EDUCATION THAT MOVES MOUNTAINS
OPTOMETRY AND OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE SCHOLARS
PROGRAMS
THIS IS WHERE YOU RISE
DEGREES THAT GO TO WORK
The Kentucky College of Optometry (KYCO) and the Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine (KYCOM), in conjunction with the University of Pikeville (UPIKE), offer several cooperative degree pathways, including two eight-year (4+4) programs leading to a bachelor’s degree (B.A./B.S.) and either a Doctor of Optometry (O.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, as well as an accelerated Biomedical Science and Optometry 3+4 Joint Degree Program that enables students to earn both a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science and a Doctor of Optometry in just seven years.
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 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when it opens. UPIKE’s 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.
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.
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.
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 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) when it opens. 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.
For additional information regarding the OMSP, please visit upike.edu/osteopathicmedicine or contact the Office of Admissions at (606) 218-5251 or wewantyou@upike.edu.
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.
