thank you <3

Yup. I applied last year and got an interview, and those "At least one of the following criteria must apply to you" weren't necessary. I think it's because they just had so many ppl apply last year.

it's not that.. it's that they changed the requirements after the deadline ☹️ so now I don't know what to do because I've just wasted an option essentially

I'm not hallucinating right?? for 2026 entry the entry requirements were NOT this:
Eligibility for the EMDP
To be eligible to apply, you must meet the following criteria:
- You must have attended only non-selective state education since the age of 11. Please list all the schools that you have attended since the age of 11 on your UCAS application, even if some previously attended schools were not in the UK. A non-selective state school is a school that does not charge fees for attendance, and does not require you to pass an exam and / or undertake an interview to be considered for entry.
- You cannot have started or completed a degree before submitting your application.
- You must have sat the UCAT prior to submitting your application
- You must have a Home fee status.
At least one of the following criteria must apply to you
- Eligible for Free School Meals
- Home postcode in an area of ‘high deprivation’ as determined by ACORN (categories 5/6) IMD (deciles 1 and 2)
- Successfully completed the King’s K+ programme
- Applicants who are care-experienced or estranged
Priority will also be given to applicants from schools with low attainment as defined by Progress 8 score
this is scaring me so bad because I only found out like now but this means im no longer eligible for the course
(･᷄︵･᷅)

it's not that.. it's that they changed the requirements after the deadline ☹️ so now I don't know what to do because I've just wasted an option essentially

Hi. Do you mean they now expect the applicants to meet all of the criteria and not only one.

You need to meet all the criteria, then at least meet one of these criteria ontop:
- Eligible for Free School Meals
- Home postcode in an area of ‘high deprivation’ as determined by ACORN (categories 5/6) IMD (deciles 1 and 2)
- Successfully completed the King’s K+ programme
- Applicants who are care-experienced or estranged
Before, they were "special considerations" and weren't required.

Hi
My view of the criterion it makes sense because this course is designed for school leavers ( not graduates)who are home students ( not internationals)who attend state schools, not fees paying schools.