Applying to the MBMI Program
https://provost.upenn.edu/graduate-admissions
Recognizing the challenges of teaching, learning, and assessing academic performance during the global COVID-19 pandemic, Penn’s admissions committees for graduate and professional programs will take the significant disruptions of the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 into account when reviewing students’ transcripts and other admissions materials as part of their regular practice of performing individualized, holistic reviews of each applicant. In particular, as we review applications now and in the future, we will respect decisions regarding the adoption of Pass/Fail and other grading options during the period of COVID-19 disruptions. An applicant will not be adversely affected in the admissions process if their academic institution implemented a mandatory pass/fail (or similar) system for the term or if the applicant chose to participate in an optional pass/fail (or similar) system for the term. Penn’s longstanding commitment remains to admit graduate and professional student cohorts composed of outstanding individuals who demonstrate the resilience and aptitude to succeed in their academic pursuits.
Eligibility Criteria
Our target students are clinicians interested in practical training and applied biomedical informatics who are already familiar with the problems that BMI seeks to solve. While a professional degree is not required, students should have experience working in a clinical setting and knowledge of the U.S. healthcare system.
Application Process
Prospective students should apply via CollegeNet. Detailed instructions are in the next section. There is a $75 application fee, which can be waived in special circumstances. Applicants will be expected to submit:
- Unofficial transcripts from all past degrees (official, sealed, transcripts will be required for all matriculating students) *International applicants: All transcripts of academic work completed at institutions outside of the U.S. must be accompanied by a certified translation / evaluation by CertiFile or WES (World Education Service). Include a course-by-course list with number of credits and marks received.
- CV or resume
- Personal statement: a one page description of your career goals that includes a description of how the MBMI degree meets your educational objectives
- Two letters of recommendation
- Applicants whose native language is not English and who do not have a prior degree from an English-speaking institution or at lease one year of professional experience in an English-speaking environment are required to provide proof of English proficiency test scores (TOEFL or IELTS) for admission. To be valid for admission, test scores must be no more than two years old at the time the recommendation for admission is received. For information on waiving this requirement based on the conditions above, contact Meg Tanjutco.
The application deadline for Fall 2025 is December 1, 2024. (We are no longer accepting applications for Fall 2024. Applications for Fall 2025 will open in October.)
After the application deadline passes, the MBMI Admissions Committee will review the applications and determine who will receive an offer of admission. In some cases the committee may contact the applicant for additional information. Notification of admission will be sent out via CollegeNet to the email address provided by the applicant.