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

[KTD]

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Personally, I say if you think you can do a good deal better, then you may as well take it. Some others who were in your situation might have better advice than me, but what you might do is submit your apps then take the test. If it goes well, then update all the schools immediately about your new score (rather than updating TMDSAS). Texas schools won't reject you until the interview season is over, so its not like they will screen you based on your current score and never look at your app again. I think if you improve significantly, they would re-review you. Not 100% though.

Your other option of course is just to call/email TMDSAS and ask them what to do.

 

[cc1183]

Personally, I say if you think you can do a good deal better, then you may as well take it. Some others who were in your situation might have better advice than me, but what you might do is submit your apps then take the test. If it goes well, then update all the schools immediately about your new score (rather than updating TMDSAS). Texas schools won't reject you until the interview season is over, so its not like they will screen you based on your current score and never look at your app again. I think if you improve significantly, they would re-review you. Not 100% though.

Your other option of course is just to call/email TMDSAS and ask them what to do.

Thank you for the advice. The only thing I'm worried about is a school saying "why didnt you tell us you were planning on taking the test?", if they really care about that sort of thing.

 

[dancingdoctor13]

I'm actually in a somewhat different situation~i am for sure taking the mcat again but will be taking it in late summer. Like, AMCAS should I submit my application early and just say that I will be taking it again (aka please don't judge my application until my 2nd score comes?) I know they are only human, but does this work or will/can they reject me w/o seeing the second scores? I know for AMCAS u can submit ur app with only one school (for verification purposes) and then add afterwards-does this system work the same?

 

[noshie]

Hey noshie, thanks for always replying to my questions! Got another for you.

For the optional essay, specifically the unique experience one, I'm debating whether I should write about some of my culture's healing modalities/alternative approaches that I experienced as a child. Some spirituality/epiphanies/visions are also involved. I don't want the admission committees to think I'm ****oo or anything, so should I just not write about it?

No problem! I get bored at work as you can all see... 🙂

Well, for my optional essay I wrote about being a first generation American and how my family overcame many obstacles to give me a better life. Then I tied it into my mentoring with underprivileged high school students. I educated them on the college process and encouraged them to get a higher education despite their economic disadvantages. Then I moved into how my background will help me as a physician because I will be a diverse role model for my community.

I think that writing about your culture is a great topic! It shows that you are unique and have been exposed to a lot of diversity. Yes, I agree with the above poster about leaving out the weird stuff... In the end, I think you need to tie it into becoming a physician. If you can do this then I think your unique essay will make a real impact in your application.

 

[noshie]

Eeek! So I just went on my TMDSAS status page and my GPAs have been calculated... Well that was quick!

The only thing I see as weird is that one of these calculations is not anything I have ever calculated myself... I have an excel worksheet with my GPA calculated for all of the different applications services (AACOMAS, TMDSAS and AMCAS) as well as my science and nonscience GPA calculations. However, the overall GPA they have calculated for me is a little off... This is what I have directly from their calculation:

Overall GPA: 2.78
Undergrad GPA: 2.91
Undergrad Science GPA: 2.91

Yes I know, it's low... Don't freak out!

Now, by overall GPA what do they mean? Shouldn't the overall GPA and undergrad GPA be the same?? I have graduate work, and if you calculate that into the overall GPA then it should be above 3.0. The 2.78 seems really crazy to me! I have different numbers by my calculations. Also, they haven't listed my graduate GPA, and when I applied a few years ago they included this somewhere on their list of calculations... This makes me sad. I should have:

Overall GPA: 3.03 (with grad and ugrad work)
Undergrad GPA: 2.91
Undergrad Science GPA: 2.87


I want to email them and ask, but they pretty much told me I was annoying the day before yesterday... This is what they have on their website, and this is not what I am seeing calculated...


TMDSAS calculates three different GPA's for an applicant - overall GPA, science GPA and graduate GPA. The overall GPA includes all undergraduate course work ever taken. The graduate GPA includes all graduate level course work ever taken. The science GPA includes all undergraduate level science course work.

I guess I will wait a few days and see if they will keep calculating and adding things to this section. Maybe they are not finished yet...

 

[KTD]

Eeek! So I just went on my TMDSAS status page and my GPAs have been calculated... Well that was quick!

The only thing I see as weird is that one of these calculations is not anything I have ever calculated myself... I have an excel worksheet with my GPA calculated for all of the different applications services (AACOMAS, TMDSAS and AMCAS) as well as my science and nonscience GPA calculations. However, the overall GPA they have calculated for me is a little off... This is what I have directly from their calculation:

Overall GPA: 2.78
Undergrad GPA: 2.91
Undergrad Science GPA: 2.91

Yes I know, it's low... Don't freak out!

Now, by overall GPA what do they mean? Shouldn't the overall GPA and undergrad GPA be the same?? I have graduate work, and if you calculate that into the overall GPA then it should be above 3.0. The 2.78 seems really crazy to me! I have different numbers by my calculations. Also, they haven't listed my graduate GPA, and when I applied a few years ago they included this somewhere on their list of calculations... This makes me sad. I should have:

Overall GPA: 3.03 (with grad and ugrad work)
Undergrad GPA: 2.91
Undergrad Science GPA: 2.87


I want to email them and ask, but they pretty much told me I was annoying the day before yesterday... This is what they have on their website, and this is not what I am seeing calculated...


TMDSAS calculates three different GPA's for an applicant - overall GPA, science GPA and graduate GPA. The overall GPA includes all undergraduate course work ever taken. The graduate GPA includes all graduate level course work ever taken. The science GPA includes all undergraduate level science course work.

I guess I will wait a few days and see if they will keep calculating and adding things to this section. Maybe they are not finished yet...

TMDSAS doesn't include +s or -s so that might be what threw you off? If you earned B+ that is a 3.0, C+ is 2.0 etc. Alternatively, B- is also 3.0 but it looks like your problem is that the TMDSAS grades are lower than yours.

 

[noshie]

TMDSAS doesn't include +s or -s so that might be what threw you off? If you earned B+ that is a 3.0, C+ is 2.0 etc. Alternatively, B- is also 3.0 but it looks like your problem is that the TMDSAS grades are lower than yours.

I don't have any + or - grades in undergrad... And only two (a A- and a B+) in graduate school. Good guess though! 😛

 

[armybound]

How much cross listing is acceptable? I'm listing my clinical research tech job under 1) Research 2) Healthcare Activites (heavy patient interaction), 3) Employment and 4) Future Activities..

Is this too much?

I heard from a very reliable source today that cross-listing activities is not a good idea.

 

[armybound]

Well I'm a third time applicant. I applied this past year after finishing a SMP taking first-year medical school courses (honors and high pass), and got one interview from Tech. I didn't have any clinical experience (which I've fixed) and I have improved my personal statement (tremendously, I think). Even after the SMP, I feel like my undergrad gpa is still holding me back and Texas just wants some numbers, and besides the PS and clinical experience, I really don't know what else to do. I'm confident I can significantly improve my mcat (so far so good). So I guess my question is will schools just sit on my app until I send my July scores? If they do, it might end up hurting me taking the mcat in July, whether I raise my score or not. Is there a way around this? Like not indicating on TMDSAS my plan to take the test until July? I appreciate any advice.

I was in a position very similar to yours. I was a 3 time applicant with a low GPA and high-ish MCAT (31, 10PS, 10BS, 11VR). I decided to retake it, confident that I could greatly improve my score with my recent Master's behind me.

I went up to a 33... 10PS, 11BS, 12VR. Overall I think this made very little difference in my application. New LORs, recent class success, and an improved PS and interview is what pushed me over the edge, I think.

 

[TexasHopeful]

Hey guys! Quick question: The only piece of my application I'm missing now is a letter of rec from an old PI. I have my 3 other recs complete. My PI is very busy though and told me when I asked him (three weeks ago) he wouldn't be able to write my letter until just after the first week of June.

I think it'll be a fairly standard letter, nothing really exemplary, but it would be my only non-professor letter. Should I go ahead and just apply now with my 3 great apps from my professors or wait for that last piece?

 

[bigslick]

Hey guys! Quick question: The only piece of my application I'm missing now is a letter of rec from an old PI. I have my 3 other recs complete. My PI is very busy though and told me when I asked him (three weeks ago) he wouldn't be able to write my letter until just after the first week of June.

I think it'll be a fairly standard letter, nothing really exemplary, but it would be my only non-professor letter. Should I go ahead and just apply now with my 3 great apps from my professors or wait for that last piece?

For TMDSAS, isnt it 2 required letters + 1 optional letter max?

 

[noshie]

For TMDSAS, isnt it 2 required letters + 1 optional letter max?

Not really. I have sent up to 5 in the past. However, I did mine through a committee letter so it may have been a little different.

 

[noshie]

I heard from a very reliable source today that cross-listing activities is not a good idea.

I thought I saw something on the TMDSAS website about how it's acceptable to cross-list. But I can see how it may be annoying. I think if you are cross-listing something that is a healthcare activity and a work activity it should be acceptable. Under work experience you can just state what you did at work, and under healthcare you can state what you learned from this experience. Cross listing in every section seems a little silly though.

 

[armybound]

I'm not saying that it's not something that can be done, but when I hear the director of admissions tell a group of future applicants that repeating the same activity multiple times isn't something she recommends, I'll take her word for it 🙂

 

[noshie]

I'm not saying that it's not something that can be done, but when I hear the director of admissions tell a group of future applicants that repeating the same activity multiple times isn't something she recommends, I'll take her word for it 🙂

Haha, true!

 

[sandys]

I'm not saying that it's not something that can be done, but when I hear the director of admissions tell a group of future applicants that repeating the same activity multiple times isn't something she recommends, I'll take her word for it 🙂

Would cross-listing twice be all right? I have been a Vietnamese teacher for a class of ~30 students for 6 years now; the class meets every week for 2 hours. I had to create my own curriculum, write my own homework, quizes, exams, etc.

I'm thinking of putting this under both Volunteer (as it's non-paid) and Leadership (because I'm sorely lacking any true club leadership positions). Do you think this is acceptable if it's the only instance of cross-listing?

 

[KTD]

Would cross-listing twice be all right? I have been a Vietnamese teacher for a class of ~30 students for 6 years now; the class meets every week for 2 hours. I had to create my own curriculum, write my own homework, quizes, exams, etc.

I'm thinking of putting this under both Volunteer (as it's non-paid) and Leadership (because I'm sorely lacking any true club leadership positions). Do you think this is acceptable if it's the only instance of cross-listing?

When deciding how much to cross list I would just think about your application from the perspective of whoever has to read it. If they have to read through all the same activities 5x each I think they would get very annoyed, very fast. If it's one or two activities that genuinely belong in 2 separate categories I can't see it being a big issue. I think I listed and activity or 2 in more than one place and had no issues. As long as your aren't obnoxious I am sure you are fine.

 

[DrDrummer]

Is anyone else missing their MCAT score? I've submitted via the score reporting history page twice, when the application first opened, and it still doesn't show up. Will this not show up until the application is processed? My request in the MCAT THx shows "82354 Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service Complete" under "Recipient Status", but the Import Date field on TMDSAS still says Incomplete.

Anyone else see this?

BTW, twiddling your thumbs and waiting for letter writers to submit their letters sucks. Bah.

 

[Democritus]

Guys,

Do math classes other than calculus and statistics need to be listed as non science?

What's your take on this?

Thanks!

 

[noshie]

Is anyone else missing their MCAT score? I've submitted via the score reporting history page twice, when the application first opened, and it still doesn't show up. Will this not show up until the application is processed? My request in the MCAT THx shows "82354 Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service Complete" under "Recipient Status", but the Import Date field on TMDSAS still says Incomplete.

Anyone else see this?

BTW, twiddling your thumbs and waiting for letter writers to submit their letters sucks. Bah.

I wrote about this on here a few days ago! 🙂 I emailed them and they said they are doing a mass upload around May 24 (next week). So "be patient" as they told me...

 

[noshie]

Guys,

Do math classes other than calculus and statistics need to be listed as non science?

What's your take on this?

Thanks!

All math classes are listed the same, as long as they are offered by the math department.

 

[mnMDhopeful]

All math classes are listed the same, as long as they are offered by the math department.

So, if I have trigonometry and college algebra courses I did through concurrent enrollment during high school, those would be considered 'Calc/Stat' classes? I currently have them as Non-Science and my actual Calculus and Statistics courses under the Calc/Stat course type option. Why wouldn't they just put Math as the course type option if they wanted all classes from Math department?

 

[Bravia]

Hey Yall

I got a quick question. TMDSAS requires at least a C in the pre med classes, yet sadly I got a C- for English 1. Since TMDSAS doesn't use + or -, does anyone know if they will still accept my C- and bring that up to a C?

I would hate to have to re-take that class

Edit: Adding onto that, does AMCAS have a minimum grade requirement?

Thanks

 

[greenbean09]

So do we have to list the same activity multiple times if it exceeded one school year or whatever? These designations are kind of stupid. Or would it be enough to explain in the description that you started something in a summer but then did it for 2 years? A few of my activities don't necessarily fit the school-year format.

does anyone know the answer to this?

 

[greenbean09]

ooh also, I did research for 2 years and then presented a poster at a national conference. Should I just list this as one research activity, or should I do 2 so I can explain what I did in the lab in one, and then the presentation in the other?

Thanks for the help, you guys are great!

 

[Bravia]

Hey Yall

I got a quick question. TMDSAS requires at least a C in the pre med classes, yet sadly I got a C- for English 1. Since TMDSAS doesn't use + or -, does anyone know if they will still accept my C- and bring that up to a C?

I would hate to have to re-take that class

Edit: Adding onto that, does AMCAS have a minimum grade requirement?

Thanks

NVM, I called and asked, a C- is still acceptable

 

[NickNaylor]

For the PS, I'm considering mentioning my future goals only in passing due to the length limitation. I feel like since this topic was mentioned specifically, though, it should be addressed more fully. Anyone get away with not spending a bunch of space discussing this?

 

[noshie]

So, if I have trigonometry and college algebra courses I did through concurrent enrollment during high school, those would be considered 'Calc/Stat' classes? I currently have them as Non-Science and my actual Calculus and Statistics courses under the Calc/Stat course type option. Why wouldn't they just put Math as the course type option if they wanted all classes from Math department?

I have like 3 applications going at the same time... And I cant go back and look at my TMDSAS one since its already submitted. So here is the rule, straight from their website. All other Math is listed as other science.


Calculus or Statistics
Bio statistics
Calculus - must be taught by a Math or Physics Department
Statistics (for science majors NOT for business)
Business Calculus or any Pre-Calculus courses ARE NOT ACCEPTED

Other Science
Agricultural Science
Astronomy
Chiropractic
Computer Science
Dental Hygiene
Electronics
Emergency Med-Tech
Engineering
Epidemiology
Geology
Math (other than Calculus or Statistics)
Medical Technology ONLY if in the Biology department
Meteorology
Nursing*
Nutrition
Occupational Therapy
Pharmacy
Physical Anthropology
Physical Geography
Physical Science
Physical Therapy
Physician Assistant
Radiology
Research seminars in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math
Respiratory Therapy


Their application instructions are pretty detailed.

http://www.utsystem.edu/tmdsas/medical/section_Overview.html

 

[armybound]

For the PS, I'm considering mentioning my future goals only in passing due to the length limitation. I feel like since this topic was mentioned specifically, though, it should be addressed more fully. Anyone get away with not spending a bunch of space discussing this?

I don't think it's a big deal. If they REALLY wonder about it they can ask you in an interview.

 

[nyinjuly]

So...I get that optional essays are encouraged if you will actually be saying something worthwhile. I feel like the diversity one is more important and applicable to all applicants. But it just feels wrong to leave the other blank. Is it worth talking about that I worked nearly full time, while finishing college in 3 years (soI took overloads each semester)? Or will my chronology suffice to get this across? I also got married after freshman year, which is a unique life circumstance but could easily be a turnoff to some people.

 

[armybound]

What's the other essay, challenges you've been through?

 

[ninefivethree]

So...I get that optional essays are encouraged if you will actually be saying something worthwhile. I feel like the diversity one is more important and applicable to all applicants. But it just feels wrong to leave the other blank. Is it worth talking about that I worked nearly full time, while finishing college in 3 years (soI took overloads each semester)? Or will my chronology suffice to get this across? I also got married after freshman year, which is a unique life circumstance but could easily be a turnoff to some people.

I've heard that the diversity one is called optional but it's actually pretty much required. My premed advisor said that you really should write it and a rough draft for it was required when we turned in this packet to the premed office. If you feel like that's something you need to explain and isn't obvious based on the rest of the application, I'd do it. I left that one blank though so it's really up to you. Just remember that they're reading tonsss of essays.

 

[ninefivethree]

Is anyone applying to just TMDSAS schools or is everyone also applying with AMCAS? Right now I'm only doing TMDSAS...

 

[TexasHopeful]

Is anyone applying to just TMDSAS schools or is everyone also applying with AMCAS? Right now I'm only doing TMDSAS...

Well, if you're in Texas it would be a bit silly not to do AMCAS for Baylor!

 

[ninefivethree]

Well, if you're in Texas it would be a bit silly not to do AMCAS for Baylor!

I'm actually not interested in applying to Baylor :/ I know someone who's a first year there and loves it but the way the exam schedule is set up kind of bothers me. I'd really rather not have 5 exams in a week. My top choices are actually UTSW, UTH, UTMB, and A&M. I'm not quite sure on my order of preference though.

 

[nyinjuly]

What's the other essay, challenges you've been through?

The other one is unique circumstances or life experiences. I feel like these essays overlap a lot.

 

[nyinjuly]

I've heard that the diversity one is called optional but it's actually pretty much required. My premed advisor said that you really should write it and a rough draft for it was required when we turned in this packet to the premed office. If you feel like that's something you need to explain and isn't obvious based on the rest of the application, I'd do it. I left that one blank though so it's really up to you. Just remember that they're reading tonsss of essays.

Thanks! My advisor isn't familiar with Texas stuff, so I really appreciate it!

 

[ninefivethree]

Eeek! So I just went on my TMDSAS status page and my GPAs have been calculated... Well that was quick!

The only thing I see as weird is that one of these calculations is not anything I have ever calculated myself... I have an excel worksheet with my GPA calculated for all of the different applications services (AACOMAS, TMDSAS and AMCAS) as well as my science and nonscience GPA calculations. However, the overall GPA they have calculated for me is a little off... This is what I have directly from their calculation:

Overall GPA: 2.78
Undergrad GPA: 2.91
Undergrad Science GPA: 2.91

Yes I know, it's low... Don't freak out!

Now, by overall GPA what do they mean? Shouldn’t the overall GPA and undergrad GPA be the same?? I have graduate work, and if you calculate that into the overall GPA then it should be above 3.0. The 2.78 seems really crazy to me! I have different numbers by my calculations. Also, they haven’t listed my graduate GPA, and when I applied a few years ago they included this somewhere on their list of calculations... This makes me sad. I should have:

Overall GPA: 3.03 (with grad and ugrad work)
Undergrad GPA: 2.91
Undergrad Science GPA: 2.87


I want to email them and ask, but they pretty much told me I was annoying the day before yesterday... This is what they have on their website, and this is not what I am seeing calculated...


TMDSAS calculates three different GPA's for an applicant - overall GPA, science GPA and graduate GPA. The overall GPA includes all undergraduate course work ever taken. The graduate GPA includes all graduate level course work ever taken. The science GPA includes all undergraduate level science course work.

I guess I will wait a few days and see if they will keep calculating and adding things to this section. Maybe they are not finished yet...

If this has been said before, I missed it. There's a new notice on the TMDSAS page saying that there is an error in calculating the GPA as well as a couple other things. So basically don't freak out right now. My GPA is calculated to be a 2.75 on TMDSAS and it's really a 3.64 soooooo I actually have a bigger problem than you do lol

 

[DoctaFuture]

Hey guys I was looking into applying to the Texas schools. I just noticed while looking at some of the texas schools' webisites that their primaries and secondaries are open and can be submitted already? Did they pretty much start the party with out us? I guess June 1st is when they're processed.

If wanted to submit now would I be in the back of the line? Also do they require the rec letters to be done pretty much now since they gave out secondaries? Thanks guys.

 

[noshie]

If this has been said before, I missed it. There's a new notice on the TMDSAS page saying that there is an error in calculating the GPA as well as a couple other things. So basically don't freak out right now. My GPA is calculated to be a 2.75 on TMDSAS and it's really a 3.64 soooooo I actually have a bigger problem than you do lol

I love you. 🙂 I didn’t see this notice. Thank you for easing my anxiety!!! Yes, your grade discrepancy is much worse than mine! Ouch.

 

[armybound]

The other one is unique circumstances or life experiences. I feel like these essays overlap a lot.

I think it would be good to write about those things. It tells a lot about who you are.

 

[armybound]

Hey guys I was looking into applying to the Texas schools. I just noticed while looking at some of the texas schools' webisites that their primaries and secondaries are open and can be submitted already? Did they pretty much start the party with out us? I guess June 1st is when they're processed.

If wanted to submit now would I be in the back of the line? Also do they require the rec letters to be done pretty much now since they gave out secondaries? Thanks guys.

I merged your thread with the existing TMDSAS thread, by the way.

Secondaries can be done at any time for the Texas schools. It's not a selective process.

When you submit you're always at the back of the line, but hopefully it's not too long right now. Definitely try to get your app in soon, though.

 

[noshie]

I merged your thread with the existing TMDSAS thread, by the way.

Secondaries can be done at any time for the Texas schools. It's not a selective process.

When you submit you're always at the back of the line, but hopefully it's not too long right now. Definitely try to get your app in soon, though.

I already started my secondaries at all the schools, do you think it would be crazy to submit them now? Is that acceptable? I already submitted my primary, but it's still processing so the schools will not have it yet...

 

[KTD]

I already started my secondaries at all the schools, do you think it would be crazy to submit them now? Is that acceptable? I already submitted my primary, but it's still processing so the schools will not have it yet...

I would submit them as soon as you are ready. Don't rush it though, make sure they are perfect first. No reason to wait just for the sake of waiting.

 

[SweetRain]

I'm in an academic program (not honors) where I choose a certain concentration and take classes outside my major that corresponds to my concentration. For example, my concentration is in public health. So for this program, I need to take statistics, demography etc which isn't required by my degree. Then in the end I need to do a research to complete my program.
I have not yet started my research and I'm still taking courses. Where should I list this program under? I know it's not an honors program or an extracurricular activity...

 

[KTD]

I'm in an academic program (not honors) where I choose a certain concentration and take classes outside my major that corresponds to my concentration. For example, my concentration is in public health. So for this program, I need to take statistics, demography etc which isn't required by my degree. Then in the end I need to do a research to complete my program.
I have not yet started my research and I'm still taking courses. Where should I list this program under? I know it's not an honors program or an extracurricular activity...

I think I would list it under academic honors. Maybe thats technically not 100% correct, but it seems like the best fit. Just be honest about exactly what the program is and I don't think anyone will accuse you of misrepresenting yourself. Also, did you have to apply to the program? If so, I would consider it an academic honor because you were selected for it out of a pool of applicants.

 

[Bobcat 2006]

For the Employment section I have held a job from the summer before my junior year until now, and I am now going from part time to full time.
My question is do i list this job 5 times? Because it states to list it for the summer before jr year, then junior year, then summer before Sr. year, Sr year, then after graduating college? It just seems really repetitive. Sorry if someone already asked this.

 

[ninefivethree]

For the Employment section I have held a job from the summer before my junior year until now, and I am now going from part time to full time.
My question is do i list this job 5 times? Because it states to list it for the summer before jr year, then junior year, then summer before Sr. year, Sr year, then after graduating college? It just seems really repetitive. Sorry if someone already asked this.

Yup, you're supposed to enter it for every period you held it. I have one job that's entered 5 times and one 4 times lol it's realllyyyyy annoying but I emailed and TMDSAS said that's how they want it

 

[armybound]

I already started my secondaries at all the schools, do you think it would be crazy to submit them now? Is that acceptable? I already submitted my primary, but it's still processing so the schools will not have it yet...

go ahead and submit

you guys better be sure to let me know if/when you interview at UTH

 

[ninefivethree]

you guys better be sure to let me know if/when you interview at UTH

oh my goodness i really hope i get one! i have everything submitted, i'm just waiting for my letters to arrive