Admission

There are several ways to become part of the Vagelos Program in the Molecular Life Sciences.

• Information in applications to Penn and the College of Arts & Sciences is carefully considered. All students who state in their applications to Penn that they intend to major in Biochemistry, Biophysics, Chemistry or Physics will automatically be reviewed if admitted. Outstanding admitted students will receive an invitation to join the Program at the time of their admission to Penn.
• Any student who receives a notice of admission to the College of Arts & Sciences in December or in April may request review of their eligibility. Students who apply Early Decision will be reviewed at the same time as regular decision students.
• Any student who enrolls as a first-year student in May may request review of their eligibility any time up to the start of the fall semester.

The Vagelos MLS Program is intended for outstanding students with strong verbal and mathematical skills. Prior to starting with the program, all students should have taken at least the equivalents of one year (two semesters) each of Chemistry, Physics, and Calculus. Ideally, students should have taken all the Advanced Placement courses in science and mathematics offered by their high schools.

There is no separate formal application to this rigorous program. Each year approximately 50 students from the first-year class opt to start with the Vagelos MLS Program upon arriving at Penn. Of these, many discover that one of the many other academic opportunities available at Penn is a better fit.  In recent years, roughly 20-25 from each class continue with the program and receive summer stipends after their respective second and third years.

The program is not open to transfer students nor to students after the start of the first semester.  Nonetheless, the program directors are happy to consult with students to craft a similar undergraduate experience centered in the natural sciences and scientific research.