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FAQs

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Application questions

What advice for submitting a competitive application (or strengthening for a reapplication)?

Applicants must demonstrate that they are a well-rounded individual that can also manage the challenging academic load of an HHS student. Students’ essays are very important in the review process so students should spend time to produce quality essays.

How/what is reviewed and considered, and how students are selected?

Students’ applications are reviewed comprehensively. Students’ grades in high school, depth of experiences, as well as the quality of essay responses and their alignment with the mission and goals of the program are evaluated by reviewers. The admissions committee selects the final cohort of students offered seats in the program.

I want to be pre-med. What track should I choose?

There are many majors on campus from which a student can choose and identify as pre-med, including HHS. Our many pre-med HHS students typically choose our “General” track to prepare for their professional education.

Can I switch my track later in the program?

Yes, it is easy to switch tracks within the HHS program if you choose to pursue a different career path. You will work with your advisor to ensure you take the appropriate pre-requisites for your track.

Admissions questions

I was just accepted into HHS, what do I need to do next?

You should indicate your intent to accept or decline the invitation to the HHS program by completing the Statement of Intent. You should also be sure to sign up for a BBN Orientation date at UK. If you are interested in living in our Interprofessional Healthcare Residential College (IHRC) Living Learning Program (LLP), see information about the application here: https://www.uky.edu/chs/academics/ihrc. You will also receive information related to becoming compliant with the college this summer (drug screen, background check, immunization requirements, etc.). Please monitor your UK email account for communication from the program.

Does accepting my seat commit me to UKY?

When you accept your seat, you are sending the program your intention to attend UKY and HHS. Therefore, we ask that students only accept their seat in HHS if they plan to attend UK. The HHS program receives hundreds of applications during each admissions cycle and can only offer seats to 175 students. However, we recognize that students’ plans change and if you have accepted your seat and change your mind, please let us know as soon as possible so that other students can be offered a seat.

Does coming to UK give me a better chance of getting into any of their graduate/professional programs?

Although you will receive a strong undergraduate foundation at UK, coming to UK does not provide you with a better chance of getting into their graduate or professional programs. All applications to UK’s graduate/professional programs are reviewed using the same criteria, without preference. Please visit the graduate/professional programs’ websites to find out more information about their admission criteria, their programs, and their faculty.

The HHS program does offer concurrent pathways in AT, PT, and Pharmacy. If you are interested in those options, please speak with your advisor once you begin the HHS program.

Why didn’t I get in?

The HHS program receives hundreds of strong applications during each application cycle and only select cohorts of 175 students each fall. So, the application process in HHS is competitive and selective. However, not getting into HHS does not mean you are not a great student or applicant. We simply only have so many seats to give out. Keep in mind that there are many majors at UK that can lead to a future as a healthcare provider. Use this site to explore other major options: https://www.uky.edu/academics/.

Can I apply again? If so, when?

Yes, you can reapply to the program. See our admissions web page for more information on application deadlines and notification dates for our fall to spring admissions cycle and our spring to fall admissions cycle.

What do I major in if I don't get into HHS?

There are many majors on campus that prepare you to pursue a career as a healthcare provider. Use this site to explore other major options: https://www.uky.edu/academics/. Please contact UK advising (https://www.uky.edu/studentacademicsupport/contact-us) for additional support and exploration.

I'm on the HHS waitlist, when will I hear a final admission decision?

Please refer to the admissions tab on our website. All of our admissions cycle deadlines, notification dates are posted there.

Is the HHS waitlist ranked?

The HHS waitlist is not ranked. We review the waitlist at least two weeks prior to May 1 to determine the final invitation list for the upcoming cohort.

When will I hear a status update since I am on the waiting list?

We send out periodic status updates for those who are moved from the waitlist to acceptance throughout the admissions cycle. We review the waitlist at least two weeks prior to May 1 to determine the final invitation list for the upcoming cohort. The latest date you will hear a status update from us is April 30th.

When will I get my financial aid packet information?

Students should receive their financial aid award information by April 1st. You can also contact the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships at https://www.uky.edu/financialaid/contactus for more information.

Does CHS have any college-based scholarship opportunities?

CHS does not offer scholarships to incoming students, but does have a scholarship application and options for continuing students in the college.

What is the LLP and what are the deadlines for housing?

Please see information related to our IHRC LLP here: https://www.uky.edu/chs/academics/ihrc. UK housing information is here: https://www.uky.edu/housing/

General Program Questions

What makes HHS a good choice as a pre-health professions program of study?

Although there are many majors at UK that can lead to a future as a healthcare provider, HHS is a good choice because:

  • We are a small program. We only accept 175 students each fall, which allows our students to get to know our faculty and staff well.
  • Our students have shared that they feel like the College of Health Sciences is a big family and we are all here to support one another and value an inclusive environment.
  • HHS also provides students with important knowledge and skills essential to becoming a quality healthcare provider, such as healthcare ethics, health advocacy, health policy, research, cultural competence, and so on, in addition to a solid foundation in math and science and opportunities for applied and engaged learning.
What is the acceptance rate of HHS majors to graduate/professional programs?

Generally, about 3 out of 4 students that apply to graduate/professional programs in their area of interest are accepted. Some students in our program also decide to pursue other post-graduate interests after earning their bachelor’s degree, such as careers in public health, health administration, public policy, law school, and so on.

Are there any education abroad opportunities in HHS?

Yes, there are many education abroad opportunities in HHS. In the past, students have studied abroad in France, the United Kingdom, Ecuador, Cuba, and more. Our students work with the education abroad office often to coordinate their education abroad opportunities.

How are HHS shadowing locations determined?

HHS102 is an elective shadowing and observation course for our students. If you choose to take the course, our site placement coordinator will work with students in the course to secure their placement. The coordinator makes an effort to place students in an area they are interested in.

Can I start my shadowing experience as a freshman?

Yes, typically students who take HHS 102 during their freshman year begin shadowing during that year. Students often find additional shadowing or work opportunities at UK Healthcare during their undergraduate careers at UK.