EAP Program Requirements
Applying to the EAP Program
Please read through these instructions completely BEFORE starting the application process.
You will be able to create an account starting on December 2, 2024. All applications started prior to this date will be withdrawn.
The button will open the application in a new window.
Important!
Please carefully review all the content on this page BEFORE applying to the Early Assurance Program. If you do not qualify, please see the information about applying to the School of Medicine through AMCAS.
Deadline
The deadline to apply for admittance to the incoming class of 2030 is Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 12 noon PST. This includes the application and all supporting application materials such as unofficial transcripts, letters of recommendation, a photo, and MCAT scores (if taken).
Please note that the EAP timeline for interviews could possibly change. Please pay attention to your email and our website for future updates.
Are you Eligible for EAP?
EAP applicants must be UC Riverside students who meet one of the two following criteria:
- Current UCR undergraduate students in their third or fourth year who anticipate completing their BA/BS degree at least two weeks before MD orientation in August 2026.
- Graduates of UCR (BA/BS) whose degree was completed no earlier than winter quarter 2024 who have not previously applied to any medical school.
If you meet the above criteria, please proceed. If you do not, please go to the information about applying to the SOM through AMCAS.
What We Look for in Haider Program Applicants
- Students who plan to practice in Inland Southern California.
- Have completed a minimum of four quarters (including the summer quarter) at UCR prior to applying to this program (and must complete at least six quarters at UCR before matriculation).
- Complete all UCR School of Medicine prerequisite courses with a cumulative Biology/Chemistry/Physics/Mathematics (BCPM) GPA equal to or greater than 3.40. Applicants may apply during the completion of their current and future BCPM coursework. Final official transcripts will be required upon completion of their bachelor’s degree.
- Have invested time in community service.
- Have been exposed to significant clinical experiences.
Program Requirements
In addition to the standards of the Thomas Haider Program, applicants must meet the following standards.
- Applicants must have received or be on track to receive their BS/BA degree from UCR at time of selection.
- The degree must have been received no earlier than winter quarter 2024.
- Applicants must not have applied to medical school.
Applicants who are accepted into EAP must sign a commitment letter that contractually binds them to apply to and enroll in only the UC Riverside School of Medicine, where they complete the four-year curriculum. You may not apply to any other medical school.
Program Restrictions
- Applicants must be an undergraduate student at UCR OR a recent graduate who has never previously applied to medical school.
- Applicants who previously completed or planning to complete a bachelor's degree at another institution are not eligible to apply.
- Early Assurance Program applicants are not permitted to apply to other schools.
- Program is open to in-state residents only.
- This program is not available to students who have already applied for medical school.
- No coursework completed as part of a post-baccalaureate or graduate program will be considered as part of the application process.
- This program is not considered an accelerated graduation program.
- Applicants may apply to EAP only once.
How to Apply
Deadline
The deadline to apply for admittance to the incoming class of 2030 is Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 12 noon PST. This includes the application and all supporting application materials such as unofficial transcripts, letters of recommendation, a photo, and MCAT scores (if taken).
Please note that the EAP timeline for interviews could possibly change. Please pay attention to your email and our website for future updates.
Creating Your Account
Please read through these instructions completely BEFORE starting the application process. You will be able to create an account starting on December 2nd. All applications started prior to this date will be withdrawn.
- Go to our online application by clicking this link. You may want to open this link in a new window so that you can also read these instructions.
- On the application login page, click the "Create EA account" link. See image at right for reference.
- You are required to use your UCR email as your username and add your Net ID to your account.
- If you are a current UC Riverside student, please use your UCR email for your account verification.
- Recent UCR graduates who no longer have access to their UCR email may use a personal email as their username.
- Once your account is created, you will immediately receive an email from our office with instructions on how you can activate your account.
Contact the UCR SOM Admissions Office via email if you require support.
Transcripts
A PDF of unofficial transcripts from all institutions attended, a photo, and MCAT score (if taken) can be uploaded directly within the application portal. Only admitted students will be required to submit official transcripts.
Letters of Recommendation
Three to five individual letters of recommendation are required. These letters must be original, signed documents on institutional letterhead and may be written by a premedical advisor, undergraduate faculty, mentors or any healthcare professional of your choice. Letters of recommendation must be submitted directly to Admissions by the letter recommender via the EAP application portal. Applicant will receive instructions on how to have this completed. Letters can also be received by a letter service such as Interfolio before the deadline. No letters will be accepted by email.
Written Section Character Counts & Guidelines
- Experience Description - maximum 150 words
- Personal Statement - maximum 500 words
- Essay Questions - maximum 250 words
Photos
Applicants will be asked to submit a photo as part of their application in JPG file formatting. The photo should be a color passport style photo, with a clear image of your face that is high in resolution with a solid color background.
MCAT Scores
Applicants are not required to submit an MCAT score unless it was already taken. If the applicant did complete an MCAT, that score must be submitted as part of the application if the score is available by the application deadline.