Medical Schools in Texas

Admission Statistics at Allopathic Texas Medical Schools 

1. Baylor College of Medicine 

Location: Houston, TX 

Institution Type: Private 

Mission: Baylor College of Medicine is a health sciences university that creates knowledge and applies science and discoveries to further education, healthcare and community service locally and globally. 

 2. McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston 

Location: Houston, TX 

Institution Type: Public 

Mission: To educate a diverse body of future physicians and biomedical scientists for a career dedicated to the highest ideals of their profession; to provide outstanding patient-centered care; and to conduct innovative research that benefits the health and well-being of the population of Texas and beyond. 

3. TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine 

Location: Fort Worth, TX  

Institution Type: Private 

Mission: TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine’s mission is to transform health care by inspiring Empathetic Scholars™. 

MD Acceptance Rate at Medical Schools in Texas

4. Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine 

Location: Bryan, TX 

Institution Type: Public 

Mission: Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine's mission is to "improve the health and well-being of the people of Texas through excellence in education, research and health care delivery." 

5. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine 

Location: El Paso, TX 

Institution Type: Public 

Mission: The mission of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is to provide an outstanding education and development opportunities for a diverse group of students, residents, faculty and staff; advance knowledge through innovation and research; and serve the needs of socially and culturally diverse communities and regions. 

Check out our video below to understand the three unique aspects of the Texas medical school application process. 

6. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine 

Location: Lubbock, TX 

Institution Type: Public 

Mission: As a comprehensive health sciences center, the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine's mission is to enrich the lives of others by educating students to become collaborative health care professionals, providing excellent patient care, and advancing knowledge through innovative research. 

7. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine 

Location: San Antonio, TX 

Institution Type: Public 

Mission: The mission of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Joe R. and Teresa Lozano Long School of Medicine is to serve the needs of the citizens of Texas by providing medical education and training to medical students and physicians at all career levels and fostering an environment of life-long learning that is flexible and emphasizes professionalism, with special commitment to the preparation of physicians in both the art and science of medical practice; conducting biomedical and other health-related research, with particular attention to translational research; delivering exemplary health care; and providing a responsive resource in health-related affairs for the nation and the state, with particular emphasis on South Texas. 

8. University of Houston College of Medicine 

Location: Houston, TX 

Institution Type: Public 

Mission: The UH College of Medicine is accountable to society for improving the overall health and healthcare of the population of Greater Houston, Texas and beyond by: 

• Educating a diverse group of physicians who will provide compassionate, high-value care to patients, families, and communities with a focus on primary care and other needed physician specialties 
• Conducting interdisciplinary research to find innovative solutions to problems in health and healthcare 
• Providing integrated, evidence-based, high-value care delivered to patients by interprofessional teams 
• Engaging, collaborating with, and empowering under-served patient populations and community partners to improve their health and healthcare 

9. University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School 

Location: Austin, TX 

Institution Type: Public 

Mission: The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School's mission is to revolutionize how people get and stay healthy by: 

• Improving health in the community as a model for the nation; 
• Evolving new models of person-centered, multidisciplinary care that reward value; 
• Accelerating innovation and research to improve health; 
• Educating leaders who transform health care; and 
• Redesigning the academic health environment to better serve society. 

10. University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine 

Location: Galveston, TX 

Institution Type: Public 

Mission: The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine's mission is to create tomorrow's medicine today by discovery and application of new knowledge, and by inspiring lifelong learning and clinical excellence.

11. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine 

Location: Edinburg, TX 

Institution Type: Public 

Mission: The mission of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine is to educate a diverse group of medical students and future biomedical scientists; to develop physicians who will serve across all disciplines of medicine; to bring hope to patients and communities by advancing biomedical knowledge through research; to integrate education and research that advances the quality and accessibility of health care; and to engage with the Rio Grande Valley communities to benefit Texas and the world. 

12. University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

Location: Dallas, TX 

Institution Type: Public 

Mission: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School's mission is to promote health and a healthy society that enables individuals to achieve their full potential. They 

EDUCATE: Physicians, scientists, and caregivers optimally prepared to serve the needs of patients and society 

DISCOVER: Research that solves for unmet needs by finding better treatments, cures, and prevention with a commitment to ensuring real world application 

HEAL: Best care possible today, with continuous improvement and innovation for better care tomorrow" 

Are you working on your TMDSAS application? Check out some tips to help you write your personal statement:

Admission Statistics at Osteopathic Texas Medical Schools 

13. Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Location: Conroe, TX 

Institution Type: Public 

Mission: The mission of the Sam Houston State University (SHSU) College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) is to prepare students for the degree of Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine with an emphasis toward primary care and rural practice, to develop culturally aware, diverse and compassionate physicians, who follow osteopathic principles, that are prepared for graduate medical education, and will serve the people of Texas with professionalism and patient-centered care. 

14. University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC/TCOM) 

Location: Fort Worth, TX 

Institution Type: Public 

Mission: Create solutions for a healthier community by preparing tomorrow’s patient-centered physicians and scientists and advancing the continuum of medical knowledge, discovery, and osteopathic health care. 

15. University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine 

Location: San Antonio, TX 

Institution Type: Private 

Mission: The mission of the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) is to empower all members of the medical education community to achieve academic, professional, and personal success and develop a commitment to lifelong learning through excellence in learner–centered, patient-focused education, justice-based research and meaningful partnerships of osteopathic clinical service across the spectrum of undergraduate, graduate and continuing medical education. The development and application of osteopathic principles of medicine across four years of physician training will promote culturally, linguistically, and community responsive care for all patients to enhance patient safety and improve patient outcomes. 

Tips to Ace Your Application to Medical Schools in Texas 

Residency 

Many Texas medical schools do not use AMCAS or AACOMAS to process their applications. If you want to go to medical school in Texas, you need to submit your application through the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). This application process, while similar to AMCAS, does have some differences which you should keep in mind if you intend to apply to medical school in Texas. You will need to tailor your application as per TMDSAS requirements and do some additional research and prep for extra application components.  

As per the latest US medical school admissions statistics, Texas has much higher in-state medical school acceptance rates. The reason why Texas medical schools use a different application system is because they want to prioritize the educational needs and medical service of the local population. While they do accept some out-of-state students, it’s much more difficult to get admission if you are not a resident.  

If you are an in-state student, along with your application, you must submit documents that show proof of residency in Texas. You can check the Texas Residency Overview page on the TMDSAS website to see the detailed proof of residency document requirements.  

If you are an out-of-state student, you are strongly encouraged to emphasize your connection to Texas in your application. The admission committees will want to know why you want study in Texas and what you’re bringing to their programs. If you have connections to Texas, you should make sure you highlight them appropriately in your personal statement and essays. For example, you can talk about any family or friends you have there. Or maybe you have travelled around Texas extensively and have a strong attachment to this state. Any past connections to Texas that are genuinely demonstrated in your application will make you a more attractive candidate to the admissions committees. If there’s no such connection, place emphasis on your commitment to living and working in Texas even after your medical education is complete.  

You could also talk about your goals of wanting to help underserved communities in Texas. At the end of the day, Texas medical schools are always looking for candidates who are committed to enriching and giving back to the local Texas community. If you’re an out-of-state student, your best chance of getting into Texas medical schools is to demonstrate strong past connections and future commitments to Texas. 

Similar to AMCAS, TMDSAS requires all the standard personal, demographic, educational, and professional information about you, along with some additional components. The following are the key application components that you should pay attention to if you want to get accepted to a Texas medical school. 

Important note: while most medical schools in Texas use the TMDSAS application service, there are medical schools that do not. Applicants to the Texas Christian University, the University of North Texas Health Science Center (TCU UNTHSC) must submit an AMCAS application, while applicants to the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM) must submit an AACOMAS application. 

Academic Information

TMDSAS requires applicants to submit their complete official transcript as proof of their academic record along with full information of all institutions attended, coursework, credit hours, etc. Through the admissions process, you will have to keep checking your TMDSAS primary application and updating it with your latest GPA, scores, and coursework, as they come out. Additionally, applicants need to submit their MCAT score and CASPer scores. Many medical schools in Texas are on the list of schools that require CASPer.  

You will be evaluated based on your GPA, MCAT, and CASPer score. The better the score, the better the chances of you getting in. Texas has some of the top medical schools in the country with high average matriculant GPAs and MCAT scores. Hence, you will need to plan your undergraduate studies and work hard to ensure you get good grades. 

TMDSAS Employment and Activities

This section is similar to the AMCAS Work and Activities section. This is where you can add all the information about your extracurricular activities and achievements. This includes academic recognition as well as non-academic recognition, leadership experiences, employment history, research work, healthcare specific experience, volunteer work and community service, leisure or hobby activities and finally planned activities. The latter is basically referring to the extracurricular activities you plan to do after applying but which are not yet complete. You will have to categorize each activity and add details for each entry, all in just 300 or 500 characters, depending on the activity category. Make sure you check the requirements specific to your program and complete the section accordingly. 

Admissions boards will be looking for candidates who have a depth and breadth of extracurricular experience that highlights their capabilities, leadership potential, and passion for medicine. You will have to start planning in advance so you can make sure your extracurriculars for medical school are robust enough. Medical schools like to see meaningful activities that tie into your overall journey towards medical school and demonstrate how well-suited you are to the program. For Texas medical schools, it’s a good idea to use the TMDSAS Employment and Activities section to emphasize your commitment to serving local Texan communities and improving healthcare in underserved areas. Out-of-state students have a higher chance of getting in if they have some previous extracurricular activity or recognition from local Texas communities; for example, local shadowing experience, collaborative research work with Texan students, and so on. 

Keep in mind that quality always trumps quantity. Include experiences and activities that demonstrate your growth, dedication, and commitment.  

TMDSAS Essays

Your TMDSAS application will include the following three essay requirements: 

Personal statement (5000 characters including spaces)

The personal statement is an essential component of your TMDSAS application. This single document should encompass the answer to the question “why do you want to be a doctor?”, how you got to where you are today, and why you would be a good fit for medicine.  

You should take your time writing your personal statement. Do your research first and look up some TMDSAS personal statement examples to understand what is expected. You can also check general medical school personal statement examples so you can see a wider variety of styles and content. Once you know what kind of essay is required, you can then reflect on your journey and reasons for wanting to become a doctor. Select 2 or 3 experiences that will structure your essay and write a meaningful statement that highlights your strengths, unique qualities, and what you have learned from your journey to medical school. Remember, using your 2 or 3 experiences, you must show, rather than simply tell, why you would be a great addition to the medical profession.  

If you are an out-of-state student, this is another application component where you can mention your personal connection to Texas and your commitment to serving the local community. However, only include information that is honest and backed up by the rest of your application. For example, there’s no point claiming to have a strong emotional or familial connection to Texas if you have never even visited the state. 

Want to see some examples of the TMDSAS personal statement? Check out our video below: 

 Personal characteristics essay (2500 characters including spaces)

This TMDSAS personal characteristics essay has the following prompt: Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others. 

This essay helps admissions boards evaluate if you are going to be a good fit and add value to your medical school cohort. This is where you can talk about your personal qualities, individual experiences, family background, and anything else unique about your experiences. Essentially, you can consider this essay as a diversity essay prompt. The admissions committees want to know about your interactions with the larger community and society and how this has shaped you. It’s your chance to demonstrate what kind of unique experiences you can bring to the cohort. For example, have you experienced immigration? Are you from an underserved community? Are you a returning student belonging to another profession? These are some unique experiences that could form the theme of your personal characteristics essay. 

However, it’s not enough just to present an inspiring narrative centered around your unique background. You should also make sure you write a coherent, well-structured essay. Include the details of at least 2 to 3 appropriate personal, academic, professional, or extracurricular experiences to illustrate your points, along with the lessons or skills you learned. For example, you can talk about any how you overcame socio-political disadvantages to achieve outstanding academic or professional success and then went on to volunteer at the same community. Or, you could talk about how your athletic career in high school taught you leadership skills and that encouraged you to later lead research projects at the college level.  

Optional essay (2500 characters including spaces) 

The TMDSAS optional essay has the following prompt: Briefly discuss any unique circumstances or life experiences that are relevant to your application, which have not previously been presented. 

 Though this is an “optional” essay, do not be fooled. You will have little chance of acceptance if you ignore this application component. This is probably the toughest of the three TMDSAS essays, as the prompt is quite vague. Applicants can really write about any topic they like, so long as you are providing a deeper look into your journey to medical school.  

Don’t be intimidated - the optional essay actually presents a chance to be creative and truly impress the admissions committee. You can write about any unique achievements that you are proud of, that taught you important lessons, or that inspired you. For instance, you can focus on extracurricular achievements outside the field of medicine, such as musical prowess, athletic success, and so on. You can even talk about something as specific as a life-changing trip or a formative educational experience. Or, you could also choose to tell more personal stories that demonstrate your diversity and cultural connections to a specific community. Some students use the optional essay to address the gaps in their application.  

For example, if you took a gap year to increase a low MCAT score, in the optional essay you can demonstrate how this year allowed you to improve your study strategies and retake the MCAT, resulting in a significantly higher score. Additionally, you can highlight any other extracurricular or academic activities you were involved in during your gap year. 

Whatever the topic, the narrative should be strong and cohesive, and should add substantial new information to the overall narrative of the application. It’s important to keep the material in the TMDSAS optional essay fresh and avoid repeating the same information you already added in your personal statement or personal characteristics essay. 

Dual degree essays (5000 characters, including spaces) 

Applicants who want to be considered for dual-degree medical programs in Texas need to submit an additional essay detailing their motivation for this type of degree. For example applicants to MD/PhD programs would need to submit an additional MD/PhD essay.

TMDSAS dual degree essays have the following two prompts: 

1. Explain your motivation to seek a MD/PhD or DO/PhD dual degree. Discuss your research interests and career goals as an applicant to a dual degree program. 
2. Describe your significant research experiences. Include the name and title of your research mentor as well as your contributions to the project. List any publications that have resulted from your work. 

Make sure you highlight your suitability for the dual degree program you want to get into. Don’t just talk about the dual degrees as individual subjects but rather, describe the deeper connection between them and why you, specifically, are passionate about these connections. Talk about your own previous clinical or research experience and how that ties into your desire to complete a dual degree. These programs typically have fewer seats and are much harder to get into, so you should ensure you craft a well-written, impactful essay that highlights your passion for the concerned area of study. 

Additional Documentation

 Your TMDSAS application requires a lot of specific documentation so you need to ensure you have all your papers in order before sending off the application. At various stages of the application, you will need to submit additional documents like your test score results (MCAT and CASPer), transcripts, letters of recommendation and so on. Make sure you track the medical school application timelines for each of these and keep updating your primary application with the appropriate documents as per the timelines. 

Letters of Evaluation

Different programs have different letter of evaluation or recommendation requirements. You should check the individual medical school websites to determine how many medical school recommendation letters they need along with any other requirements related to this component. Typically, Texas medical school applicants need to submit at least 3 individual letters of evaluation or one Health Professions Committee Letter/Packet.  

Make sure the letters are written by someone who knows you well and can comment accurately about your suitability for medical school. Letters of evaluation are objective means of supporting your candidacy and ensuring that you are a good fit for medicine. 

Secondary Applications

Finally, some Texas medical schools also require students to complete and submit a secondary application. The medical school secondary essay prompts vary from school to school. Typically, they are designed to find out how well the applicant aligns with the school’s mission statement, vision, and values. You won’t get a chance to prepare for them in advance as you usually only have about two weeks of time to submit them after receiving the prompts. You can check out these medical school secondary essay examples to get a better idea of the kinds of questions you can expect and how to answer them best.

Conclusion 

Medical schools in Texas can present an intimidating prospect for many students because of their independent application system and strict rules regarding the admission of non-residents . But as you can see from the list above, many of the components are very similar to the AMCAS and AACOMAS application components. With appropriate preparation and careful planning, the TMDSAS process doesn’t seem so scary.  

If you want to see more detailed information about TMDSAS, you can check out the TMDSAS application handbook. 

FAQs 

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting 

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