Are you considering applying to medical school in Pennsylvania? If Philly cheesesteaks, Hershey chocolate, world-class sports teams, diverse landscapes, an amazing cost of living, and some of the best allopathic and osteopathic medical schools in the country sound appealing, Pennsylvania medical schools may be the right fit for you.
But what’s it actually like to attend medical school in Pennsylvania, and how do you get accepted?
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about going to medical school in Pennsylvania, including where the medical schools are located, what it’s like to live in Pennsylvania, how to apply, and tips for gaining acceptance to medical schools in Pennsylvania.
Here’s what to expect below.
- How Many Medical Schools Are in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania Medical School Locations
- List of Medical Schools in Pennsylvania
- Drexel University College of Medicine
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- List of Medical Schools in Pennsylvania
- How Much Is Medical School Tuition in Pennsylvania?
- What It’s Like to Go to Medical School in Pennsylvania
- How to Apply to Pennsylvania Medical Schools (MD)
-
- Application Requirements
-
- Application Deadlines
-
- Do Pennsylvania Medical Schools Require Casper or Duet?
-
- Do Pennsylvania Medical Schools Require PREview?
-
- How to Apply to Osteopathic Medical Schools in Pennsylvania
- Tips to Gain Acceptance at Pennsylvania Medical Schools (MD and DO)
-
- Your Secondaries Need to Stand Out
-
- Craft a Cohesive Narrative
-
- Understand the Notable Differences Between Pennsylvania Schools
-
- Bottom Line: Is Going to Medical School in Pennsylvania Right for You?
How Many Medical Schools Are in Pennsylvania?
There are 7 allopathic medical schools in Pennsylvania and 3 osteopathic medical schools.
List of Medical Schools in Pennsylvania
Allopathic Medical Schools in Pennsylvania (MD)
- Drexel University College of Medicine
- Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
- Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
- Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
- Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Each medical school in Pennsylvania is in a different area and is designed to serve very different patient demographics. From research powerhouses to comprehensive trauma centers to gracious scholarship opportunities, there’s something for everyone in Pennsylvania.
Drexel University College of Medicine
Drexel University College of Medicine has many intriguing tracks for their medical students to participate in, ranging from Womens’ Health and Equity Scholars Program to five different Medical Research Scholar Programs. With the fifth largest MD cohort in the US, it would be easy for any incoming student to find their niche.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine
Geisinger has a similar mission but focuses on the Scranton area. This is especially true of the Abigail Scholars program, which requires graduates to practice primary care in Scranton; however, it covers tuition while in med school. Perhaps because of this focus, Geisinger prioritizes in-state applicants more than other schools in PA.
Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
The Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University focuses on urban city care, such as addiction disorders. The school also has an excellent podcast called Narratives of North Broad Podcast, which explores the type of physicians they tend to hire. Additionally, Lewis Katz School of Medicine recently developed their St. Luke’s campus in Bethlehem, PA for 40 students each year to focus on community outreach.
Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Penn State is one of the largest health systems in central Pennsylvania. It offers the best care outside of the two big cities in Pennsylvania—Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Due to the large number of farm accidents in central PA, Penn State has a comprehensive trauma center, which means they have similarly sized trauma teams as the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
Penn State only offers accelerated programs in primary care (family medicine, internal medicine, and psychiatry) and also offers notable research opportunities. The average student graduates with 2-3 papers; plus, conference trips are heavily funded by the school.
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania
The Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania has 30 full-tuition scholarships and extremely deep pockets. If you’re considering this school and have strong qualifications, UPenn likes to compete with big names like Johns Hopkins University and Harvard, so if you earn an acceptance to these big-name programs, you can leverage this for exceptional aid.
UPenn is also an international research powerhouse, as evidenced by a team of UPenn researchers winning the Nobel prize for the development of mRNA vaccines, which were famously used to end the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are the type of person who can’t live without research and wants to advance medical knowledge, UPenn is the ideal place for you.
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University is an international leader in ophthalmology. If you are a budding ophthalmologist, their endless opportunities for research specific to the eye and the chance to participate in complex cases would give you an edge when it comes to applying for ophthalmology residency. At roughly 270 students, SKMC has the fourth largest MD class of any US medical school.
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine’s BS/MD program is among the most competitive in the country for high schoolers—but they have to apply while still enrolled in high school. Outside of this, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has a strong tradition in advancing medicine forward; namely, Jonas E. Salk discovered a vaccine against Polio and pioneered transplant surgeries.
List of Osteopathic Medical Schools in Pennsylvania
Osteopathic Medical Schools in Pennsylvania (MD)
- Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DUQCOM)
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)
- Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM)
Located in Philadelphia, PCOM is considered by many to be one of the best DO schools in the country. Founded on January 24, 1899, it’s one of the original five osteopathic schools ever created. Fun fact: Meta L. Christy, DO, became the nation’s first African American osteopathic physician after graduating in 1921.
Located in Erie, LECOM is one of the largest medical schools in Pennsylvania, and it puts a heavy focus on professionalism. Although it is located quite far from the major city centers of Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, it’s also the state’s only shoreline (Lake Erie). If small town charm, community parks, and tree-lined neighborhoods are the kind of vibe you’re looking for, look no further than LECOM.
Located in Pittsburgh, DUQCOM is known for its pharmacy and nursing expertise, as well as its strong focus on integrative and community health. They offer state-of-the-art medical technology, including a massive simulation hospital that holds an intensive care unit, an operating room, a labor and delivery suite, and much more.
Pennsylvania Medical School Locations
Most Pennsylvania medical schools are clustered in and around Philadelphia. The outliers are Geisinger in Scranton, the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine in Pittsburgh, Penn State near Harrisburg, and LECOM located in Lake Erie.
How Much Is Medical School Tuition in Pennsylvania?
So, how much does medical school cost in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania Tuition Costs (2023 Data From MSAR for MD Schools)
| Pennsylvania Medical School | Yearly Tuition In-State | Yearly Tuition Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Drexel University College of Medicine | $64,565 | $64,565 |
| Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine | $61,512 | $68,068 |
| Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University | $55,517 | $58,795 |
| Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine | $55,624 | $55,624 |
| Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania | $69,263 | $69,263 |
| Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University | $62,514 | $62,514 |
| University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine | $62,416 | $64,789 |
View the most recent AAMC tuition data.
- Additional fees not included.
- ** For DO school tuition and fees, consult individual school websites.*
You also need to factor in the cost of medical school applications, which can add up across primary fees, secondary fees, exam fees, study resources, and interview travel costs. Learn more: How Much Do Med School Applications Cost? The Full Price Analyzed.
Plus, there are many other factors to consider, including housing, transportation, food, exercise, and events. Fortunately, the cost of living in Pennsylvania is lower than the majority of other states. Apartments and townhouses are very affordable.
For example, our Insider Contributor for this Pennsylvania guide pays $2000 a month with utilities for a 1700 sq foot townhouse, and this is not unique to them. This is reflected across other costs, including transportation, groceries, and entertainment. Medical students are also eligible for healthcare from Medicaid, which helps save even more money.
The tuition increases in Pennsylvania are well below interest rates, so you could make the argument that the MD schools in the state are some of the only ones getting cheaper relative to cost of living and interest.
What It’s Like to Go to School in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is a unique state that’s rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.
For one thing, the state has a diverse landscape, ranging from bustling cities like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to rural areas, farmland, and picturesque countryside. It also boasts varied cultures and ethnicities, contributing to a rich tapestry of traditions and heritage.
A key aspect of Pennsylvania’s diversity is Amish country. The Amish are a very old school, no-nonsense type of people who are, unfortunately, notorious for avoiding care until it’s too late. Part of this is why Penn State has exceptional cancer and surgery departments, as the health system sees a number of people who have neglected care for a long time.
Pennsylvania is also blessed with stunning natural landscapes. The Pocono Mountains, the Delaware Water Gap, and parts of the Appalachian Trail offer outdoor enthusiasts opportunities for hiking, camping, and other outdoor activities. It’s also home to beautiful state parks and the scenic Allegheny National Forest. There are a ton of places to go tubing, white water rafting, and hiking.
Plus, if you like to root for the home team, Pennsylvania is a huge sports state. The state has a number of national sports teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Philadelphia Flyers for NHL hockey, the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Philadelphia Eagles for NFL football, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies for MLB baseball, and the Philadelphia 76ers for NBA basketball.
There’s also a great deal of enthusiasm for even local sports teams. For example, the Hershey Bears will sell out 10K tickets for an ordinary game, which is better than some national-level teams in other states. Plus, the state has a history of winning Super Bowls, NBA championships, and more.
Pennsylvania has a strong culinary scene, including iconic dishes like Philly cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and Hershey’s chocolate, which has its origins in the state.
Whether you like living very rural, living in one of the largest cities in the US, want to disconnect from the world and go camping, or want to go to one of the best amusement parks in the country, Pennsylvania is one of a few states with an ideal setting for anyone.
How to Apply to Pennsylvania Medical Schools (MD)
To apply to any of the seven Pennsylvania MD medical schools, you will use the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), the AAMC’s centralized medical school application processing service. It’s the primary application method for first year entering classes for the vast majority of US medical schools.
AMCAS allows applicants to submit one primary application that goes out to all of the schools you choose to apply to. The exception is osteopathic schools, which use AACOMAS—more on that application service below.
1 | Application Requirements
Your primary application is made up of a number of different components, and each is vital to your acceptance.
A primary is composed of your college transcripts, your GPA and MCAT score, a narrative-driven personal statement, strong letters of recommendation, and a diverse and detailed Work and Activities section. Crafting these components to be as persuasive as possible demands a major investment of time, an investment that starts long before you actually apply to medical school.
- Earning a high GPA means developing strong study strategies and working hard throughout all four years of college.
- Receiving a high score on the MCAT requires approximately 3 months of full-time studying.
- Crafting a compelling, narrative-driven personal statement will also take months. Budget a great deal of time, more than you think you need, for brainstorming, writing, editing, and proofreading.
- Getting four to five strong letters of recommendation means you must cultivate as many or more strong relationships over the course of undergrad or earlier.
- The Work and Activities section provides space to write about 15 different experiences, activities, awards, or hobbies you want adcoms to know about. Admissions committees are specifically looking for long-term commitment to these activities. Once you find something you truly enjoy, commit to it. Do overcommit and underperform.
After your primary application is submitted, and depending on the strength of your application, it’s likely you will receive a few to several secondary applications two to four weeks later. Unlike the primary application, your secondaries must be submitted directly to each of the individual schools you received them from.
Interview invitations can arrive at any point between the end of August and the spring of the following year.
Learn more about the complete application process: How to Get Into Medical School: AMCAS Application Process.
2 | Application Deadlines
During the first week of May, the AMCAS application opens for the following academic year’s medical school class. So if you plan to start medical school in the fall of 2025, you must begin the application process in the spring of 2024. Submissions do not open until the end of May or early June, so you have about a month to prepare your application.
However, the technical deadlines AMCAS provides are just that—technical. In reality, every week or month, you delay your application after applications open hinders your chance of acceptance. It is vital that you submit your application long before the technical deadlines to maximize your chances of admission.
Applying as soon as submissions open is key to your success due to the fact medical schools utilize rolling admissions. This means applications are assessed as soon as they are received. Consequently, the first people to submit their application secure the first secondaries and interview spots. Interview spots fill up fast since schools only have so many spots to offer. The longer you delay your application, the worse your chances of acceptance. This is also true of your secondary applications as well.
And the work doesn’t stop there. Once your secondaries are submitted, you’ll start to receive interview invitations. For the vast majority of medical schools throughout Pennsylvania and the country, interviews begin in September and can run through March of the following year.
At the risk of repeating ourselves, the sooner you complete your interviews, the better. Medical schools begin sending out acceptances as they interview candidates, so procrastinating on any aspect of your application may result in someone equally as qualified receiving an acceptance in your place.
Keep on top of each of your medical school application deadlines with our comprehensive Medical School Application Timeline and Monthly Schedule. (Updated every application cycle.)
3 | Do Medical Schools Require Casper or Duet?
In addition to all of your other application components, some programs also require applicants to complete Acuity Insights. Acuity Insights has two components, the Casper test and Duet.
Casper is a computer-based situational judgment test that measures who you are beyond your hard skills and grades. It is designed to evaluate your interpersonal skills, professionalism, ethics and ethical decision making, empathy, and bedside manner. Duet is a value-alignment assessment that compares what an applicant values most in a program to what the programs have to offer.
Drexel and Lewis Katz (Temple) are the only schools, including osteopathic schools, that require Acuity Insights. However, while Drexel requires applicants to take the Casper test, Drexel does not require Duet. Lewis Katz (Temple) also requires applicants to take Casper but not Duet.
Learn What Medical Schools Require Casper and how you can best prepare with our Casper Test Guide: Everything You Need to Know.
4 | Do Pennsylvania Medical Schools Require PREview?
In response to the rising popularity of Casper, the AAMC developed its own situational judgment test called the PREview Professional Readiness Exam, and both the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine recommend its applicants take it.
PREview is a standardized situational judgment test designed to evaluate a premed’s empathy, temperament, ethical decision making, and awareness of effective and ineffective professional behaviors. It’s composed of a series of hypothetical scenarios that students may be faced with in medical school. Students are asked to assess the effectiveness of behavioral responses to each of these scenarios in a multiple choice format.
Find out what other schools require AAMC’s new PREview exam.
Since Geisinger and Pittsburgh only recommend applicants take the test, you can technically choose not to take it. That said, if the medical school you’re interested in attending recommends you do something, it’s generally a good idea to actually do it.
Because the PREview exam is quite new on the scene, we can’t say for certain if you will face consequences for not participating when a school recommends you take the test. However, it’s vital to look at every piece of your application as another chance to impress an admissions committee. Competition at Pennsylvania medical schools is fierce, and if you’re up against an equally qualified candidate who took the test when you didn’t, they’re likely at an advantage over you.
Keep in mind that adcoms want the medical students they accept to demonstrate initiative, enthusiasm, and accountability. If you ignore their recommendation, it shows apathy—and that’s definitely not something you want to communicate to a school you’re hoping to be accepted by.
Our comprehensive AAMC PREview Prep Guide contains everything you need to know about this new exam, including test logistics, how it’s scored, how to prepare, and tips to succeed.
How to Apply to Osteopathic Medical Schools in Pennsylvania
Applying to osteopathic (DO) medical schools in Pennsylvania is essentially the same process as applying to MD schools. Your primary application requires your transcripts, MCAT score, personal statement, letters of recommendation (evaluation), and an experiences and achievements section.
However, instead of applying through AMCAS, you’ll apply through the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service, or AACOMAS for short.
The other main difference is that to apply to osteopathic schools, you’ll need to have experience with this type of medicine. Your personal statement asks why you want to pursue osteopathic medicine specifically, and it’s in your best interest to include at least one letter of recommendation from a DO.
Learn more about the DO application process with our AACOMAS Application Guide for DO Schools.
Tips for Acceptance at Pennsylvania Medical Schools (MD and DO)
1 | Your Secondaries Need to Stand Out
The first thing to understand is that every medical school in Pennsylvania receives a massive number of applications. Penn State, Drexel, Sidney Kimmel, and Temple are some of the lowest-yield schools in the US because hopeful premeds from the neighboring large states, such as Ohio, Michigan, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, etc., apply to the schools in the state.
This means med schools in Pennsylvania have their pick of the litter, so to speak, so it is essential that your secondary stands out.
To do that, you must deeply research each school. This means going beyond the website. Reach out to current or former students for advice, and check message boards. Admissions committees are looking for details, as it demonstrates your interest and commitment to them.
Why are you a great fit? Why are they a great fit for you? What can you offer the school? How do your goals align with the school’s goals? How do your past experiences exemplify the school’s values? Why do their extracurricular offerings speak to you specifically? Are there physicians you’re excited to learn from and work with in the program?
Adcoms want to see that you know their program inside and out and have a genuine interest in attending. Demonstrate you’re not applying to their program on a whim or simply because they’re nearby your home state. Why are they the only school for you, and why are you the perfect candidate for them?
Start crafting answers to common secondary questions for your top choice Pennsylvania schools as soon as possible, as it is vital that you submit your secondaries within 7-14 days of receiving them. All medical schools, including those found in Pennsylvania, evaluate applications on a rolling (continuous) basis, so your chance of acceptance declines the longer you procrastinate.
To get a head start, research the previous years’ questions by utilizing our Medical School Secondary Essay Prompts Database, and be sure to read our comprehensive Medical School Secondary Application Guide.
2 | Craft a Cohesive Application Narrative
The narrative across your entire application will also help you stand out. Do not think of each piece of your application in isolation. Every component, from your personal statement to your extracurriculars, must complement the other to show a fulsome picture of why you want to dedicate your life to medicine. A story is always more compelling and easier to remember than dry facts.
Naturally, that’s not to say your MCAT score or GPA doesn’t matter—your academic qualifications are essential. However, admissions committees already have your CV, so don’t repeat your grades anywhere else. Focus on the people and moments in your life that made you who you are today and helped you realize that being a doctor is the only career path for you.
What makes you unique? What sets you apart from other candidates? Keep in mind that your diversity isn’t limited to the color of your skin or your religious background. What’s your family’s economic status or education level? Have you experienced a personal health scare? Did you grow up with a family member with a disability? Were you raised by a single parent? How have your unique circumstances shaped you?
A cohesive narrative will persuade adcoms to look beyond your GPA and MCAT score to consider who you are underneath.
What’s the story you want to tell? Once you determine this, develop a common thread to weave throughout your entire application. Remember that each piece of your application must be composed of fresh insights and original anecdotes.
Crafting a persuasive, unique, and cohesive narrative takes an awesome amount of time, so do not delay. Take a good, long look at your past. What heartbreaking obstacles or astounding triumphs have led you to this moment? How has adversity sharpened your resolve and expanded your wisdom?
Above all, remember that admissions committees want to know the real you, so be authentic.
Learn more: How to Develop a Cohesive Narrative for Medical School Applications.
3 | Understand the Notable Differences Between Pennsylvania Schools
Not all Pennsylvania medical schools are built alike, so if you have your heart set on going to medical school in Pennsylvania, it’s crucial to understand their differences.
As mentioned above, Penn State sees a great deal of trauma victims due to the huge numbers of farm accidents in central Pennsylvania. Also, Penn State only offers accelerated programs in primary care. If research and securing publications is your top priority, Penn State is definitely the medical school you should consider most.
If you’re interested in Geisinger, remember that the Abigail Scholars program requires its graduates to practice primary care in Scranton when they graduate. If that’s not where you want to practice, that’s not something you should apply for.
Lewis Katz focuses on urban city care due to the large numbers of addiction disorders in the major cities, so if you prefer urban settings, this may not be the program for you. UPenn and UPitt are international research powerhouses, helping to produce some of the most important advancements in medicine.
Research each medical school in Pennsylvania carefully before you apply. It’s the best way for you to stand out among the tens of thousands of applicants to each of these schools.
Bottom Line: Is Going to Medical School in Pennsylvania Right for You?
Each medical school in Pennsylvania, including arguably the best osteopathic school in the country, is well-respected and offers plenty of unique resources and clinical exposure, from massive trauma centers to primary care to phenomenal research opportunities, there is truly something for everyone.
But beyond the outstanding medical programs, it matters whether or not you enjoy the environment and community you’ll call home.
Pros of Medical School in Pennsylvania
- You’ll find a number of stunning and diverse landscapes.
- The state is packed with national history.
- There are plenty of national sports teams, ranging from hockey to baseball to basketball to football.
- The state has a strong culinary scene—including Philly Cheesesteaks.
- You have the ability to immerse yourself in small towns or bustling cities, depending on your preferences.
- Pennsylvania has a reduced cost of living compared to other states.
Cons of Medical School in Pennsylvania
- There’s notable competitiveness due to application numbers from neighboring states.
- The med schools in Pennsylvania tend to be older. This means that while they are established, the facilities themselves might be outdated, and the curriculum could be more rigid.
- Although it’s not the coldest state by any means, the climate is still cold. Expect months of below 0*C and a foot of snow every year.
- The best options for direct flights throughout the country tend to be quite far from Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
- In general, there is an OUT of state bias for applicants across all schools, which some argue puts in-state students at a disadvantage.
What’s most important is doing as much research as possible for each of the Pennsylvania medical schools you want to apply to. Do you closely identify with the school’s values, goals, and teaching styles? And not only that, do you genuinely like the city where the school is located? Could you see yourself living there happily for four or more years?
Remember to choose the programs that feel best to you—but if you love Philly cheesesteaks, Hershey chocolate, and all things sports, Pennsylvania could be the state for you!
Learn more: How to Decide Which Medical Schools to Apply to (12 Important Factors).
What Adcoms Are Looking for
No matter the state where you apply, adcoms are looking for diverse, well-rounded students who will enhance the student population at their school. Simply checking off boxes is not enough. Be equally exceptional and memorable.
Med School Insiders can help you craft a stand out application that will get you noticed by Pennsylvania medical schools, as well as any schools at the top of your list. We have a range of services to suit your specific needs, from one-on-one guidance to application editing to mock interviews.
Our services are tailored to meet the needs of each student because we understand that every applicant is unique. Learn more about our comprehensive medical school application packages.
Sign up for our newsletter and follow our blog for the latest medical school application news, guides, and study strategies.
Thank you to Dhaval Gandhi, Penn State College of Medicine MD Candidate, for being our Insider contributor for this guide.
