Aerial overview of Chandler Hospital complex

Admitted EAP Students

Criteria to Apply to Medical School with an Early Assurance Program Type

Students accepted to the Early Assurance Program in the Spring and applying to the UK College of Medicine with the Early Assurance Program Type must meet the following criteria:

  • Successful completion of the Early Assurance Program
  • Completion of all prerequisites for the UK College of Medicine
  • Cumulative total GPA of 3.50 or higher
  • Science (BCPM) GPA of 3.50 or higher
  • Successful completion of the MCAT with a total score of at least 504 with all subscores of at least 124

Please note: Any student not meeting program requirements may still apply to UK College of Medicine but must do so by applying “Early Decision” or “Regular MD” designation depending upon the applicant’s preference.

Requirements

Accepted students must adhere to the following timetable for provisional acceptance to the UK College of Medicine:

  • Shadowing: Students must complete shadowing in a medical setting for an average of 5-10 hours each month between May 2026 and April 15, 2027. A minimum number of shadowing hours during the EAP year is 60. Out of these total 60 hours of clinical exposure, a majority should be spent as direct shadowing of a physician. Students are encouraged to shadow more than 60 hours in a year and in more than one clinical setting. 
  • Mentorship: Students must meet with their assigned regional campus mentor once a month for at least one hour between September 2026 and April 15, 2027. Meetings may be in-person or virtual with a video component. The minimum number of mentoring hours for the EAP academic year should be 8 Monthly progress will be discussed between the student and the mentor.
  • Students must attend 1 required virtual EAP event each month, between the months of August and April, found on the TeamUp calendar. If a session is missed, it must be excused prior to the event with the Office of Admissions by submitting a request through “EAP Absence Request Form”, and a make-up event must be completed. Office of Admissions will determine the approval and make-up event to ensure you are compliant with EAP guidelines. 
  • Students will complete a 500-word written reflection after every EAP event. The reflection should focus on knowledge gained from the lecture. Reflections will be assessed by the assigned mentor and reviewed at the monthly mentor meeting. In the event of a make-up lecture, a 500-word reflection is still required.
  • Students must participate in non-clinical volunteering and/or service activities within the community for a minimum of 60 hours during the EAP academic year. These experiences should not be medical in nature (to encourage broad community engagement and service to the underserved). The 60 hours should take place at a minimum of two different community organizations. Outside responsibilities (compensated activities) do not fulfill this requirement. Students will write a final reflection on the impact of community service on their personal growth. The reflection will be reviewed by the dean during the exit assessment.
  • Students must meet the academic requirements:
    • Cumulative GPA: 3.5
    • BCPM GPA: 3.5
    • MCAT Score: 504 (at least a 124 sub score in each section)
    • Prerequisite coursework
    • Students must take the MCAT on an administration date on or before April 15. Students should develop an MCAT study plan and begin utilizing MCAT prep materials 6 months prior to exam. Students must send MCAT Score Report to kymedap@uky.edu by May 15. 
  • Students will complete a formal exit assessment at the conclusion of their EAP year with their regional campus associate dean. If a student has a conflict of interest (as referenced by the CMAC Conflict of Interest Policy) with a campus associate dean, their exit assessment will be completed by an alternative OME dean. The dean must recommend the student for them to receive their assured acceptance. 
    • As part of the exit assessment, students will be required to submit letters of recommendation, following the guidelines found on the UK College of Medicine website. These letters will be reviewed by the regional campus dean conducting the exit assessment. Letter writers need to email their letter to kymedap@uky.edu by April 15. If letters contain negative content, the letters will be reviewed by the UK College of Medicine Admissions Committee. 
    • Students will complete an exit assessment infraction form that will be sent from Office of Admissions in March. If a student has incurred any academic infractions or criminal charges during their time as an EAP student, they are required to report them to kymedap@uky.edu within 7 business days and to report them again once the exit assessment infraction form is received by student. Any student who has infractions or criminal charges reported, noted on the AMCAS application, or returned on a criminal background check will be brought before the Admissions Committee.
    • If a student is recommended during their exit assessment, they must submit their AMCAS application beginning June 1st with the ‘early assurance’ designation. Students must submit the AMCAS application within seven calendar days of the first day that AMCAS allows application submission.