Penn Access Summer Scholars

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.
  • Applicants from a racial/ethnic group underrepresented in medicine, from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, and/or those who are the first in their family to pursue higher education or medicine are especially encouraged to apply.

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.
student at Penn Med

Korlekuor Akiti '19 at Penn

PASS in the News

PASS Brochure (pdf, updated 2023)

Application Materials

2024-25 PASS Application & Instructions

Guidelines and application (google doc)

Application (google form)

Submit the application, in either google doc or google form version, by Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 11:59 pm ET.

 

2024-25 PASS Letter of Recommendation Form

Give this form to your letter writer(s).

  • Letter of recommendation deadline: Monday, January 27, 2025

PASS Timeline 2024-25

January  2025Application, 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 2025First PASS summer research experience
2025-26PASS Scholars meet with Princeton HPA advisers to discuss summer experiences and academic progress.
Summer 2026Second PASS research summer experience
January 2027PASS Scholars participate in HPA Preapplication & Committee Letter process
Fall 2027Linkage students matriculate at Penn