MD Admissions FAQ

Who should I talk to about a career in medicine?

Talk to your health professions advisors at your university or college. They are quite knowledgeable about the appropriate course requirements and how to apply. Take advantage of presentations hosted by medical schools about a career in medicine and applying to medical school. Visit their websites for details. Talk to physicians in your area as they have firsthand experience as practitioners. Shadow MD and DO physicians and other healthcare providers. Volunteer at clinics, hospitals and physicians’ offices to explore and affirm your decision for medicine as a career and to learn about the many facets of the health care system. For additional resources including webinars and podcasts visit the TMDSAS or the AMCAS websites.

What do I major in?

You can major in ANY field as long as you complete the course requirements for medical school. Seek the advice of a health professions advisor at your college or university to decide on a major. Over 65% of applicants to medical school major in the biological sciences.

The School of Medicine prefers that entering students complete a baccalaureate degree before enrolling. Students may be considered with 90 semester credit hours of college work or without a baccalaureate degree, provided their academic record, MCAT and CASPer/DUET tests performances and experiences are comparable or superior to those students who complete the baccalaureate degree. The courses (below) are required with at least a grade of a “C” from a fully accredited college or university in the U.S. and must be completed before or by the time of enrollment.

Abbreviations: SCH = Semester Credit Hours and QH = Quarter Hours

Notes

* The advanced biological sciences requirements must include junior and senior university level biological science courses such as but not limited to Biochemistry, Fundamentals of Microbiology, Molecular Cell Biology, Cell Biology, Developmental Biology, Genetics, Genomics, Ecology, Integrated Human Anatomy and Physiology, Neural Development, etc.

** The Biochemistry requirement will be applied towards the 6 SCH (or 9 QH) required for advanced biological sciences. It must be a course that is applied toward a baccalaureate degree in any traditional science field. The course may be taught in the Biology, Biochemistry or Chemistry department. It cannot be an introductory course.

*** The Statistics course should be taught in the Math or Statistics department. Statistics courses taught at other departments may be considered with appropriate documentation.

Where should I volunteer?

You can volunteer at clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and hospices. These services are generally in need of volunteers. Although important, don’t limit yourself strictly to health care-related volunteer work, and balance your experiences with non-healthcare community service. Every opportunity to interact with people who need help will influence your life and affirm your desire to serve others.

When should I take the MCAT?

We advise that you take the MCAT in the spring or early summer of the year you apply to medical school. Taking the MCAT in the spring allows you time to prepare and to retake the exam in late summer without having to reapply to medical school. The MCAT exam is usually administered 31 times in a year from mid-January through mid-September. Applicants may attempt the exam no more than three times in a testing year. The MCAT must have been taken no earlier than five years before expected date of enrollment. For more information on preparation, registration and application please visit the MCAT home page.

How do I Apply?

The School of Medicine participates in the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). TMDSAS is a centralized application service for participating Texas medical schools. Visit TMDSAS website for more information. The School of Medicine also requires a secondary application, which is available via its Admissions Processing Portal. For applicants interested in applying MD/PhD, they must apply via the American Medical Colleges Application Service (AMCAS).

When should I apply?

The traditional undergraduate student applies the year before graduation from college or one year before expected medical school enrollment. However, some students choose to apply after graduation. The application typically opens on May 1 and closes on November 1 for any given year. EARLY APPLICATION IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED. Visit the TMDSAS website for details.

What letters of recommendation will I need?

The Admissions Committee prefers a Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) packet if available at your undergraduate institution. If you do not have an advising office, we will accept a maximum of three individual letters of evaluation from faculty. Letters of evaluation from employment supervisors, medically related preceptors and research mentors are acceptable and can be used in lieu of faculty letters if you have been out of school more than two years. Visit our website and the TMDSAS website for more details.

Is an Interview Required?

Yes! For applicants to be considered for admission, they must be interviewed. Applicants are invited for personal interviews based upon a holistic review that assesses experiences, attributes, backgrounds, academic record, and MCAT and CASPer performances. A complete application is required for a pre-interview review. The School of Medicine over the last five years has interviewed 740 applicants on average per year. Approximately a total of 3,500 applicants are interviewed across all of the TMDSAS participating medical schools in a given year (or 48%).

What is an Interview like?

Interview sessions are conducted over a 24-week period between late July and early February. Interviews are conducted virtually via the Zoom platform. Each applicant is given two individual 30-minute interview. The interview gives the admissions committee another measure to evaluate traits that may foster the development of a competent, empathetic, compassionate, and responsible physician.

What if I don't get in the first time I apply?

If you don’t gain admission the first time you apply, talk to your school’s health professions advisor or schedule an appointment with a member of the admissions staff about how to improve your application for the next year. The School's Office of Admissions offers a number of virtual re-application workshops in the spring. A handful of the TMDSAS participating schools also offer application and re-application workshops.

How much does it cost to go to medical school?

For cost of attendance, including estimated cost of tuition and fees, books and supplies, housing, etc., visit the Aggie One Stop website.

Does the School of Medicine accept international applicants?

Consideration is given only to applicants who are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents (Green Card bearers). Acceptance and enrollment are contingent upon providing official documentation at the time of medical school application and before matriculation of either becoming a US citizen through naturalization or attaining lawful US permanent residency.

Does the School of Medicine consider medical students for transfer from other medical schools?

No! The School of Medicine Admissions Committee does not consider students for transfer (or advanced standing) from any other medical schools (Allopathic or Osteopathic) in the US or outside the US.