Post-Baccalaureate
Pre-Health Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Program |
Admissions |
Financial Aid
Program
How do I decide which Pre-Health program is right for me?
The appropriate progam is dependent on your academic background. If you have taken few or no science courses, you should apply to the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Program. If you have taken all or most of the Premedical sciences courses, or have applied to medical
school, you should apply to the Special Science Program.
What kinds of advising and support services are available to me?
Career and academic advising is provided by the program advisors, who will also write a covering letter of evaluation when you apply to the program of your choice. Academic support services are available through the Penn Learning Resources Center and Academic Support
Programs where subsidized tutoring is available in the basic sciences.
How long do the programs last?
It depends on how many courses you take each semester, whether you are working,
and how many hours you work. All students are encouraged to carry a challenging
academic course load. Full-time Post-Bac Pre-Health students generally complete
their programs in an academic year plus a summer. Part-time students generally
complete their programs in two years. Special Science students complete the program
after one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.
I am interested in a health career other than medicine. Will your programs help me?
Yes. We also work with students seeking careers as veterinarians, dentists, nurses, psychologists, and physical therapists. The program has been consistently successful
in helping these students attain their professional goals.
How much will this cost?
Again, it depends on how many courses you take. All courses are offered at the undergraduate level. You will be billed for the number of courses taken each semester, and costs will vary depending on whether you take these courses in the evening or in the day. Multiply the number of course units to be taken by the tuitions noted, bearing in mind that our laboratory courses carry one and a half (1.5) c.u. Summer courses have a different tuition scale (see
Financial Information section for details). Keep in mind that living expenses are an additional cost of attending our program.
Admissions
How long does the admissions process take?
Once your application is complete, it is reviewed by our Admissions Committee. Admissions decisions are generally made within two weeks of the interview.
Do I really have to send standardized test scores?
Yes. Your performance on standardized tests is an important component of your credentials. To send your SAT scores, contact ETS and use the SAT ETS code 2986. If you have taken the GRE, do not use the SAT code to send your GRE scores. Have your GRE scores sent directly to you, then forward the unopened envelope to our office. If you have taken the MCAT, you must forward these scores in addition to your SATs.
Is an interview required?
An interview is required of all applicants under serious consideration for admission. If it is inconvenient for you to come to campus, we can arrange to have a telephone interview.
Can admission be deferred?
Yes. Contact the Assistant Dean, Penn Post-Baccalaureate Premedical Program to
discuss possible changes in your plans. Call 215.898.3110.
How can I find out if my application is complete?
Call the CGS office at 215.898.7326.
Financial Aid
What financial aid am I eligible for, and for how long?
Students in the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health and Special Science Programs are eligible for Federal Stafford Loans. Students must be registered at least half-time (two course units) for each semester of attendance. In summer, one course unit is considered half-time. The
loan amounts for dependent and independent students are available on the Student Financial Services website (www.sfs.upenn.edu/home/ click on Penn Plan then Post-Baccalaureate). The parents of dependent students may apply for a PLUS loan. Optional loans such as the Penn
CitiAssist Program may also be available. Students are eligible for one year only.
Am I eligible for financial assistance if I am a part-time student?
Yes, but you must be enrolled at least half time, i.e. a minimum of
two course units per semester or one course unit for the summer
sessions.
The Financial Aid forms I'm filling out ask for my degree status; what is that?
Your status is "non-degree candidate."
