*-*-* The Official TMDSAS Questions Thread 2011 *-*-*

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Neurocentric said:
Oh, wow. Well, you learn something new every day.

So, I'd have to apply through AMCAS for all schools outside of TX, and use TMDSAS for all schools inside of TX?

That seems unnecessarily annoying. :laugh:
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It't not that bad actually. The TMDSAS is really cheap compared to the AMCAS (I paid $105 total for 4 applications, considering secondary fees 4 applications would have cost probably over $500 on AMCAS). Also, the description areas are really short compared to amcas so it doesn't take very long to fill out. You do have to write a second "optional" essay which is the worst part, but overall its not too much more work and its way cheaper.
 
KTD said:
It't not that bad actually. The TMDSAS is really cheap compared to the AMCAS (I paid $105 total for 4 applications, considering secondary fees 4 applications would have cost probably over $500 on AMCAS). Also, the description areas are really short compared to amcas so it doesn't take very long to fill out. You do have to write a second "optional" essay which is the worst part, but overall its not too much more work and its way cheaper.
Click to expand...

Oh, that's nice. Awesome information, thanks.

Wondering now if I should even waste my time applying to schools with AMCAS haha.. however, I don't want to limit my options, KWIM?
 
Neurocentric said:
Oh, that's nice. Awesome information, thanks.

Wondering now if I should even waste my time applying to schools with AMCAS haha.. however, I don't want to limit my options, KWIM?
Click to expand...

Yeah, and several TMDSAS schools dont charge for secondaries. I actually like the TMDSAS system to tell the truth. I didn't apply to AMCAS the first time but did (about 5 schools) the second time. I didn't even complete secondaries on some AMCAS schools. The ones I did, I withdrew pretty quickly since Texas does the pre-match thing.

I would still apply out of state. What is KWIM?
 
kwim = know what i mean

I think TMDSAS is probably better now that it looks like they updated their webpage. It used to be really awful.

But yeah, it's nice that it's so cheap and so few schools have secondaries.
 
Is there a limit to the number of activities written in each section? I know it says you can cross-list things that belong in multiple categories, but is there a certain maximum (i.e. like how AMCAS says that you can only enter up to 15)?

Thanks!
 
If you take math courses that are not calculus or statistics, do you list them as non-science on course area?
For example, college algebra or pre-calculus? Those courses are not calculus or statistics related, but then you cant choose math.
 
What is the character limit (or word limit) for the personal statement through TMDSAS? Do you all use the same essay here as you do to AMCAS? Also, TCOM is through this system and doesn't need an extra essay?
 
dancingdoctor13 said:
What is the character limit (or word limit) for the personal statement through TMDSAS? Do you all use the same essay here as you do to AMCAS? Also, TCOM is through this system and doesn't need an extra essay?
Click to expand...

5000 characters IIRC, just slightly shorter than AMCAS. There are two "optional" essays for you to write as well. TCOM is part of TMDSAS, yes.
 
addo said:
If you take math courses that are not calculus or statistics, do you list them as non-science on course area?
For example, college algebra or pre-calculus? Those courses are not calculus or statistics related, but then you cant choose math.
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I'd put it as other science. They'll adjust it if they need to. It's not a big deal
 
Hey everyone,

I've pretty much completed the app (going back and adding the optional essays later). Everything looks alright except for one thing.

I graduated from the Honors College at my school. I clicked yes on this question in the application and then entered the name of the honors program, saved it, and moved on.

When I finished the app, I clicked the "review entire application" link, which shows you the entire application the way (I believe) that it will show up to the readers. The honors college that I selected Yes for when filling it out definitely says "N" for No in this complete view. I have gone back and resaved and reloaded and everything like that but it still stays on No when I view the entire app.

Anyone encountered this problem?
 
mjjdm1985 said:
Hey everyone,

I've pretty much completed the app (going back and adding the optional essays later). Everything looks alright except for one thing.

I graduated from the Honors College at my school. I clicked yes on this question in the application and then entered the name of the honors program, saved it, and moved on.

When I finished the app, I clicked the "review entire application" link, which shows you the entire application the way (I believe) that it will show up to the readers. The honors college that I selected Yes for when filling it out definitely says "N" for No in this complete view. I have gone back and resaved and reloaded and everything like that but it still stays on No when I view the entire app.

Anyone encountered this problem?
Click to expand...

I don't know about this year's TMDSAS website, but on last year's website the "Review entire application" link was worse than broken and always displayed a horribly mangled version of my app. As such, I would go by the info in each tab as opposed to the info displayed by the "review entire app" button.
 
mjjdm1985 said:
Hey everyone,

I've pretty much completed the app (going back and adding the optional essays later). Everything looks alright except for one thing.

I graduated from the Honors College at my school. I clicked yes on this question in the application and then entered the name of the honors program, saved it, and moved on.

When I finished the app, I clicked the "review entire application" link, which shows you the entire application the way (I believe) that it will show up to the readers. The honors college that I selected Yes for when filling it out definitely says "N" for No in this complete view. I have gone back and resaved and reloaded and everything like that but it still stays on No when I view the entire app.

Anyone encountered this problem?
Click to expand...
I have also noticed at least one discrepancy between the full view and where you actually put the info on.
On mine, it wont list my minor on the entire application view, even after I go back, put my minor in and click save.
 
Prior to actually posting what I want to say... Disclaimer: when I applied I was very very clueless about this whole process.

You know what's weird though? I never even wrote the additional essays. I forgot about them until I read a couple posts above. I was never asked about it either. Wow!
 
this is a silly question, but if I'm conversational in another language (ie I studied abroad and have taken multiple college classes in the language as well) do I put that I'm bilingual?
 
happyfellow said:
this is a silly question, but if I'm conversational in another language (ie I studied abroad and have taken multiple college classes in the language as well) do I put that I'm bilingual?
Click to expand...
If you feel comfortable with possibly getting matched up with an interviewer who speaks that language and having a large part of the interview being in that language, sure.
 
Where the in application do you put publications and poster presentations? Would this be considered a research activity by itself or would it go in the description of the research activity? Thanks!
 
It's up to you. I'd probably put it in with the research activity. I'd describe the research, then mention when/where it was published, or if a manuscript is in preparation/submission.
 
Is it okay to put the same things in both employment and healthcare activities sections? I have held 3 jobs that all had direct patient contact experience. Am I suppose to relist them with all the same descriptors in each section or should I just put them under employment?
 
I have a question regarding the "Colleges Attended" section of TMDSAS.

I took a history class at a community college while I was in high school, but never applied it for college credit. Do I still need to list the college on the application?
 
Akarat said:
I have a question regarding the "Colleges Attended" section of TMDSAS.

I took a history class at a community college while I was in high school, but never applied it for college credit. Do I still need to list the college on the application?
Click to expand...
You took it at CC... wouldn't you have a transcript for a grade at that CC? If so, then yes.

You mean you didn't transfer it to your university or what?
 
armybound said:
You took it at CC... wouldn't you have a transcript for a grade at that CC? If so, then yes.

You mean you didn't transfer it to your university or what?
Click to expand...

Correct, I didn't transfer it to my university.
 
you still have college credit from the CC though, so you'll need to put it on TMDSAS and be sure to send in a transcript from that school.
 
does anyone know how to convert units into quarter hours? it's not on the back of my transcript. just wanted to see if anyone else has this same situation 🙂
 
ball1313 said:
does anyone know how to convert units into quarter hours? it's not on the back of my transcript. just wanted to see if anyone else has this same situation 🙂
Click to expand...
does TMDSAS not give you a way to enter your grades and courses exactly as they appear on your transcript?
 
no, it asks me to convert units to quarter hours (my school was on a quarter system). my transcript doesn't explain any ways to do this, and my school (non-Texas) isn't familiar with the TMDSAS app. just want to see if anyone has this same situation.
 
mnMDhopeful said:
Is it okay to put the same things in both employment and healthcare activities sections? I have held 3 jobs that all had direct patient contact experience. Am I suppose to relist them with all the same descriptors in each section or should I just put them under employment?
Click to expand...

I also have this question, except for research activities. I worked without pay (for credit) for one semester, then took a paid position x 20 hr/week in the lab for the next four semesters. Should I list it under both research activities and jobs, with a thorough explanation of the research under the RA entry, and my personal responsibilities under the jobs entry?
 
DrDrummer said:
I also have this question, except for research activities. I worked without pay (for credit) for one semester, then took a paid position x 20 hr/week in the lab for the next four semesters. Should I list it under both research activities and jobs, with a thorough explanation of the research under the RA entry, and my personal responsibilities under the jobs entry?
Click to expand...


Its okay to cross-list the activities. Last year I cross-listed my hospital job as clinical experience / employment and cross-listed my volunteer gig as clinical experience / volunteer. On my activity timeline each one showed up twice, but with a different icon next to each one. As the description fields for each entry are not long, I changed up my description for each cross-listed activity in order to emphasize the different roles I played.
 
TexasMDtobe said:
Its okay to cross-list the activities. Last year I cross-listed my hospital job as clinical experience / employment and cross-listed my volunteer gig as clinical experience / volunteer. On my activity timeline each one showed up twice, but with a different icon next to each one. As the description fields for each entry are not long, I changed up my description for each cross-listed activity in order to emphasize the different roles I played.
Click to expand...
I agree. I think its best to assume the admissions committee will at first only give your application a cursory viewing. If you list an activity that was say both leadership and volunteering only under leadership, they will scan your volunteering section, not see much experience, and assume that it is because you don't have much experience. Don't make them have to read every word you have written to get a full picture of you. There are way too many applicants for that.
 
Remember that they're people, too. I'm sure they understand that things may be confusing and that you'd rather repeat things than forget something. You will not be the only applicants with these issues and repeats. They won't dock you for it.
 
I have a question about courses that appear on my transcript but don't have any credit hours associated with them. For example, during my fall freshman semester, I had:

CHEM 1011 - GEN CHEM I RECITATION SEC
CHEM 1013 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY I EXAMS
CHEM 1111 - GEN CHEMISTRY LAB I
CHEM 1311 - GENERAL CHEMISTRY I

CHEM 1311 and CHEM 1111 are the lecture and lab, respectively. CHEM 1011 was just a lecture that I attended in order for the lab instructor to go over what I was going to do in the lab for that week, and CHEM 1013 was just a "reserved" time slot for the CHEM 1311 exams. Both CHEM 1011 and CHEM 1013 were not graded and both have no credit hours associated with them.

The question is, do I need to include them when listing coursework on TMDSAS?

I would assume that I don't need to, but the "Transcript Grade" has a "No Credit" option. Furthermore, when I tried listing CHEM 1011 and CHEM 1013, I got an error message in the "Credit Hours" area stating "Credit Hours must be greater than zero." This would lead me to assume that I don't need to list these two course. I'm confused... 😕

My brain is probably not working right now, but the area that says "Was Last Time Taken" has two options to pick from, "Yes" or "No". Am I correct in understanding that it's simply asking me "For this course, was this the only time that you took it? As in, you did not repeat the course?" Am I correct?

I'm sorry if these questions are common sense ones. I tried looking for some sort of TMDSAS manual that explains what each entry field on the application is specifically asking for, but I can't find one.
 
list them how they appear on your transcript. if it's on there, you need to put it on there. you tried the "no credit" option and it gave you that error?

and right, the was last time taken should = yes if you didn't have to repeat the course
 
Please forgive me for asking stupid question.
What is the PREMATCHING in Texas ?
I looked and still dont get it. Thanks.
 
SHUGA said:
Please forgive me for asking stupid question.
What is the PREMATCHING in Texas ?
I looked and still dont get it. Thanks.
Click to expand...

TMDSAS said:
Pre-Match Offers

Prior to the match, medical schools may extend offers of acceptance to Texas residents for a period between November 15 and December 31.
Applicants may accept offers from more than one medical school during the pre-match offer period without the risk of an offer being withdrawn by a medical school during the pre-match offer period.
If an applicant receives more than one offer and is absolutely sure that he/she will not attend one of the schools, the applicant, out of courtesy to the school, should release the position so the school can extend the offer to another deserving applicant.
Offers of acceptance should only be considered valid if an acceptance letter is received. Verbal offers of acceptance or ranking are not binding to either the applicant or medical schools.
Click to expand...

Basically a school that really wants you can offer an acceptance before the match process. You dont have to go through the match process then, just rank your pre-match offer as #1 and there you go. Its nice and easy, low stress. You can still participate in the match if you are wanting to attend a school that did not offer a pre-match acceptance without loosing the acceptance to the pre-match school.

TMDSAS Pre-Match Offers

http://www.utsystem.edu/TMDSAS/Acceptance-MatchInfo.htm#AcceptanceInfo
 
7starmantis said:
Basically a school that really wants you can offer an acceptance before the match process. You dont have to go through the match process then, just rank your pre-match offer as #1 and there you go. Its nice and easy, low stress. You can still participate in the match if you are wanting to attend a school that did not offer a pre-match acceptance without loosing the acceptance to the pre-match school.

TMDSAS Pre-Match Offers

http://www.utsystem.edu/TMDSAS/Acceptance-MatchInfo.htm#AcceptanceInfo
Click to expand...

Thanks so much.
 
Is anyone having difficulties with transcripts/committee evaluations?

When I tab under supporting documents >> letters of evaluation, that page says that they have received/approved a committee letter along with date created. However, the status page and "view entire application" page says that they have not received it. The committe packet was transferred over electronically from interfolio on 5/3 in the AM, so it's been >8 days.
 
armybound said:
list them how they appear on your transcript. if it's on there, you need to put it on there. you tried the "no credit" option and it gave you that error?

and right, the was last time taken should = yes if you didn't have to repeat the course
Click to expand...

Yeah, I have the "No Credit" option selected, and when I enter "0" into the "Credit Hours" field, it gives me the error message "Credit Hours must be greater than zero."

If I try to leave the "Credit Hours" field blank, it gives me the error message "Credit hours is required"

Is anyone else having this problem?
 
I was told (via email) by TMDSAS that if the class is worth 0 credit hours to not put it on the app since there isnt a way to list a class without it having any credit hours.
 
With respect to submitting-- I'm sort of confused. It says that you can submit without having your letters of recommendation in. Is there any reason to do this? As a non-trad, I'm supplying three letters-- two from professors, one from a supervisor at work. Would medical schools even want to see an application that doesn't have every part of it completed, since there's no secondaries for the TMDSAS?

The whole process is sort of weird. I know that for AMCAS, they use GPA and MCAT to screen for secondaries and don't look at your LoRs until they receive your secondary, so it's to your advantage to submit early even if you have to wait for LoRS, but does it work the same way for TMDSAS?
 
DrDrummer said:
With respect to submitting-- I'm sort of confused. It says that you can submit without having your letters of recommendation in. Is there any reason to do this? As a non-trad, I'm supplying three letters-- two from professors, one from a supervisor at work. Would medical schools even want to see an application that doesn't have every part of it completed, since there's no secondaries for the TMDSAS?

The whole process is sort of weird. I know that for AMCAS, they use GPA and MCAT to screen for secondaries and don't look at your LoRs until they receive your secondary, so it's to your advantage to submit early even if you have to wait for LoRS, but does it work the same way for TMDSAS?
Click to expand...
Someone might know better than me, but I would say the schools aren't going to start reviewing your application until late June or early July. It takes some time for TMDSAS to verify your application and the later you submit the longer it takes. To be safe, I would submit it as early as you are ready and then worry about the letters since the schools won't review it right away anyway. I submitted at the very end of May last year but my school didnt transmit my committee letter packet (with all my LORs) until the end of June and I still had first or second interview dates at all the Texas schools I applied to. Each school has its own way of screening, some probably just on GPA/MCAT and some more in depth so I would say just submit as early as you can and then worry about getting the letters in as soon as possible.
 
mjjdm1985 said:
Hey everyone,

I've pretty much completed the app (going back and adding the optional essays later). Everything looks alright except for one thing.

I graduated from the Honors College at my school. I clicked yes on this question in the application and then entered the name of the honors program, saved it, and moved on.

When I finished the app, I clicked the "review entire application" link, which shows you the entire application the way (I believe) that it will show up to the readers. The honors college that I selected Yes for when filling it out definitely says "N" for No in this complete view. I have gone back and resaved and reloaded and everything like that but it still stays on No when I view the entire app.

Anyone encountered this problem?
Click to expand...

I emailed them about glitches in the review entire application PDF this morning, the lady told me that there are many incorrect things popping up on the PDF, but not to worry about it. She said as long as the regular application has what you put then it will be what the schools see.
 
armybound said:
one or the other on ACT/SAT should be fine. you can always get your score from collegeboard, but I think it costs money.

you'd be surprised at how much they actually do pay attention to your high school information. it's to get an idea of what kind of place you come from, how hard you work, etc. it's another piece of your story
Click to expand...

SAT scores are easily available on collegeboard if you remember your password and username (could get it easily if you don't). Also, you can go to your high school because they have all that information (and its free!!!)

hope that helps.
 
So, after countless hours of filling out my complicated application (complicated because I am a non trad and have tons of schools, courses and work history), I just proof read my application for the last time and clicked submit. I still feel like I'm going to vomit... It was a risky move, but there really was nothing else for me to add to it, and I have been looking at it for hours every day, just obsessing about every word I have written. I couldn’t take it anymore!

Anyone else submit yet? I don't want to be the only idiot...

On a side note. Has anyone noticed how annoying having to put your work history down for each classification in college is? For instance, I worked at a bakery from before college until my senior year in college, and I had to list the same job 5 times, once for each college year and one for prior to college!!! WTH, TMDSAS! Can’t they just make a way to ctrl and add each classification as it applies to one listing?
 
ehmdee said:
SAT scores are easily available on collegeboard if you remember your password and username (could get it easily if you don't). Also, you can go to your high school because they have all that information (and its free!!!)

hope that helps.
Click to expand...

Unless you are out of high school for 10 years. I actually can't remember taking the SAT, I went to a community college so it wasn't required... I called collegeboard just to see if they could tell me if I took it and what my scores were. It was going to cost $70 just to tell me if I took it and then they would have to dig it up for a month and get back to me with the scores. I just figured I couldn't wait that long and spend that much money for them to tell me that I didn't take it...
 
noshie said:
Unless you are out of high school for 10 years. I actually can’t remember taking the SAT, I went to a community college so it wasn’t required... I called collegeboard just to see if they could tell me if I took it and what my scores were. It was going to cost $70 just to tell me if I took it and then they would have to dig it up for a month and get back to me with the scores. I just figured I couldn’t wait that long and spend that much money for them to tell me that I didn’t take it...
Click to expand...

Yeah I didn't even bother with it. I doubt collegeboard would have any info on mine anyway.
 
noshie said:
Unless you are out of high school for 10 years. I actually can’t remember taking the SAT, I went to a community college so it wasn’t required... I called collegeboard just to see if they could tell me if I took it and what my scores were. It was going to cost $70 just to tell me if I took it and then they would have to dig it up for a month and get back to me with the scores. I just figured I couldn’t wait that long and spend that much money for them to tell me that I didn’t take it...
Click to expand...

well that blows, sorry mate. I have an email acct I've been using since middle school so I always use that as my all purpose email. Thus I always just "forgot username or password" and enter my email to get all my information. 70 bucks sure sucks but how can you not remember taking the SATs? I've only been out of high school 4 years so I guess I can't relate to such an extended time period. But best of luck!
 
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