Pathway Programs
At the University of Kentucky, nothing is out of reach. The College of Medicine is committed to training future health care leaders to provide excellent care for the Commonwealth and beyond. We invite our next generation of learners to dream boldly and discover what’s “Wildly Possible” through our pathway programs.
The College of Medicine offers free pathway opportunities at varying levels of education, from high school through undergraduate studies. Each program includes unique activities that aid in preparing students for a career in medicine.
Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) Scholars
PEPP Scholars is a summer academic enrichment program that exposes high school graduates to the field of medicine in the hope of solidifying their commitment to the career path. The one-week program affords young scholars the chance to observe, network, and volunteer within the health care setting.
Eligibility:
- Rising college freshman
- Clear interest in medical school
- Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or graduated from a Kentucky high school
Other factors for consideration include that a student:
- Identifies with communities that experience challenges in receiving safe, effective, patient-centered, and efficient health care;
- Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
- Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting health disparities
- Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation
Eligibility:
- Rising college freshman
- Clear interest in medical school
- Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or graduated from a Kentucky high school
Other factors for consideration include that a student:
- Identifies with communities that experience challenges in receiving safe, effective, patient-centered, and efficient health care;
- Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
- Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting health disparities
- Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation
Dates:
Application opens November 1 and closes February 2.
Program is June 7 - June 12, 2026
Dates:
Application opens November 1 and closes February 2.
Program is June 7 - June 12, 2026
Travel and Housing:
Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program.
Travel and Housing:
Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program.
Application Process:
The selection committee will carefully review the applicant's letter of recommendation, application, and transcripts when selecting participants. Applicants will be notified by email. A limited number of alternates will also be selected.
Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program. They must also reside on campus at all times unless escorted by the PEPP staff.
PEPP Scholars applications contain the following items:
- Personal statement (limited to 3,000 characters)
- Letter of recommendation from a teacher (unique link sent via email)
- Unofficial high school transcript
- UK PEPP Scholars application
- A headshot
For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.
Application Process:
The selection committee will carefully review the applicant's letter of recommendation, application, and transcripts when selecting participants. Applicants will be notified by email. A limited number of alternates will also be selected.
Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program. They must also reside on campus at all times unless escorted by the PEPP staff.
PEPP Scholars applications contain the following items:
- Personal statement (limited to 3,000 characters)
- Letter of recommendation from a teacher (unique link sent via email)
- Unofficial high school transcript
- UK PEPP Scholars application
- A headshot
For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.
Professional Education Preparation Program (PEPP) MD
PEPP MD is an academic enrichment program for rising college sophomores interested in becoming physicians to serve the Commonwealth. The two-week program offers exposure to the medical field, opportunities to observe, network, and volunteer in health care settings while learning about medical school admissions.
Eligibility:
- Rising college sophomore
- Have a minimum overall college GPA of 3.0
- Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or graduated from a Kentucky high school
Other factors for consideration include that a student:
- Identifies with communities that experience challenges in receiving safe, effective, patient-centered, and efficient health care;
- Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
- Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting health disparities
- Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation
Eligibility:
- Rising college sophomore
- Have a minimum overall college GPA of 3.0
- Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or graduated from a Kentucky high school
Other factors for consideration include that a student:
- Identifies with communities that experience challenges in receiving safe, effective, patient-centered, and efficient health care;
- Comes from an economically or educationally disadvantaged background; and/or
- Has demonstrated an interest in issues affecting health disparities
- Submits a compelling personal statement and a strong letter of recommendation
Dates:
Application opens November 1 and closes February 2.
Program is June 7 - June 18, 2026
Dates:
Application opens November 1 and closes February 2.
Program is June 7 - June 18, 2026
Travel and Housing:
Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program.
Travel and Housing:
Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program.
Application Process:
The selection committee will carefully review the written personal statement, letters of recommendation, application, and transcripts when selecting participants. Applicants will be notified by email. A limited number of alternates will also be selected.
Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program. They must also reside on campus at all times unless escorted by the PEPP staff.
PEPP MD applications contain the following items:
- Personal statement (limited to 3,000 characters)
- Two letters of recommendation, at least one from a professor (unique link sent via email)
- Unofficial undergraduate transcript
- UK PEPP-MD application
- A headshot
For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.
Application Process:
The selection committee will carefully review the written personal statement, letters of recommendation, application, and transcripts when selecting participants. Applicants will be notified by email. A limited number of alternates will also be selected.
Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program. They must also reside on campus at all times unless escorted by the PEPP staff.
PEPP MD applications contain the following items:
- Personal statement (limited to 3,000 characters)
- Two letters of recommendation, at least one from a professor (unique link sent via email)
- Unofficial undergraduate transcript
- UK PEPP-MD application
- A headshot
For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.
University of Kentucky Education Development Program (UKMED)
UKMED is a recruitment program hosted by the UK College of Medicine for rising college juniors from communities facing health care disparities. Participants gain insight into medical school through interactions with students and faculty while building skills to strengthen their applications.
Eligibility:
- Rising college juniors
- Students who are planning to apply for medical school
- Minimum science GPA of 3.0
- Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or graduated from a Kentucky high school
Eligibility:
- Rising college juniors
- Students who are planning to apply for medical school
- Minimum science GPA of 3.0
- Be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or graduated from a Kentucky high school
Dates:
Application opens November 1 and closes February 2.
Program is June 14 - June 18, 2026
Dates:
Application opens November 1 and closes February 2.
Program is June 14 - June 18, 2026
Travel and Housing:
Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program.
Travel and Housing:
Participants must abide by all rules of the program. There is a mandatory attendance policy for all activities for the duration of the program. All students are required to live in the dormitory provided. Students cannot be employed during the program.
Application Process:
The selection committee will carefully review the written essay responses, letters of recommendation, application, and transcripts when selecting participants. Applicants will be notified by email. A limited number of alternates will also be selected.
UKMED applications contain the following items:
- Responses to Essay Prompts on Application, including a Personal Statement (3000 character maximum)
- Two letters of recommendation, with at least one being from a professor who has taught you in a BCPM course (unique link sent via email)
- Unofficial undergraduate transcript
- UKMED application
- A headshot
For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.
Application Process:
The selection committee will carefully review the written essay responses, letters of recommendation, application, and transcripts when selecting participants. Applicants will be notified by email. A limited number of alternates will also be selected.
UKMED applications contain the following items:
- Responses to Essay Prompts on Application, including a Personal Statement (3000 character maximum)
- Two letters of recommendation, with at least one being from a professor who has taught you in a BCPM course (unique link sent via email)
- Unofficial undergraduate transcript
- UKMED application
- A headshot
For additional information, contact the Office of Admissions at kymedap@uky.edu.