Early Assurance Programs for Medical School
What are early assurance programs for med school? Learn if an EAP is right for you, plus a complete list of med schools that offer EAPs.
EAPs are competitive, and the timeline is tighter, but they can earn you early acceptance before your senior year of undergrad.
What You'll Learn
Early Assurance Program Foundations
How Early Assurance Programs (EAPs) allow qualified college undergraduates to secure acceptance to medical school early in their academic journey.
Benefits of Early Assurance Pathways
Advantages of obtaining early entry, including reduced senior-year stress, saved application expenses, and room to explore non-traditional interests.
Standardized Testing Policies
How various EAPs approach the MCAT, contrasting programs that eliminate the exam requirement with those demanding a specific benchmark score.
Applicant Eligibility & Prerequisites
Core requirements regarding undergraduate class standing, minimum GPA metrics, institutional affiliations, and course prerequisites.
Notable EAPs Across the Country
Profiles of prominent university and medical center programs offered to pre-med applicants nationwide.
Building a Competitive Application
Essential elements for EAP success, including stellar academic performance, impactful clinical experiences, and strong letters of recommendation.
Binding Commitments & Regulations
Key policies governing binding vs. non-binding offers, deferred matriculation options, and rules about applying to other medical schools.
What is an Early Assurance program for medical school?
Who’s eligible for EAP?
How the admissions timeline differs
Are Early Assurance programs binding?
The pros and cons of EAPs
Early Assurance vs Early Decision
After EAP acceptance
Frequently asked questions
Early Assurance programs (EAPs) are when a medical school solicits pre-screened applicants to apply to their medical program, while the student is typically in their second year of premed. You gain conditional acceptance to that med school as long as you meet certain criteria, such as a minimum MCAT score or GPA.
For most med school hopefuls, applying to medical school occurs after the third or fourth year of undergrad. It is a competitive and often stressful process.
A few high-achieving students may be ready to commit to a medical school before graduating or taking the MCAT. These ambitious underclassmen will find EAPs an attractive option.
While there are no shortcuts to the physician pathway, early assurance programs can reduce the stress of getting in, lessening a premed’s worries about acceptance. Let’s go over what an EAP really is, the pros and cons, and how to get in.
For a list of schools that have an EAP, see our appendix below.
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What is an Early Assurance program for medical school?
Early Assurance programs allow current undergraduate students the opportunity to apply to medical school and secure their spot before completing their undergraduate degree program.
Medical schools offer EAPs to lock in top-tier academic talent early, securing a predictable and high-yield matriculation rate. The benefits to applicants include significantly less stress during their junior and senior years of undergrad, as well as (sometimes) skipping the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT).
While most premeds apply to medical school following their third year of college (or after the fourth year if you’re taking a gap year), those applying to EAPs usually apply after their second year.
Applicants must meet specific criteria before and after acceptance into an EAP, including completing prerequisite coursework. For most EAPs, med schools only accept applications from pre-screened candidates recommended by their pre-health advisory office.
Students generally apply to EAPs prior to taking the MCAT. In some cases, the MCAT isn’t required for acceptees and can be waived.
EAPs are different from Early Decision programs, which accept applications during the typical application cycle year, just a few months earlier than your peers. EAPs accept applications over a year before your peers.
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Who’s eligible for EAP?
Early Assurance program requirements vary. In most cases, you need to have completed a specific number of prerequisite courses, and you usually need to have only two years left of undergrad.
Medical schools will also look for an obvious commitment to medicine. You can demonstrate this dedication in your personal statement, extracurriculars, secondary application (supplemental essays), letters of recommendation, and interview.
They want high-achieving students, meaning a strong GPA is crucial—particularly your science GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math courses). Most schools require a minimum GPA of 3.0 to be considered, but you’ll likely need to maintain a 3.5+ to be considered for an EAP.
EAPs that require the MCAT typically allow for lower scores than traditional applicants, and you may be accepted with the expectation that you will take the MCAT and get a certain score in the next year or so.
EAPs that don’t require the MCAT normally require you to submit your SAT/ACT scores.
Many EAPs only admit students from within their own institution or from a partnered undergraduate school. Remember to review an EAP’s unique guidelines when researching schools, and follow them to a T.
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How the admissions timeline differs
Most premeds apply to medical school in the summer following junior year of undergraduate studies—or after senior year if you’re taking a gap year, which is increasingly common. However, you apply to Early Assurance programs after your sophomore year.
You need to plan ahead if you’re considering EAPs. Many programs require you to finish certain prerequisite courses before applying, so add those to your schedule sooner rather than later.
Note: Some schools only offer certain courses every two years. Check early on whether you need to take a specific science class in your first semester because it won’t be offered again until the EAP deadline has arrived two years later.
Here’s a general EAP timeline:
Freshman year: Plan out your first two years of classes with your advisor, taking into account prerequisite classes needed for EAP eligibility. Boost your GPA with great grades early on.
Summer after first year: Get in plenty of high-quality extracurricular activities and clinical exposure. Remember, you’ll be applying to medical school with one fewer year of extracurriculars under your belt, so you really have to make this summer count.
Sophomore year: Get in the last prerequisites, and continue focusing on high-quality extracurriculars as you’re able during the school year. You must also choose writers for your letters of recommendation, and ask them early. Plus, keep that GPA high.
Summer after second year: This is the most common time to apply to an EAP, but timelines vary by school. Some programs use an online application portal unique to the school; others ask you to submit an AMCAS application designated under an Early Assurance plan, either upfront or later upon acceptance.
Beginning of junior year: Interviews and acceptance decisions are typically made during this time.
Rest of junior year: Once accepted, you likely still need to maintain a strong GPA and log a number of clinical hours. You may even be required to take the MCAT when it opens up in the spring.
Summer after third year: Many EAPs require you to submit a streamlined AMCAS during the normal application cycle alongside your peers, designated under an Early Assurance plan. However, if you’ve been accepted to an EAP, this is simply a formality. You can rest easy while your peers are still working to submit applications.
Senior year: Many EAPs require you to maintain a strong GPA and keep logging clinical hours, which can be from shadowing, volunteering, or even a paid hospital position. If you haven’t taken the MCAT, and you’re supposed to, don’t let the MCAT cycle close before you’ve taken it.
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Are Early Assurance programs binding?
Usually, Early Assurance programs are binding, but it depends on the school’s unique rules and guidelines.
At some schools, acceptance into med school through their EAP is binding, and students who get in must attend that school.
Other schools do not require a binding level of commitment and allow students to apply to other schools if desired.
Check the program’s specific guidelines for any school you’re interested in applying to. Don’t be afraid to send an email to the EAP’s office.
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The pros and cons of EAPs
Being able to apply to medical school one year early and have a guarantee for acceptance seems like a dream for many students—especially if the school doesn’t require the MCAT.
But there are some things to keep in mind as you decide whether an Early Assurance program is right for you.
Pros
Some of the advantages of early assurance include:
Peace of mind: Medical school acceptance through an EAP is a great relief for premed students. Once the arduous application process is behind you, you can relax—knowing your path to med school is securely paved. You can focus on your studies and extracurriculars about which you’re passionate and maintain good mental health.
Lower MCAT requirement: Some EAPs don’t require the MCAT, while others may require a lower MCAT score than the average matriculant score. Since the MCAT is a long, intense process, and you’re not guaranteed a good score just because you studied hard, avoiding the MCAT completely or knowing that the required minimum is lower than if you were applying through the traditional route is a huge advantage.
Application cost savings: If accepted to an EAP, you stand to save hundreds of dollars (if not thousands) on application fees, travel costs to multiple interviews, and potentially even MCAT registration costs.
Experience applying: Applying through an EAP provides experience with the overall application process. The med school application process is tough—there’s no way around that fact. If you aren’t accepted through the EAP or your EAP is non-binding, you’ll have a better understanding of how to succeed when applying via the traditional process.
Cons
Some of the drawbacks of EAPs include:
Binding commitment: Many EAPs are binding—meaning you cannot apply to other medical schools if accepted. Therefore, if accepted to a binding EAP, you cannot consider other med schools, financial aid packages, or career paths. Not all EAPs require that binding level of commitment, though, so check your individual program’s guidelines.
Honors classes prerequisites: For many EAP programs, applicants must take honors-level classes in college. Adding this requirement to an already stressful college experience can be a con for some students. However, not all programs require honors coursework, so check with the EAPs you’re interested in attending for more info.
High competition: EAPs are very competitive. You may spend a considerable amount of time applying and never get an acceptance offer. It’s not necessarily wasted time since you’re getting experience applying to med school, but applying to multiple schools during the traditional cycle is a more efficient use of time.
Lower MCAT requirement: If you decide to apply to another school after accepting a non-binding EAP offer, you may not have time or motivation to improve your MCAT score for the additional applications. Since EAP programs often accept lower minimum scores, you might not push yourself to achieve a higher MCAT score for additional applications.
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Early Assurance vs Early Decision
Early Assurance programs are different from Early Decision (ED) programs, which are part of the traditional application cycle. If you apply ED, you’re applying within the same year as your peers, just a few months early. With EAPs, you’re applying years early, but you generally must be invited to apply.
With Early Decision programs:
Students apply during the regular admission cycle for medical school—after your junior year, or after your senior year, if you’re taking a gap year. The ED deadline is usually at the start of August each year, whereas the regular decision deadline is October or November.
If a school has an ED program, it’s generally open to all students from any institution.
By the time you apply ED, you’ve likely completed your premed coursework and taken the MCAT.
With Early Assurance programs:
Students typically apply to EAPs during their sophomore year or in the summer directly following year two of undergrad.
EAPs are usually limited to students from specific colleges that are affiliated with a particular medical school who are recommended by their pre-health office.
Students often apply to EAPs before completing premed prerequisites or taking the MCAT.
The terminology can get a little confusing. We often find students think they are looking for an EAP when they’re actually looking for an ED program. Both are binding, but the timelines are totally different.
Another confusing term is Early Action, also abbreviated EA, which generally refers to non-binding Early Decision-style applications for undergraduate institutions. “Restrictive Early Action” typically means the exact same thing as “Early Decision.”
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After EAP acceptance
Getting accepted into an Early Assurance program is a huge achievement that represents years of hard work and dedication. While you can certainly breathe a sigh of relief, your journey is not over.
Prepare for the transition
The time between EAP acceptance and medical school matriculation is perfect for both academic and personal preparation. Going from undergrad to med school can be difficult, but the extra time can help make your transition as smooth as possible.
Consider taking additional science courses that interest you, improving your study habits, or even learning stress management techniques that will serve you well in the rigorous environment of medical school and clinical rounds.
Don’t forget the personal aspect of having extra transition time. Purposefully build strong relationships with professors and mentors who can continue supporting you throughout your medical career. Connect with other EAP students from your future medical school. Your program may facilitate these connections through social media groups or informal meetups.
Lastly, keep an eye out for additional support systems. Many med schools offer special advising, mentorship programs, or academic resources specifically for early admits. Take advantage of these opportunities, as they may help you thrive later in your journey toward becoming a physician.
Maintain eligibility
This is a major concern for many students after being accepted into an EAP. Good news—most programs understand that college can be challenging, and they offer support rather than immediately revoking your acceptance.
Many schools have academic advisors who work specifically with EAP students to help them stay on track, so if you feel like you’re slipping, make sure to reach out to them as soon as possible.
Consistently falling below the required GPA threshold may result in losing your spot. However, schools typically provide warnings and opportunities for improvement before taking such drastic action as EAP revocation.
Think of your EAP acceptance as a conditional offer that comes with ongoing responsibilities:
Keep your grades up. EAPs generally require you to maintain a minimum GPA for the remainder of your undergraduate studies—typically 3.5 or higher.
Complete remaining prerequisite courses with strong performance. This isn’t the time to coast through organic chemistry or slack off in physics.
Continue demonstrating your commitment to medicine through research, clinical experiences, community service, meaningful research projects, or even studying abroad. Maintain that genuine passion for medicine that made you a compelling candidate in the first place.
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Frequently asked questions
How many Early Assurance programs can you apply to?
In some cases, it is possible to apply to more than one Early Assurance program. However, many programs require pre-approval from a college’s pre-health advisor before applying, so you may not be eligible.
Furthermore, the binding nature of many EAPs means that if you’re accepted at one, you will be required to attend. This binding level of commitment can complicate your efforts if you’re accepted to more than one EAP.
It’s best to discuss your options with a pre-health advisor or your school’s premed office.
Is an Early Assurance program the same as a BS/MD program?
EAPs aren’t the same as BS/MD programs, though they do offer a similar level of security. They’re both highly competitive, too.
BS/MD applicants apply at the end of high school—applying to undergrad and medical school concurrently.
EAP applicants typically apply halfway through undergrad.
Sometimes, schools use confusing terminology:
For example, the University of Florida Medical Honors Program sounds more like an EAP, but it’s really a dual-degree BS/MD program.
On the other hand, Rutgers Medical School calls their EAP “Joint Bachelor/Medical Degree Program,” which really sounds like a BS/MD, except that you don’t apply for it until your fourth semester of undergrad, which is a key feature of an EAP.
How competitive are early assurance medical school programs?
Competition is high for Early Assurance programs, but the competitiveness varies by school.
Students applying through an EAP are committed to attending medical school but use fewer data points (such as test scores or grades in completed courses) to convince admissions committees of their dedication to medicine.
Most EAPs only admit a limited number of applicants, and those students must not only meet GPA minimums but also maintain a certain GPA throughout their undergraduate years.
Can you defer enrollment in an EAP?
EAP deferment varies significantly by program, and it’s definitely something to ask about during your school research phase.
Some programs allow deferment for specific circumstances like military service, significant research opportunities, or family emergencies. Others are more rigid and expect you to matriculate directly after completing your undergraduate degree.
If you’re considering a gap year for travel, work experience, or personal reasons, make sure you understand your program's policy upfront.
How do research opportunities differ for Early Assurance program students?
In many ways, being an EAP student can open moreopportunities for research by allowing you to broaden your horizons.
Since you're not stressed about building a competitive medical school application, you can choose research projects based on genuine interest rather than what looks impressive on paper.
Some programs even guarantee research opportunities or connect EAP students with faculty mentors at their future medical school.
Final thoughts
Getting into medical school is typically a long process that involves years of preparation, excelling in school, and impressing adcoms with an amazing application. While there are no shortcuts to this process, Early Assurance programs can help secure your spot 1-2 years before your peers.
As with anything, there are pros and cons to EAPs, but proper research and due diligence can help you determine whether an EAP is right for you.
Need advice specific to your situation? Shemmassian advisors are prepared to provide personalized and professional advice.
About the Author
Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on college admissions. For over 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT using his exclusive approach.
THERE'S NO REASON TO STRUGGLE THROUGH THE MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICATION APPLICATION PROCESS ALONE. CLICK BELOW TO SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO ENSURE YOU LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE.
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Appendix: Medical schools with early assurance programs
As of August 2026, there are 40 schools in the United States that offer Early Assurance programs.
*An asterisk indicates that the school requires taking the MCAT prior to matriculation.
Alabama
University of Alabama at Birmingham Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine (called Early Medical, Dental, and Optometry Acceptance Program; apply during senior year of high school)
Arizona
University of Arizona College of Medicine — Phoenix* (called Pathway Scholars Program)
California
District of Columbia
George Washington University School of Medicine at Health Sciences* (called Early Selection)
Florida
Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine*
Florida State University College of Medicine (called the Early Decision Process)
Georgia
Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University* (called Assurance in Medicine, or the AIM program)
Illinois
Kansas
Kentucky
University of Louisville School of Medicine* (called Guaranteed Entrance to Medical School, or G.E.M.S.; apply during senior year of high school)
Louisiana
Massachusetts
Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine* (called Early Medical School Selection Program; paused in 2025, check website for any updates)
Michigan
Minnesota
Mississippi
University of Mississippi School of Medicine* (called Promoting Recruitment Opportunities in Medicine with Individual Study Experiences, or PROMISE)
Missouri
Saint Louis University School of Medicine* (called Medical Scholars Program)
University of Missouri — Columbia School of Medicine* (called Pathways to Success, or PAWS)
University of Missouri — Kansas City School of Medicine* (called Medical Scholars program)
New Hampshire
New Jersey
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (called Joint Bachelor/Medical Degree Program; it’s more of an EAP than a BS/MD program because you apply during your fourth semester of undergrad; it’s an accelerated 7-year program to get both degrees)
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (called Pre-Professional Scholars Program, or PPSP; apply during your senior year of high school)
University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences (called MedStart Program)
Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine* (called Guaranteed Admission Program, or GAP)
Rhode Island
Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University (called Early Identification Program, or EIP)
South Carolina
Washington
Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine* (called Honors College Pathway Program)
