The Perelman School of Medicine at University of Pennsylvania, or Penn Med, is the oldest medical school in the United States. Founded in 1765, it also operated the first school hospital in the nation. With 1,740 total students and over 2,300 full-time faculty members, the faculty-student ratio currently stands at approximately 4.8 to 1. Affiliated hospitals include Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hospital. They give students the chance to get hands-on experience at leading institutes in the fields of AIDS, geriatrics and women’s health.
The Perelman School of Medicine’s curriculum for a traditional MD degree consists of six modules focusing on three themes: Science of Medicine, Art and Practice of Medicine, and Professionalism and Humanism. The six modules contain various courses that take four years to complete. The first three semesters are divided evenly between lectures and group and problem-based learning. The six sections are broken down into: Core Principles; Integrative Systems and Disease; Technology and Practice of Medicine; Required Clinical Clerkships; Electives, Selectives, and Scholarly Pursuit; and Professionalism and Humanism. The curriculum ranges from basic sciences and clinical decision making to communication and bioethics.
The school also offers combined degrees, including options for a PhD, JD, MBA, MBE, MSCE, MTR, MPH, and MSHP. Penn Med also has a separate Biomedical Graduate Studies program. This program includes seven graduate programs, including ones that focus on cancer biology, gene therapy, and immunology. This degree usually takes about five years to complete, and all students receive a stipend and full fellowship.
The Perelman School of Medicine has many opportunities for students to explore outside of the classroom. There are more than 50 institutes and research programs on campus. Individuals can participate in any of the 100 student organizations (ranging from the Prison Health Interest Group to a Spanish language immersion program in Mexico). Many Penn Med students also take part in running free health clinics or AIDS awareness groups. The school offers a comprehensive curriculum and multiple chances for students to get hands-on training in nearby hospitals.
Application Volume
MCAT and GPA
In-State v Out-of-State Applicants
In-State v Out-of-State Matriculants
Applicant to Matriculant Ratios
Additional Information
Applications:
Total: 6,200
In State: 10.0%
Out of State: 90.0%
Matriculants:
Total: 159
In State: 20.8%
Out of State: 79.2%
Average MCAT: 519
Average GPA (4.0 scale): 3.85
* Applicant and matriculant data courtesy of AAMC.
NIH Grants
Average Graduate Indebtedness
Additional Information
2017 NIH Awards: $493,869,965
Average MD Graduate Debt: $117,677
Matriculants
Faculty Analysis
Additional Information
Matriculants: 159
Faculty
Basic: 268
Clinical: 2,647
Total: 2,915
Accepts international students
Additional Information
2017-2018 Tuition: $55,928
2017-2018 Estimated cost of attendance: $87,525
