Penn Access Summer Scholars (PASS) at Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania is a highly selective program for sophomores at Princeton, Haverford College, the University of Pennsylvania, Howard University, Morehouse College, Oakwood University, Spelman College, and Xavier University.
HPA advisers nominate finalists to Perelman, and Perelman faculty make the final selection of PASS Scholars. Participants stay in close contact with HPA advisers, who support them in the linkage process to Penn Med in their senior year.
Eligibility Requirements
- Sophomore (rising junior) at Princeton
- Minimum 3.5 science and cumulative GPA
Application Procedure
All applicants must submit:
- Resume including significant high school and college activities
- PASS Application
- Unofficial transcripts
- Short essay responses
- One letter of recommendation from a Princeton professor, preceptor or adviser who can speak to the applicant's academic abilities and readiness for a career in medicine. Up to one additional letter may be submitted.

Korlekuor Akiti '19 at Penn
Application Materials
2024-25 PASS Application & Instructions
Application deadlines have passed for this year. More information about future application cycles will be shared as available.
2024-25 PASS Letter of Recommendation Form
The application deadlines have passed for this year.
PASS Timeline 2024-25
January 2025 | Application, transcripts, resume, and essays due to HPA |
HPA interviews selected applicants | |
Letter(s) of recommendation due to HPA | |
February 2025 | HPA forwards applications to U Penn Penn interviews finalists |
Summer 2025 | First PASS summer research experience |
2025-26 | PASS Scholars meet with Princeton HPA advisers to discuss summer experiences and academic progress. |
Summer 2026 | Second PASS research summer experience |
January 2027 | PASS Scholars participate in HPA Preapplication & Committee Letter process |
Fall 2027 | Linkage students matriculate at Penn |