Stamps Scholars Program

Eligibility and Consideration Criteria

There is no separate scholarship application. All admitted VMD and VMD-PhD students are automatically considered for nomination.

To be considered, students must:

• Be accepted into the VMD or VMD/PhD program
• Have a minimum GPA of at least 3.5; and
• Demonstrate leadership, academic excellence, service, and a commitment to advancing veterinary medicine

Selection Process

1. Students are admitted to Penn Vet’s VMD or VMD-PhD program.
2. All admitted students are automatically considered for the Stamps VMD/VMD-PhD Fellows program.
3. Penn Vet identifies and nominates a select group of outstanding candidates.
4. Selected nominees are invited to participate in the Stamps Scholars Program selection process.
5. Stamps Fellows are selected and notified prior to matriculation.

Students will be nominated based on the following:

1. Demonstrated Leadership and Initiative: Strong nominees will show a track record of impactful, self-driven leadership—not simply holding a title. This may include initiating change, overcoming obstacles to achieve a collective goal, or contributing positively to a group or community.
2. Intellectual Talent and Curiosity: Nominees must demonstrate exceptional academic merit and intellectual curiosity. This will be assessed through GPA, coursework, independent research, and recommendations.
3. Clarity of Goals and Impact on the Discipline: Strong nominees will articulate a sense of purpose, along with how their academic and professional goals are aligned with the mission of the Penn Vet/Stamps Foundation. This will be assessed through the student’s admissions materials, academic record, experiences, recommendations, and interview.
4. Potential for Contribution to the Profession: Nominees must demonstrate openness to collaboration, self-reflection, and a capacity to both lead and support the area of veterinary medicine. They should demonstrate the capacity to be an active, engaged ambassador for not only the program but also for the vocation. This will be assessed primarily through the team-based discussion.
5. Exceptional Character and Integrity: Nominees should demonstrate a strong ethical compass, empathy, and integrity that align with becoming a veterinarian. This will be assessed through the personal essays, letters of recommendation, and the interview process.

Questions?

If you have any questions or would like additional information, feel free to reach out to our team at admissions@vet.upenn.edu.