EAP FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Early Acceptance Program (EAP) is a partnership between The University of Akron and Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). Students interested in Osteopathic Medicine, Dentistry, or Pharmacy can apply for provisional acceptance to LECOM in their senior year of high school through their sophomore year of college. Each year LECOM will admit up to 5 UA students into their College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, and School of Pharmacy.

Admission to medical, dental, and pharmacy school is extremely competitive. The Early Acceptance Program could mean you have a seat at LECOM waiting on you.

Provisional acceptance means that you have been offered admission to LECOM and they are holding a seat in their College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, or School of Pharmacy for you provided that you meet certain qualifications in the time allotted.

High school seniors and current UA students with freshmen or sophomore standing and no more than junior standing.

Minimum admission guidelines into phase 1

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must not already hold a bachelor’s degree or higher
  • SAT Score (Math and Verbal Reasoning) greater than or equal to 1170 on a single exam taken before 3/1/16, a SAT score of 1240 or higher on a single exam taken after 3/1/16 or an ACT Composite score greater than or equal to 26 on a single exam
    • High School applicants must also have a Math SAT of 560 or Math ACT of 24
  • A high school GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or higher.
  • Students already attending UA must have at least a cumulative overall GPA of 3.4 and a science GPA of 3.3 or higher
  • Must have at least two years remaining as a full time student at the undergraduate institution and no more than 65 credits earned
  1. No, there is not a state residency requirement.
     
  2. Yes, there is a U.S. residency requirement. Students must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
  1. The LECOM application is available July 1 to January 1, each year.
  2. High school students should apply in the LECOM portal, as early July 1st before their senior year through January 1st of their senior year.  LECOM will typically notify students of their acceptance by April 1st or sooner. High school students are encouraged to complete their UA application by December 1st, see admission deadlines here.
  3. Current UA students should meet with the pre-health adviser, Ashley Rini, to discuss their eligibility but must be accepted to the LECOM EAP before the start of their junior year, or have at least two years remaining at UA after acceptance. 
  1. Yes, prospective High School students will need complete LECOM’s online EAP application and UA’s new freshman application.

In addition to completing the EAP application and The University of Akron’s application, focus on your academic credentials, especially developing a strong foundation in math and science coursework. Participate in experiences related to medicine and community involvement, and other diverse experiences. Along with doing well in your academic coursework, participate in several medically related activities over your high school career, such as volunteering at hospitals and nursing homes, shadowing physicians, internships, research, medical associations, etc. You should continue these types of activities into your college career.

LECOM can accept up to 5 UA students each year into their College of Osteopathic Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, and School of Pharmacy.

All classes taken at the Post-Secondary level are reviewed and evaluated when students enroll at The University of Akron. The difference in the Early Acceptance Program is that the actual grades transferred will be used by LECOM to calculate your overall GPA and your science GPA. Therefore, every grade you receive at every Post-Secondary institution will affect your GPA in the Early Acceptance Program.

College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree program and all courses required by LECOM
  • Must be enrolled in 14 or more credit hours each semester upon admission
  • Cumulative Overall GPA of at least 3.4 *
  • Cumulative Science GPA of at least 3.3 *
  • Letters of Recommendation: one from the pre-health adviser and one from a science professor
  • Exempt from MCAT (otherwise minimum 500)
    • Students who meet the minimum GPA requirements, have a qualifying ACT/SAT score on file with LECOM and complete biochemistry and genetics with a C or higher will be exempt from the MCAT

School of Dental Medicine

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree program and all courses required by LECOM
  • Must be enrolled in 14 or more credit hours each semester upon admission
  • Cumulative Overall GPA of at least 3.4 *
  • Cumulative Science GPA of at least 3.3 *
  • Letters of Recommendation: one from the pre-health adviser and one from a science professor
  • Earn at least a 18 on the DAT (academic average) and at least a 17 on all other areas.

School of Pharmacy

  • Complete a bachelor’s degree program and all courses required by LECOM
  • Must be enrolled in 14 or more credit hours each semester upon admission
  • Cumulative Overall GPA of at least 3.2 **
  • Cumulative Science GPA of at least 3.0 **
  • Letters of Recommendation: one from the pre-health adviser and one from a science professor
  • Writing Assessment
  • PCAT is not required- If the PCAT was taken LECOM will use the essay score from the exam in place of the Writing Assessment.

*These GPAs will be determined by LECOM. Grades from all completed courses, including repeated courses, will be used.

**These GPAs are calculated by PharmCAS.

Information sessions and tours are offered by the Office of Admissions for high school students Monday through Friday, and select Saturdays throughout the year. These sessions are conducted by an Admissions representative just prior to the student-guided campus tour.

Schedule your visit by phone: 1-800-655-4884 or 330-972-7100.