students find hardest when they start learning clinical skills and talking to patients? She facilitates the first-year clinical skills course. The question is concrete and practical, and it shows you are thinking about actually being a student.
What's something about practicing in the Bronx that you think incoming students usually don't understand yet? It invites the kind of real, unpolished answer she says she values, and it shows curiosity about the community.

Avoid

Don't recite her career back to her (Saturday clinic, garden board, the 10-miler) or bring up her personal interests like tomatoes, running or mysteries. It reads as research performance.
Don't fake an interest in family medicine. Saying you are open, or curious about primary care, is fine if true.
Don't use buzzwords like 'social determinants,' 'underserved' or 'holistic' without a concrete story behind them.
Don't be defensive about a weak spot in your file. Give a short, honest explanation and say what changed.
Don't inflate hours or roles. She explicitly checks specifics.
Don't treat the Bronx as a backdrop for your own growth or talk about its residents as a monolith or as pity cases.
If she pushes back or disagrees, don't read it as failure. Stay calm and engage.

A sample, to show what the briefing looks like: Rebecca Shulhof, MD and their employers are invented.

Based on: The sample interviewer's profile (fictional) · Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Interview Feedback & Student Reports · Student Doctor Network: Albert Einstein College of Medicine Interview Prep Briefing (2026) · Student Doctor Network: 2022-2023 Einstein (2022) · Student Doctor Network Forums: 2024-2025 Einstein (2024) · Student Doctor Network Forums: 2026-2027 Albert Einstein in College of Medicine (2026) · Reddit: Name and Shame/Fame: Interview edition (2022) · Reddit: Einstein Reach : r/premed (2026) · Student Doctor Network Forums: Letter of Intent Timing (2023)

All sources · 31 plus 10 applicant threads

Applicant threads are linked under each question.