UPIKE Scholars Programs | 2023-24

Scholars Programs

Optometry and Osteopathic Medicine

Move Mountains with Bold Dreams

and Brilliant Possibilities

Pursue your dream of a future in optometry or osteopathic medicine

The Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) and the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM), in conjunction with the University of Pikeville (UPIKE), offers two cooperative eight-year programs (4+4) leading to a bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) and either a Doctor of Optometry degree (O.D.) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree (D.O.).

With a reputation for excellence, both schools present you with a path to an in-demand career as well as the potential to earn up to $44,800 in merit-based scholarships through our scholars programs.

Earn up to $44,800 in merit-based scholarships.

Optometry Scholars Program (OSP)

How does the scholars program work? Scholars Program applications are open to qualified high school seniors. Based on your academic performance, you may be eligible for a $3,200 recurring OSP scholarship in addition to a GPA scholarship. Students who maintain the required undergraduate GPA, achieve the required score on the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) and exhibit appropriate ethical conduct are guaranteed admission to the optometry school upon completion of their bachelor’s degree and pre-requisite requirements. Apply early as admission to OSP is competitive and a limited number of scholarships are available.

Application packages must be received by March 1 of your senior year in high school. Applications are reviewed as they are submitted. There are 10 seats offered per year for OSP and they are awarded on a rolling basis throughout the application cycle.

OSP Procedure | Applicants

must:

• Submit an undergraduate application for admission at upike.edu/apply

• Submit high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA application opens Oct. 1. UPIKE code is 001980.

• Submit a 500 word autobiographical essay discussing future plans and aspirations

• Submit three sealed letters of recommendation to KYCO Admissions Office from:

» High school administrator (principal, assistant principal, guidance/college counselor)

» Science or math instructor

» Non-family optometrist

OSP Requirements | Applicants must:

• Apply to UPIKE as an incoming freshman (current high school senior)

• Have a minimum 26 ACT or a 1200 on the two-score SAT

• Be in the top 10% of graduating class or have a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale

• Be a legal resident of the U.S. Preference given to residents of the Appalachian region, rural U.S. or other underserved U.S. areas

To remain a member of OSP and guarantee admission, applicants must maintain a 3.4 cumulative and science GPA in their undergraduate work and receive a grade of “C” or better in all required prerequisites. Additionally, all applicants will be required to take the OAT and achieve the minimum score required for the program at the time of application, currently 300. All applicants will be required to participate fully in OSP activities and exhibit proper ethical and professional qualities and conduct. Additionally, applicants must submit a complete application through OptomCAS during the application cycle prior to matriculating into the optometry program.

For additional information regarding the OSP, please visit upike.edu/optometry or contact the Office of Admissions at (606) 218-5251 or wewantyou@upike.edu.

Osteopathic Medical Scholars Program (OMSP)

How does the scholars program work?

Scholars Program applications are open to qualified high school seniors. Based on your academic performance, you may be eligible for a $3,200 recurring OMSP scholarship in addition to a GPA scholarship. Students who maintain the required undergraduate GPA, achieve the required score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and exhibit appropriate ethical conduct are guaranteed admission to the medical school upon completion of their bachelor’s degree and pre-med requirements.

Admission to OMSP is competitive and a limited number of scholarships are available, so be sure to apply early.

Application packages must be received by March 1 of your senior year in high school. Interviews will be conducted by the KYCOM Admissions Committee. Up to 10 scholars will be selected each year.

OMSP Procedure | Applicants must:

• Submit an undergraduate application for admission at upike.edu/apply

• Submit high school transcripts and ACT/SAT scores

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). FAFSA application opens Oct. 1. UPIKE code is 001980.

• Submit a 300-400 word autobiographical essay discussing future plans and aspirations

• Submit three sealed letters of recommendation to KYCOM Admissions Office from:

» High school administrator (principal, assistant principal, guidance/college counselor)

» Science or math instructor

» Physician (preferred) or non-family adult

OMSP Requirements | Applicants must:

• Apply to UPIKE as an incoming freshman (current high school senior)

• Have a minimum 26 ACT or a 1200 on the two-score SAT

• Be in the top 10% of graduating class or have a 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale

• Be a legal resident of the U.S. Preference given to residents of the Appalachian region, rural U.S. or other underserved areas

After completing the UPIKE bachelor’s degree program, scholars will be automatically admitted to KYCOM if they maintained a 3.4 cumulative and science GPA in undergraduate work, score a minimum of 498 on the MCAT, participate in program activities, and exhibit proper ethical conduct. Transition students (currently enrolled UPIKE students not admitted to the program) and incoming transfer students must have a 3.5 current cumulative college GPA to apply. Students must apply for admission to the program by the end of their third semester at UPIKE to be considered.

For additional information regarding the OMSP, please visit upike.edu/osteopathic-medicine or contact the Office of Admissions at (606) 218-5251 or wewantyou@upike.edu.

For additional information on KYCO, please contact:

218-5517

KYCOM, please

The University of Pikeville is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of the University of Pikeville. It is the policy of the University of Pikeville that no student shall be excluded from participating in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination in any program sponsored by the university because of age, race, color, creed, religion, handicap, sexual orientation or national origin. All other inquiries should be addressed to the University of Pikeville at 147 Sycamore Street, Pikeville, Kentucky 41501 or call 606-218-5250. *EOE