Getting into Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
Perelman at the University of Pennsylvania is the nation's oldest medical school, founded in 1765, and it still leads with discovery — it talks about pairing rigorous science with what it calls skillful compassion. No admission odds here, just verified facts and how to read them.
Updated September 2026 · 2026–2027 cycle · figures cited to Perelman (Penn)'s official admissions pages
What is Perelman's mission — and what does it signal?
Penn frames its work around advancing knowledge and improving health, and it uses a memorable phrase — skillful compassion — to describe the physicians it wants to form.3 The signal is that Penn expects both: the scientific rigor of one of the world's great research universities, and genuine humanity at the bedside. Applicants who can show both sides — real inquiry and real care — fit the story Penn tells about itself.
What makes Perelman distinctive?
A few things.3 Perelman is the oldest medical school in the country (1765), embedded in a university where medicine, business, engineering, and law sit close together — which shows up in its dual-degree strength. It's intensely research-oriented, with a large MD-PhD program folded into the class. And it uses competency-based prerequisites: instead of a rigid checklist of named courses, Penn asks you to demonstrate competencies, which gives non-traditional applicants real room.
What GPA and MCAT does Penn look for?
The AY2026–27 entering class posted a median cumulative GPA of 3.98, a median science GPA of 3.98, and a median total MCAT of 522, across 129 students (including MD-PhD students).1 One honest note: Penn's public page listed an MCAT range that's clearly a typo, so I'm not repeating it — trust the median. As always, the median is the middle of a strong class, not a bar to clear.
How does Penn review applicants — and what does it ask for?
Review is holistic. Perelman accepts either a committee letter or at least three individual letters, with at least one from a science faculty member.2 Because the prerequisites are competency-based, pay attention to how you'll demonstrate each competency, not just which boxes you checked. Confirm the current cycle's CASPer or AAMC PREview expectations on the Penn page before applying.2
Does Penn use the MMI — and what is the interview like?
Perelman uses a traditional interview — one-on-one conversations with faculty and students — rather than an MMI.2 Penn's public materials don't clearly state whether interviews are virtual or in person, so confirm that in your invitation. Either way, the traditional format rewards depth: being able to talk through your reasoning and your experiences in a real conversation.
How much does Penn Perelman cost — and where do graduates match?
Perelman lists MD tuition of about $73,852 — tuition only, before fees, insurance, and Philadelphia living costs, so the full cost of attendance is higher.4 Check Penn financial aid for the current figure and available aid. On outcomes, Penn reported a strong residency match (around 97%) for its recent class — a reflection of a strong, research-minded student body as much as the school itself.1
The nation's first medical school — still built around discovery.
Penn's phrase “skillful compassion” captures what it's after: real scientific rigor plus real humanity. The medians are the middle of a strong, blended class, not a gate, and the competency-based prerequisites give non-traditional applicants genuine room. If you can show both inquiry and care, that's the story Perelman is built to hear. A read on fit, not a prediction — we publish no odds.
See exactly where you stand — at Perelman (Penn) and every school on your list
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Frequently asked
What GPA and MCAT do you need for Penn's Perelman School of Medicine?
The AY2026–27 entering class posted a median cumulative GPA of 3.98, a median science GPA of 3.98, and a median total MCAT of 522. These are blended MD/MD-PhD medians, not cutoffs, and Penn reviews holistically.
Does Penn Perelman use an MMI?
No. Perelman uses a traditional interview — one-on-one conversations with faculty and students — rather than a multiple-mini-interview. Penn doesn't clearly state whether interviews are virtual or in person, so confirm in your invitation.
What are competency-based prerequisites?
Instead of a fixed checklist of named courses, Penn asks applicants to demonstrate specific competencies — which gives non-traditional applicants more flexibility in how they prepare.
Is Penn Perelman really the oldest medical school in the US?
Yes. Perelman traces to 1765, making it the first medical school founded in what is now the United States.
Does Penn Perelman require the CASPer or AAMC PREview?
Confirm the current cycle's CASPer and PREview expectations directly on Penn's admissions page, since these requirements change year to year.
How much is tuition at Penn Perelman?
Perelman lists MD tuition of about $73,852 — tuition only, before fees, insurance, and living costs.
Sources — Perelman (Penn) official pages
- Entering-class medians, class size & match: med.upenn.edu — entering class profile
- Competency-based prerequisites, letters & interview: med.upenn.edu — admissions
- Mission, history & research culture: med.upenn.edu
- Tuition & cost of attendance (confirm current figure): med.upenn.edu — cost & aid
Preceptorly is not affiliated with this school and does not represent it. Figures are the school's own most recently published class data and are averages, medians, or ranges as labeled — not cutoffs. No acceptance rate or admission odds are shown or implied; this page does not predict admission. Tuition is the published tuition line only, before fees, insurance, and living costs. Always confirm current requirements and figures on the school's official pages.