1. When may I apply for an elective?

Students may apply for electives as soon as the enrollment period begins.

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 score reporting is reported as pass/fail only for exams taken on or after January 26, 2022. 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?

Memorial Sloan Kettering’s elective program is highly competitive and receives a substantial number of applications. Students are typically notified of a decision by e-mail within 8 weeks of applying. However, it may take longer to process and review submissions during periods of high application volume. We’re unable to provide status updates on individual applications.

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?

International medical students accepted for clinical or research electives at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center must enter the United States under a B-1/B-2 visa or the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). In accordance with guidance from the U.S. Department of State, this status is appropriate for students participating in unpaid elective clerkships that are part of their foreign medical school education. Participants will not receive any remuneration from MSKCC and are responsible for their own travel and living expenses. Students are responsible for the visa application process and all associated fees.

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.