The following sample schedule is provided as one example, to illustrate potential full-time study sequences. As a new student in the Pre-Health Specialized Studies Program, you will meet with a member of the Pre-Health Programs advising team to review your previous experiences and your future goals. Based on this discussion, you will create an individualized academic study plan to complete the program. Part-time options are available so discuss your needs with a Pre-Health advisor.
Course availability varies each year. Please stay in regular contact with your Pre-Health advisor and refer to the course guide website for the most up-to-date course offerings. Up to one course unit (c.u.)* of human anatomy may be applied to the preparatory program requirements.
Note that fall and spring classes are rostered in the evenings and summer courses are rostered in the morning, afternoon, and evening. A complete list of LPS Pre-Health courses is available in the Student Handbook. For courses not on this list approval must be obtained from the Program Director.
One-year, full-time Specialized Studies sample schedule
| Term |
Course |
Course Units (c.u.)* |
|---|---|---|
|
Fall Semester |
Essentials of Cell Biology: BIOL 2001-601 |
1 |
|
Essentials of Physiology: BIOL 2301-601 |
1 |
|
|
Essentials of Genetics: BIOL 2201-601 |
1 |
|
|
Elements of Microbiology: BIOL 2701-601 (lecture and lab) |
1 |
|
|
Spring Semester |
Pathophysiology: BIOL 3313-601 (lecture) |
1 |
|
Neurological Basis of Autism: NRSC 4430-601 |
1 |
|
|
Infectious Disease Biology: BIOL 3004-601 (fully online) |
1 |
|
|
Histology: BIOL 3006-601 |
1 |
|
|
Total c.u. |
8 |
|
- With a full-time one-year timeline, you will complete the MCAT, DAT, or GRE in late April-beginning of June. All students are allowed two years to complete the program requirements.
- Please keep in mind that the recommended prep time for the MCAT and DAT exams are 300-350 hours.
- You can apply to medical, dental, or veterinary medical school at the beginning of June for the following fall entry term.
Certificates of Academic Achievement in Specialized Studies
The Pre-Health Certificates of Academic Achievement in Specialized Studies are awarded to exceptional students in recognition of outstanding academic accomplishments during completion of the preparatory Pre-Health Program at the University of Pennsylvania. The certificate award will be noted on your Penn transcript. The Certificate of Academic Achievement in Pre-Health Specialized Studies is awarded to students who complete a required eight course units of approved undergraduate advanced science coursework at the University of Pennsylvania with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better. In addition to the required coursework, students must earn an MCAT 2015 total score greater than or equal to the 70th percentile, DAT score of 20 or GRE percentile scores of 65 percent verbal, 65 percent quantitative and 4.5 writing from an individual exam. Requirements for this certificate award must be completed within two years of enrolling in the Pre-Health Specialized Studies Program.
A complete listing of LPS Pre-Health courses can be found in the Student Handbook. Prior approval is required by the Program Director for courses not on this list.
Advanced Certificate of Academic Achievement in Pre-Health Specialized Studies
The Advanced Certificate of Academic Achievement in Pre-Health Specialized Studies will be awarded to students who have received the aforementioned Certificate of Academic Achievement in Pre-Health Specialized Studies and have completed an additional four course units of undergraduate advanced Pre-Health elective coursework at the University of Pennsylvania, with a grade of B or better in each course and with a cumulative GPA of 3.5. Requirements for the Advanced Certificate of Academic Achievement in Pre-Health Specialized Studies must be completed within one year of receiving the Certificate of Academic Achievement in Pre-Health Specialized Studies.
