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MD/PhD Program

How to Apply

To apply for Penn State College of Medicine’s MD/PhD Medical Scientist Training Program, you’ll need to submit two applications:

  • An application through AMCAS (choose “Combined Medical Degree/PhD” as the program choice)

  • A secondary application for the College of Medicine

After you’ve submitted your AMCAS application, you’ll receive an email from Penn State with a link to the secondary application, to be completed and submitted online.

Key Dates

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Nov. 15

AMCAS application deadline

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Dec. 15

Secondary application deadline

Additional Information

Offers of admission to the program are made on a rolling basis. We normally admit nine to 10 students per year.

In addition to the standard , we consider applicants who have:

  • Outstanding grades and MCAT scores

  • Sustained interest and experience in research

  • Strong letters of support

We take a comprehensive approach in reviewing applications, considering all aspects of a prospective student’s background.

Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States at the time of application. Foreign nationals, regardless of visa status, are currently ineligible for admission.

To complete the AMCAS and secondary applications, you’ll need:

  • $170 AMCAS application fee

  • $90 secondary application fee

  • Letters of recommendation to be submitted directly to AMCAS

  • Letters of support for your secondary application

  • Official transcript(s) from each school you attended after high school

  • MCAT scores

  • MD/PhD applicants for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle are not required to complete a CASPer test

All completed applications are reviewed by MD/PhD program leadership and receive a thorough holistic review. Applicants judged to be most qualified for admission are invited for an interview. We invite students on an as-needed basis, so we recommend you submit your application early.

If you’re selected for an interview during the 2024-2025 academic cycle, you’ll be invited to attend the College of Medicine Virtually, on selected MD/PhD interview days. College interviews are carried out by faculty who are members of or affiliated with the MD/PhD Program.

When applicants select their interview date, they will also be asked to schedule an emotional intelligence interview within a week of their MD/PhD interview date. All applicants invited to interview by Penn State College of Medicine for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle will be required to complete an emotional intelligence interview.

Our goal during your virtual visit is to have you gain a better understanding of our program, campus, and the Hershey area. We’ll also learn more about your interest in obtaining both degrees and about your research experience.

Interviews will be two days in length:

  • Sunday: You’ll have an opportunity in the afternoon/evening to meet virtually with current MD/PhD trainees. 

  • Monday: You’ll interview virtually with faculty, meet with program leadership, and take a virtual tour of the campus core facilities.

Interview dates for the 2024-2025 academic year will be:

  • Oct. 14, 2024

  • Nov. 11, 2024

  • Dec. 9, 2024

  • Jan. 13, 2025

Second Look Day, open to applicants admitted into the MD/PhD Program, provides the opportunity to learn about student life in greater depth than was possible during the interview day. 

You’ll have the chance to meet with faculty with whom you might be interested in doing research, get to know current students and explore housing options.

For the 2024-2025 academic cycle, accepted applicants will have an opportunity to visit Hershey, Pa., at Penn State College of Medicine.