Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions of our office. If you do not see the answer to your question here, please contact us at admiss@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
A. No specific courses are required; however, competency in biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and mathematics must be demonstrated. Please coordinate with your pre-health advisor for undergraduate requirements.
Additional information can be found in the MSAR (Medical School Admissions Requirements) guide published by the AAMC (subscription required).
A. College classes taken in high school and transferred into your four-year institution must appear on your transcript. Students must complete higher level study in the sciences with labs. Please coordinate with your pre-health advisor to establish competency.
A. Yes, if visible on your transcripts.
A. The Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) acknowledges that some undergraduate institutions converted entirely to pass/fail (P/F) grading during the initial pandemic period, while other institutions offered students the option to select either P/F or the typical grading system.
PSOM will continue to welcome applications from students from all institutions, regardless of the grading policy that was or is in place during your undergraduate or postbaccalaureate coursework. We have a holistic admissions process that prioritizes myriad attributes we value in our applicants beyond course grades alone.
Any PSOM applicant who was provided the option to continue with the typical grading system but elected P/F for courses that are prerequisites for medical school entrance will be required to provide a written explanation regarding the decision to elect P/F.
A. Each applicant must take the Medical College Admission Test within three years of applying to the Perelman School of Medicine. All candidates for admission in the fall of 2025 are required to have taken the MCAT between January 2021 and September 2024.
A. You can submit your supplemental and fee payment prior to Perelman receiving your MCAT score. We recommend submitting all additional materials while awaiting your score. The latest MCAT accepted is September of the year in which you submit the application.
A. The GPA range of the 2023 Entering Class is 3.60 - 4.00 and the MCAT range is 511 - 527. The Entering Class Profile provides further details.
A. The primary AMCAS application must be submitted by October 15, 11:59 p.m. EDT. The secondary application and supporting materials must be received by November 15, 11:59 p.m. EST.
A. If you received a bachelor's degree outside the United States or Canada, you must complete a full-time year of BCPM coursework as classified by AMCAS (biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physics, and math) before applying.
A. Yes, the admissions standards are the same for all students. However, no federal financial aid can be given and four years of medical school tuition must be shown in an escrow account.
A. Yes, but very limited in scope. Students must meet the average GPA and MCAT, provide a CV and have valid reasons for matriculating into Perelman.
A. The Perelman School of Medicine does not offer a visit program during the admissions cycle. Information Sessions for prospective students are offered during the summer. Our sessions are recorded and made available on our Prospective Student Resources page.
A. Applicants must select one program: MD or MD/PhD, and changes can occur until October 15. Applicants are not considered for admissions into both programs.
A. Yes, you can select a master's program during your primary AMCAS application; although it is not required. Students apply for a master's degree after matriculation into medical school, traditionally around the second year.
A. No, applicants must provide academic references, including one from a science discipline. If necessary, applicants may have to re-enroll in science coursework to refresh knowledge and obtain a letter.
A. Yes, the Perelman School of Medicine welcomes applications from DACA and Undocumented Students.