VMD/PhD Application

Thank you for your interest in the VMD-PhD Program. Please read the following instructions carefully.


**If you are not currently a VMD student at PennVet you will need to submit a separate application to the School of Veterinary Medicine.**


Link to School of Veterinary Medicine Application (VMCAS)

Link to VMD/PhD Recommendation Form


**The application deadline for the School of Veterinary Medicine is September 16.**

**The application deadline for the VMD/PhD Program is November 1.**


Application Checklist:

  1. If not already a VMD student, submit a separate application to the School of Veterinary Medicine
  2. Fill out the VMD/PhD Application and upload the requested documents
  3. Recommendation Form and Letters of Recommendation
  • Please send a link to the VMD/PhD Recommendation Form to the three referrals you've listed below.
  • Separate letters must be submitted to both the Vet School and the VMD/PhD Program, but they can be written by the same recommenders.


Documents to Upload

Please have the below documents (as PDFs) ready to upload before you begin filling out this form.

  • Research Experience
  • Personal Statement
  • Research Publications

Use the following format when saving the file:

    Last Name, First Name - Type

    (eg: Atif, Ameena - Research Experience.pdf)


Research Experience

Please provide information on each of your significant research experiences. For each experience, please list in the following format:

  • Dates
  • Hours per week
  • Institution
  • Mentor
  • Topic
  • Description of Experience (Briefly state goals, experimental approach, results, and conclusions)


Personal Statement

Describe your areas of interest in the veterinary sciences, how they developed, and how they relate to your previous research experiences. Also include in your statement your long-term career objectives in the veterinary field and how you plan to achieve them. Describe the role you envision for basic research in your career. Explain how the Veterinary Medical Scientist Training Program will contribute to achieving your goals.


Research Publications

List any Research Publications


You do not need to send transcripts with your application to the VMD-PhD Program. The Program will obtain these documents from the Vet School Admissions Office.


**The application deadline for the School of Veterinary Medicine is September 16.**

**The application deadline for the VMD/PhD Program is November 1.**


The University of Pennsylvania admits students of any race, color, sex, sexual or affectional preference, age, religion, national or ethnic origin, or physical handicap, to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual or affectional preference, age, religion or ethnic origin, or physical handicap. The University's policy applies to faculty and other employees, applicants for faculty position and other employment, students, and applicants to education programs and activities.


If you have any questions regarding this application, please contact: vmstp@vet.upenn.edu