University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine Secondary Application Essay Tips and Timeline [2025–2026], Class Profile
The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is a globally renowned academic medical center, recognized for excellence in research, clinical care, and medical education. With a strong focus on innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration, Perelman leads in advancing fields such as immunotherapy, precision medicine, and epigenetics. Its integrated approach links research, patient care, and education, creating a dynamic environment where discovery fuels real-world impact.
Perelman trains its students to provide high-quality, patient-centered care and to lead and advance the field of medicine. The school seeks applicants who are driven, collaborative, and committed to improving health through compassionate care and scientific inquiry. Ideal candidates are critical thinkers who will thrive in a rigorous academic setting and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of patient care and medical knowledge.
Perelman Secondary Essay Tips
Essay #1
Were there challenges related to your academic, professional, and/or personal circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic that you would like to share with the committee? (Y/N) (if yes, 500 characters)
Consider how you were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. You may choose to describe additional challenges you faced while applying to medical school, personal circumstances, or how the pandemic shaped your view of medicine. Did you have difficulty completing pre-medical courses or clinical experiences? Did you take on additional responsibilities in your family or personal life? How did you persevere during this challenging time? Did you learn something about healthcare or disparities in your community?
Essay #2
During the COVID-19 pandemic, if you were offered an option to continue courses with a standard grading system or switch to Pass/Fail, and you elected Pass/Fail, please describe the reason(s) for your decision here. (500 characters)
Answer this prompt only if you elected to switch to Pass/Fail grading during the pandemic. Describe the reasons you chose to do so. Consider any personal or environmental circumstances that made it challenging for you to concentrate on school. Was your household a difficult place to study? Were you taking on additional responsibilities in your family?
Essay #3
Have you taken or are you planning to take time off between college graduation and medical school matriculation? (Y/N) If yes, please describe your activities during this time in 500 characters or less.
Answer this prompt only if you are not attending full-time college for the upcoming academic year. Describe your plan for this upcoming year. If you graduated, this includes but is not limited to employment, research, community service, shadowing, and any other activities or hobbies. Are you working on research publications or presentations? Are you planning to attend a conference? What will you do in your free time? Your response should provide the admissions committee with a picture of how you will be spending your time leading up to medical school matriculation.
Essay #4
Have you participated in any global activities outside of the U.S. prior to submitting your AMCAS application? (Y/N) (1,000 characters if yes)
Answer this prompt only if you have participated in activities outside of the United States before submitting your application. Did you study abroad? Have you spent time living, working, or volunteering in another country? Briefly describe your experience. You may wish to discuss how these global activities influenced your path to medicine.
Essay #5
How would your life experiences contribute to Perelman? Please explain and limit your response to 1,000 characters.
This prompt mentions “life experiences” and allows you to draw upon any interesting or unique aspects of your background, upbringing, culture, or perspective that you want to highlight. Look again at the prompt and focus on the word “contribute.” Think about what you will be able to offer your fellow students, faculty, preceptors, and research mentors. Did you have a particular experience that has helped develop your sense of empathy, compassion, or sympathy? Or do you have a story that demonstrates your intellectual curiosity and problem-solving skills?
Essay #6
We are all navigating through challenging times at home and abroad, and physicians and physician-scientists must contend with many instances of uncertainty. Please describe a time when you faced a situation that was ambiguous, confusing, or uncertain, and how you navigated making a decision without complete information. (3,000 characters)
Consider a situation where you had to make a decision without having comprehensive information. Briefly describe the circumstances and what information you were missing. What emotions or doubts did you experience? What strategies did you use to navigate the decision in uncertain times? Describe this process and the result of your decision. Reflect on your approach and what you learned. You may write about how this experience will inform your ability to contend with uncertainty as a future physician or physician-scientist.
Essay #7
Have you or your family experienced economic hardships, regardless of current income status? (Y/N) (1,000 characters if yes)
Answer this question only if you have experienced economic hardships. If so, briefly describe the circumstances. What challenges did you face? How did these hardships influence your path to medical school? If you overcame these challenges or learned any important lessons, you may choose to include your experiences.
Essay #8
Please share your reasons for applying to the Perelman School of Medicine. (note 1,000-character limit)
This prompt gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your interest specifically in the Perelman School of Medicine and reflect on what factors are most important to you when choosing a medical school. Is it about the curriculum, patient population, community, extracurricular activities, support services, or research opportunities? Conduct research on programs, extracurriculars, or aspects of Perelman’s mission that resonate with you. You should also connect this to your own experiences, goals, and interests to show why you are a good fit for the school.
On its website, Perelman emphasizes excellent research and patient care as well as a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. Are you drawn to this mission or campus culture? What opportunities does the school offer you to explore your specific interests? Are there community service or extracurricular activities you hope to be involved with? Do you have a meaningful connection to Philadelphia? Be specific and personal while demonstrating your enthusiasm for Perelman!
Perelman 2025-2026 Application Timeline
| Time Frame | Activities |
| May | AMCAS application is available |
| July-November | Verified AMCAS applications are received at Perelman |
| August 1 | Deadline for Early Decision Program applicants to complete AMCAS application |
| August 15 | Deadline for receipt of all Early Decision Program materials |
| October 1 | Early Decision Program admission decision notification |
| October 15 (11:59 p.m. ET) | Deadline for submitting the AMCAS application |
| July-November | Supplemental applications and letters of recommendation are received at Perelman |
| November 15 (11:59 p.m. ET) | Deadline for all required materials:Supplemental applicationSupplemental fee payment ($100)MCAT scoreLetters of recommendation |
| August-January | Applications are reviewed by the Committee on Admissions for interview decision |
| September-January | Interview invitations are released |
| February-July | Interviewed candidates submit Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) |
| March | Admission decisions are released |
| March-April | Accepted applicants submit financial aid documents:CSS profileTax information |
| April | Penn Preview for ALL accepts |
| April 30 (11:59 p.m. ET) | Accepted student deadlines:Select plan to enroll on AMCAS Choose Your Medical School toolPay $100 advanced depositCertify and submit the acceptance statement |
| July 1 (11:59 p.m. ET) | Deadline for Commit to Enroll for the entering class |
| August | Orientation begins for entering class |
Source: Perelman School of Medicine website
***Disclaimer: Information is subject to change. Please check with Perelman directly to verify its essay questions, instructions, and deadlines.***
Perelman Class Profile
Here is a look at the Perelman 2024-2025 entering class (data taken from the Perelman School of Medicine website):
Total MD enrollment (AY 2024-2025): 801
Total MD/PhD enrollment (AY 2024-2025): 241
Incoming students: 154
Entering Class Programs
| MD | MD/PhD | |
| Man | 54 | 16 |
| Woman | 68 | 15 |
| AnotherGenderIdentity | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 123 | 31 |
Academics
| Median | Mean | |
| SCI | 3.96 | 3.95 |
| AO | 3.97 | 3.93 |
| GPA | 3.97 | 3.94 |
| MCAT | 522 | 521.8 |
| CARS | 130 | 129.4 |
| CPBS | 131 | 130.8 |
| PSBB | 131 | 130.9 |
| BBFL | 131 | 130.7 |
Average age: 23
Age range: 21 – 35
LGBTQ+: 16%
First-generation college graduate: 10%
Low income/economic hardship: 29%
Non-science majors: 21%
Non-traditional: 70%
Legal residence states represented: 21
Undergraduate schools represented: 68
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