2024-2025 University of North Texas Health Science Center/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNTHSC/TCOM)

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UNTHSC/TCOM 2024-2025 Secondary Essay Prompts: ** This school uses the TMDSAS application system**
(Essentially the same as last
year. Write all essays that are applicable to you - so perhaps not 3,6,7)

1) What experiences and/or relationships have motivated you toward a career in osteopathic medicine? (2,000 characters)

2) If you attended more than two colleges/universities, explain why. Community colleges are not needed. (1,000 characters)

3)
If applicable, please update the information contained on your TMDSAS application. Indicate any additional grades earned, alterations in your proposed coursework or graduation date, additions to your extracurricular activities, name change, or anything else you feel the Admissions Committee should know. (1,000 characters)

5) Did you live in a single-parent household?

6) Do you consider yourself financially disadvantaged?
If yes, please explain. (1000 characters)

7) Do you consider yourself educationally disadvantaged?
If yes, please explain. (1000 characters)

8) One of the values of the University of North Texas System is Courageous Integrity which means one should model exceptional standards and act in the best interest of our community. These behaviors include:
- Build trust through consistent actions that are honest, transparent, and authentic
- Provide, accept, and support open and constructive feedback
- Hold yourself and others accountable for decisions, behaviors, actions, and results
Please select a specific instance where you have demonstrated Courageous Integrity and describe how this is indicative of your character (2,000 characters)


Good luck to everyone applying!

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One of the values of the University of North Texas System is Courageous Integrity which means one should model exceptional standards and act in the best interest of our community. These behaviors include:

- Build trust through consistent actions that are honest, transparent, and authentic
- Provide, accept, and support open and constructive feedback
- Hold yourself and others accountable for decisions, behaviors, actions, and results

Please select a specific instance where you have demonstrated Courageous Integrity and describe how this is indicative of your character (2,000 character limit)

Any thoughts about responding to the optional essay prompt with an instance where classmates asked me to take a test with them (cheat) that was unproctored, but didn't? I think this reflects integrity in the sense I was true to my values and maintained my own integrity, but I did not report them knowing it happened, and don't want that to reflect poorly on me for the third point of holding others accountable if that makes sense?
 
Not 100% sure if these are all the right prompts as I heard they've started emailing, but here are the two from their website:

A. Please address each topic in a separate paragraph:
1) What experiences and/or relationships have motivated you toward a career in osteopathic medicine? (2,000 character limit including spaces)

Optional Essay:
One of the values of the University of North Texas System is Courageous Integrity which means one should model exceptional standards and act in the best interest of our community. These behaviors include:

- Build trust through consistent actions that are honest, transparent, and authentic
- Provide, accept, and support open and constructive feedback
- Hold yourself and others accountable for decisions, behaviors, actions, and results

Please select a specific instance where you have demonstrated Courageous Integrity and describe how this is indicative of your character (2,000 character limit)
 
One of the values of the University of North Texas System is Courageous Integrity which means one should model exceptional standards and act in the best interest of our community. These behaviors include:

- Build trust through consistent actions that are honest, transparent, and authentic
- Provide, accept, and support open and constructive feedback
- Hold yourself and others accountable for decisions, behaviors, actions, and results

Please select a specific instance where you have demonstrated Courageous Integrity and describe how this is indicative of your character (2,000 character limit)

Any thoughts about responding to the optional essay prompt with an instance where classmates asked me to take a test with them (cheat) that was unproctored, but didn't? I think this reflects integrity in the sense I was true to my values and maintained my own integrity, but I did not report them knowing it happened, and don't want that to reflect poorly on me for the third point of holding others accountable if that makes sense?
Any thoughts or advice? Thanks! 🙂 @wysdoc
 
Any thoughts or advice? Thanks! 🙂 @wysdoc
Well, I haven't seen the complete list of questions for this year so I hope you don't spin your wheels writing it if the prompts have changed.
If the classmates didn't actually cheat (because you didn't go along) was there anything to report?
You will likely know that they aren't trustworthy individuals for your own purposes.
 
Well, I haven't seen the complete list of questions for this year so I hope you don't spin your wheels writing it if the prompts have changed.
If the classmates didn't actually cheat (because you didn't go along) was there anything to report?
You will likely know that they aren't trustworthy individuals for your own purposes.
They still had gone through with the act of working together when they weren't supposed to, I just chose not to participate in it! Also, great point about the questions, I will email admissions to make sure I'm not spinning wheels!
 
I am ready to submit my secondary to TCOM but had a question regarding the optional DO physician evaluation. I am using my university's committee letter packet (which has a DO physician's evaluation included). On the secondary, should I leave the Additional Evaluation section blank or should I add that physician's information? He will not be sending TCOM admissions his evaluation since it will be included in the Committee Letter Packet so I am not sure whether to add his information since it is technically not an "additional" letter. On the other hand, it feels wrong to say that I do not have a DO evaluation when I do, its just not an "additional" one.
Screen Shot 2024-06-19 at 1.14.12 PM.png
 
I am ready to submit my secondary to TCOM but had a question regarding the optional DO physician evaluation. I am using my university's committee letter packet (which has a DO physician's evaluation included). On the secondary, should I leave the Additional Evaluation section blank or should I add that physician's information? He will not be sending TCOM admissions his evaluation since it will be included in the Committee Letter Packet so I am not sure whether to add his information since it is technically not an "additional" letter. On the other hand, it feels wrong to say that I do not have a DO evaluation when I do, its just not an "additional" one.
View attachment 388220
It is not “additional “ if it is already in your letter packet.
 
Hello, I went to try to submit my secondary application for TCOM today, and it said that the secondary application had closed and will reopen again on May 3rd... Is this some sort of glitch? Has anyone else seen this message? I emailed the admissions office just now, but they haven't gotten back to me yet. I really do not like their secondary portal. It's been super inconsistent even just setting up my account. I'll update when I hear something.
 
Hello, I went to try to submit my secondary application for TCOM today, and it said that the secondary application had closed and will reopen again on May 3rd... Is this some sort of glitch? Has anyone else seen this message? I emailed the admissions office just now, but they haven't gotten back to me yet. I really do not like their secondary portal. It's been super inconsistent even just setting up my account. I'll update when I hear something.
Have you actually been sent an email from TCOM to ask you to complete your secondary? Has your TMDSAS app been transmitted to schools yet?
I suspect you are using an outdated link.
 
I have received most of the Texas school secondary applications, but I still have not received the TCOM one. Is anyone else still waiting for it?
 
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I have received most of the Texas school secondary applications, but I still have not received the TCOM one. Is anyone else still waiting for it?
I don't think anyone has it yet, the folks above are speculating based on last year's prompts, right guys?
 
Hello, I went to try to submit my secondary application for TCOM today, and it said that the secondary application had closed and will reopen again on May 3rd... Is this some sort of glitch? Has anyone else seen this message? I emailed the admissions office just now, but they haven't gotten back to me yet. I really do not like their secondary portal. It's been super inconsistent even just setting up my account. I'll update when I hear something.
The same thing happened to me. I was able to open the EY2025 application last week with no problems but now I get this message. I'll probably email them on Monday.

@wysdoc
When I was able to open the application, I was able to save the prompts onto a separate document.

1) What experiences and/or relationships have motivated you toward a career in osteopathic medicine? (2,000 characters)
2) If you attended more than two colleges/universities, explain why. Community colleges are not needed. (1,000 characters)
3) If applicable, please update the information contained on your TMDSAS application. Indicate any additional grades earned, alterations in your proposed coursework or graduation date, additions to your extracurricular activities, name change, or anything else you feel the Admissions Committee should know. (1,000 characters)
5) Did you live in a single-parent household?
6) Do you consider yourself financially disadvantaged? If yes, please explain. (1000 characters)
7) Do you consider yourself educationally disadvantaged? If yes, please explain. (1000 characters)
8) One of the values of the University of North Texas System is Courageous Integrity which means one should model exceptional standards and act in the best interest of our community. These behaviors include:
- Build trust through consistent actions that are honest, transparent, and authentic
- Provide, accept, and support open and constructive feedback
- Hold yourself and others accountable for decisions, behaviors, actions, and results
Please select a specific instance where you have demonstrated Courageous Integrity and describe how this is indicative of your character (2,000 characters)
 
Hello, I went to try to submit my secondary application for TCOM today, and it said that the secondary application had closed and will reopen again on May 3rd... Is this some sort of glitch? Has anyone else seen this message? I emailed the admissions office just now, but they haven't gotten back to me yet. I really do not like their secondary portal. It's been super inconsistent even just setting up my account. I'll update when I hear something.
I actually have been having this same issue. When I first received the email from TCOM inviting me to complete the secondary application, I was able to access the application and view the questions. About 2-3 days ago, I went back using the MyHSC portal to reaccess the application, but I got a pop-up saying that the application has been closed and will reopen on May 3.
 
Have you actually been sent an email from TCOM to ask you to complete your secondary? Has your TMDSAS app been transmitted to schools yet?
I suspect you are using an outdated link
Yes, I was invited to complete my secondary application on June 7th, but I was unable to access the secondary application last week. I still have not submitted my secondary. On Friday, someone from the admissions department left me a message saying they are working on fixing technical difficulties with their portal. He said the secondary application is currently on hold. He gave no estimated timeline for when it will be back up...
 
Don't apply here if you aren't from Texas right? What if my uncle lives here?
 
Don't apply here if you aren't from Texas right? What if my uncle lives here?
You don’t have to demonstrate any Texas ties, you just have to have a solid application.
The class will be 90% Texans though, because state subsidies for in-state residents specify that cap.
 
I can access my secondary now without the error message!
I went ahead and submitted my secondary application today. Someone from admissions emailed me that the technical difficulties have been fixed, so everyone should be able to access and submit their application starting today.
 
I read somewhere they do not send secondary app and you just go in and sign in and do it which I did and completed it 6/6/24 without waiting for any email. The prompts and screens were ridiculous but now it says everything is complete and in review. After submission was complete it gave me this status update info:

UNT Health Science Center Office of Admissions has recently moved a digital copy of your application to our student records system. You may now access and track your application status through our student portal, called MyHSC. Be aware it may take up to 1 week from the time you receive this email for your UNTHSC application check-list to reflect all items currently received.

To access your MyHSC page, you have been given an Enterprise User Identification (EUID) and a PIN. The EUID is used to log into the Student Portal. You will need the PIN for your initial visit. For verification, you will be asked to provide some personal information and set a unique password. You will need your password for future visits. Please follow the instructions below to activate your EUID and set your password. "

So you actually have to go into the student records system to check your status. Anybody know when they start sending IIs?
 
I see that on their website, they mention that they will not email applicants to complete the secondaries. I am trying to click on the link for the online secondaries, but it does not open the page.
 
I see that on their website, they mention that they will not email applicants to complete the secondaries. I am trying to click on the link for the online secondaries, but it does not open the page.
This year they do seem to be sending emails to invite to do the secondary. Be sure you are accessing the current year’s page if you can.
 
It was just weird....I saw they weren't sending invites from what I read and just went for it and it processed fine. I did not want to risk waiting around for an email w/o kicking the tire on the idea out there that they were not going to send an invite. So in the interest of risk management, I just applied and got it done so its early.
 
It was just weird....I saw they weren't sending invites from what I read and just went for it and it processed fine. I did not want to risk waiting around for an email w/o kicking the tire on the idea out there that they were not going to send an invite. So in the interest of risk management, I just applied and got it done so its early.
Yeah, I also sent mine in this way. Processed fine and it showed the application was for 2025 entry. I am kinda bummed that I did not know ahead of time. I wasted a week just because I thought they would be emailing.
 
It was just weird....I saw they weren't sending invites from what I read and just went for it and it processed fine. I did not want to risk waiting around for an email w/o kicking the tire on the idea out there that they were not going to send an invite. So in the interest of risk management, I just applied and got it done so its early.
Similar boat as you. What does your status say in the portal?
 
Similar boat as you. What does your status say in the portal?
It said, “Your application is in review.” Then under the info tab:

“Your application has been processed with all required items, and your application is now in the review process to be considered for an interview at TCOM. This interview selection process will continue until we have completed all of our planned interviews for the application cycle.

If you are invited to interview, your status will change on the portal and you will receive an email from our office with details about how to schedule your interview date.

We plan to conduct interviews between August and January. Once we have completed interviews for the application cycle, all un-interviewed applicants will receive email notification that their application is no longer being considered.

The amount of time your application is in the review process can vary widely (as little as a day or two, as long as months). If you have questions about your status please email us or call (817) 735-2204.”


So much for waiting for a secondary application. Insert Jim Carey “when nature calls laugh”. Yeah I’m old.
 
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Is not having any DO exposure going to be a red flag?
Maybe a yellow flag. I do not think this school in particular is make or break on a do. However, I will say not having DO exposure is not going to help your case, but at the same time probably wont hurt your case.
 
Maybe a yellow flag. I do not think this school in particular is make or break on a do. However, I will say not having DO exposure is not going to help your case, but at the same time probably wont hurt your case.
Yeah that is fair, I am just hoping it isn't something that is going to cause my application to get thrown out the window. I got no shadowing/clinical experience regarding it but I grow up getting treated by one.
 
Yeah that is fair, I am just hoping it isn't something that is going to cause my application to get thrown out the window. I got no shadowing/clinical experience regarding it but I grow up getting treated by one.
Going to a DO for your medical care would certainly fit in essay #1 as a relationship/experience related to osteopathic medicine.
 
I submitted my secondary application on July 7th on their website. However, on their portal, it still says that my secondary application is missing, even though I got a confirmation email from them saying it was received. I have emailed them multiple times and was able to talk on the phone with them once. She said to give them more time to process it, but I am worried this will delay my application.
I wonder if anybody else has this issue.
 
@ Nicelad

Were you some kind of fly on the ADCOMM wall that overheard TCOM sent interviews or do you have personal experiential knowledge?
 
Hey y’all

I am a TCOM alumnus and served on the interview committee during my MS3 and MS4 years. In hindsight, I think that TCOM was a fantastic experience.

Happy to answer any questions that you all have about the process or the school!
I am interviewing at TCOM in a couple of weeks. Can you share what the interview process is like, what to expect, and how to best prepare?
What do you consider to be the pros and cons of TCOM? What type of student excels at TCOM?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
 
I am interviewing at TCOM in a couple of weeks. Can you share what the interview process is like, what to expect, and how to best prepare?
What do you consider to be the pros and cons of TCOM? What type of student excels at TCOM?
Thank you in advance for your advice!
Oh wow! They are sending invites? When did you receive your interview invitation and are you ED or in any special programs? Please dont be specific if you do not want to. Just curious.
 
Hello! I have two questions and was hoping someone here could help me.

Firstly, I initiated two secondary applications by mistake. I will only submit one of them of course. but will that create an issue? I completely forgot that I had started one a few weeks ago and went ahead and created a new one yesterday. Ig writing so many essays really messed with my memory lol.

My other question is if it would be wise to apply to both TCU and TCOM ? Can admission committees see your application for both schools?
 
Hello! I have two questions and was hoping someone here could help me.

Firstly, I initiated two secondary applications by mistake. I will only submit one of them of course. but will that create an issue? I completely forgot that I had started one a few weeks ago and went ahead and created a new one yesterday. Ig writing so many essays really messed with my memory lol.

My other question is if it would be wise to apply to both TCU and TCOM ? Can admission committees see your application for both schools?
A. Write TCOM and tell them you think you set up 2 secondaries. They will help you sort it out.
Save a copy of what you wrote so far.
B. TCU is a completely separate school, uses the AMCAS application, not TMDSAS, and no school gets to read another school’s secondary
C. Get organized! These things are important
 
IS II today. LM 76. Complete 6/24. Anyone know when additional interview dates will be available? The current dates are either full or I'm unavailable due to another interview
 
IS II today. LM 76. Complete 6/24. Anyone know when additional interview dates will be available? The current dates are either full or I'm unavailable due to another interview
If you check tomorrow and there are still no new dates, politely email the school and tell them you have a schedule conflict and would like to set an alternate date
 
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