Requirements

All students have completed the program in four years or less. The typical student who embarks on the Vagelos Program will most likely have multiple Advanced Placement credits, allowing not only placement in intermediate level courses, but more flexibility. Among the first nine years of graduates, nine of 90 either finished one or more semesters early or took a semester abroad. This does require planning.

This program has been called "accelerated," "intensive" or "rigorous." These are not accurate descriptors. The required science and mathematics courses are also taken as part of the chemistry, mathematics and physics programs by students outside of the Vagelos Molecular Life Sciences Program. The courses are rigorous in the logical sense--not harsh. The Program students often approach their academic work with intensity--but it is a result of internally generated passion. We do require 5 credit units per semester (Fall, Spring) which is, in the College, more work. With respect to the research requirement, there is a minimum of two summers, and an academic year (2 credit units) of research laboratory participation.

Students in the Vagelos Scholars Program will complete all of the sector, cross-cultural, language and writing requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences. Those who are interested in more breadth will do a dual major, while those interested in more depth will submatriculate (a Penn expression) to complete an M.S. in the four years they are at Penn. In the last five years, 85% of students chose to complete an M.S. degree.

The commitment to do the Vagelos Scholars Program can be reversed at any time. Alternate programs chosen by Biochemistry majors include second majors in Asian Studies, English, History, Music, or dual degrees with Wharton or Engineering.

Students in this program, irrespective of the number of Advanced Placement units, are expected to complete forty course units at the University of Pennsylvania. Advanced Placement credits will allow you to start in intermediate level courses. Advanced Placement language credits will allow you an opportunity to explore further in either science or non-science courses. We expect a typical Vagelos Scholars Program student to have taken all the advanced science and mathematics courses offered by their high school.