MD Admissions FAQ
Who should I talk to about a career in medicine?
Health professions advisors at your university or college are experts in knowing the appropriate course requirements and how to apply. Talk to physicians in your area as they have first hand experience as practicing doctors and former premed and medical students. Shadow doctors and other healthcare providers and volunteer at clinics, hospitals and physicians’ offices to affirm your decision for medicine as a career and to learn about the varying facets of the health care system.
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 to decide on a major. Better than 70% 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, attributes 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
| General Biology (with labs) | 8 SCH (6 SCH lecture and 2 SCH lab or 9 QH lecture and 3 QH lab) |
| Advanced Biological Sciences | 6 SCH (or 9 QH; 3 SCH or 5 QH of Biochemistry is required*) |
| General Chemistry (with labs) | 8 SCH (6 SCH lecture and 2 SCH lab or 9 QH lecture and 3 QH lab) |
| Organic Chemistry (with labs) | 8 SCH (6 SCH lecture and 2 SCH. lab or 9 GH lecture and 3 QH lab) |
| General Physics (with labs) | 8 SCH (6 SCH lecture and 2 SCH lab or 9 QH lecture and 3 QH lab) |
| Math-Based Statistics** | 3 SCH (or 5 QH) |
| English | 6 SCH (or 9 QH) |
| Total SCH | 47 SCH (or 71 QH) |
Notes
* 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?
Clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and hospices need volunteers. Although important, don’t limit yourself strictly to health care-related volunteer work, and balance 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?
It is advantageous to 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 to retake the exam in the summer without having to reapply to medical school. 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 College of Medicine participates in the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). TMDSAS is a centralized application for participating Texas medical schools. Visit TMDSAS website for more information. The school also requires a secondary application and the Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics(CASPer).
When should I apply?
You must apply one year before you expect to matriculate. Although the majority of our applicants have completed a bachelor’s degree, students can enroll with 90 hours of undergraduate course work. The application can be submitted as early as May 1, and the deadline for filing all application materials is October 1.
EARLY APPLICATION IS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.
TMDSAS
What letters of recommendation will I need?
The Admissions Committee prefers a Health Professions Committee Packet (HPCP). If you do not have an advising office, we will accept a minimum of three letters of evaluation from faculty. Letters of evaluation from work 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 a year.
Is an Interview Required?
Yes, applicants are invited for personal interviews based upon a holistic approach that assesses experiences, attributes, backgrounds, and academic and MCAT performance. Interview sessions are scheduled between July and December (occasionally to early January) and follow an all-day format. A complete application is required for screening.
What is an Interview like?
Interview sessions are conducted over a 20-week period between August and December in Bryan/College Station, Temple, or Houston. Each applicant is given two 30-minute traditional interviews and two 5-minute Standardized Patient Exercises (SPE).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 get in the first year you apply, talk to your school’s health professions advisor or our admissions staff about how to improve your application for the next year.
How much does it cost to go to medical school?
The approximate cost of tuition and fees for a Texas resident is $19,308 a year and $32,408 a year for non-Texas residents (not including other expenses such as loan fees, housing and meals, books and supplies, travel, and personal expenses.). A student’s ability to pay for medical school is not a factor in the admissions process.
Does the School of Medicine accept international applicants?
Consideration is given only to applicants who are naturalized U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents (Green Card bearers) by the time of medical school application. Acceptance and enrollment is contingent upon providing official documentation at the time of medical school application and before matriculation.
Does the School of Medicine accept transfer students?
No. The College of Medicine Admissions Committee does not consider students for transfer or advanced standing from any medical schools (Allopathic or Osteopathic) in the country or out of the country.