**OFFICIAL** TMDSAS Questions & Answers

[JDAD]

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There is a thread like this for AMCAS. Post here if you have any questions regarding the TMDSAS application.

Do you have to choose between only submitting one premed committee letter or two rec letters from your professors? I would rather submit both, and in the AMCAS, I know that you can submit both. What's the deal?

 

[JDAD]

I've got another one, do we put course work that was are planning on taking in the summer down, or just work where we know our final grade?

 

[JimDiGriz]

There is a thread like this for AMCAS. Post here if you have any questions regarding the TMDSAS application.

Do you have to choose between only submitting one premed committee letter or two rec letters from your professors? I would rather submit both, and in the AMCAS, I know that you can submit both. What's the deal?

I submitted both, but only because I had committee letter from undergrad and letters from my grad profs. Most schools require for your to do what I did IF you did any graduate school. If you're straight from undergrad, at least submit the committee letters. A lot of schools (outside of TMDSAS) want you to explain why you didn't use the committee letter, if your school has a pre-health committee.

 

[JDAD]

You are saying "committee letterS" plural. As far as I knew, my committee only wrote one letter. That is why I am thinking I should be able to submit more than one letter.

Was your commettee letter a package of more than one letter?

 

[lilstina]

i submitted a committee letter. the way the committee at my school works, you are required to have recommendation letters from individual professors. once you have your interview by committee member, he/she writes up a letter, also incorporating things that your professors have written in their letters. i believe they send the whole thing off as a package, the composite committee letter, and also the individual recommendation letters.

i think schools prefer the committee recommendation over separate recommendation letters. i can see why with the way my school works. they kind of get a summary of all your letters in the composite letter, which probably means less to read and integrate. i dont know how the prehealth committees work at other schools though.

 

[lilstina]

I've got another one, do we put course work that was are planning on taking in the summer down, or just work where we know our final grade?

i am looking at my TMDSAS app from last year, and i believe that you just put that course work that has already been completed with a grade. i didnt include any of the classes that i had yet to take the fall 2003 and spring 2004. there is a question that says "if course work is planned prior to enrollment in a medical or dental school, indicate which semester(s) and school(s) you will be enrolled" but it doesnt specifically ask for the course work.

 

[elee20]

So, do the LOR's get sent to TMDSAS or each individual school? I am a little confused by this.

 

[JDAD]

For TMDSAS, I think the letters get sent to them, TMDSAS.

BUT, AMCAS requires the letters sent to each school with the secondaries.

 

[sfgboy]

For TMDSAS, I think the letters get sent to them, TMDSAS.

BUT, AMCAS requires the letters sent to each school with the secondaries.

That's right. TMDSAS actually requires your college's health committee packet (with letters of recommendation) be sent to them, and they will then forward it the medical schools when you're application has been processed and authorized for release. Definitely easier and cheaper than AMCAS - my school charges a fee per packet they send out, so 10 AMCAS schools would mean 10 packets needing to be sent out.

 

[elee20]

That is soooo good to hear!
Thank you

 

[EvoDevo]

Does anyone know of so-called "briefcase" services? Where you send copies of your LORs, transcripts, etc., and they send it out for all of your schools? Not for TMDSAS of course, but for AMCAS....

😕

 

[txguy]

Great thread!

Here's my question:

What kind of information are you guys putting under the "Special Experiences" section of the application?? What do you think is expected here?

Thanks!

-tx

 

[lilstina]

Great thread!

Here's my question:

What kind of information are you guys putting under the "Special Experiences" section of the application?? What do you think is expected here?

Thanks!

-tx

are you talking about the optional essay question?

if you are, then here is what i did. i took two years after college to get my masters degree, which im hopefully going to finish this summer. i used that extra space to write about getting my MPH and especially the public health internship i did last summer. it was nice to have that because i didnt feel pressured to squeeze in all my experiences and motivations for a career in medicine in that one primary essay.

you could also maybe write about an activity or a cause that you have been dedicated to for a while, maybe things that aren't necessarily related to medicine but show another side of you? or if you've had hardships in your life or if you have special circumstances... just basically more room to tell them what kind of an applicant you are.

 

[JDAD]

Yeah, I am not sure what to put there either. I wasn't able to take the August MCAT, so i might attempt to inform them that I was in-season (baseball) and was unable to prepare for the MCAT that way I wanted to.

Any other advice, most of the activities that I have been involved with are already listed somewhere else on the application.

 

[JimDiGriz]

Does anyone know of so-called "briefcase" services? Where you send copies of your LORs, transcripts, etc., and they send it out for all of your schools? Not for TMDSAS of course, but for AMCAS....

😕

Check with your school's career counseling services. I know there's one at my school for LOR's, not sure about transcripts. You submit all you letters to them and establish a file. After your file is set up, you simply go online and request that all of you stuff gets sent to an address you type, then pay per copy and address sent.

 

[EvoDevo]

Check with your school's career counseling services. I know there's one at my school for LOR's, not sure about transcripts. You submit all you letters to them and establish a file. After your file is set up, you simply go online and request that all of you stuff gets sent to an address you type, then pay per copy and address sent.

Well, I'm in graduate school so I know that we don't have this type of service.

I was thinking of a commercial outfit...

 

[theringworm]

Yeah, I am not sure what to put there either. I wasn't able to take the August MCAT, so i might attempt to inform them that I was in-season (baseball) and was unable to prepare for the MCAT that way I wanted to.

Any other advice, most of the activities that I have been involved with are already listed somewhere else on the application.

JDAD DO NOT put anything on your app that will appear negative. Being unable to prepare for the MCAT due to baseball may make them think your priorities are in the wrong place. Once again, never put something down negative or that may be perceived as negative. That extra essay space is there for you to talk yourself up. DO NOT LEAVE IT BLANK. If you have done research talk about it here. If there is anything that you listed in your extracurrics on in your PS that you didn't have room to explain, then put here. What ever you do, fill it up with meaningful info. The more they know about you the better. However, do not ramble.

 

[JDAD]

Thanks worm, I was thinking about that point while I was posting. Thanks to you, I now know.

 

[JDAD]

Wow, this thread is pretty silent. Where are my fellow Texans?

 

[Texasgirl7]

Wow, this thread is pretty silent. Where are my fellow Texans?

Holla y'all..from h-town 😉

I wonder if we are one of the few submitting early. When are you guys going to hit that button? I want to get it over with and do it by Monday.

p.s-is it really that bad if you don't put anything for special experiences??

 

[lane]

i dont think it's THAT bad...from what i've heard most of the schools grant interviews based on your numbers, but it could be a deciding factor whether you match or are waitlisted (or neither). if you don't have anything good to say, though, there's no point in filling in a bunch of fluff

 

[JDAD]

When can you hit that button? I thought we had to wait a while, until June. Anyway, I haven't finished my personal statement and I have yet to fill in my chronological events section. Other than that, I think I am finished, but I will be moving soon, two weeks, and I am going to wait until I get my address before submitting.

 

[txguy]

Does anybody know when we can first submit our TMDSAS app? I know AMCAS is around June 1st or so, but what about the Texas one?

Thanks in advance! 👍

-tx

 

[sfgboy]

Does anybody know when we can first submit our TMDSAS app? I know AMCAS is around June 1st or so, but what about the Texas one?

Thanks in advance! 👍

-tx

As far as I know, you could have submitted your TMDSAS application on May 1, but it won't be processed until your spring grades (if any) are in yet. The same goes for all your transcripts and your LORs/health committee letter

 

[txguy]

Thanks for the prompt response! Here's another question:

Do you guys see an advantage by submitting our application before our April MCAT scores come in? Since we reside in Texas, maybe our MCAT score could afford to be a little lower? Or should we wait for our scores, so we know whether to specify April or (god forbid) August scores?

-tx

 

[EvoDevo]

Thanks for the prompt response! Here's another question:

Do you guys see an advantage by submitting our application before our April MCAT scores come in? Since we reside in Texas, maybe our MCAT score could afford to be a little lower? Or should we wait for our scores, so we know whether to specify April or (god forbid) August scores?

-tx

I'd say to go ahead and apply to all of the TX schools anyway. Unless you think your score is going to be abnormally low, it can't hurt. AMCAS is a different story; so many different schools in so many different tiers...waiting will let you fine-tune the schools that you apply to depending upon your score.

Just my two cents.

 

[jxu66]

I am really thinking about doing that. If my MCAT is below 30, I would probably pick TCOM as my early decision. I believe the other choice is Texas Tech. Is any of you guys pick early decision or should we just wait for Feb 1 matching date (that's just so long away)? I guess that if I don't get into TCOM, I could interview other schools again. That probably put me behind schedule.

TCOM is in very nice part of Fort Worth and it has very nice facilities. I have been there quite a few times since I live in Dallas. Only thing is that TCOM is DO. That could limit speciality residence.

Any comment?

 

[EvoDevo]

I am really thinking about doing that. If my MCAT is below 30, I would probably pick TCOM as my early decision. I believe the other choice is Texas Tech. Is any of you guys pick early decision or should we just wait for Feb 1 matching date (that's just so long away)? I guess that if I don't get into TCOM, I could interview other schools again. That probably put me behind schedule.

TCOM is in very nice part of Fort Worth and it has very nice facilities. I have been there quite a few times since I live in Dallas. Only thing is that TCOM is DO. That could limit speciality residence.

Any comment?

Look at any DO v. MD thread for answers to that question. However, from talking to *scores* of DO's and MD's who are out there doing it, it seems that if you have the skills and the desire to succeed (in this case, obtaining a highly competitive specialty) then you can do it. Know what I mean?

As far as early decision: are you scores sufficiently awesome for early decision? If so, then applying (and possibly not getting in) via that route won't really hurt you. Remember that the TX schools are non-rolling, so if you have good numbers then you should have no problem obtaining an interview....and thence an acceptance.

Anyone else have any (good) advice on this subject?

 

[theringworm]

I would get your app in asap. If it is done then send it in. If you are a stellar applicant then you may get interviews before your MCAT scores ever come out. My friend had three before he got his April MCAT scores. Plus, if you do get an interview before they come out, and you do really well in the interview, they might not care as much if your scores were a little lower than expected. The key, I believe, is getting your foot in the door for the interview. After that, it's really up to you and how you do in the interview.

As for early decision: if you know that you'll be happy at that school you are applying to and know that you'll have a pretty good score on the MCAT making you a solid applicant then, go for it. TCOM in my opinion would be easier to do this at than Tech. If you are only doing this for the sole purpose of getting a spot sooner than the rest of the applicants in hopes of avoiding the "tour de interviews" or if you have a feeling your MCAT score is not as good as you are hoping, then it may be a bad move. Then again, if a school sees that this is the only place you are applying to and are willing to take the risk by going through the early decision route, they may let some things slide in regards to grades or MCAT scores. There really isn't anyone other than the app. commitee that can answer this for you. If it were me, and I absolutely wanted to go to school "A" then I would do the early decision route. If I just wanted to get in and didn't really care where I went, I would apply to all the schools. Remember, early decision prevents you from entering other schools app process until you have been notified that you are not in. Generally being some time in October.

As for the DO vs MD residency opportunities: this is a mute point. If you look at TCOMs match list you'll see that a lot of their students are going to some big name residencies. All it requires is hard work and dedication. Just the same as if you were at an MD school. Actually, DOs have the luxury of not only applying to MD residencies but also DO residencies. So, they may actually have an advantage of getting into a residency strictly due to having more opportunities.

That's my .02 worth. Good luck with whatever you do. Feel free to PM if you have some more questions.

 

[CeLo]

There is a thread like this for AMCAS. Post here if you have any questions regarding the TMDSAS application.

What is TMDSAS?

 

[theringworm]

The Texas Medical and Dental Application Service, I think. It's the same thing as AMCAS, but only includes Texas schools with the exception of Baylor. You know us Texans, we have to do everything our own way.

 

[JDAD]

Will they really give you an interview before your mcat scores come out? What if you are taking the August MCAT?

 

[theringworm]

Actually it was the August MCAT that my friend took not the April one, I'm sorry. Yes he interviewed at Galveston, Houston, and I believe San Anontio before his scores were even back. Granted he was ex military, 4.0 gpa , Dr. Backey Summer Surgery award winner, ex currics out the wazoo and some pretty top notch LORs. Yea, it's possible, but don't bank on it. They will still look at your MCAT and won't make a decision until they have.

 

[txguy]

So for the most part, should we wait for our MCAT scores before submitting our application? Is there still an advantage? And once our application is already submitted, is it that hard to change the designation to August 2004 should we decide to retake?

I was thinking that since it takes them 3-4 weeks just to process our transcripts, it might not matter that we submit our apps early since it can't be transmitted w/o transcripts.

Also, the committee letter/LORs must be in hand at TMDSAS before our application is transmitted.

Any thoughts?

-tx

 

[sunkists]

i filled out tmdsas last year but -- does anyone else think that if they cleaned up the website like the amcas it would eliminate like 99% of the confusion?

bah. those... technologically backwards texans. hah.

 

[theringworm]

So for the most part, should we wait for our MCAT scores before submitting our application? Is there still an advantage? And once our application is already submitted, is it that hard to change the designation to August 2004 should we decide to retake?

I was thinking that since it takes them 3-4 weeks just to process our transcripts, it might not matter that we submit our apps early since it can't be transmitted w/o transcripts.

Also, the committee letter/LORs must be in hand at TMDSAS before our application is transmitted.

Any thoughts?

-tx

To answer your questions:
-The ONLY benefit to waiting for your MCAT results before you submit your app is that if you bombed the MCAT and don't want to continue the app process, then you simply don't submit the rest of your stuff. HOWEVER, the next time you apply you are going to have to put down all your MCAT scores anyways, so why bother. Waiting for your MCAT scores just delays the process in my opinion. I imagine that TMDSAS puts things in order and checks them off as they get them. So if they only lack your MCAT, then boom, it's ready to go once they get it. If you wait and submit every thing else in after the scores are released you may be at the back of the line. It doesn't hurt at all to submit your app early. SO, I WOULD SUBMIT EVERYTHING ASAP, regardless of MCAT scores.

-If you bomb the MCAT, which I did the first time. I had already sent in my app, checked the box that I would not be taking it in Aug., so on and so forth. I got my scores back, got angry, took a day off, then started hitting the books the next day. I made a simple phone call to TMDSAS, told them I am retaking the MCAT in August and wanted to know if they could change that for me on my app. They did so, without hesitation. It's as easy as that.

-Your last two questions can be answered together. Once you finish your app send it. Once you get your transcripts, send it. Hound your PredMed advisor to send your LORs asap. Not too much though. You don't want to piss her off. Try sucking up, you'll need the practice for later on down the road. There is no penalty for sending stuff in early. So why not. I did, and so did everyone else I know.

I know the TMDSAS website isn't the greatest, but a lot of people don't read before hand either. I always thought TMDSAS was very polite and easy to work with. Email them rather than call them unless you need to make changes to a submitted app. If you have more questions you can pm me. I have been in your spot before. Good luck.

 

[theringworm]

------bump------

 

[txguy]

To answer your questions:
-The ONLY benefit to waiting for your MCAT results before you submit your app is that if you bombed the MCAT and don't want to continue the app process, then you simply don't submit the rest of your stuff. HOWEVER, the next time you apply you are going to have to put down all your MCAT scores anyways, so why bother. Waiting for your MCAT scores just delays the process in my opinion. I imagine that TMDSAS puts things in order and checks them off as they get them. So if they only lack your MCAT, then boom, it's ready to go once they get it. If you wait and submit every thing else in after the scores are released you may be at the back of the line. It doesn't hurt at all to submit your app early. SO, I WOULD SUBMIT EVERYTHING ASAP, regardless of MCAT scores.

-If you bomb the MCAT, which I did the first time. I had already sent in my app, checked the box that I would not be taking it in Aug., so on and so forth. I got my scores back, got angry, took a day off, then started hitting the books the next day. I made a simple phone call to TMDSAS, told them I am retaking the MCAT in August and wanted to know if they could change that for me on my app. They did so, without hesitation. It's as easy as that.

-Your last two questions can be answered together. Once you finish your app send it. Once you get your transcripts, send it. Hound your PredMed advisor to send your LORs asap. Not too much though. You don't want to piss her off. Try sucking up, you'll need the practice for later on down the road. There is no penalty for sending stuff in early. So why not. I did, and so did everyone else I know.

I know the TMDSAS website isn't the greatest, but a lot of people don't read before hand either. I always thought TMDSAS was very polite and easy to work with. Email them rather than call them unless you need to make changes to a submitted app. If you have more questions you can pm me. I have been in your spot before. Good luck.

Thank you! 😀

 

[mrsmotivation]

did anybody answer the optional essay question. If so, what else do you have to say that isn't in your PS?

 

[txguy]

I found another use for that "special experiences" section! You can use it to explain assignment of grades under record of coursework section:

"A, B, C, D, F = Use for regular grading system. If your college does not use this grading system, please convert to this system and provide an explanation of your conversion in the space provided in question 46 (Special Experiences"

-tx

 

[txguy]

Hey guys, ok, I'm finally done entering my classes into TMDSAS, so when can we see the TMDSAS calculated GPA? Is this only shown when we submit?

Thanks!

-tx

 

[txguy]

duplicate post.

 

[Mahi]

Hey guys I got a question.........
so.....I was stupid and forgot to enter my physical fitness class which was pass/fail my freshman year. Should I redo everything adding it in or do you think theyd care if I added it onto the very end of my list of courses. Would it even matter if I left it out completely. Thanks!

 

[theringworm]

Hey guys, ok, I'm finally done entering my classes into TMDSAS, so when can we see the TMDSAS calculated GPA? Is this only shown when we submit?

Thanks!

-tx

You won't see this until after they have processed your application. If I am not mistaken, that means after every single piece of info is in, i.e. MCAT scores, LORs, etc,etc. Don't look for it for a while.

 

[theringworm]

Hey guys I got a question.........
so.....I was stupid and forgot to enter my physical fitness class which was pass/fail my freshman year. Should I redo everything adding it in or do you think theyd care if I added it onto the very end of my list of courses. Would it even matter if I left it out completely. Thanks!

Since they ask you to put your classes down in order you may have to redo it all. I would shoot TMDSAS an email. Tell them what you did and ask them if you could just add it to the end or do you need to redo it completely. They always answered my emails within 48 hours.

 

[txguy]

Would it even matter if I left it out completely. Thanks!

Yes! Definitely don't do that!

I live in Carrollton too. Went to Newman Smith High School--Go Trojans!

-tx

 

[Mahi]

Yes! Definitely don't do that!

I live in Carrollton too. Went to Newman Smith High School--Go Trojans!

-tx

Seriously...I went there one year too, then transferred to Creekview. Small world..

 

[ken37]

Yes! Definitely don't do that!

I live in Carrollton too. Went to Newman Smith High School--Go Trojans!

-tx

I live right next to Carrollton at Frankford and Marsh. Can I join the club?

 

[txknockout]

Who here has submitted? I thought I was ready until someone tore my PS up! 🙄 oh well...

 

[elee20]

I've submitted already! I had a slight mistake on the application and the lady processing my app. corrected it for me. I'm good to go!!!! Just waiting for MCAT scores.