MD Program - University Park Campus - Penn State College of Medicine

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Medical Education at University Park

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Penn State College of Medicine has a tradition of excellence in education that is scientifically and clinically rigorous with a deep foundation in scholarship and humanistic care.

Leveraging the resources offered at the main campus of Penn State, we invite you to learn in a small-town environment that emphasizes inter-professional team skills, curiosity and a commitment to the calling of medicine.

What is happening at University Park?

Learn more about University Park at one of our "Closer Look" information sessions.

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Why University Park?

Same Curriculum as Hershey: The University Park curriculum is comparable to Hershey, ensuring a high-quality medical education that meets rigorous standards.

Faculty-Student Ratio: The small class size at University Park fosters a close-knit learning community where students receive personalized attention and support from faculty and peers. This unique learning environment promotes critical thinking, teamwork and a collaborative approach to medical education and clinical care.

I chose to come to University Park because I was searching for a curriculum that combined collaborative learning, early patient interaction and close mentorship. I have found that this program checks all those boxes while also providing a support network of faculty and fellow students who are eager to listen and share advice. At a small campus, everyone is rooting for each other’s success.

- Michelle Le, Class of 2024

Community Medical Partners: A longstanding partnership with Mount Nittany Medical Center provides robust longitudinal clinical training opportunities in all three phases of the curriculum. Physicians from other systems and practices in the State College area offer additional support.

World Class Research University: The University Park location also offers unique access to faculty, programming and resources of Penn State.

Community Engagement: Students will authentically engage with multiple local communities through outreach programs and clinical experiences.

Rural Focus: As part of the deep commitment to serving our surrounding rural communities, the curriculum tackles prevalent rural healthcare challenges and meaningful solutions.

Sustainability: In addition to a focus on rural health, the University Park program emphasizes sustainable approaches to healthcare.

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The integration of the basic and clinical sciences with health systems science and health humanities, community engagement and experiential learning form the core elements of the educational mission of the University Park curriculum.

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Applying to the University Park Curriculum

How do you select the group of first-year students for the University Park Curriculum track?

We invite all Penn State College of Medicine applicants interested in the University Park Curriculum track to join us for our Closer Look Zoom Sessions; this is the first step to learning more about the University Park track. All Penn State College of Medicine applicants will go through the same admissions process, and once the applicant has received an offer of acceptance to the College of Medicine, they can begin to interview for one of the twelve spots at University Park. Throughout our closer look zoom series and University Park interview process, prospective UP medical students will be able to meet current students, faculty and staff. We believe this secondary interview process will enable interested students to better understand the unique features of the University Park Curriculum and help the selection committee evaluate how the applicant might fit into its small, team-oriented, self-directed educational setting. The College of Medicine then extends offers to the selected students. We encourage all interested applicants to email the University Park admissions team to indicate their interest in learning more.

When will you make a decision about whether I have been selected?

We anticipate making offers to candidates during March and April of each year for the following summer.

How soon should I make my decision to attend if I am offered a position in the University Park Curriculum?

We recommend that you accept your position and provide a deposit as soon as you have decided that Penn State College of Medicine’s University Park Curriculum is your choice for your medical school education.

If I am offered a position in the University Park Curriculum but decide not to choose it, will my decision affect my acceptance into Penn State College of Medicine’s central curriculum in Hershey?

No. All students offered admission to the University Park Curriculum have already been accepted to Penn State College of Medicine’s central curriculum. Declining an offer for the University Park Curriculum will not change the acceptance you already have to Penn State College of Medicine’s central curriculum in Hershey.