Eligibility

This selective program offers an outstanding array of upper-level science courses, along with academic counseling services, to candidates who are interested in strengthening their academic record. Successful applicants have a B or higher average in their undergraduate work and have demonstrated abilities in standardized test taking, e.g. MCATs, SATs, GREs, etc. Students in the Special Science Program are expected to have worked or volunteered in a clinical setting or in another service-related capacity prior to application. A clear understanding of the challenges and satisfactions of working in health care is critical.

Curriculum

Penn's Post-Bac Pre-Health program offers an unusually diverse roster of evening courses in biology and neuroscience, taught by outstanding faculty. Special Science students may also choose day courses offered in the College of Arts and Sciences. Courses are offered on a rotating basis and not all courses are offered each semester. Selected courses may be offered in an online format. In recent semesters, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Immuno-biology, and Cell Biology and Biochemistry have been offered both on campus and online. Recent offerings have included:

• Advanced Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology and Genetics
• Clinical Research in Emergency Medicine
• Histology
• Immunobiology
• Vertebrate Physiology
• Biochemisty

Search our Course Guide for more information on available courses.

Course Planning Options

Full-time students in the Special Science program will take either three or four courses per term, usually in biology or neuroscience. Additional courses, such as history and sociology of science, Spanish for health professionals, and statistics may also be included. See sample schedules.

The Application Year

After completing the program, each student receives a comprehensive letter of evaluation (Committee Letter). Assistance with applications, essay and interview preparation are all part of the advising which continues through the application year.

Most of our students apply to medical school through the usual process, which takes one academic year from application to admission. However, our program with Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine allows a small number of highly qualified students to apply for "accelerated acceptance".

During the application year or glide year, our students generally work and often continue with coursework. Often, relevant opportunities are available in the many research labs and clinics at Penn. Further academic opportunities are available through our extensive range of advanced level science courses.