FAQ

The appropriate program is dependent on your academic background. If you have taken few or no science courses, you should apply to the Post-Baccalaureate Core Studies Program. If you have taken all or most of the Premedical sciences courses, or have applied to medical school, you should apply to the Specialized Studies Program.

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.

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 Core Studies students generally complete their programs in an academic year plus a summer. Part-time students generally complete their programs in two years. Specialized Studies students complete the program after one year of full-time study or two years of part-time study.

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.

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 Tuition Page for details). Keep in mind that living expenses are an additional cost of attending our program.

Once your application is complete, it is reviewed by our Admissions Committee. Admissions decisions are generally made within two weeks of the interview.

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.

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.

Yes. Contact the Program Director, Penn Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Health Programs to discuss possible changes in your plans. Call 215.898.7326.

Call the LPS office at 215.898.7326.

Students in the Post-Baccalaureate Core Studies and Specialized Studies 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 (click on Penn Plan then Post-Baccalaureate). The parents of dependent students may apply for a PLUS loan. Optional loans such as the Penn Citi-Assist Program may also be available. Students are eligible for one year only.

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.

Your status is "non-degree candidate."