2024-2025 Texas Tech El Paso (Foster)

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
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2024-2025 Texas Tech El Paso Secondary Essay Prompts: (same as last year)

1. 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 our socially and culturally diverse communities and region.” Recognizing the components of this mission and that PLFSOM is located on the US/Mexico border, please describe why you are interested in applying to our school. (300 words or less)

2. The Foster SOM student honor code states “In my capacity as a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso School of Medicine medical student, I will uphold the dignity of the medical profession. I will, to the best of my ability, avoid actions which might result in harm to my patients. I will protect the dignity of my patients and the deceased, and will protect their confidential information in accordance with the prevailing standards of medical practice. I will not lie, cheat, or steal. I will enter into professional relationships with my colleagues, teachers, and other health care professionals in a manner that is respectful and reflective of the high standards and expectations of my profession. I will not tolerate violations of this Code by others and will report such violations to the appropriate authorities.” Please describe past experiences or personal attributes that reflect your affinity with this honor code. (300 words or less)

3. Please describe any unique personal experiences or disadvantage (educational, financial or otherwise) and their significance to you in your pursuit of a medical degree. (300 words or less)

Good luck to all applying!
Interview Feedback:
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine Interview Feedback

Review of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine Interview Feedback. Get the latest information, opinions of fellow students, and LizzyM and SDN Rankings.
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Questions​

Every question is required.
1. 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 our socially and culturally diverse communities and region.” Recognizing the components of this mission and that PLFSOM is located on the US/Mexico border, please describe why you are interested in applying to our school. (300 words or less)

2. The Foster SOM student honor code states “In my capacity as a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso School of Medicine medical student, I will uphold the dignity of the medical profession. I will, to the best of my ability, avoid actions which might result in harm to my patients. I will protect the dignity of my patients and the deceased, and will protect their confidential information in accordance with the prevailing standards of medical practice. I will not lie, cheat, or steal. I will enter into professional relationships with my colleagues, teachers, and other health care professionals in a manner that is respectful and reflective of the high standards and expectations of my profession. I will not tolerate violations of this Code by others and will report such violations to the appropriate authorities.” Please describe past experiences or personal attributes that reflect your affinity with this honor code. (300 words or less)

3. Please describe any unique personal experiences or disadvantage (educational, financial or otherwise) and their significance to you in your pursuit of a medical degree. (300 words or less)

@wysdoc
 
Remember to schedule your Casper exam.
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2024-2025 list of schools and their SJTs

Updated July 2, 2024 (page updated June 11) on The AAMC PREview® Professional Readiness Exam Participating Medical Schools and MSAR reports Look at the 2023 list to see if your school(s) wanted you to take an SJT. PREview scores are automatically released to AMCAS. Examinees do not need to...
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Dang…. Never would’ve expected that a TX school would send out II’s this early. Kind of bummed I didn’t get an II since this is literally my top choice school but I know that this is only the beginning of the cycle

Is it safe to assume that people who interview in the first round are probably like the cream of the crop? I figure everyone who interviews first round is probably getting accepted unless they bomb the interview since the school liked them that much. I’m asking to give myself hope that maybe I’m just not the ultimate amazing tier applicant maybe, but that I still have a shot especially given they’ve probably reviewed my app


Sorry just my neurotic premed self coming alive 🥸
 
Avatararrow said:
Dang…. Never would’ve expected that a TX school would send out II’s this early. Kind of bummed I didn’t get an II since this is literally my top choice school but I know that this is only the beginning of the cycle

Is it safe to assume that people who interview in the first round are probably like the cream of the crop? I figure everyone who interviews first round is probably getting accepted unless they bomb the interview since the school liked them that much. I’m asking to give myself hope that maybe I’m just not the ultimate amazing tier applicant maybe, but that I still have a shot especially given they’ve probably reviewed my app


Sorry just my neurotic premed self coming alive 🥸
Click to expand...
No it just means they were completed early including CASPer.
Interviews stretch from July to January
 
wysdoc said:
2. The Foster SOM student honor code states “In my capacity as a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso School of Medicine medical student, I will uphold the dignity of the medical profession. I will, to the best of my ability, avoid actions which might result in harm to my patients. I will protect the dignity of my patients and the deceased, and will protect their confidential information in accordance with the prevailing standards of medical practice. I will not lie, cheat, or steal. I will enter into professional relationships with my colleagues, teachers, and other health care professionals in a manner that is respectful and reflective of the high standards and expectations of my profession. I will not tolerate violations of this Code by others and will report such violations to the appropriate authorities.” Please describe past experiences or personal attributes that reflect your affinity with this honor code. (300 words or less)
Click to expand...
What are they asking with this prompt? Do they want us to focus on reporting ethics violations to higher ups? or can we focus on any one aspect of the question?
 
bsajeev said:
What are they asking with this prompt? Do they want us to focus on reporting ethics violations to higher ups? or can we focus on any one aspect of the question?
Click to expand...
I answered each point individually in two separate paragraphs, like experiences relating to working w/ others and being honest and stuff.
 
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Where can I find what submission date TMDSAS is currently reviewing? I submitted 18JUN and wanted to know when I could get verified
 
bsajeev said:
What are they asking with this prompt? Do they want us to focus on reporting ethics violations to higher ups? or can we focus on any one aspect of the question?
Click to expand...
I just responded with a long paragraph(about 180 words) talking about an experience I had acting with integrity when a peer wanted me to cheat.
 
ChairWallington said:
I'm confused about when we are supposed to sign our interview agreement. It says, "Do not sign until the interview day" on the instructions page but then "Sign until day of Interview" on the actual agreement. So the instructions sound like I have to wait until the day of the interview while the note at the top of the agreement sounds like the day of would be too late. Also +1 to 7/1 IS II.

Also, I have no idea what the bullet below is referring to because I don't see any time schedule below the bullet or anywhere on the contract. There's a time table above the bullet but that's above. Does "time of interview" refer to my specific MMI? Are we supposed to log back in after lunch at different times or something?
  • Interview Schedule is shown at the bottom. Time of interview will be available until day of interview.
Click to expand...
Ask those specific questions to the school. I agree the wording is confusing
 
ChairWallington said:
I'm confused about when we are supposed to sign our interview agreement. It says, "Do not sign until the interview day" on the instructions page but then "Sign until day of Interview" on the actual agreement. So the instructions sound like I have to wait until the day of the interview while the note at the top of the agreement sounds like the day of would be too late. Also +1 to 7/1 IS II.

Also, I have no idea what the bullet below is referring to because I don't see any time schedule below the bullet or anywhere on the contract. There's a time table above the bullet but that's above. Does "time of interview" refer to my specific MMI? Are we supposed to log back in after lunch at different times or something?
  • Interview Schedule is shown at the bottom. Time of interview will be available until day of interview.
Click to expand...
Following
 
ChairWallington said:
I'm confused about when we are supposed to sign our interview agreement. It says, "Do not sign until the interview day" on the instructions page but then "Sign until day of Interview" on the actual agreement. So the instructions sound like I have to wait until the day of the interview while the note at the top of the agreement sounds like the day of would be too late. Also +1 to 7/1 IS II.

Also, I have no idea what the bullet below is referring to because I don't see any time schedule below the bullet or anywhere on the contract. There's a time table above the bullet but that's above. Does "time of interview" refer to my specific MMI? Are we supposed to log back in after lunch at different times or something?
  • Interview Schedule is shown at the bottom. Time of interview will be available until day of interview.
Click to expand...
Time of interview schedule is available as listed below up to interview day. On interview day, you must stick with the time you chose as no other scheduling times will be available. For example you show up late or have some issue and need to change your interview schedule interview day….tough cookies. Go pound sand somewhere if you flake out on the schedule interview day - we aint changing your interview schedule last minute. Must have happened a lot to them and this is the PC way of saying it nicely yet confusingly in legalise? That is how I would translate it if I were so blessed to be interviewed but go ask them sure.

The other looks like they want you to sign something agreeing to the above on interview day or beforehand acknowledging before interview schedule is accepted that if you flake out on interview schedule you sign you-sign acknowledging your death warrant of no schedule changes on interview day? My theory. If don’t get an interview here or anywhere ( I am already planning for next cycle anyway to repair MCAT as an old non-trad PhD) maybe they can hire me as a technical writer? I am flexible, at least $70/hr.
 
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Interview Day Questions: (@ChairWallington @wander21 @Tarre Vizsla & the rest of y'all)
I reviewed last year's thread which had similar questions and here's your action plan:

1. Sign the interview agreement ON THE DAY of the interview. What if I already signed it now? They will re-set it and you can sign it on the day of the interview.

2. They will have YOUR exact MMI schedule ready for you by interview day. You will be going into "MMI Zoom rooms" one by one and obviously all of you can't be in the same one. They do know how to make this work smoothly, there haven't been technical difficulties.
They want everyone to be online bright and early for the introductory remarks and school information. It's useful.

It's a long interview day. If there are a couple hours between the informational session and your Zoom stuff the schedule will let you know so you can step away from the computer, rest break, eat something, whatever.

Last of all, the syntax???
Spanish is a language with multiple double negatives built into the context. English is "no-no" on the double negatives. That pun was intended, all puns are intended 😛.
I live in an area of Texas (not El Paso) where native Spanish-speakers are the majority, about 85%.
It is a common wording for someone who thinks in Spanish before mentally translating to English: "My followup appointment is until August", or "Can you believe the doctor scheduled my surgery until September?"
Non-Spanish speakers expect the phrase "Isn't until...." or "Don't sign until"

Enjoy your interview day, and one last thing:
El Paso is so far West it is in Mountain Time Zone.
Check all the times carefully on your emails to see what time Zone they are stated in.
It wouldn't be such a disaster if you tried to log on at 8:00 AM Central, you would be an hour early.
8:00 AM Central = 7:00 AM Mountain time.
Just don't get it backwards and be an hour late.
 
Strong Power. Thank You! said:
are you guys reusing the TMDSAS optional essay for the 3rd secondary prompt or writing a new one altogether?
Click to expand...
Remember that they have already read all 3 of your TMDSAS primary essays.

If you absolutely can’t think of something else to fit this prompt, you should bring out different points, aspects, or insights in the secondary essay.
 
A way to tell the reader that you dont believe they read your app - put an essay both in your primary and secondary. 🙂
 
Adiemus said:

Questions​

Every question is required.
1. 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 our socially and culturally diverse communities and region.” Recognizing the components of this mission and that PLFSOM is located on the US/Mexico border, please describe why you are interested in applying to our school. (300 words or less)

2. The Foster SOM student honor code states “In my capacity as a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso School of Medicine medical student, I will uphold the dignity of the medical profession. I will, to the best of my ability, avoid actions which might result in harm to my patients. I will protect the dignity of my patients and the deceased, and will protect their confidential information in accordance with the prevailing standards of medical practice. I will not lie, cheat, or steal. I will enter into professional relationships with my colleagues, teachers, and other health care professionals in a manner that is respectful and reflective of the high standards and expectations of my profession. I will not tolerate violations of this Code by others and will report such violations to the appropriate authorities.” Please describe past experiences or personal attributes that reflect your affinity with this honor code. (300 words or less)

3. Please describe any unique personal experiences or disadvantage (educational, financial or otherwise) and their significance to you in your pursuit of a medical degree. (300 words or less)

@wysdoc
Click to expand...
is #3 a diversity essay or an adversity one?
 
got some questions since this is a school I would be pretty happy with going to:

For the interview, is it purely MMI or can traditional interviews be expected? I heard in previous years to the MMI there were 2 interviews, is that still the same? (1 MMI and 1 traditional)


Also, how likely is it that your interview will be in Spanish if you stated on your app you are an intermediate speaker?
 
Also is there anything I can do after submitting secondary to show me interest? I was thinking of sending like an update letter but I don’t know the policy if you send something before an II.
 
Avatararrow said:
Also is there anything I can do after submitting secondary to show me interest? I was thinking of sending like an update letter but I don’t know the policy if you send something before an II.
Click to expand...
@Avatararrow you're going to enjoy a Foster interview when it comes your way.
Refer to the Interview Feedback link in the first post of this thread to see what kinds of questions past applicants say they were asked.
Your interviews will be in English 🙂

It's way too early to send any updates, it could make you look like you forgot something on your primary. They need time to read those hundreds (eventually thousands) of applications and decide whom to interview.
If you have something new and significant to report you can send it in a month or two, if you haven't heard about an interview by then.

Last year Foster sent out batches of interview invitations 14 times, between July and January. They have only sent one batch so far.
 
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wysdoc said:
@Avatararrow you're going to enjoy a Foster interview when it comes your way.
Refer to the Interview Feedback link in the first post of this thread to see what kinds of questions past applicants say they were asked.
Your interviews will be in English 🙂

It's way too early to send any updates, it could make you look like you forgot something on your primary. They need time to read those hundreds (eventually thousands) of applications and decide whom to interview.
If you have something new and significant to report you can send it in a month or two, if you haven't heard about an interview by then.

Last year Foster sent out batches of interview invitations 14 times, between July and January. They have only sent one batch so far.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the feedback!

However, is there any way to stratify interview feedback by year? I understand that MMI has only been a thing as of last year, so I couldn't tell whether the feedback was for before the MMI or after.
 
IS interview invite received today; barely any days open though, definitely none I can make, so hopefully they open up more within the next few days
 
IWishICouldPhysics said:
IS interview invite received today; barely any days open though, definitely none I can make, so hopefully they open up more within the next few days
Click to expand...
If this is the case for any of you: send a brief email saying thank you for the interview invitation, you are unable to attend the dates listed but would like to schedule an alternate date. If you have some period you will be unavailable, say that too so you won't have an awkward back and forth... ("I am out of the country until August 1, I am available to interview after that date")
 
wysdoc said:
If this is the case for any of you: send a brief email saying thank you for the interview invitation, you are unable to attend the dates listed but would like to schedule an alternate date. If you have some period you will be unavailable, say that too so you won't have an awkward back and forth... ("I am out of the country until August 1, I am available to interview after that date")
Click to expand...
Appreciate the advice! Was wondering how to word this right 🙂
 
2 questions:
1) are interviews open or closed file here?
2) I saw someone talking about the interview possibly being in Spanish?? Is that legit? I speak Spanish but would be much more comfortable doing my interview in English.
 
wop said:
2 questions:
1) are interviews open or closed file here?
2) I saw someone talking about the interview possibly being in Spanish?? Is that legit? I speak Spanish but would be much more comfortable doing my interview in English.
Click to expand...
It is an MMI-style interview so the open file/closed file aspect isn't such a factor, listen carefully to the question asked and reply to it.

What if they happen to have one MMI station where they ask you "Why El Paso?" (I'm not saying they do that, but UTMB does). You are the expert on you, and you know your own motivations, so there shouldn't be any special prep needed for that kind of question.

The interviews are held in English.
 
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Does anyone know how long each candidate's MMI session will last? I see that there is quite a long block in the afternoon for MMIs and it seems like we will be assigned a specific time for the interview but wondering how long that session will last.
 
vegyaki said:
Does anyone know how long each candidate's MMI session will last? I see that there is quite a long block in the afternoon for MMIs and it seems like we will be assigned a specific time for the interview but wondering how long that session will last.
Click to expand...
Going through a series of MMI “zoom roooms” takes some time and I would estimate 1 1/2 to 2 hours for any given person.
You should really clear your schedule for the whole day
 
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