Pre-Health Programs

Pre-Health

Prepare for health professional school success with Ivy League academics and individualized support

Penn’s Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Programs are designed for driven students, like you, who want to distinguish themselves as medical, dental, or veterinary school candidates. We are at the heart of an internationally renowned research university, offering you access to one of the finest health systems in the world. The rigorous academic challenges of our programs assure you—and admissions committees—that you are equipped to thrive at your future professional school. Our Pre-Health Programs director and expert advising team draw upon the full range of resources at Penn to guide you through the health professional school application process and provide unrivaled support for your future career.

The Pre-Health Core Studies program supplies students who have little scientific background with key concepts and the rigorous training necessary to succeed in the health professional school of their choice. The Pre-Health Specialized Studies program is for students who possess a background in the sciences, but who are seeking to bolster their academic credentials and extend their studies. Many of our students don't fit neatly into either track, and our experienced advising team can help you develop a personalized profile of classes. Please note, all Pre-Health Programs students who plan to enroll in physics and/or general chemistry courses will be required to complete an online Pre-Health Math On-Ramp diagnostic/proficiency course during the summer session.

Our combination of elite academics and expert advising has led to an outstanding placement rate for our students. As you would expect, they go on to attend many of the finest health professional schools in the country. We’re excited to talk to you about the unparalleled opportunities that await you in Penn’s Pre-Health Programs, and we’re available to answer any questions that may arise as you explore the programs at Penn.

Bring your health professional goals to life

Penn’s Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Programs provide students a wide array of opportunities to jumpstart their training and careers in the medical, veterinary, and dental fields. Hear from the program director, students, alumni and faculty about all that Penn and its leading medical research centers have to offer.

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Fast facts

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96
Number of hospitals in the Philadelphia region
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4
Number of linkages available through the program
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83%
Percentage of students studying part-time
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6
Number of advisors available to students during their course of study

Awards and recognitions

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Pre-Health student wins the 2023 ToVenture B Good pitch competition at Fels

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Ruth Elliott

Penn’s Pre-Health Programs instructor M. Ruth Elliott wins the 2023 LPS Award for Distinguished Teaching in Undergraduate and Post-Baccalaureate Programs.

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AMWA

Pre-Health Programs student group UPenn AMWA wins 2022-2023 AMWA Premedical Outstanding Branch Award

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Basu

Penn’s Pre-Health Programs recognize award-winning instructor Dr. Sukalpa Basu

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Learn why students choose Penn’s Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate Programs

Our Pre-Health Post-Baccalaureate students come into the programs with an impressive range of professional and life experiences as well as diverse visions for the type of medical professional they want to become. Learn how the programs’ flexibility and focus on individuals enable students to flourish.

See student and alumni stories >

Application Deadline

Upcoming application deadlines

The application deadline for summer 2024 is April 1, 2024.

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Want to know more?

Join us for an upcoming virtual information session to hear more about the program, curriculum, and application process.

Professional school success

Professional school success

Our students boast extraordinary placement rates at some of the best health professional schools around the country.

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