MD Program
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We require an online application submitted through AMCAS and a secondary application for the College of Medicine. Applicants judged to be most qualified are invited for an interview mid-September through March.
Important Dates
American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) application deadline is Nov. 15.
Applications must be completed in their entirety by Dec. 15.
Penn State College of Medicine accepts applications from US citizens, US permanent residents, and applicants with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival status (DACA). International candidates are not eligible to apply. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from an accredited US or Canadian college or university.
Applicants to Penn State College of Medicine must be U.S citizens, permanent residents, or have official DACA status. International candidates are not eligible. All applicants must have a bachelor’s degree with completion of all academic requirements from an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university.
Applicants must follow the and adhere to the same timeline and deadlines as domestic applicants.
Obtaining Clearance to Study Through the Directorate of International Student and Scholar Advising
DACA applicants accepted by the College of Medicine are required to obtain clearance through the Office of Global Programs. A DACA applicant must formally accept an offer of acceptance. The Directorate of International Student and Scholar Advising (DISSA) will make contact by email to provide a link and a set of instructions on how to access the online system (iStart). This system will serve as a guide through the process of gaining clearance to register for classes, in addition to other crucial steps toward attending the Penn State College of Medicine.
Please note: All newly admitted DACA students need to access DISSA's iStart system and complete the International Student Visa Documentation Process. No Penn State I-20/DS2019 is required. It can take DISSA two to three weeks to process requests. Please be take that into account in submitting documents to DISSA.
Accepted DACA applicants will be sent a checklist detailing the above requirements and provide deadlines for submission of documents. If the checklist items are not completed by the indicated deadlines, candidates will be withdrawn from the entering class without the possibility of reinstatement.
Financing Your Medical Education
Accepted DACA applicants must verify the ability to finance their medical education. Foreign nationals are not eligible for financial support from the federal government or Penn State University. Learn about the financial aid verification procedure for Penn State and the College of Medicine.
Questions?
If you have questions about the application process for candidates with DACA status, contact Student Admissions at 717-531-8755 or StudentAdmissions@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
If you have questions about your proof of finances or the verification procedure, contact Student Aid at 717-531-7052 or StudentAid@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
Requirements
We seek well-rounded, high-performing students with a background in both the sciences and liberal arts. Applicants should come with a passion to serve and a commitment to excellence and life-long learning.
Process
The College of Medicine requires an online application through the American Medical College Application Service, completion of an online secondary application and completion of the Medical College Admissions Test.
Essential Standards
We seek highly motivated students who aim to become patient-centric physicians. Candidates must have demonstrable abilities and skills in the areas of perception and observation, communication, motor and tactile function, cognition, and professionalism.
Accelerated Pathways
Students interested in an accelerated pathway must submit an AMCAS application and can indicate their preference in the secondary application provided by the College of Medicine. Students will be contacted by their program of interest post-acceptance to complete its admission process.
Combined Degrees
All students whose educational path includes an MD degree must apply through AMCAS and gain acceptance to the College of Medicine. For most combined degree options, you must submit a separate application for the other degree to the school where it will be earned.
Transfer Students
We do not accept transfer students with advanced standing due to a curriculum with unique and/or integrated required courses and customized experiential requirements. The curriculum's phases do not coincide with a traditional academic calendar at other medical schools.
Timeline and Deadlines
Important dates and deadlines for applying to the MD Program happen throughout the year. It is extremely important that your materials are received on time. Materials will not be accepted after the latest date.
Submission of AMCAS Application:
Earliest date: May 30
Latest date: Nov. 15
Submission of Secondary Application and Fee, MCAT, and Letters of Recommendation:
Earliest date: After email notification
Latest date: Dec. 15
Note: Secondary application fee of $90 must be submitted with secondary application, is nonrefundable and is not applicable to tuition.
Acceptance Notice to Regular Applicants:
Earliest date: Oct. 15
Latest date: Until class is filled
Applicant's Response to Acceptance Offer:
Maximum time: Two weeks on or before April 30*; five business days after April 30*; two business days within 30 days of the start of orientation
Note: Deposit to hold place in class of $100, applicable to tuition, is due by May 15*, and is not refundable after that date.
Request for Deferred Enrollment:
Latest date: May 15*
Final Transcripts to be Received:
Latest date: June 30*
Acknowledgment of receipt of the final transcript can take up to three weeks.
*If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, the next business day applies.