Frequently Asked Questions - Life Sciences and Management at University of Penn

Students participate in directed research and program-specific coursework, including a core freshman seminar, summer internships in science and business after the sophomore and junior years, and a senior capstone experience specially designed for program participants.
The LSM program is currently the only undergraduate program among Penn’s peers that brings together the study of bioscience and business.
Students have access to specialist academic advisors dedicated to the mentorship of program participants and graduates.
In the creation of this program, Penn is responding to industry alumni and other leaders in the life sciences who have highlighted the need for such an innovative program.

Yes. Formerly, LSM had been a single degree program. Now, however, LSM students earn two degrees: a Bachelor of Arts degree in a science discipline and a Bachelor of Science in Economics. The two degrees are earned simultaneously, through course work taken in the College of Arts & Sciences and the Wharton School.

Exceptionally talented and motivated applicants with a desire to combine extensive coursework in both management and the life sciences.
Students with an interest in preparing for intellectually and managerially challenging careers in business, medicine, scientific research, as well as non-profit, academic, and government activities in the rapidly growing life sciences sector.

High achievement in both academic and co-curricular activities.
Clear interest in both the life sciences and business.
Demonstrated leadership qualities.
Two required SAT II tests, of which at least one (1) must be in a science of your choosing.
An expectation that you will enter Penn with advanced standing in three (3) science subjects in addition to Calculus BC (Should students not meet these standards, but choose to enroll in the program, it is probable that they will need one to two additional semesters in order to complete the degree requirements.)

Select the program on Penn's Admissions Application Form 1-A.
Complete additional essay on Form 1-C.
Include the results of one (1) science SAT II exam among the exam scores that you submit in accordance with the standard admission requirements of the University.

The committee, consisting of admissions officers and program faculty, will be looking for a good fit between the applicant and the program.
Applicants must not only satisfy the admission requirements of the University, but also demonstrate a tangible interest and aptitude in the sciences and business. The supplemental essay offers you an opportunity to demonstrate this.

Yes. When you apply to the LSM program, you are given the opportunity to identify an alternative single-school degree choice (the College or Wharton). If the committee does not admit you to LSM, you will be considered automatically for the single-school program you identified on your application.