*~*~*~* Official TMDSAS Questions Thread 2025-2026 *~*~*~*~*

[wysdoc]

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Welcome to the 2025-2026 application cycle for TMDSAS!

Whether you're a Texan or not, you know Texans are independent, and like to do things our own way!
Hence a separate application system for our TMDSAS affiliated schools.

TMDSAS has gone modern and the 2025-2026 Application Guide is all online, no printable .pdf to download.
Here is the link to the Guide: TMDSAS Guide

Put that link in your favorites on the browser for easy reference.

***When you are logged in and working on your application in the portal, be sure to save your page often. The site will "time out" after you've been on it for 60 minutes and you don't wanna lose 60 minutes of work!***

The application portal is available to begin filling in those blanks on May 1st, 2025.
You cannot submit it until after 8AM on May 15th, 2025.
Why? So you can proofread that thing over and over. You can't change anything once you hit submit!

You DON'T need to submit transcripts with your primary application.
You DO need to have all your Spring 2025 courses listed and wait for your Spring 2025 grades to come out so you can enter them in the application.
(If you attend a school on the quarter system you may apply with your winter quarter grades.)

Please read the application guide. Most everything is spelled out for you there.
TMDSAS holds weekly "TMDSAS Office Hours" on YouTube where you can ask specific questions live.

Your official mode of communication with TMDSAS for issues, problems, or questions is via messaging them in your TMDSAS portal.
This is the fastest way to get your answer, and please wait for your answer before submitting the application.
The TMDSAS staff work from 8 to 5 Monday - Friday.

You can apply to ALL the TMDSAS schools for one application fee. Schools will have separate fees for the secondary applications later on.

That's all for this intro - time to get started!


AFTER you have turned it in, there will be some time needed for processing the application. The very first people to turn theirs in had it processed in a few days, but soon that processing time will grow to 2-4 weeks during the busy months.

Want to see what day's submission they are working on? Go to the TMDSAS Home Page TMDSAS Home Page
On a desktop or laptop you will see, on the right side of the page, something like this:

 

[wysdoc]

Some of you are re-applicants.
If you are, please read this article about updates to the 2026 TMDSAS Guide and some definitions of terms such as "First-Gen college student"
There are not many changes to the application this year, mainly some definitions and policy statements, and a new short-answer question about what activities you are currently involved in.

TMDSAS Entry Year 2026 updates

 

[laru]

Would it be considered late if I submitted my primary app around June 7? I have a 518 and 4.00 for reference.

 

[wysdoc]

Would it be considered late if I submitted my primary app around June 7? I have a 518 and 4.00 for reference.

Not at all. Take your time to get the essays sounding the way you want them.

 

[eb124101]

The TMDSAS Application Guide says that planned activities are only from October 1st - matriculation. I'm starting a new clinical research job mid-June but would like to submit my application before then. I have a good understanding of what I'll be doing but don't know yet what my takeaways will be from this job since I haven't started it yet. Do I put this in both the employment/healthcare activities and planned activities? Or should it only go in planned activities since I haven't started it yet?

 

[wysdoc]

The TMDSAS Application Guide says that planned activities are only from October 1st - matriculation. I'm starting a new clinical research job mid-June but would like to submit my application before then. I have a good understanding of what I'll be doing but don't know yet what my takeaways will be from this job since I haven't started it yet. Do I put this in both the employment/healthcare activities and planned activities? Or should it only go in planned activities since I haven't started it yet?

You will put it in Planned activities and just give a brief rundown of what you will be doing.
Logically there are no "takeaways" because you haven't started it.

Choose whichever category you want but not 2 categories.
There is a new "short answer" question on TMDSAS asking what you will be doing this year so mention it there as well.

 

[eb124101]

You will put it in Planned activities and just give a brief rundown of what you will be doing.
Logically there are no "takeaways" because you haven't started it.

Choose whichever category you want but not 2 categories.
There is a new "short answer" question on TMDSAS asking what you will be doing this year so mention it there as well.

Okay, just to clarify, it doesn't need to go under my current activities but only under planned?

 

[wysdoc]

Okay, just to clarify, it doesn't need to go under my current activities but only under planned?

Sorry, I assumed you had already placed it in current activities and wanted to know how to carry it forward into "planned"

Go back to the TMDSAS guide please, & read their examples.
The way they define "current" activities as being anything you have done or will start, up to Oct 1 is confusing.
In any case, don't pad your resume by putting an activity you haven't started yet in more than one category, and what you write will be a brief description of of the expected duties and no takeaways.

 

[eb124101]

Sorry, I assumed you had already placed it in current activities and wanted to know how to carry it forward into "planned"

Go back to the TMDSAS guide please, & read their examples.
The way they define "current" activities as being anything you have done or will start, up to Oct 1 is confusing.
In any case, don't pad your resume by putting an activity you haven't started yet in more than one category, and what you write will be a brief description of of the expected duties and no takeaways.

Okay thank you!

 

[BigBroBeans23]

what is considered "early" to submit secondaries by?
I submitted on 5/28, have secondaries prewritten, still waiting to get verified + transmitted.

is july 1st completion early?

"Early" is submitting secondaries within the unspoken 2 week after receiving invite. So if you received secondary invite on 6/1 for a school, submit at the latest by 6/14.

And if you are complete even on or before July 1st (ALL scores, LOR, Secondaries all submitted), then you are super early.

Just a friendly reminder to not sacrifice quality for the sake of timing!

 

[wysdoc]

You can include your Washington experiences on the TMDSAS app too, you won’t be discriminated against for that. Since TMDSAS doesn’t limit your number of entries, there’s no reason not to share them.
Your description could be different on the TX app
You do have the choice on both what to include and feature.

In answer to your specific question, AMCAS schools don’t get to read your TMDSAS app. Or vice versa

 

[wysdoc]

What about CASPer test?

If you are applying to TMDSAS schools, as most in-state applicants do, then a CASPer test is in your future.
7 of the TMDSAS schools require it. A good time to do this test is after submitting your TMDSAS primary and while waiting for verification of your app, or while working on your secondary essays as they come in.

Here are the TMDSAS schools requiring CASPer and/or Duet:
1 Baylor
2 McGovern
3 Texas Tech El Paso
4 UT Tyler (CASPer + Duet)
5 Long
6 UTMB (CASPer + Duet)
7 UTSW
8 SHSU (CASPer + Duet)

 

[notjoemama]

is there anyone here that can offer me feedback on my 2 additional tmdsas essays 🙁??? plss

 

[bbsq]

if you had an IA and sent in your app, but then were notfied by your college that the record was expunged:
can you modify your AMCAS app to remove the IA without the schools seeing it (if done quickly)?
if you re apply the following yr and no longer have an IA to report, do the med schools review your prior app in detail? ie would they see the discrepancy betweent he 2 yrs?

 

[wysdoc]

if you had an IA and sent in your app, but then were notfied by your college that the record was expunged:
can you modify your AMCAS app to remove the IA without the schools seeing it (if done quickly)?
if you re apply the following yr and no longer have an IA to report, do the med schools review your prior app in detail? ie would they see the discrepancy betweent he 2 yrs?

Have you submitted your AMCAS app already?

 

[bbsq]

yes

 

[WoeBot62]

I have two classes on my transcript where the grade is "NC" as in "No Credit." I called and emailed TMDSAS numerous times to ensure that this would not be factored into my gpa as an F, and was met with either confusion or told that it wouldn't. Now that I am entering my coursework, the only option for an NC grade says "No Credit (Fail)." I am quietly panicking. I cannot see the gpa TMDSAS has calculated for me. How screwed am I? Is there something else I should be putting instead?

 

[wysdoc]

I have two classes on my transcript where the grade is "NC" as in "No Credit." I called and emailed TMDSAS numerous times to ensure that this would not be factored into my gpa as an F, and was met with either confusion or told that it wouldn't. Now that I am entering my coursework, the only option for an NC grade says "No Credit (Fail)." I am quietly panicking. I cannot see the gpa TMDSAS has calculated for me. How screwed am I? Is there something else I should be putting instead?

Enter the courses exactly as they appear on your transcript. When TMDSAS officially verifies your application they will decide which courses get averaged into your GPA.
It’s not helpful to you to waste time calling and asking about this over and over- your grades are what they are.

 

[WoeBot62]

Enter the courses exactly as they appear on your transcript. When TMDSAS officially verifies your application they will decide which courses get averaged into your GPA.
It’s not helpful to you to waste time calling and asking about this over and over- your grades are what they are.

I called them before switching the courses to NC. The institution I took the courses at viewed "no credit" courses as an audit-type situation, not as a failing grade. The reason I am concerned is because I am already an underdog applicant. Two Fs would dip my gpa below a 3.0 so if I knew that was gonna happen, I wouldn't apply

 

[texco23]

So, I have submitted my secondaries for all Texas schools besides McGovern (2-week deadline is this Thursday), but I just saw my fourth letter from a doctor I worked with/shadowed was rejected. Initially I used Interfolio and his submission through there was falgged for no
letter head or signature. I alerted him and he understood, and because I had submitted my secondaries for most schools already I asked for him to upload directly, which he did. After nearly 2 weeks of waiting I see it was rejected, and have not gotten word on why so. My three other letters are done and approved.

Now context, we worked close and talked daily and had a good work relationship. I believe his letter would be great as we worked for over a year together. He is now in Jordan though, and I feel bad reaching out so much and now am asking for another updated letter. If he submits, does it take forever to evaluate once more? My applications so far are listed as incomplete given they have not received this letter yet so I am worried this will make it look bad.

 

[wysdoc]

So, I have submitted my secondaries for all Texas schools besides McGovern (2-week deadline is this Thursday), but I just saw my fourth letter from a doctor I worked with/shadowed was rejected. Initially I used Interfolio and his submission through there was falgged for no
letter head or signature. I alerted him and he understood, and because I had submitted my secondaries for most schools already I asked for him to upload directly, which he did. After nearly 2 weeks of waiting I see it was rejected, and have not gotten word on why so. My three other letters are done and approved.

Now context, we worked close and talked daily and had a good work relationship. I believe his letter would be great as we worked for over a year together. He is now in Jordan though, and I feel bad reaching out so much and now am asking for another updated letter. If he submits, does it take forever to evaluate once more? My applications so far are listed as incomplete given they have not received this letter yet so I am worried this will make it look bad.

The official way to get resolution on an issue like this is to message TMDSAS in your portal.
They should be able to tell you why the letter was not accepted- possibly he didn’t sign this one either?
If it turns out he is not reachable to resolve the problem, you can then notify TMDSAS that this 4 th letter is no longer expected.
Your TMDSAS app requires 3 letters to be complete.

 

[texasvandy]

im a nontrad and i got submitted finally.

only to find out i am deficient in One english class

what do i do? I thought an intro to writing class would suffice. but apparently it does not.

how do i go about fixing this? it would really suck to have gone through years of GPA reinvention, MCAT, volunteering, etc. only to have 1 english class be the difference between getting in or not.

you have a whole year to get that class done, online, community college pick an option.

 

[wysdoc]

wouldnt this prevent me from being considered from some schools this cycle if they see a deficiency?

or does it work across the board, that as long as I register for english class somewhere ill be fine?

I am applying in 2025. Wouldn't that delay my review if I am missing this course until it is complete?

@genrichard , some of the TMDSAS schools require 6 credits of English and some require 3.
Your Intro class probably counted, but TMDSAS is just giving you a heads-up that you might not meet the prereqs for some schools.
If you have taken a class with a heavy writing component in some other department besides the English department, a school could tell you that this will count for the writing requirement.
The TX schools don't have time to look at everybody's coursework at this point in the application cycle, they wait and do that later with a smaller group of students (like, who they interviewed or who they are considering accepting).
As @texasvandy said, take a writing class, for a grade (not P/F) somewhere during your application year. As long as you finish it before starting med school, you are all set.

 

[themddream]

Hello! I'm reapplying this application cycle and basically have my application complete. I was just wondering if anyone has insight if I need to rewrite my meaningful experiences descriptions? I plan to add a different activity for a meaningful experience which of course will have a new description, but I want to keep 2 of my previous ones and find it kind of difficult to change the description for what I already considered meaningful. Any help is appreciated!

 

[mynamejef]

Hello! I'm reapplying this application cycle and basically have my application complete. I was just wondering if anyone has insight if I need to rewrite my meaningful experiences descriptions? I plan to add a different activity for a meaningful experience which of course will have a new description, but I want to keep 2 of my previous ones and find it kind of difficult to change the description for what I already considered meaningful. Any help is appreciated!

Why would you need to change the other two descriptions if youre only changing one MME to a different experience? unless im misunderstanding your question.

 

[wysdoc]

Hello! I'm reapplying this application cycle and basically have my application complete. I was just wondering if anyone has insight if I need to rewrite my meaningful experiences descriptions? I plan to add a different activity for a meaningful experience which of course will have a new description, but I want to keep 2 of my previous ones and find it kind of difficult to change the description for what I already considered meaningful. Any help is appreciated!

The reasons to rewrite or at the minimum re-word your essays on a reapplication :
1. You can improve the portion of the essays showing your insight or value of the activity (spend less of your word space just listing duties)
2. You won't look lazy by copy/pasting your old essay
3. If a prior application didn't get you in, it doesn't make sense to submit the same thing.

 

[mynamejef]

The reasons to rewrite or at the minimum re-word your essays on a reapplication :
1. You can improve the portion of the essays showing your insight or value of the activity (spend less of your word space just listing duties)
2. You won't look lazy by copy/pasting your old essay
3. If a prior application didn't get you in, it doesn't make sense to submit the same thing.

Sorry! I completely missed that OP was a reapplicant. Makes more sense now

 

[themddream]

The reasons to rewrite or at the minimum re-word your essays on a reapplication :
1. You can improve the portion of the essays showing your insight or value of the activity (spend less of your word space just listing duties)
2. You won't look lazy by copy/pasting your old essay
3. If a prior application didn't get you in, it doesn't make sense to submit the same thing.

Thank you! I think I’ll keep 2 of my original descriptions since I thought they really did express what I got out of those experiences. Maybe make a few minor tweaks.

 

[texco23]

The official way to get resolution on an issue like this is to message TMDSAS in your portal.
They should be able to tell you why the letter was not accepted- possibly he didn’t sign this one either?
If it turns out he is not reachable to resolve the problem, you can then notify TMDSAS that this 4 th letter is no longer expected.
Your TMDSAS app requires 3 letters to be complete.

So my application was offically "submitted" but when I am trying to resend the letter request to th doctor I have not received any confirmation it was sent. Is anyone else having issues resending letter requests? I messaged tmdsas but have not heard back yet and the doctor has not received it yet.

 

[wysdoc]

So my application was offically "submitted" but when I am trying to resend the letter request to th doctor I have not received any confirmation it was sent. Is anyone else having issues resending letter requests? I messaged tmdsas but have not heard back yet and the doctor has not received it yet.

don't expect instant action or attention.
Follow their status on the TMDSAS Homepage here: TMDSAS Homepage

This status box at the right side is only visible on a laptop or desktop, not on a cell phone.
Today it says they are processing letters submitted on June 10

 

[cupcakeliberty1]

Hi! So my application is complete (secondaries, everything) but I have a fourth letter writer who just came through and said he could upload it next week. Does anybody know if I do add it to my application, will that delay the school's review of my application until a few weeks from now when everything is processed? Or would it depend on the school? Thanks!
edit: if this makes a difference, it’s a science prof / was on my thesis committee LOR. i currently have my PI who was also a sci prof and 2 of the physicians i’ve worked for in the past year and a half i’ve been out of school. i don’t know for sure but i think my current letters are stronger than the new would be.

 

[wysdoc]

Hi! So my application is complete (secondaries, everything) but I have a fourth letter writer who just came through and said he could upload it next week. Does anybody know if I do add it to my application, will that delay the school's review of my application until a few weeks from now when everything is processed? Or would it depend on the school? Thanks!
edit: if this makes a difference, it’s a science prof / was on my thesis committee LOR. i currently have my PI who was also a sci prof and 2 of the physicians i’ve worked for in the past year and a half i’ve been out of school. i don’t know for sure but i think my current letters are stronger than the new would be.

Schools know that letters may not all be sent at the same time so it will not delay anything for you

 

[cupcakeliberty1]

Schools know that letters may not all be sent at the same time so it will not delay anything for you

I haven't added the placeholder on TMDSAS yet, do you think it would be more advantageous to wait and upload it in like August when processing times are shorter? I just don't want my app to be re-marked as "incomplete" for the next month or moved to the bottom of the pile. TY!

 

[wysdoc]

I haven't added the placeholder on TMDSAS yet, do you think it would be more advantageous to wait and upload it in like August when processing times are shorter? I just don't want my app to be re-marked as "incomplete" for the next month or moved to the bottom of the pile. TY!

This is probably a good idea if you are not sure about the timeline of when he will write the letter.
Since a TMDSAS application is "complete" with 3 letters, you will be marked complete at your med schools.

 

[BigBroBeans23]

I haven't added the placeholder on TMDSAS yet, do you think it would be more advantageous to wait and upload it in like August when processing times are shorter? I just don't want my app to be re-marked as "incomplete" for the next month or moved to the bottom of the pile. TY!

If you really believe the rec letter will make a huge difference to your application then I would wait, other than that, I would try to be 'complete' as soon as possible. I would also email/call different schools and see if uploading the letter would make your app 'incomplete' after being 'complete' to get a true answer vs. some random person (me) on SDN telling you otherwise.

 

[wysdoc]

If you really believe the rec letter will make a huge difference to your application then I would wait, other than that, I would try to be 'complete' as soon as possible. I would also email/call different schools and see if uploading the letter would make your app 'incomplete' after being 'complete' to get a true answer vs. some random person (me) on SDN telling you otherwise.

I think the OP has already submitted their TMDSAS app and many secondaries

 

[cupcakeliberty1]

I think the OP has already submitted their TMDSAS app and many secondaries

Yup! I'll just wait for now, see where July takes me. Thanks for the help! 🙂

 

[mangoognam]

When is too late to submit my primary? I'm aiming to finish in the next 2 weeks. I know it's not ideal but unforeseen life challenges came up but I'm grinding to catch up now.

 

[wysdoc]

When is too late to submit my primary? I'm aiming to finish in the next 2 weeks. I know it's not ideal but unforeseen life challenges came up but I'm grinding to catch up now.

Get it finished and proofread it lots of times before submitting it.
Over 70% of Texas applicants submit the primary before the end of July.

 

[mangoognam]

Get it finished and proofread it lots of times before submitting it.
Over 70% of Texas applicants submit the primary before the end of July.

Thank you so much. Planning on pre-writing secondaries the second I submit the primary. I felt really behind and frankly distraught because all I see is people submitting on May 1. Glad to know I'm not totally cooked

 

[wysdoc]

Thank you so much. Planning on pre-writing secondaries the second I submit the primary. I felt really behind and frankly distraught because all I see is people submitting on May 1. Glad to know I'm not totally cooked

First day to submit was May 15 but I understand you are feeling behind.

 

[mangoognam]

First day to submit was May 15 but I understand you are feeling behind.

my mistake haha! i appreciate all your help.

 

[justanotherfuturedr]

Just submitted primary as a current MedSci at UNTHSC, and my calculated BCPM GPA is horrendous. Anyone have any experience applying as a MedSci and how their cycle went?

 

[justanotherfuturedr]

I did MedSci too a couple years ago
Currently doing apps.

My final GPA ended up at around 3.55, but my MedSci I got a 4.0. I have a 514 MCAT and will see how it goes

According to MSAR my GPA is far too low and my MCAT is on par. But no idea how that works irl

did you apply previous cycles? or is this your first cycle applying post med sci

 

[notjoemama]

TMDSAS applicant btw

im super anxious and debating just not applying this cycle. i got a 508 mcat, 3.9 gpa and i submited primaries june 10th and still am not verfied 🙁 im prewriting my secondaries, but i probably wont have them in, at least for my dream schools of mcgovern, utmb, uh, and a&m before july 25th. Does that make me super late? should i just reapply next year because i know my mcat stat is low and im scared that because i did not apply my primaries sooner im gonna be at a disadvantage.

is having my apps (for all texas schools) completely done before august at least good/ on time, or am i very late and i dont have a chance??

id love to get in MD and only applied to 1 DO.

 

[wysdoc]

TMDSAS applicant btw

im super anxious and debating just not applying this cycle. i got a 508 mcat, 3.9 gpa and i submited primaries june 10th and still am not verfied 🙁 im prewriting my secondaries, but i probably wont have them in, at least for my dream schools of mcgovern, utmb, uh, and a&m before july 25th. Does that make me super late? should i just reapply next year because i know my mcat stat is low and im scared that because i did not apply my primaries sooner im gonna be at a disadvantage.

is having my apps (for all texas schools) completely done before august at least good/ on time, or am i very late and i dont have a chance??

id love to get in MD and only applied to 1 DO.

@notjoemama (and others waiting for their apps to be verified)
It's hard not to feel anxious while waiting for things to happen - but you are right on track in terms of timing and not late at all in this TMDSAS cycle.
Here is where you can look at the progress TMDSAS is making on verifications, on the TMDSAS Home Page
TMDSAS Homepage in the colored box to the right side of the page.
This box isn't visible on a phone, only on a desktop or laptop computer.

They work on apps on weekdays between 8 and 5.
The Friday (July 11) note on the TMDSAS homepage indicated they were working on primary apps submitted on June 7, so it yours will probably be verified and sent to schools by the end of next week.
You will need to get an email from each school to see your instructions on how to submit your secondary essays, but working on writing them now during this month of waiting will enable you to have them ready to submit as soon as you get that email invitation.

2 more things to do while you wait:
1. If you didn't know, TMDSAS (and AACOMAS) need you to log in to your MCAT portal/account to give permission to "release" your score to TMDSAS>> See instructions on the TMDSAS guide about how to do this. TMDSAS can then include your MCAT score to all the schools you selected.
2. Do your CASPer and Duet tests because many TMDSAS schools want those.

It's a long application cycle with interview invitations possible any time between now and January. Don't let the waiting get to you.

 

[texasvandy]

TMDSAS applicant btw

im super anxious and debating just not applying this cycle. i got a 508 mcat, 3.9 gpa and i submited primaries june 10th and still am not verfied 🙁 im prewriting my secondaries, but i probably wont have them in, at least for my dream schools of mcgovern, utmb, uh, and a&m before july 25th. Does that make me super late? should i just reapply next year because i know my mcat stat is low and im scared that because i did not apply my primaries sooner im gonna be at a disadvantage.

is having my apps (for all texas schools) completely done before august at least good/ on time, or am i very late and i dont have a chance??

id love to get in MD and only applied to 1 DO.

You should apply to both DO schools based on the MCAT. Texas residencies dont treat them different from MD schools.

There were people in the last cycle who didnt make the cut after attending 4 interviews.
However, I personally know someone who had one interview with a lower score, and made it on match day.

 

[notjoemama]

You should apply to both DO schools based on the MCAT. Texas residencies dont treat them different from MD schools.

There were people in the last cycle who didnt make the cut after attending 4 interviews.
However, I personally know someone who had one interview with a lower score, and made it on match day.

thank u for ur feedback! ok i might, thing is i was checking out msar and it seemed like i was in range for some schools in texas so i had hope

 

[notjoemama]

@notjoemama (and others waiting for their apps to be verified)
It's hard not to feel anxious while waiting for things to happen - but you are right on track in terms of timing and not late at all in this TMDSAS cycle.
Here is where you can look at the progress TMDSAS is making on verifications, on the TMDSAS Home Page
TMDSAS Homepage in the colored box to the right side of the page.
This box isn't visible on a phone, only on a desktop or laptop computer.

They work on apps on weekdays between 8 and 5.
The Friday (July 11) note on the TMDSAS homepage indicated they were working on primary apps submitted on June 7, so it yours will probably be verified and sent to schools by the end of next week.
You will need to get an email from each school to see your instructions on how to submit your secondary essays, but working on writing them now during this month of waiting will enable you to have them ready to submit as soon as you get that email invitation.

2 more things to do while you wait:
1. If you didn't know, TMDSAS (and AACOMAS) need you to log in to your MCAT portal/account to give permission to "release" your score to TMDSAS>> See instructions on the TMDSAS guide about how to do this. TMDSAS can then include your MCAT score to all the schools you selected.
2. Do your CASPer and Duet tests because many TMDSAS schools want those.

It's a long application cycle with interview invitations possible any time between now and January. Don't let the waiting get to you.

thank u! so even after verification, i would still need to wait for the actual school to send me the secondaries?

 

[notjoemama]

You should apply to both DO schools based on the MCAT. Texas residencies dont treat them different from MD schools.

There were people in the last cycle who didnt make the cut after attending 4 interviews.
However, I personally know someone who had one interview with a lower score, and made it on match day.

would u say that the people who got interviews but didnt make it also had a low mcat?