Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
MD Program

PASS Program

With an explicit focus on opportunity, access and excellence, the Penn Access Summer Scholars (PASS) program is a pre-medical enrichment program that supports the recruitment of students to the Perelman School of Medicine (PSOM) with demonstrated academic success and a broad range of perspectives and experiences, who show promise of having an impactful career in medicine.

PASS scholars spend two consecutive summers of eight weeks on Penn’s campus after their sophomore and junior years conducting mentored research and engaging in premedical enrichment that fosters the development of a physician identity and supports students’ transition to medical school.  Students who successfully complete the program and meet rigorous GPA and performance metrics are eligible to seek linkage admission to PSOM without taking the MCAT.

Program Components

  • 8 weeks of mentored research for two consecutive summers
  • Research and journal club presentations
  • Career narratives from physicians
  • Shadowing opportunities
  • Engaging podcast and book club discussions
  • Community building and engagement with a cohort of pre-medical peers
  • Local community engagement and service
  • Mentorship from PSOM faculty, medical students, and admissions professionals
  • Research symposium

Eligibility

Eligible students at one of our 10 partnering institutions may apply through, and be nominated by, their undergraduate pre-health offices. Students that meet the following eligibility requirements may be selected to participate in PASS through a process of holistic review:

  • Matriculated with a SAT of 1300 or an ACT of 29, or higher.
  • Successfully completed three semesters of a roster of rigorous science courses (biology, chemistry, physics, and math), attaining science and cumulative GPAs of 3.7 or higher.
  • Demonstrated leadership, strong qualities of character, and a clear and consistent motivation to study and ultimately pursue a career in medicine (supported by two letters of recommendation, with at least one from a faculty person).

Participating Institutions:

Five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs):

  • Howard University
  • Morehouse College
  • Oakwood University
  • Spelman College
  • Xavier University of Louisiana.

Four Primarily White Institutions (PWIs):

  • The University of Pennsylvania
  • Bryn Mawr College
  • Haverford College
  • Princeton University

One Longitudinal Research Enrichment Program:

  • The STEMM PREP Project

Program Timeline

June 1 – July 24, 2026
Applications Due: February 1, 2026

For More Information

If you are a student at one of the 10 partnering institutions above, contact your pre-medical advising office for PASS deadlines and application support. Students must apply through their undergraduate school or the STEMM Prep Program.

Questions for PSOM? Email gsc@pennmedicine.upenn.edu