Texas Academic Fresh Start Megathread

[chicandtoughness]

People who use AFS are the exceptions to the TMDSAS rule of not submitting transcripts until accepted. What's the earliest we can submit transcripts? May 1 or 15?

I submitted mine the same day I submitted my TMDSAS app. There’s nothing they can really do if they get them early - they need your completed TMDSAS app to cross reference the classes. So I would send them when you submit the primary.

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[phobic]

AFS wiping out AS credits from more than 10 years ago doesn't invalidate the BS. The fact that the BS built upon the AS is irrelevant.

You appear to be saying 1/2 of your coursework is more than 10 years old. That means 1/2 of your courses are less than 10 years old. If you have 130 credits, then half go away leaving you with 65 hours. You need 90 hours to apply to medical school. In other words, you need 90 hours that are less than 10 years old. I had to take extra courses to get my recent hours up to 90.

I would have exactly 90 credits from 2016 till now. BS degree and the prereqs. But like I said. The AS degree would be wiped out. I’m good to go?

 

[chicandtoughness]

I would have exactly 90 credits from 2016 till now. BS degree and the prereqs. But like I said. The AS degree would be wiped out. I’m good to go?

You are good to go! The classes from my entire BS were wiped out 😉 it doesn’t negate the fact that you still have the degree.

 

[phobic]

You are good to go! The classes from my entire BS were wiped out 😉 it doesn’t negate the fact that you still have the degree.

Awesome! Would you go through this path if you only had a 3.1 or should I be fine with applying to Dental school? If I did the fresh start I’d have like 3.7-3.8.

Because I’d have to get residency and then take a class so 1.5 years ish right?

Thanks

 

[chicandtoughness]

Awesome! Would you go through this path if you only had a 3.1 or should I be fine with applying to Dental school? If I did the fresh start I’d have like 3.7-3.8.

Because I’d have to get residency and then take a class so 1.5 years ish right?

Thanks

Hmmm I don't know anything about dental pathway so you might want to ask in the dental forum to see if 3.1 is competitive. I had a 2.8 before AFS and that would not have been competitive for med school.

If you aren't already in Texas, then yes you would need a year to establish residency.

 

[ahnonemoose]

3.1 is not competitive for Texas dental schools. Need 0.5 more.

 

[esob]

Awesome! Would you go through this path if you only had a 3.1 or should I be fine with applying to Dental school? If I did the fresh start I’d have like 3.7-3.8.

Because I’d have to get residency and then take a class so 1.5 years ish right?

Thanks

If you can go from a 3.1 to a 3.8, it is definitely worth 1.5 yrs effort. Not only do you substantially improve your chances of acceptance, but you also improve your chances of having a better choice of programs.

 

[Huan2024]

I will quote this email again, which is also from TMDSAS:
"When figuring out what coursework will be excluded once you invoke Academic Fresh Start, you subtract ten years and one term. TMDSAS will recognize the AFS designation that would appear on your institution’s transcripts (where you invoked AFS) and based on the date that you will invoke AFS (Spring 2022) would exclude coursework from Fall 2012 and back."

Thanks for this information. So, if I apply for summer of 2024 and the last grades, I want removed from my transcripts are from spring of 2014, would that also constitute being 10 years or more under TMDSAS?

 

[esob]

Thanks for this information. So, if I apply for summer of 2024 and the last grades, I want removed from my transcripts are from spring of 2014, would that also constitute being 10 years or more under TMDSAS?

I think the answer is maybe because summer semesters are, for a better term, wonky. In theory, it should work, but I would get it in writing from someone (preferably someone from TMDSAS). When I used AFS, I not only got everything in writing, but I printed out those emails, put them inside a 2-hour-rated document fire safe, and put that document safe inside my 4-hour fire-rated main safe, lol.

 

[Huan2024]

I think the answer is maybe because summer semesters are, for a better term, wonky. In theory, it should work, but I would get it in writing from someone (preferably someone from TMDSAS). When I used AFS, I not only got everything in writing, but I printed out those emails, put them inside a 2-hour-rated document fire safe, and put that document safe inside my 4-hour fire-rated main safe, lol.

Thanks for the quick reply. Also, if I want the grades from spring of 2014 to be "erased," will declaring AFS for fall 2024 enrollment satisfy the state mandate to avoid the "wonky" summer semester? 😆

 

[chicandtoughness]

I declared in summer 2022 and had spring 2012 and before wiped out. But again, good to get this in writing from TMDSAS as well.

 

[Huan2024]

I declared in summer 2022 and had spring 2012 and before wiped out. But again, good to get this in writing from TMDSAS as well.

I contacted TMDSAS several times and they are avoiding any specific answers and replied with this latest email,
"Please keep in mind that TMDSAS does not grant nor advise on Academic Fresh Start. TMDSAS will simply recognize this provision that was granted by the schools. You will need to speak with the school where you plan to invoke AFS and confirm which terms will be excluded."
Regardless, to be safe, I am going to invoke AF this fall to avoid any potential issues. Again, thanks for the information regarding your personal experience with AFS.

 

[esob]

I contacted TMDSAS several times and they are avoiding any specific answers and replied with this latest email,
"Please keep in mind that TMDSAS does not grant nor advise on Academic Fresh Start. TMDSAS will simply recognize this provision that was granted by the schools. You will need to speak with the school where you plan to invoke AFS and confirm which terms will be excluded."
Regardless, to be safe, I am going to invoke AF this fall to avoid any potential issues. Again, thanks for the information regarding your personal experience with AFS.

Yep, that sounds about right, which, honestly, is nonsense. TMDSAS should be allowed to standardize the process so that things are even across the board instead of being advantageous for those who go to big schools that have a great grasp on the concept vs. some small schools in a rural setting. Granted, that would take legislation to do, but still, it seems a reasonable task given the intent of the law.

 

[ahnonemoose]

In checking with schools about Academic Fresh Start, these are my findings:

1. Houston Community College appears to be the easiest school to work with.
2. Blinn College was responsive to emailed questions and might be easy to work with.
3. Alvin Community College's registrar answered all questions after about a 2 day delay each time. They put AFS on the transcript.
4. Galveston College said AFS will not appear on the transcript. Don't use them.
5. San Jacinto College updated my transcript to indicate Academic Fresh Start. I recommend using a different school. They made things too difficult.
6. University of Houston will not provide it for people who already have a bachelor's degree as previously discussed.
7. Lone Star College is pretty good administratively. They might be a good option, although there is one historic post stating they are slow to process AFS.

You can complete the requirements of AFS by taking a 1 semester hour course. No need to pay more tuition and spend more time on a course than is necessary.

 

[esob]

6. University of Houston will not provide it for people who already have a bachelor's degree as previously discussed.

This is pure nonsense on their part. There is nothing in the law that makes any reference to degree status.

 

[Apprentice of St. Luke]

In checking with schools about Academic Fresh Start, these are my findings:

1. Houston Community College appears to be the easiest school to work with.
2. Blinn College was responsive to emailed questions and might be easy to work with.
3. Alvin Community College's registrar answered all questions after about a 2 day delay each time. They put AFS on the transcript.
4. Galveston College said AFS will not appear on the transcript. Don't use them.
5. San Jacinto College updated my transcript to indicate Academic Fresh Start. I recommend using a different school.
6. University of Houston will not provide it for people who already have a bachelor's degree as previously discussed.
7. Lone Star College is pretty good administratively. They might be a good option, although there is one historic post stating they are slow to process AFS.

You can complete the requirements of AFS by taking a 1 semester hour course. No need to pay more tuition and spend more time on a course than is necessary.

One quick question before going to work:

Has anyone looked into TAMU, College Station? I am a prior BA (Psy) holder looking to get a BS in Biomed Engineering, then MD/DO.

 

[chicandtoughness]

TAMU will do it. However, last time I checked (4 years ago), they would not do AFS unless you had NO coursework for the past 10 years. I didn't delve any further because I had consistent coursework over the past 15 years and thus was not eligible. That wording isn't on their site anymore but I would double check with them.

 

[kingnwams10]

I have a question regarding AFS.
Would I still be eligible after a Masters degree. I am finishing up my masters in Computer science and concurrently taking pre requisites. I have one more semester to complete the masters.
If its going to be a problem, do I have to provide the Masters Transcript to schools or is my Bachelors and Associate Transcript sufficient here to invoke the AFS....

I will provide all transcript including the Graduate degree to TMDSAS after the AFS approval. Is this a good plan.

 

[chicandtoughness]

I have a question regarding AFS.
Would I still be eligible after a Masters degree. I am finishing up my masters in Computer science and concurrently taking pre requisites. I have one more semester to complete the masters.
If its going to be a problem, do I have to provide the Masters Transcript to schools or is my Bachelors and Associate Transcript sufficient here to invoke the AFS....

I will provide all transcript including the Graduate degree to TMDSAS after the AFS approval. Is this a good plan.

You need to submit all prior coursework when you apply to an institution, so yes, they will need your masters. I have a masters too and it doesn’t bar you from AFS.

TMDSAS will need all transcripts regardless of AFS.

 

[Huan2024]

Thank you everyone, once again, for the information regarding AFS. I was able to successfully declare academic fresh start this fall semester, and the dean of the school processed my application for AFS with all grades from summer of 2014 and back to be wiped out; exactly what I needed!

 

[thebeardedmedic]

If I apply to HCC and declare AFS, do I have to take a class there after declaring for it to count for TMDSAS?

 

[chicandtoughness]

If I apply to HCC and declare AFS, do I have to take a class there after declaring for it to count for TMDSAS?

Yes

 

[ahnonemoose]

Here's what things look like before and after Academic Fresh Start (AFS). You'll see what's on the left until your application is transmitted to the schools. After transmission, you'll see what's on the right. The Prerequisite Course List (PCR) will only show the courses taken within the AFS 10-year look-back period.

Note: I changed almost every number in the Before AFS section trying to maintain a semblance of privacy.

 

[chicandtoughness]

Here's what things look like before and after Academic Fresh Start (AFS). You'll see what's on the left until your application is transmitted to the schools. After transmission, you'll see what's on the right. The Prerequisite Course List (PCR) will only show the courses taken within the AFS 10-year look-back period.

View attachment 394034

Note: I changed almost every number in the Before AFS section trying to maintain a semblance of privacy.

Bless AFS for this beautiful 4.0 across the board 😍 Good luck with your app cycle!

 

[CaliHeatWave]

Texas resident here. I'm weighing my options with AFS and could use some support. I was given horrifically incorrect info on AFS from the institution where I got my BS from >10 years ago when I initially inquired about it. The person I spoke with told me it would negate my bachelors degree so I would have to get another one, and it "will look bad anyways" if I use AFS to apply to medical school. I cannot remember a time in my adult life when I felt so belittled by someone and I think I've got pretty thick skin. Anyways, there was more to the conversation, but that's the TL;DR version. Based on that conversation, I decided not to pursue it. I wish I found the AFS threads in here sooner.

Here's my dilemma:

If I invoke AFS, I will not be able to apply until late July/early August because I will be short 15ish hours to hit 90 hours, and that is if I was able to cram everything into the summer I session. If invoked (and those lingering "filler" classes to hit 90 hours are all A's) then my cGPA and sGPA for TMDSAS will be 4.0.

If I do not invoke AFS and apply as-is, I will have a cGPA of 3.3 and sGPA of 3.0, with my post-bacc cGPA 3.9 and sGPA 4.0. Obviously a huge weak spot in my application, but I feel that the rest of it is competitive.

Anyone care to weigh in on this? Is there another thread I should post this to?

 

[ahnonemoose]

It's your decision. Your 10+ year-old degrees aren't negated. You just can't use any credits from them for GPA calculations.

Apply early if you want a TMDSAS school. Decide if you want to apply this year with what you have or next year with AFS. Are you willing to be a reapplicant? Do you have a strong MCAT score? An AFS 4.0 will not offset a weak MCAT.

 

[chicandtoughness]

Anyone care to weigh in on this? Is there another thread I should post this to?

Please reach out to TMDSAS. Normally (for non-AFS folks) if you’re 15 hours short but you have planned/registered for those classes within the next year, you should be fine. (That makes sense - trad students in college might still be working on their degree). I don’t know if that would hold up for us though since we would submit transcripts when we apply. Regardless, ask TMDSAS before anything else!

 

[Leukocyte32]

Hi, I'm trying to decide where to declare AFS. I had several email exchanges and phone calls with Texas State and unfortunately they are not very keen on extending AFS. 3.1 to 3.3 GPA is considered good by their standards, I tried explaining that may be the case for them but for Med school it's not competitive enough.

Instead of losing more time, I'm thinking of enrolling at Austin Comm. College this summer and declaring AFS there, and take English 1 & 2 (since I've taken them 10+ yrs ago and they'll be wiped away under AFS). Can I then transfer to UT Austin and continue taking my upper division science prereqs and finish out my 90 credits there?

I'm not clear on whether I need to finish taking all the necessary coursework at the same institution I also declare AFS. In my example, does this mean if I declare AFS at Austin Comm College do I also need to complete ALL my prerequisites for Med school there also?

 

[ahnonemoose]

For AFS, you invoke it at any Texas taxpayer-funded college or university. Apply, get admitted, request AFS, then take 1 course, even a 1 semester hour course. That's it, you've got it. Take your 90 hours wherever you want. When TMDSAS sees a transcript, any transcript, with AFS noted, they'll recalculate your GPA. Or take 89 hours anywhere you want and take a 1-hour course somewhere to get AFS. That's what I did.

 

[ahnonemoose]

Was your SMP graduate level credits? Some schools can't get past low undergraduate GPAs.

 

[Leukocyte32]

For AFS, you invoke it at any Texas taxpayer-funded college or university. Apply, get admitted, request AFS, then take 1 course, even a 1 semester hour course. That's it, you've got it. Take your 90 hours wherever you want. When TMDSAS sees a transcript, any transcript, with AFS noted, they'll recalculate your GPA. Or take 89 hours anywhere you want and take a 1-hour course somewhere to get AFS. That's what I did.

Hi, the institutions you went to after declaring AFS (in my example this would be UT Austin) did they only look at your grades in the last 10 years, or did they look at everything?

 

[ahnonemoose]

AFS is between you and the school from which you request it. If you don't invoke AFS at a school, they look at everything.

TMDSAS is a special case. Once you let TMDSAS know you've done AFS, you send them your transcripts. They compute an after AFS GPA and report that to the schools. The schools don't see the bad grades.

 

[esob]

Texas resident here. I'm weighing my options with AFS and could use some support. I was given horrifically incorrect info on AFS from the institution where I got my BS from >10 years ago when I initially inquired about it. The person I spoke with told me it would negate my bachelors degree so I would have to get another one, and it "will look bad anyways" if I use AFS to apply to medical school. I cannot remember a time in my adult life when I felt so belittled by someone and I think I've got pretty thick skin. Anyways, there was more to the conversation, but that's the TL;DR version. Based on that conversation, I decided not to pursue it. I wish I found the AFS threads in here sooner.

Here's my dilemma:

If I invoke AFS, I will not be able to apply until late July/early August because I will be short 15ish hours to hit 90 hours, and that is if I was able to cram everything into the summer I session. If invoked (and those lingering "filler" classes to hit 90 hours are all A's) then my cGPA and sGPA for TMDSAS will be 4.0.

If I do not invoke AFS and apply as-is, I will have a cGPA of 3.3 and sGPA of 3.0, with my post-bacc cGPA 3.9 and sGPA 4.0. Obviously a huge weak spot in my application, but I feel that the rest of it is competitive.

Anyone care to weigh in on this? Is there another thread I should post this to?

A 4.0 undergrad is an entirely different applicant tier you will not reach even with a flawless post-bacc. While it is true that a 4.0 won't compensate for a "weak" MCAT, a 4.0 (AFS or otherwise, as they are all counted the same), a 4.0 and an average-matriculant MCAT will buy you an interview to almost every TMDSAS school and from their the spot is yours to lose. A 4.0 buys you a lot of latitude in the process (I know b/c I did it). I've also helped others go through the process with similar results. One friend applied a cycle without AFS and got nothing, then invoked AFS, applied with a 4.0, changed absolutely nothing else, and got a ton of interviews and prematched at 3+ schools, including his #1 pick.

 

[Serenequeen_doc]

This is not correct IN THE CONTEXT OF TMDSAS.

What that statute means is you cannot invoke AFS at Baylor or SHSU (this is correct).

However, you absolutely can invoke AFS at a public institution, and then that AFS designation will be respected by TMDSAS when they see it on your transcript.

Remember, your schools never see your official transcripts until after you are accepted. During the app process, they see only your school/course list from TMDSAS. And if TMDSAS removes your pre-10 year courses in the system, your schools WILL NOT SEE THEM WHEN YOU APPLY. This includes all TMDSAS schools private and public!

I am not sure of the situation where you sit out and reapply for admission with AFS, especially if it’s recent. Most likely HCC will find it a little sketchy at best, or deny it at worst. It might be okay if you like, took classes in the past but haven’t in a while, and are applying for readmission. I would ask HCC for clarification if that’s allowed.

I also do not know if it can be done twice (I’m sure that’s a rare situation). I would ask TMDSAS that second question directly.

Hello there! I feel a bit lost on this so please point me in the right direction if you're able! My plan was to take my prereqs (about 32 credit hours while working full time) at a CC (Lone Star) this coming fall. Then transfer to a university in the area to take a couple of upper level classes like biochem. But I'm just now seeing this thread for AFS and wondering if that would be a better option and if so, would that mean I'd need to take 90 credits at only ONE institution before applying to med schools, in order for this to work?

 

[ahnonemoose]

Hello there! I feel a bit lost on this so please point me in the right direction if you're able! My plan was to take my prereqs (about 32 credit hours while working full time) at a CC (Lone Star) this coming fall. Then transfer to a university in the area to take a couple of upper level classes like biochem. But I'm just now seeing this thread for AFS and wondering if that would be a better option and if so, would that mean I'd need to take 90 credits at only ONE institution before applying to med schools, in order for this to work?

I successfully did AFS obtaining 90 credits at 7 institutions throughout the United States after invoking it.

 

[Serenequeen_doc]

I successfully did AFS obtaining 90 credits at 7 institutions throughout the United States after invoking it.

That's great to know! So then to be clear, you would be unable to apply to med school under AFS if you didn't take a full 90 credits then? I'm trying to figure out if that financial cost of that route would make sense for me if so.

 

[ahnonemoose]

That's great to know! So then to be clear, you would be unable to apply to med school under AFS if you didn't take a full 90 credits then? I'm trying to figure out if that financial cost of that route would make sense for me if so.

1. All hours more than 10 years old.
2. Invoke AFS.
3. You have no hours for application purposes.
4. You must take 90 hours to apply to Texas schools.

1. 45 hours more than 10 years old.
2. 45 hours less than 10 years old.
3. Invoke AFS.
4. You have 45 hours for application purposes.
5. You must take 45 hours to apply to Texas schools.

1. All hours less than 10 years old.
2. Wait until the hours with low grades are more than 10 years old.
3. Invoke AFS.

 

[Serenequeen_doc]

1. All hours more than 10 years old.
2. Invoke AFS.
3. You have no hours for application purposes.
4. You must take 90 hours to apply to Texas schools.

1. 45 hours more than 10 years old.
2. 45 hours less than 10 years old.
3. Invoke AFS.
4. You have 45 hours for application purposes.
5. You must take 45 hours to apply to Texas schools.

1. All hours less than 10 years old.
2. Wait until the hours with low grades are more than 10 years old.
3. Invoke AFS.

Got it. Since all of my courses are over ten years old, I assume by invoking AFS, I'd need to do a total of 90 credits. But according to the MSAR for most schools in texas, it seems that only the science courses need to be more recent. Unless I'm misunderstanding, using AFS would force me to take an extra 60 credits I might not otherwise need. That's something to think about. Appreciate it!

 

[chicandtoughness]

Got it. Since all of my courses are over ten years old, I assume by invoking AFS, I'd need to do a total of 90 credits. But according to the MSAR for most schools in texas, it seems that only the science courses need to be more recent. Unless I'm misunderstanding, using AFS would force me to take an extra 60 credits I might not otherwise need. That's something to think about. Appreciate it!

Yes, this is correct. You don't need to do them all in one institution. I did mine over the course of 10 years at 13 institutions 😅 Definitely look through MSAR and look at the average GPAs and number of nontrads at each school. If your non-AFS GPA is within range of your target schools then I wouldn't worry about it and just focus on doing well in your most recent prereqs and classes. Your MCAT score will likely influence your eventual decision as well.

 

[Serenequeen_doc]

Yes, this is correct. You don't need to do them all in one institution. I did mine over the course of 10 years at 13 institutions 😅 Definitely look through MSAR and look at the average GPAs and number of nontrads at each school. If your non-AFS GPA is within range of your target schools then I wouldn't worry about it and just focus on doing well in your most recent prereqs and classes. Your MCAT score will likely influence your eventual decision as well.

Within range might be a stretch. 😆 I have a 3.44 undergrad GPA. Unsure of my sgpa but I basically only took bio one and two in college the first time around so I'd need to retake those and do all the rest for the first time. Best case would be me acing all my sciences and rising to a 3.6 or so. I have a lot of credit hours to work against! But agreed. I'm going to use every trick in the book to get my MCAT score as high and competitive as possible! Also hoping an upward trend might be helpful. Still have time to figure it out. But appreciate that there are options. Thank you!

 

[chicandtoughness]

Within range might be a stretch. 😆 I have a 3.44 undergrad GPA. Unsure of my sgpa but I basically only took bio one and two in college the first time around so I'd need to retake those and do all the rest for the first time. Best case would be me acing all my sciences and rising to a 3.6 or so. I have a lot of credit hours to work against! But agreed. I'm going to use every trick in the book to get my MCAT score as high and competitive as possible! Also hoping an upward trend might be helpful. Still have time to figure it out. But appreciate that there are options. Thank you!

If you can get to 3.6 with a good MCAT + upward trajectory + a good story, I think you should be fine without the AFS. But you could also wait until you get MCAT scores back to see if you want to do the AFS; it only takes a semester.

 

[Serenequeen_doc]

If you can get to 3.6 with a good MCAT + upward trajectory + a good story, I think you should be fine without the AFS. But you could also wait until you get MCAT scores back to see if you want to do the AFS; it only takes a semester.

Fingers crossed! I'll keep all of this in mind as I'm moving forward since it seems I'd only need to invoke this right before applying. You've been so helpful!

 

[Leukocyte32]

Yes, this is correct. You don't need to do them all in one institution. I did mine over the course of 10 years at 13 institutions 😅 Definitely look through MSAR and look at the average GPAs and number of nontrads at each school. If your non-AFS GPA is within range of your target schools then I wouldn't worry about it and just focus on doing well in your most recent prereqs and classes. Your MCAT score will likely influence your eventual decision as well.

Hey, I have a follow up question on your response, you mention taking your pre-reqs/minimum credits for med school over the course of 10 years -- did you find this to be something the admissions committees questioned you on, or a point of contention/something that you had to explain? I only ask this because I've been reading blogs, listening to podcasts, etc. and I've heard that admissions committees like to see your coursework to be more recent to when you apply, or that you took on more credits per semester to show that you can handle managing a tough workload all at the same time, etc. I currently work full time, after I invoke AFS I was planning on taking about 2 classes per semester, stretch it across 3 years or so, but this has me nervous based on info I've read. It makes me think I should be taking a full course load of 18 credits per semester to make myself appear competitive to the admissions folks. I'm curious on your experience with this, if you don't mind sharing.

 

[ahnonemoose]

Hey, I have a follow up question on your response, you mention taking your pre-reqs/minimum credits for med school over the course of 10 years -- did you find this to be something the admissions committees questioned you on, or a point of contention/something that you had to explain? I only ask this because I've been reading blogs, listening to podcasts, etc. and I've heard that admissions committees like to see your coursework to be more recent to when you apply, or that you took on more credits per semester to show that you can handle managing a tough workload all at the same time, etc. I currently work full time, after I invoke AFS I was planning on taking about 2 classes per semester, stretch it across 3 years or so, but this has me nervous based on info I've read. It makes me think I should be taking a full course load of 18 credits per semester to make myself appear competitive to the admissions folks. I'm curious on your experience with this, if you don't mind sharing.

I worked full-time M-F and had a weekend job. I took 90 hours in 2 years. At any given time, I took half science courses and half easy courses that I was interested in. I invoked AFS after the 90 hours, not before. I wanted to eliminate as many older courses as possible.

All 11 of my interviews were not at TMDSAS schools. I won't say AFS was for nothing. To qualify for it, I took an extra 45 hours which helped my cumulative GPA for AAMC and AACOMAS schools.

 

[chicandtoughness]

Hey, I have a follow up question on your response, you mention taking your pre-reqs/minimum credits for med school over the course of 10 years -- did you find this to be something the admissions committees questioned you on, or a point of contention/something that you had to explain? I only ask this because I've been reading blogs, listening to podcasts, etc. and I've heard that admissions committees like to see your coursework to be more recent to when you apply, or that you took on more credits per semester to show that you can handle managing a tough workload all at the same time, etc. I currently work full time, after I invoke AFS I was planning on taking about 2 classes per semester, stretch it across 3 years or so, but this has me nervous based on info I've read. It makes me think I should be taking a full course load of 18 credits per semester to make myself appear competitive to the admissions folks. I'm curious on your experience with this, if you don't mind sharing.

My coursework was the least interesting thing about me so it was never brought up. I’m a career changer, got a masters degree in an unrelated field during this time, and worked in healthcare so we spent a large portion of interviews discussing that instead of my grades. Mind you, I wasn’t premed for those 10 years nor was that planned- I just took random classes here or there for different career paths (I contemplated pharmacy, physical therapy, dietetics, and other random stuff) so it just happened that way.

That said, this is solely my experience. Stretching your classes over 3 years is plenty “recent”, especially if you’re also working or engaged in other things that build an interesting application.

 

[CaliHeatWave]

It seems this thread has been picking up in recent months, so I wanted to come back with an update and to share my experience with others.

At the 11th hour I decided to invoke AFS. I knew I had a lot to make up for with my GPAs, but after scrutinizing the TMDSAS application data reports for hours, the numbers were stacked against me. Hard. Because of the unique parameters in my application, I was able to get some pretty specific numbers to look at. Statistics aren't the be-all end-all, but when I compared my pre and post AFS numbers in the data reports, I couldn't justify applying without first invoking AFS. The only downside is that now I am below 90 hours of coursework.

I went through HCC and I did not speak with any other schools. The first step was applying to HCC using the online Apply Texas website. I did not need to fill out any essays or send test scores - only transcripts. It took 3-4 business days to get accepted, and then I had several "new student" tasks I had to do before I could formally register for a class. Everything up until this point was the most time consuming part.

Next, I filled out the AFS form. It was a single page and incredibly simple. Later that day, I heard back. Their initial response to me was that my request was denied because I already had a bachelors degree. I wrote back and explained that I was invoking this for medical school which TMDSAS is ok with, and I politely asked for a reevaluation of my request. They responded in less than five minutes basically saying "ok fine, we will approve you." I was unable to find a 1 hour class online so I had to add on a three hour class which was around $750 since I'm out of district.

 

[potatopuncher]

Several questions I’d like to clarify regarding Academic Fresh Start (AFS):

1. To invoke AFS, must it be done only at the time of admission to a new college or university (i.e., after I’ve submitted an application and been accepted)?
2. In order to invoke AFS at a college or university, does it have to be an institution where I’ve never previously taken any credit hours — essentially, one where I’m enrolling as a brand-new student?
3. Once AFS is granted at that one college or university, is that all I need in order for TMDSAS to exclude courses from other institutions when calculating my GPA?
4. For the 90 credit hours required to apply to Texas medical schools, do graduate-level credit hours count toward that total?

A bit about my situation for context:
I'm currently working multiple jobs while also raising a family. If I declare AFS, it would reset my transcript to just 22 credit hours. Due to my current responsibilities, I’d be limited to around 30 credit hours per academic year (fall + spring + summer). This means it would likely take me about 3 years to finish all of the required prerequisites.
Alternatively, if I skip AFS and pursue a mini DIY post-bacc, I plan to take 24 credit hours — primarily biology, along with Physics II and Organic Chem II. If I earn all A’s, that would bring my cGPA to 3.17 and science GPA to 3.14. I could complete this in one year, focus on the MCAT, and potentially apply and matriculate two years earlier than if I took the AFS route.

So my question is:
Would it be worth initiating AFS — and delaying my application by two years — to gain the chance of earning a stronger GPA (potentially 4.0) and improving my chances at more competitive Texas med schools? Or would it be more strategic to skip AFS, complete a short post-bacc, and apply sooner with a ~3.1x GPA?

 

[chicandtoughness]

1. Correct
2. Correct
3. Correct
4. No, graduate credit does not count

Your chances of admission with a 4.0 vs. a 3.1 is objectively much higher. Only you can decide if that extra time is worth it. My situation was similar - brought my GPA from a 3.1-3.2 to a 4.0 and added on 2 years (in order to hit the 10 year mark). It was absolutely worth it to me.

 

[ahnonemoose]

1. Correct
2. Correct INCORRECT
3. Correct
4. No, graduate credit does not count

Your chances of admission with a 4.0 vs. a 3.1 is objectively much higher. Only you can decide if that extra time is worth it. My situation was similar - brought my GPA from a 3.1-3.2 to a 4.0 and added on 2 years (in order to hit the 10 year mark). It was absolutely worth it to me.

The law doesn't prohibit getting AFS from a school previously attended. It is invoked at admission. When you've been away for a full year, you're required to go through the admissions process again. Wait a year, apply, invoke AFS. I did it that way the first time and the second time. That's right, I did AFS twice. The first time put me between 3.5 and 3.8, don't remember exactly. The second time put me at 4.0.

 

[chicandtoughness]

Perhaps the better answer is it depends on your school. All of mine (four Texas schools) refused.