Early Acceptance Program in Medicine and Dentistry

Hawaii Pacific University has partnered with Lake Erie College of Medicine (LECOM) to offer HPU students an advantageous Early Acceptance Program (EAP) into the Medicine and Dentistry programs at LECOM.

These programs are available to all HPU students, either upon acceptance to HPU or during their studies at HPU. Students must meet specific GPA requirements, complete all pre-requisite classes, and participate in the Pre-Health Professions Program while at Hawaii Pacific University. After completing a degree at HPU, these students matriculate directly into the Dental or Medicine Program at LECOM.

The Lake Erie College of Medicine provides a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Program for students who wish to take a total-person approach to health care, and excel in working to help their patients achieve optimal health and well-being. Graduates of DO medical programs are eligible to apply to residency programs throughout the Untied States and in any specialty through the new Single Accreditation System.

The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Program is offered on three different LECOM campuses: Erie, PA; Greensburg, PA; and Bradenton, FL.

In order to be considered for the Early Acceptance Program (EAP) at LECOM, students must:

  • Must be a full-time student during all four years at HPU
  • Obtain an Overall GPA > 3.4 and a Science GPA > 3.2
  • Submit the online LECOM Early Acceptance Program application before junior year
  • Have a successful interview at LECOM and, after provisional acceptance,
    • Submit an American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) application before November 15th senior year
    • Submit a secondary LECOM application before January 1st of senior year
    • Submit letters of recommendation by May 1st of senior year

The benefits of this EAP are many-fold; students may have a guaranteed seat at an accredited medical school as they move through their undergraduate education. Additionally, if the Academic Index Score is met (establishing the grades of key pre-requisite classes), the MCAT examination is NOT required.

LECOM recommends that interested students spend time shadowing a DO, and HPU requires that program participants meet with the Pre-Health Professions Specialist at least once per term to ensure all requirements are being met.

While at HPU, students will be completing a Bachelors of Science in Biology and Human Health Sciences to adequately prepare them for the study of medicine. The Degree Program and Course Descriptions can be found in the Academic Catalog.

At LECOM, students may choose from a Traditional Lecture Discussion Pathway or a Problem-Based Learning Pathway. More details about each of these options can be found on LECOM’s site.

The LECOM School of Dental Medicine follows a unique Problem-Based Learning curriculum that allows students to develop as integral members of a health care team and positively impact the well-being of their patients through oral health and preventative care.

The Doctor of Dental Medicine Program is offered at LECOM’s Florida campus in Bradenton.

In order to be considered for the Early Acceptance Program (EAP) at LECOM, students must:

  • Must be a full-time student during all four years at HPU
  • Obtain an Overall GPA > 3.4 and a Science GPA > 3.2
  • Submit the online LECOM Early Acceptance Program application before junior year
  • Have a successful interview at LECOM and then, after provisional acceptance,
    • Submit an Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) of Dental application before November 15th of senior year
    • Take the Dental School Admission Test (DAT)
    • Submit a secondary application to LECOM by January 1st of senior year
    • Submit letters of recommendation by May 1st of senior year.

As with the medical program, LECOM recommends that interested students spend time shadowing a dental professional before applying to the program, and HPU requires that program participants meet with the Pre-Health Professions Specialist at least once per term to ensure all requirements are being met.

While at HPU, students will be completing a Bachelors of Science in Biology and Human Health Sciences to adequately prepare them for a career in dentistry.  The Degree Program and Course Descriptions can be found in the Academic Catalog.

The LECOM School of Dental Medicine is proud of its curriculum and community clinics, and additional Information about its programs may be found on the School’s site.

If you have questions about either of these EAP opportunities, please contact the Pre-Health Professions Specialist at Hawaii Pacific University, Dr. Allison Bachlet – abachlet@hpu.edu