Pennsylvania State University, also known as Penn State or PSU, is a public land-grant research university, founded in 1855. It is made of sixteen academic colleges and other schools that teach everything from the arts to the sciences.
Pennsylvania State University’s College of Medicine comprises 26 basic science and clinical departments. It provides several clinical programs at its hospital affiliates and ambulatory care sites. However, is Pennsylvania State University a good medical school?
Is Pennsylvania State University a good Medical School?
Yes, Pennsylvania State University is a good medical school. Penn State’s College of Medicine prepares students for successful patient-centered careers as physicians, providing varied learning opportunities. Students work directly with the local community identifying the needs of the area and creating ways to make it a healthier place to live and work.
In this article, we’ll be analyzing the reasons that make Pennsylvania State University a good medical school. I’ll cover the school’s most popular programs, their requirements, and their tuition. We’ll also go over the school’s acceptance rate, match data, and a few student reviews.
Pennsylvania State University Medical School Admission Requirements
Pennsylvania State University’s College of Medicine offers a wide variety of programs. There’s a medical degree, a physician assistant degree, and several PhDs and Master’s degree programs. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- MD Program
- PhD in Biomedical Sciences
- Master of Science in Anatomy
MD Program
The MD program is divided into three phases. One phase one, students take foundational courses and partake in small-group problem-based learning, and direct patient experiences. Phase two is dedicated to clinical core learning. Phase three is where students form their identity as professionals and prepare for residency.
During their first year, all MD students serve as patient navigators. They guide patients throughout the process of getting the care they need.
Students must apply to the MD program through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). They must submit official transcripts of any previously completed superior degrees and a minimum of four recommendation letters.
They must also complete a secondary application in which they must complete the CASPer Situational Judgement Test. Finally, candidates will have to submit to interviews.
PhD in Biomedical Sciences
The PhD in Biomedical Sciences provides a unique focus on human health and disease. It also gives students the leadership skills to thrive in biomedical research or other fields like business, education, or law. Students get to choose one of seven paths to specialize in:
- Biomedical sciences
- Biochemistry
- Genetics and genomics
- Cancer Biology
- Cellular and integrative physiology
- Translational therapeutics
- Virology and immunology
To enroll in this program students must have a Bachelor’s degree in a science-related major, or equivalent. Those with a non-biomedical degree must have at least undergraduate-level knowledge in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and molecular biology or genetics.
Students must provide official transcripts from all universities attended, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a resume or CV. Competitive applicants might need to submit to interviews with faculty.
Master of Science in Anatomy
The Master of Science in Anatomy takes two years to complete and prepares students for further graduate education. The program includes traditional areas of study plus a few courses in cell biology, systems biology, biochemistry and physiology. Students must complete independent research and defend a written thesis.
Admission requirements for this program include a Bachelor’s degree from a US accredited institution, or equivalent, and an adequate study path that will prepare them for this Master’s degree. Students must provide three letters of recommendation.
Official GRE or MCAT test scores are optional and the TOEFL score only needs to be submitted when applicable.
Pennsylvania State University Acceptance Rate
According to the US Department of Education College Scorecard, Pennsylvania State University has an overall acceptance rate of 78%. The acceptance rate for the MD program, for instance, is only approximately 1.7%, meaning that this program is highly selective.
Pennsylvania State University Match Data
The Class of 2022 from Penn State’s College of Medicine matched to some of the most competitive residency programs. They included dermatology, neurosurgery, ophthalmology, orthopedic surgery, and plastic surgery.
43% of students accepted residency programs in Pennsylvania and the rest will spread across the country. 35% of students entered primary care residencies and three students chose to receive training at military medical centers.
Pennsylvania State University Tuition
Pennsylvania State University tuition varies depending on the program. First-year MD students are expected to pay $58,174 in educational expenses and $23,329 in living expenses. The overall cost of attendance for the first year of the MD program is $81,503.
Students enrolled in the Master of Science in Anatomy pay the standard Penn State University graduate student tuition. Resident students pay $26,062 and non-resident students pay $43,260 in tuition, per year.
Does Pennsylvania State University Accept AP Credits?
Yes, Pennsylvania State University’s College of Medicine accepts AP credits. However, they can only accept them if they appear as earned credits on the student’s college transcript during application.
Does Pennsylvania State University Offer Scholarships?
Yes, Pennsylvania State University offers both internal and external scholarships. Some of them even allow students to travel abroad to underdeveloped countries. Here are a few scholarships available at this school:
- James Herring Teeter and Mae McDaniel Teeter International Scholarship. Description. Awards $3,000 to fourth-year medical students with an interest in gaining experience in mission hospitals.
- Albert A. and Virginia A. Alley Award for Global Ophthalmology. $2,000 scholarship awarded to full-time ophthalmology residents, or medical students at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, or Penn State College of Medicine.
- Mark J. Young International Health Policy Scholarship. This scholarship awards $3,000 to students, fellows, and faculty who want to study outside of the US. They must attend international conferences/short courses/workshops focused on international health care or policy and do a presentation about their experience within three months of returning to the US.
Pennsylvania State University Accreditation
Pennsylvania State University is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. The MD program is accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education and all medical residency programs are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
Is Pennsylvania State University Good?
Yes, Pennsylvania State University is good, especially for students who want to get through medical school quickly. The College of Medicine offers a few accelerated options that allow students to complete medical school in three years with direct progression into one of Penn State’s residency programs.
According to the US News & World Report, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine ranks #87 out of 161 among the best medical schools with most graduates practicing in rural areas.
It also ranks #28 in Best Biostatistics Programs, #46 in Best Physician Assistant Programs, and #70 in Best Public Health Schools.
Pros of Studying at Pennsylvania State University
- Innovative curriculums
- Prioritizes humanities education
- Big campus
- Diverse clubs and activities
- Expert and accessible faculty
Cons of Studying at Pennsylvania State University
- Small city
- Not much of a party scene
- Away from the main cities
Students and Graduate Reviews of Pennsylvania State University
Online reviews left online by previous graduate students praise the school’s innovative curriculum, accelerated options, and focus on humanities education in the medical curriculum.
Students consider classmates friendly and willing to help each other, the faculty is accessible, and there are plenty of opportunities for shadowing. Research projects are abundant and easy to get at this school.
The major cons include the university’s location. The College of Medicine is located on the Hershey campus. Hershey is a small city and there’s not much of a party scene or nightlife to enjoy.
