Admissions and Eligibility

The Post-Baccalaureate Studies program (Post-Bacc Studies) is designed for individuals from a variety of backgrounds and requires no specific prerequisite courses. However, applicants must meet all of the eligibility requirements.

Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited US institution. Successful applicants to the program should possess at least a 3.0 grade point average in previous academic work.

International students should make sure that their degree is the equivalent of a four-year degree in the US. Students requiring an F-1 visa must study full-time and can be sponsored for a maximum of two years. If you have any additional questions on visa requirements, please contact International Student and Scholar Services at Penn.

The Post-Baccalaureate Studies Admissions Committee considers each program candidate’s application materials holistically, as part of a selective admissions process. In addition to reviewing your academic record and resume, they will evaluate all of your written application materials as a reflection of your academic writing ability.

Application and deadlines

The first step toward entering the Post-Baccalaureate Studies program at Penn is completing the online application.

You may apply to begin Post-Baccalaureate Studies during the fall, spring or summer terms. Your application portfolio, including all transcripts, must be received by the following deadlines:

Term of Entry Deadline
Summer 2024 May 1, 2024
Fall 2024 August 1, 2024
Spring 2025 December 1, 2024

If you are a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Bryn Mawr College, Haverford College, or Swarthmore College please apply to the "Penn Alumni Program" within the application.

Start your application now

Personal advising

The LPS team and Post-Bacc staff are here to advise, guide, and coach you through the Penn experience.

Want to know more?

Join us on Thursday, March 21, 2024, for a virtual information session to hear more about the program, curriculum, and application process.

Student stories

"One of the Post-Baccalaureate program's greatest assets is the sheer number of courses offered in the evening."
- Shenika McAlister