*~*~*~* Official TMDSAS Questions Thread 2024-2025 *~*~*~*~*

[Arbitas]

Been interestingly quiet on Day 1 thus far on the pre-match front, last year several SDNers reported receiving prematches at 6AM.

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[wysdoc]

Been interestingly quiet on Day 1 thus far on the pre-match front, last year several SDNers reported receiving prematches at 6AM.

TCOM was the first school to send out offers today, we'll see which other schools join in through the rest of the week

 

[medapplicant4]

When do TX medical schools start offering merit scholarships?

 

[wysdoc]

When do TX medical schools start offering merit scholarships?

Some do it at the time of the admissions offer, and others may add on scholarships after Match Day

 

[wysdoc]

I've been asked to send in my transcripts but TMDSAS Doesn't show up in Parchment list. I've tried searching by email, address, and full name of tmdsas but it's just not included in the list. How are we supposed to send our transcripts?

Refer to the TMDSAS guide for directions

Everyone, TMDSAS will request your official transcripts after you have been accepted by a TMDSAS school.
Your first acceptance may not be your only one- the school you end up with after Match Day will also ask you to send an official transcript to them.

 

[wysdoc]

I've read the whole thing but it doesn't say anything about tmdsas not showing up on the designation list on parchment 🙁. I'm curious to know if anyone else here had the same issue and how did they send their transcripts?

Electronic Transcripts​

TMDSAS accepts electronic transcripts from the following services:

• Parchment
• National Student Clearinghouse
• Howdy Portal (Texas A&M University only)
• Greenlight Locker (Dallas College only)

Refer to your registrar's office to verify your school's transcript service.

For Parchment, please use [email protected] when asked to enter an email address.

Electronic transcripts with expiration dates will not be accepted if they expire. The following service typically has a viewing expiration date and will not be accepted:

• SPEEDE

 

[medapplicant4]

Electronic Transcripts​

TMDSAS accepts electronic transcripts from the following services:

• Parchment
• National Student Clearinghouse
• Howdy Portal (Texas A&M University only)
• Greenlight Locker (Dallas College only)

Refer to your registrar's office to verify your school's transcript service.

For Parchment, please use [email protected] when asked to enter an email address.

Electronic transcripts with expiration dates will not be accepted if they expire. The following service typically has a viewing expiration date and will not be accepted:

• SPEEDE

Thank you so much for the response. I did read this section but as I mentioned, I searched by email and TMDSAS did not show up as an option to send transcripts to.
I did find a solution however which I will share here for those who may have the same problem in the future. Apparently, for some schools, TMDSAS will not show up in the designation list, in that case you have to manually add it to the list. It feels sketchy but it's supposed to work I think

 

[coolgirl12]

Hi! I was wondering if it is okay to combine an update letter and letter of intent into one letter to send to my top choice school? I just want to make sure I am being careful about not sending too many letters since I already sent a thank you letter after my interview.

 

[wysdoc]

Hi! I was wondering if it is okay to combine an update letter and letter of intent into one letter to send to my top choice school? I just want to make sure I am being careful about not sending too many letters since I already sent a thank you letter after my interview.

I would send another one only if there's something major that happened since your interview -
If you are a Texas resident, you will state your intent by ranking a school #1 for Match Day.

 

[wysdoc]

We have some deadlines coming up:

That's right, not all of you are early birds and a few people are working on submitting their primary application still.
Below you will see all the TMDSAS deadlines and upcoming event markers for TMDSAS medical schools.
Notice that your primary app deadline is November 1 and your letters are due by November 15. If you are going to submit now, did you affirm that your recommenders know this close deadline?

 

[wysdoc]

One more deadline reminder:
Primary TMDSAS applications due Nov 1
Supporting materials (like letters of evaluation) due November 15.

 

[meepmoopluna]

I apologize if this question has been asked many times before. I received a pre-match offer today from a school I like, but plan to rank last in the match out of the 6 schools I've interviewed with thus far. If it were to be the only school I matched to, however, I would still be overjoyed.

Is it recommended I still accept this offer? It will not harm my chances of receiving offers from other schools or matching to my higher ranked schools, correct? Thank you!

 

[browntexaspremed]

I apologize if this question has been asked many times before. I received a pre-match offer today from a school I like, but plan to rank last in the match out of the 6 schools I've interviewed with thus far. If it were to be the only school I matched to, however, I would still be overjoyed.

Is it recommended I still accept this offer? It will not harm my chances of receiving offers from other schools or matching to my higher ranked schools, correct? Thank you!

Accepting a prematch offer is not binding, so you should accept all prematch offers you get.

It will not affect your chances of receiving offers from other schools 🙂

 

[wysdoc]

I apologize if this question has been asked many times before. I received a pre-match offer today from a school I like, but plan to rank last in the match out of the 6 schools I've interviewed with thus far. If it were to be the only school I matched to, however, I would still be overjoyed.

Is it recommended I still accept this offer? It will not harm my chances of receiving offers from other schools or matching to my higher ranked schools, correct? Thank you!

Correct, you can accept any and all offers, then rank them for match day. If this is your only acceptance so far from all those interviews, even more important to accept your first offer.

 

[wysdoc]

Is it still worth it to submit my secondary to Texas Tech with the deadline extension? Don't want my money to just be a donation if it's too late

See my post today about deadlines.
Does paying a secondary fee fit this deadline list?
If you have missed the deadline, you may have a bigger "donation" if you have to apply again next year.

The Republic of Texas XLIII: "Never Eat Mexican Food East of the Mississippi or North of Dallas"

I don't how late you consider late but I submitted secondaries between 9/1-9/19 for TMDSAS Same, with some stragglers after that time range. Good to know I’m not alone:)

forums.studentdoctor.net

 

[Parabolas21]

When are scholarships, if any, sent out for Texas schools that sent people A's before the match?

 

[deleted1085576]

When are scholarships, if any, sent out for Texas schools that sent people A's before the match?

They can be sent out anytime from the initial offer of admissions until even after the match.

 

[Gigatt1234]

Hello. I applied super late this cycle secondary complete mid to late October and managed to receive an Md interview. Does this mean the school rlly likes me bc ppl say applying that late is a death sentence or is it obsolete ?

 

[PolarIceLongLastingFlavor]

Hello. I applied super late this cycle secondary complete mid to late October and managed to receive an Md interview. Does this mean the school rlly likes me bc ppl say applying that late is a death sentence or is it obsolete ?

By definition if you applied late but still got an interview that means the school thought you were more impressive/fit the school better than those they had already reviewed but had not sent an interview

 

[wysdoc]

Hello. I applied super late this cycle secondary complete mid to late October and managed to receive an Md interview. Does this mean the school rlly likes me bc ppl say applying that late is a death sentence or is it obsolete ?

An interview is a chance for acceptance so make your best effort at your intervew

 

[Gigatt1234]

An interview is a chance for acceptance so make your best effort at your intervew

Thanks for your response I’m just looking for a little bit of reassurance bc my mcat is far far below this schools median I was pretty shocked but so so thankful to have received one. How important are stats post interview ?

 

[wysdoc]

Thanks for your response I’m just looking for a little bit of reassurance bc my mcat is far far below this schools median I was pretty shocked but so so thankful to have received one. How important are stats post interview ?

Asked and answered. You got to this point so they want to meet you

 

[nophonecase]

Question:
I applied to a DO school in Texas, and after having received an interview invite, I am not certain if I would actually want to attend this school. I have two other in state MD II's and one out-of-state MD II, but no acceptances thus far. If I would not want to attend this school, should I decline the interview invite? My fear is that, as all TMDSAS schools can see if you accept/decline interviews, will this negatively impact my consideration at other TMDSAS schools I have already interviewed? I have heard it is not out of the norm to politely decline interview invites, but will admissions committees doubt my commitment to medicine?

I'm truly here to get objective answers, but I absolutely would appreciate any advice coming my way 🙂.

 

[wysdoc]

1. 4 interviews is not a poor cycle
2. Most Texans will find out on Match Day
3. Saying you wanna reapply and include DO schools is a bit contradictory
4. If you don’t want to interview at this school, turn it down, better now than if you somehow turned it down after being accepted there
p.s. sounds like you had a very stressful year but maybe you ought to delete some of that personal detail from your post

 

[texasvandy]

Interview at every school you get a II at since you have zero admissions.
If you only get into the DO school in Texas, you can choose not to attend medical school after thinking this through.
FWIW, there are people who have wasted years (2-4 years is the common range) who refused to apply/attend a DO school but the end result does not change since their scores and GPA land them in one.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

You have been through a lot. You went ahead and applied despite the problems you had to overcome... and it's still pretty good. Maybe it doesn't fit what you think is your real talent, but adcoms can't adjust or give bonus points for the challenges you had to overcome. That's not how holistic review works.

If you really feel you could score better, get higher grades, or want a place to extend your study abroad interests, I suggest you consider a full break and withdraw from everything. We assume your profile is your best effort when we see it, and if you need more time to recover, take it. Otherwise, if you get accepted, consider the joy of starting your career and dump the hypothetical "I could have been a contender" thinking full of regrets and resentment for the abusive relationship and subsequent withdrawal from your studies. Make the best of the cards your have been given and let go of the pain of your past.

 

[nophonecase]

1. 4 interviews is not a poor cycle
2. Most Texans will find out on Match Day
3. Saying you wanna reapply and include DO schools is a bit contradictory
4. If you don’t want to interview at this school, turn it down, better now than if you somehow turned it down after being accepted there
p.s. sounds like you had a very stressful year but maybe you ought to delete some of that personal detail from your post

Thank you for the advice, I plan to delete the post today then. I guess you've mostly answered my questions, but to clarify, would TMDSAS schools know that I turned down an acceptance if I have to take a reapplication cycle? Interviewing anyway is tempting as maybe my decision/health status will change positively as the cycle continues, but it feels extremely unethical to take an interview slot from someone else if this is not the case.

 

[wysdoc]

Thank you for the advice, I plan to delete the post today then. I guess you've mostly answered my questions, but to clarify, would TMDSAS schools know that I turned down an acceptance if I have to take a reapplication cycle? Interviewing anyway is tempting as maybe my decision/health status will change positively as the cycle continues, but it feels extremely unethical to take an interview slot from someone else if this is not the case.

Yes I believe they ask this in the application.
Do you feel ready to start med school this year if one of your interviews turns into an offer?
That’s really the most important thing for you to consider.

 

[L-Okla-Gonna]

Asking for a friend south of the Red River applying next cycle b/c I don't wanna steer him wrong... (barely know what's happening this cycle w/ my own state's only MD school as it is) :

Q. Barring supreme stats or something majorly compelling, is it the general rule that if TMDSAS says a Texan is OOS, the TMDSAS schools will ghost him b/c of the 10% max. IS cap... and AMCAS schools will assume he's all set bc of his TX address so are unlikely to give him much consideration? Like, worst of both worlds?

 

[Gigatt1234]

Do schools update their rankings after grades from this semester finishes or are things set in stone after you interview. (Just one class looking like it’s gonna be a B)

 

[friedchickencurry]

Do schools update their rankings after grades from this semester finishes or are things set in stone after you interview. (Just one class looking like it’s gonna be a B)

Other than pre-matches, I don't think any rankings are finalized until all interviews are over at the end of January

 

[wysdoc]

Asking for a friend south of the Red River applying next cycle b/c I don't wanna steer him wrong... (barely know what's happening this cycle w/ my own state's only MD school as it is) :

Q. Barring supreme stats or something majorly compelling, is it the general rule that if TMDSAS says a Texan is OOS, the TMDSAS schools will ghost him b/c of the 10% max. IS cap... and AMCAS schools will assume he's all set bc of his TX address so are unlikely to give him much consideration? Like, worst of both worlds?

The short answer, by the parameters of this vague question is:
If "A friend" is not a Texas resident, than they must be either a resident of some different state, based on a parent's place of residence, or an international student or green card holder who hasn't worked and resided in Texas for a year or more.

OOS applicants can apply to Texas schools, realizing the ones who get accepted have MCAT/GPA somewhat above the median numbers for TX matriculants (MCAT median 511 for all matriculants, median 515 separating out OOS matriculants)

If "A friend" is a resident of some other state, AMCAS schools will treat them like any other AMCAS applicant who applies to a variety of states.

 

[wysdoc]

Do schools update their rankings after grades from this semester finishes or are things set in stone after you interview. (Just one class looking like it’s gonna be a B)

I don't think they are going to recalculate your GPA and re-rank you

 

[L-Okla-Gonna]

The short answer, by the parameters of this vague question is:
If "A friend" is not a Texas resident, than they must be either a resident of some different state, based on a parent's place of residence, or an international student or green card holder who hasn't worked and resided in Texas for a year or more.

OOS applicants can apply to Texas schools, realizing the ones who get accepted have MCAT/GPA somewhat above the median numbers for TX matriculants (MCAT median 511 for all matriculants, median 515 separating out OOS matriculants)

If "A friend" is a resident of some other state, AMCAS schools will treat them like any other AMCAS applicant who applies to a variety of states.

I'll let him know he needs to stay there and work for a year before applying for IS in TX (or kick butt on his pending MCAT). PS - OklaMex isn't all that bad and steak is better up here. 😉 PPS - Thanks for helping all of us wanna-be/newbie docs!

 

[wysdoc]

I'll let him know he needs to stay there and work for a year before applying for IS in TX (or kick butt on his pending MCAT). PS - OklaMex isn't all that bad and steak is better up here. 😉 PPS - Thanks for helping all of us wanna-be/newbie docs!

Here is the latest TMDSAS video about the residency qualification issue.
TMDSAS is the final arbiter of IS/OOS status, and the specific rules for med school applicants differ from the rules for income tax, college , etc.
Understanding Texas Residency TMDSAS/YouTube

 

[Iron Man23]

I think I read somewhere that we need to send in our fall semester grades to TMDSAS? Is that true? I thought we only send transcripts if we are accepted, which I haven’t been to a Texas school. I just don’t want to spend $15 to send my transcript when I will have to send it again in the spring semester.

 

[wysdoc]

I think I read somewhere that we need to send in our fall semester grades to TMDSAS? Is that true? I thought we only send transcripts if we are accepted, which I haven’t been to a Texas school. I just don’t want to spend $15 to send my transcript when I will have to send it again in the spring semester.

You are not required to send in your fall semester grades by transcript, and you're correct that TMDSAS will only ask for a transcript after you have an acceptance to a TMDSAS school.

Some applicants like to update the Fall grades on their TMDSAS portal (this is a free way to get it sent along to your schools) to show they are having a strong senior year or especially if their fall grades are all A's and their prior grades were not.

 

[Iron Man23]

You are not required to send in your fall semester grades by transcript, and you're correct that TMDSAS will only ask for a transcript after you have an acceptance to a TMDSAS school.

Some applicants like to update the Fall grades on their TMDSAS portal (this is a free way to get it sent along to your schools) to show they are having a strong senior year or especially if their fall grades are all A's and their prior grades were not.

Ok that makes sense, thanks!

 

[medapplicant4]

When do schools let you know how much financial aid ( AKA Loans lol) they're giving us?

 

[wysdoc]

When do schools let you know how much financial aid ( AKA Loans lol) they're giving us?

it's variable, some tell you at the time of the offer of admission, some will add a scholarship a little later, and some might not tell you until after Match Day.
The main thing to know is that scholarships are less common in med school than in college.

 

[ricefanatic]

I have a more general question but I thought I'd ask here. I am graduating a semester early this December but don't really have any notable updates to my activities. Do I need to update the schools I applied to? I have received multiple DO acceptances (in and out of state) and have 6 MD interviews (4 in TX) which I am still waiting to hear back from. This would be considered an academic update but I don't want to say I am graduating early especially because I don't have a concrete plan of what I am doing next semester in my gap semester. I'll prob just continue volunteering and do a low-key research project while mostly chilling. Thoughts/advice?

 

[L-Okla-Gonna]

I have a more general question but I thought I'd ask here. I am graduating a semester early this December but don't really have any notable updates to my activities. Do I need to update the schools I applied to? I have received multiple DO acceptances (in and out of state) and have 6 MD interviews (4 in TX) which I am still waiting to hear back from. This would be considered an academic update but I don't want to say I am graduating early especially because I don't have a concrete plan of what I am doing next semester in my gap semester. I'll prob just continue volunteering and do a low-key research project while mostly chilling. Thoughts/advice?

Congrat's! Big accomplishment, esp when early. Your plans for gap sound good. I'd update, but am just a wannabe doc of course.

 

[NOLAMedGirl]

Hi all, I am 4th year medical student who helps out with applications for premeds.

One of my premeds had a few questions about TMDSAS letters of intent and I was hoping to have them answered.

1. It is my understanding based on my online research that you should only send Letters of Intent to one Texas school because they can communicate with each other if you send it to multiples then don't matriculate there. Is this right?

2. My student currently has had 1 TMDSAS MD interview. He said it went well. His fear is that if he submits his LOI to the one school he has interviewed at that another school may contact for an interview in January whom he likes better. If he sent the LOI with good intentions at the time it was sent, can he rank another school higher in the match and not be penalized if he matches there?

3. He also had a questions about LOI as it relates to prematch offers. He was wondering if schools are more likely to offer a prematch offer to someone who hasn't sent a LOI to lock them in. His rationale is that schools know they are not your first choice if you haven't sent a LOI and so it could potentially act as leverage to a prematch offer. He was thinking that schools might not extend a prematch offer to people who sent a LOI because they feel those students are in the bag.

Thoughts?

 

[wysdoc]

Hi all, I am 4th year medical student who helps out with applications for premeds.

One of my premeds had a few questions about TMDSAS letters of intent and I was hoping to have them answered.

1. It is my understanding based on my online research that you should only send Letters of Intent to one Texas school because they can communicate with each other if you send it to multiples then don't matriculate there. Is this right?

2. My student currently has had 1 TMDSAS MD interview. He said it went well. His fear is that if he submits his LOI to the one school he has interviewed at that another school may contact for an interview in January whom he likes better. If he sent the LOI with good intentions at the time it was sent, can he rank another school higher in the match and not be penalized if he matches there?

3. He also had a questions about LOI as it relates to prematch offers. He was wondering if schools are more likely to offer a prematch offer to someone who hasn't sent a LOI to lock them in. His rationale is that schools know they are not your first choice if you haven't sent a LOI and so it could potentially act as leverage to a prematch offer. He was thinking that schools might not extend a prematch offer to people who sent a LOI because they feel those students are in the bag.

Thoughts?

This is a lot of overthinking.
The TMDSAS schools can see where else you have interviewed.
They cannot read each other’s emails
A TMDSAS applicant states his intent by rating a school #1 for match day
If a person feels they have something significant to say to a school he can email them. The worst that can happen is the admissions committee doesn’t read it

 

[NOLAMedGirl]

This is a lot of overthinking.
The TMDSAS schools can see where else you have interviewed.
They cannot read each other’s emails
A TMDSAS applicant states his intent by rating a school #1 for match day
If a person feels they have something significant to say to a school he can email them. The worst that can happen is the admissions committee doesn’t read it

So there is no repercussion from the schools if you send out a LOI to one school and later interview at another you like better and then send them a LOI?

 

[wysdoc]

So there is no repercussion from the schools if you send out a LOI to one school and later interview at another you like better and then send them a LOI?

A letter of intent means that’s your first choice. Sending it to more than one school is disingenuous

 

[texasvandy]

So there is no repercussion from the schools if you send out a LOI to one school and later interview at another you like better and then send them a LOI?

There is a difference between stating I really love your school vs saying I interviewed at X, Y, Z and may be hoping for an interview at A but I will attend your school if admitted.

 

[NOLAMedGirl]

A letter of intent means that’s your first choice. Sending it to more than one school is disingenuous

I agree. My student is not trying to do anything disingenuous. Just wondering if he shouldn't send the letter at all in case he gets another interview.

 

[L-Okla-Gonna]

I agree. My student is not trying to do anything disingenuous. Just wondering if he shouldn't send the letter at all in case he gets another interview.

Probably nothing wrong with doing a letter of interest (not of intent) though.

 

[wysdoc]

I agree. My student is not trying to do anything disingenuous. Just wondering if he shouldn't send the letter at all in case he gets another interview.

Sending a letter of intent when you have had only one interview is not necessary, you know?
It's their only interview, of course they will attend if accepted.
All the TMDSAS schools have to be done interviewing by January 31.
If he's going to send a significant update, do it now.
If he's just writing to ask, "well, are you going to maybe interview me?" that will not be of any help