Haider Early Assurance Program
The Haider Early Assurance Program (EAP) is one of two pathways for mission-fit UC Riverside undergraduate students or recent graduates to enter the Thomas Haider Program.
The EAP guarantees accepted students a seat in an upcoming class at the UCR School of Medicine. In exchange, the students are contractually bound to attend the UCR SOM and may not apply to or attend any other medical school. Admitted EAP students enter the SOM one year after selection.
The program is ideal for medical students who are certain that they want to matriculate at the UCR SOM. These students benefit from reduced stress during the application process and less strain on financial resources from having to apply to multiple medical schools.
Applicants must demonstrate strong academic ability, significant clinical and volunteer experience, and a demonstrated commitment to practice medicine in Inland Southern California. Students may only apply to the EAP program once. Those who are not selected to EAP may still apply to the regular Haider Program through the standard medical school application process.
Application Information
Application Opening Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
Application Closing Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
No applications started prior to the opening date will be accepted. Please carefully review all the instructions prior to beginning your application. Please carefully review all the instructions prior to beginning your application.
EAP Office Hours
EAP office hours are intended for current applicants, though prospective applicants are welcome to join and listen in. Topics typically include completing application sections, submitting letters of recommendation, entering coursework in the course inventory, and other application-related questions. Click this link to join the office hours.
- 2/10/26: 12 –1 pm
- 2/18/26: 5–6 pm
- 3/4/26: 12–1 pm
- 3/11/26: 5–6 pm
- 3/18/26: 12–1 pm
- 3/25/26: 5–6 pm
The Benefits of Applying Through the EAP
If accepted, you are guaranteed a seat in the UCR School of Medicine's Thomas Haider Program. Benefits include:
- You will have time to focus on other activities in your senior year or gap year – such as more clinical experience, more community service, research, etc.
- You do not need to take the MCAT.
- There is no application fee. The program is free to apply.
- You save the cost of having AMCAS send your application to many universities, completing and paying for multiple secondary applications, and costs of traveling to other medical schools for interviews.
- All students who meet the EAP eligibility requirements and fulfill the pre-matriculation requirements will receive a scholarship covering the costs of the medical supplies and bag.
Thomas Haider Early Assurance Program - November 2025
Becoming a More Competitive Candidate
Due to the competitive nature of this program, prospective applicants are highly encouraged to meet with an advisor at the Pre-Professional Advising Center (PPAC) to discuss their eligibility and competitiveness before they submit an application.
Students may also wish to become involved with one or more of the UCR SOM Pathway Programs that work to help UCR students towards careers in healthcare.