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

[futureobgyny]

3.86 cGPA, 3.75 sGPA, and 501 MCAT. 2nd Q Casper. ORM. No II invites so far. I guess I am just hoping for a later invite but it’s hard. Looking for some success stories about late invites or words of encouragement. My stats aren’t the best but maybe it is possible?

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[PolarIceLongLastingFlavor]

3.86 cGPA, 3.75 sGPA, and 501 MCAT. 2nd Q Casper. ORM. No II invites so far. I guess I am just hoping for a later invite but it’s hard. Looking for some success stories about late invites or words of encouragement. My stats aren’t the best but maybe it is possible?

Did you apply OOS and DO?

 

[wysdoc]

3.86 cGPA, 3.75 sGPA, and 501 MCAT. 2nd Q Casper. ORM. No II invites so far. I guess I am just hoping for a later invite but it’s hard. Looking for some success stories about late invites or words of encouragement. My stats aren’t the best but maybe it is possible?

Pretty soon (November 1) is the deadline for TMDSAS primary submission so the schools will then know what their total applicant pool looks like.

That’s when they will look over all the apps again and invite some of you who have been waiting.
Your MCAT of 501 probably is a factor in not getting an earlier interview but there are some accepted with that score every year.

 

[futureobgyny]

Did you apply OOS and DO?

No just wanted to stay in TX for family reasons and i only applied MD. I’m a TX resident

 

[PolarIceLongLastingFlavor]

No just wanted to stay in TX for family reasons and i only applied MD. I’m a TX resident

It's fine to want to stay in Texas, but you really should have applied DO. I don't really know how late the DO cycle is or how it's going, but if you can add those schools on TMDSAS I would immediately. It's fine to hope for miracles and I hope you get into an MD school as well, but you're going to want to apply DO to improve your chances.

 

[wysdoc]

No just wanted to stay in TX for family reasons and i only applied MD. I’m a TX resident

Consider adding SHSU & TCOM on your TMDSAS portal, it’s not too late

 

[braintryingtobrain]

Did I commit a blunder? TX resident 3.92 cGPA, 3.96 sGPA, 507 MCAT, ORM with a unique backstory (according to my advisor). I completed all my secondaries in mid-August but did not realize that Casper would take weeks to verify and that it was needed for schools to even look at my app. I took Casper on 9/17, and scores were sent to schools on 10/01. Does that mean my official complete date is 10/01, and would that significantly hurt my chances?

 

[Iron Man23]

Did I commit a blunder? TX resident 3.92 cGPA, 3.96 sGPA, 507 MCAT, ORM with a unique backstory (according to my advisor). I completed all my secondaries in mid-August but did not realize that Casper would take weeks to verify and that it was needed for schools to even look at my app. I took Casper on 9/17, and scores were sent to schools on 10/01. Does that mean my official complete date is 10/01, and would that significantly hurt my chances?

Most likely, yes your complete date would be 10/1 because the Casper is required for a complete file at most of the Texas schools.

 

[wysdoc]

Did I commit a blunder? TX resident 3.92 cGPA, 3.96 sGPA, 507 MCAT, ORM with a unique backstory (according to my advisor). I completed all my secondaries in mid-August but did not realize that Casper would take weeks to verify and that it was needed for schools to even look at my app. I took Casper on 9/17, and scores were sent to schools on 10/01. Does that mean my official complete date is 10/01, and would that significantly hurt my chances?

When TMDSAS presentations stress “apply early”, they mean in terms of submitting your primary app.
However your application has only been considered complete, up until now, at the TMDSAS schools which do not require CASPer. (These 4: UTRGV, TCOM, Dell, and UH Fertitta).
The others have not considered you for interviews yet because the score was missing from your file.
You still have a chance for full consideration at all the schools now.
The main harm you have done is to your own peace of mind- you have probably been very worried since August that no interviews were coming your way.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Did I commit a blunder? TX resident 3.92 cGPA, 3.96 sGPA, 507 MCAT, ORM with a unique backstory (according to my advisor). I completed all my secondaries in mid-August but did not realize that Casper would take weeks to verify and that it was needed for schools to even look at my app. I took Casper on 9/17, and scores were sent to schools on 10/01. Does that mean my official complete date is 10/01, and would that significantly hurt my chances?

This is the only blunder I can see. Acuity Insights spells out that it takes 2-3 weeks for scores to be released to your designated schools, and this schedule only affects the schools that require it for screening. If there are any errors, it's your understanding of the process or a mistake in score processing (if it took longer than 4 weeks), but that is not a mistake contributing to your file review or issuing interview invitations.

TL/DR: you assumed incorrectly. This is not a catastrophe. Stop embracing assumptions that cause you more anxiety than necessary.

 

[wysdoc]

What the heck is a prematch and what does it mean?
A pre-match offer is a true offer of admission, and gives you an early clue that the school really likes you and wants you to attend. If you get a prematch offer, you can take the pressure off yourself and know you are going to med school next year. Pre-match offers are only for Texans applying in the TMDSAS system. Schools MAY begin making pre-match offers on October 15, but they don't HAVE TO.
In fact, UTMB let y'all know that they will hold off on making prematch offers until December. Other schools may also delay until their interviews are over.

Can I keep on attending more interviews after I get a pre-match offer?
Yes, you can, especially if you would like to give yourself more options or a chance at the school you "think" is your favorite. Sometimes your opinion of a school can get better or worse after your interview day, so your ranking of the schools where you interview can change with time.
But hey, what if the pre-match is to your dream school? Up to you: go to further interviews, or stop here.

How many applicants get a Pre-match offer?
For the first time, in the 2020-2021 cycle, TMDSAS published the data on how many applicants got prematch offers.
Here is the link to the data from my post in 2021: #46 (No, I don't have more current graphs & I'm not sure TMDSAS will publish this regularly)
Prematch offers go to a minority of eligible applicants (1 in 7, or 14%).
Don't let this small part of TMDSAS Match system affect your self-worth!
Most Texas matriculants match on Match Day (this year it's February 14, 2025), having had no prematch offers at all.

Can I rank a school I didn't Pre-match with higher than a Pre-matched school? Will I lose everything if it doesn't work out?
You can rank your favorite schools in any order you wish. If you rank a non-Prematched school as #1 and they don't choose you, you still have your Pre-Match school to fall back on. Remember, your Pre-match is a true offer of admission, and you can't gamble it away by taking a risk with your ranking list. If you happen to have more than one pre-match school, the one you ranked highest is the one you'll be going to.

If I accept or respond to a school that made me a Pre-Match offer, is it binding?
No, you are allowed to accept and hold more than one TMDSAS offer up until Match Day. You will come out of Match Day with one school only.
All the TMDSAS schools know the system, nobody will be offended if you wait until Match Day for your final determination.

This is my informational post about pre-match offers for the 2024-2025 cycle.

I will talk about the TMDSAS Match in detail later, closer to Match Day.
You should all take time to watch the TMDSAS video discussing the TMDSAS Match, here: Medical Acceptances, Pre-Match Offers, and Ranking
Sign up for the TMDSAS mailing list for updates so you can know if they are going to host a live Q&A about TMDSAS Match this year.

 

[PolarIceLongLastingFlavor]

What the heck is a prematch and what does it mean?
A pre-match offer is a true offer of admission, and gives you an early clue that the school really likes you and wants you to attend. If you get a prematch offer, you can take the pressure off yourself and know you are going to med school next year. Pre-match offers are only for Texans applying in the TMDSAS system. Schools MAY begin making pre-match offers on October 15, but they don't HAVE TO.
In fact, UTMB let y'all know that they will hold off on making prematch offers until December. Other schools may also delay until their interviews are over.

Can I keep on attending more interviews after I get a pre-match offer?
Yes, you can, especially if you would like to give yourself more options or a chance at the school you "think" is your favorite. Sometimes your opinion of a school can get better or worse after your interview day, so your ranking of the schools where you interview can change with time.
But hey, what if the pre-match is to your dream school? Up to you: go to further interviews, or stop here.

How many applicants get a Pre-match offer?
For the first time, in the 2020-2021 cycle, TMDSAS published the data on how many applicants got prematch offers.
Here is the link to the data from my post in 2021: #46 (No, I don't have more current graphs & I'm not sure TMDSAS will publish this regularly)
Prematch offers go to a minority of applicants (1 in 7, or 14%).
Don't let this small part of TMDSAS Match system affect your self-worth!
Most Texas matriculants match on Match Day (this year it's February 14, 2025), having had no prematch offers at all.

Can I rank a school I didn't Pre-match with higher than a Pre-matched school? Will I lose everything if it doesn't work out?
You can rank your favorite schools in any order you wish. If you rank a non-Prematched school as #1 and they don't choose you, you still have your Pre-Match school to fall back on. Remember, your Pre-match is a true offer of admission, and you can't gamble it away by taking a risk with your ranking list. If you happen to have more than one pre-match school, the one you ranked highest is the one you'll be going to.

If I accept or respond to a school that made me a Pre-Match offer, is it binding?
No, you are allowed to accept and hold more than one TMDSAS offer up until Match Day. You will come out of Match Day with one school only.
All the TMDSAS schools know the system, nobody will be offended if you wait until Match Day for your final determination.

This is my informational post about pre-match offers for the 2024-2025 cycle.

I will talk about the TMDSAS Match in detail later, closer to Match Day.
You should all take time to watch the TMDSAS video discussing the TMDSAS Match, here: Medical Acceptances, Pre-Match Offers, and Ranking
Sign up for the TMDSAS mailing list for updates so you can know if they are going to host a live Q&A about TMDSAS Match this year.

1/7 applicants, or 1/7 of those with interviews?

 

[wysdoc]

1/7 applicants, or 1/7 of those with interviews?

of those with interviews
In the most recent year with complete data available (EY2023)
4814 Texans applied
3309 interviewed
2339 were accepted
2077 matriculated to a TMDSAS school.

 

[PolarIceLongLastingFlavor]

of those with interviews
In the most recent year with complete data available (EY2023)
4814 Texans applied
3309 interviewed
2339 were accepted
2077 matriculated to a TMDSAS school.

"Prematch offers go to a minority of applicants (1 in 7, or 14%)."

I was referring to this ^

 

[wysdoc]

"Prematch offers go to a minority of applicants (1 in 7, or 14%)."

I was referring to this ^

They can’t go to anybody with no interviews, so….
Were you one of those toddlers who asked “why” just to ask why? Don’t do this to your med school profs.

 

[HRC1986]

Helpful stuff, thank you for posting!

 

[sciencerules135]

When would letters of intent be most beneficial?

 

[PolarIceLongLastingFlavor]

They can’t go to anybody with no interviews, so….
Were you one of those toddlers who asked “why” just to ask why? Don’t do this to your med school profs.

Wait ur right that was an omega brain fart lol

Edit: wait I’m not as dumb as I look, I was just asking if 14% of total applicants prematch or if 14% of only those who interview 🫣

 

[IDKMAN1234]

Wait ur right that was an omega brain fart lol

Edit: wait I’m not as dumb as I look, I was just asking if 14% of total applicants prematch or if 14% of only those who interview 🫣

The post @wysdoc is referencing from 2021 clearly states 14% of those that are interviewed.

"3508 people were interviewed (56% of applicants)
502 people got a pre-match offer (1 out of 7 who interviewed got a pre-match offer, or 14%)"

I'm not holding my breath when it comes to the pre-match. I'll be stunned and elated to receive anything before 2/14.

 

[texasvandy]

The prematch process favors some candidates who end up getting a prematch at many of the places they interview thus having the problem many of the same candidates admitted to most schools in Texas. At least this explains why only 500 received a prematch and most others get matched on match day.

The match process exists so they strip away all the additional admissions early on. i.e., in February by forcing people to rank and keep only one while releasing the additional seats to other deserving applicants so they may not need to wait until late April to see if they can go to medical school.

 

[TheDeadrok]

As much as I’m not expecting to hear anything until match day, it is exciting that some of us could potentially have some peace of mind in a couple weeks! Good luck everyone, I hope you all pre match

 

[curiouscoconut55375]

515 MCAT, 3.95 GPA, good clinical and research ECs. App was complete by July 25th.

However, only got one interview invite from McGovern? Been p much complete radio silence for me this cycle

Am I right in thinking this is weird and probably not very promising? Is it time to self-reflect and figure out how to improve the app for next year?

Don't mind brutal honesty

 

[troy&abedintheAM]

515 MCAT, 3.95 GPA, good clinical and research ECs. App was complete by July 25th.

However, only got one interview invite from McGovern? Been p much complete radio silence for me this cycle

Am I right in thinking this is weird and probably not very promising? Is it time to self-reflect and figure out how to improve the app for next year?

Don't mind brutal honesty

in state or oos?

 

[wysdoc]

515 MCAT, 3.95 GPA, good clinical and research ECs. App was complete by July 25th.

However, only got one interview invite from McGovern? Been p much complete radio silence for me this cycle

Am I right in thinking this is weird and probably not very promising? Is it time to self-reflect and figure out how to improve the app for next year?

Don't mind brutal honesty

After schools see their total pool of applicants for the year (deadline for TMDSAS primary soon Nov 1) they will review people they haven’t interviewed yet & send out a bunch more invitations

It’s not uncommon at this point to have 1 or zero interviews

 

[curiouscoconut55375]

in state or oos?

in state! been in Dallas p much all my life lmao a little disheartening. I'll jump OOS for school if I need to but damn man was hoping to stay here

 

[curiouscoconut55375]

After schools see their total pool of applicants for the year (deadline for TMDSAS primary soon Nov 1) they will review people they haven’t interviewed yet & send out a bunch more invitations

It’s not uncommon at this point to have 1 or zero interviews

appreciate u broseph. I think I'ma shoot for an update letter and see if it shakes the boat. Been hungry this app cycle so I tried meaningfully buffing my resume these last few months.

Any advice on how TX update letters should be phrased/strategized? I'll def google around too.

 

[wysdoc]

appreciate u broseph. I think I'ma shoot for an update letter and see if it shakes the boat. Been hungry this app cycle so I tried meaningfully buffing my resume these last few months.

Any advice on how TX update letters should be phrased/strategized? I'll def google around too.

Tell what you have been doing that's new since you turned in your application.
If there's nothing new, just say one or two things that stand out to you about the school and why you would like to be part of it.

 

[sciencerules135]

When would letters of intent be most beneficial?

Would letters of intent be most beneficial after 10/15

 

[deleted1085576]

prematches possibly coming out in a week is crazy, good luck everyone!

 

[roastbeef02]

515 MCAT, 3.95 GPA, good clinical and research ECs. App was complete by July 25th.

However, only got one interview invite from McGovern? Been p much complete radio silence for me this cycle

Am I right in thinking this is weird and probably not very promising? Is it time to self-reflect and figure out how to improve the app for next year?

Don't mind brutal honesty

Last cycle, I was in a similar position. 517 MCAT, 3.8 gpa, good ECs, submitted early. I also had one interview with McGovern and then heard nothing until a real late interview with Long in January. Got waitlisted for both, didn’t get in. Here I am again. Not trying to discourage you, because you very well may get in this cycle, but as I’ve continued to speak with current med students, it seems reapplicants are more common than I used to believe. I really hope you get in, but don’t give up if it doesn’t go exactly as hoped. Here’s to hoping we both get in this time 🙏

 

[Avatararrow]

Last cycle, I was in a similar position. 517 MCAT, 3.8 gpa, good ECs, submitted early. I also had one interview with McGovern and then heard nothing until a real late interview with Long in January. Got waitlisted for both, didn’t get in. Here I am again. Not trying to discourage you, because you very well may get in this cycle, but as I’ve continued to speak with current med students, it seems reapplicants are more common than I used to believe. I really hope you get in, but don’t give up if it doesn’t go exactly as hoped. Here’s to hoping we both get in this time

Well I won’t be sleeping tonight

 

[Arbitas]

How long should we wait before sending update letters to the schools we've interviewed at in September or earlier

I started a new job in July, and I submitted my primary in early June

 

[texasvandy]

How long should we wait before sending update letters to the schools we've interviewed at in September or earlier

I started a new job in July, and I submitted my primary in early June

If you have interviewed, it is best to wait for prematches before updating when it is happening next week.

 

[ExcellentCycle2425]

Stats and other info in the signature

Only one II so far, which went well. Would love to attend the school, but my app doesn't have much mission fit. The school isn't prematch-heavy, so I likely won't know if I got in before Feb 14. I have been following various TX school threads, and they seem to have moved past my submission date (late July for most, early Aug for UH).

I'm graduating in Spring 2025, so should I start preparing to reapply next cycle and look for stuff to do in the involuntary gap year? What part of my application am I even supposed to work on?

 

[sciencerules135]

Stats and other info in the signature

Only one II so far, which went well. Would love to attend the school, but my app doesn't have much mission fit. The school isn't prematch-heavy, so I likely won't know if I got in before Feb 14. I have been following various TX school threads, and they seem to have moved past my submission date (late July for most, early Aug for UH).

I'm graduating in Spring 2025, so should I start preparing to reapply next cycle and look for stuff to do in the involuntary gap year? What part of my application am I even supposed to work on?

It is still so early. Don't worry!

 

[Adiemus]

It is still so early. Don't worry!

Seconding this, still a good while for lots of motion to happen. Relax, you’re doing great so far my friend

 

[deleted1085576]

Is everyone supposed to have a "pre-match offer withdrawal" tab on their TMDSAS portal?

 

[Avatararrow]

Is everyone supposed to have a "pre-match offer withdrawal" tab on their TMDSAS portal?

Yah

 

[ExcellentCycle2425]

Is everyone supposed to have a "pre-match offer withdrawal" tab on their TMDSAS portal?

I have the tab too

 

[texasvandy]

Interesting they have that tab giving people an opportunity to withdraw before the match.

 

[wysdoc]

Interesting they have that tab giving people an opportunity to withdraw before the match.

They have always put that tab up when you are able to rank schools for the match.
I don't know very many who have ever used it but lots who are afraid they will click it by mistake!

 

[IWishICouldPhysics]

This may be a whack question, and I may be understanding it wrong, but I'm curious: my awareness is that pre-matches tend to come in waves, so if I interviewed at, let's say, UTMB in September but don't pre-match in that very first wave/date, does that mean I won't pre-match at all? Is each pre-match "wave" for a specific set of II dates? Or do I just not understand how this works (very real possibility!)

 

[wysdoc]

This may be a whack question, and I may be understanding it wrong, but I'm curious: my awareness is that pre-matches tend to come in waves, so if I interviewed at, let's say, UTMB in September but don't pre-match in that very first wave/date, does that mean I won't pre-match at all? Is each pre-match "wave" for a specific set of II dates? Or do I just not understand how this works (very real possibility!)

Not getting one of the first pre-match offers doesn’t mean you can’t get one later.
Don’t hold your breath on UTMB though because they have stated they will wait until ALL their interview days are done before sending prematch offers ( mid-December)

 

[sciencerules135]

This may be a whack question, and I may be understanding it wrong, but I'm curious: my awareness is that pre-matches tend to come in waves, so if I interviewed at, let's say, UTMB in September but don't pre-match in that very first wave/date, does that mean I won't pre-match at all? Is each pre-match "wave" for a specific set of II dates? Or do I just not understand how this works (very real possibility!)

I am an OOS but I have done so much research on the match system just so I understood. Any texas people can correct me if I am wrong. Schools do not necessarily go in order for pre-matches. You could interview in Aug and not prematch til late Decemeber or you could prematch earlier. It is totally random. To your question, no, each pre-match "wave" is not set for a specific II date. However, I do know that each school typically does more than one wave of prematch offers. So if you don't hear in the first wave as an early interviewer it doesnt mean anything. Pre-matches can happen at any time. Another thing I think is if a school really likes you they could offer you a pre-match earlier. I think honestly its super duper random.

 

[wysdoc]

I am an OOS but I have done so much research on the match system just so I understood. Any texas people can correct me if I am wrong. Schools do not necessarily go in order for pre-matches. You could interview in Aug and not prematch til late Decemeber or you could prematch earlier. It is totally random. To your question, no, each pre-match "wave" is not set for a specific II date. However, I do know that each school typically does more than one wave of prematch offers. So if you don't hear in the first wave as an early interviewer it doesnt mean anything. Pre-matches can happen at any time. Another thing I think is if a school really likes you they could offer you a pre-match earlier. I think honestly its super duper random.

Your understanding is correct except for your comments that this is a random process. Admissions offers are all considered, planned, discussed, and intentional.

 

[IWishICouldPhysics]

Thank you both @wysdoc and @sciencerules135 super appreciate the info!

 

[PolarIceLongLastingFlavor]

This may be a whack question, and I may be understanding it wrong, but I'm curious: my awareness is that pre-matches tend to come in waves, so if I interviewed at, let's say, UTMB in September but don't pre-match in that very first wave/date, does that mean I won't pre-match at all? Is each pre-match "wave" for a specific set of II dates? Or do I just not understand how this works (very real possibility!)

wack* 😜😜🤣🤣 Whack is when you whack the mole

 

[PolarIceLongLastingFlavor]

I am an OOS but I have done so much research on the match system just so I understood. Any texas people can correct me if I am wrong. Schools do not necessarily go in order for pre-matches. You could interview in Aug and not prematch til late Decemeber or you could prematch earlier. It is totally random. To your question, no, each pre-match "wave" is not set for a specific II date. However, I do know that each school typically does more than one wave of prematch offers. So if you don't hear in the first wave as an early interviewer it doesnt mean anything. Pre-matches can happen at any time. Another thing I think is if a school really likes you they could offer you a pre-match earlier. I think honestly its super duper random.

Yea no it's not random, LizzyM stair case analogy kinda covers it

"LizzyM in various threads for which legit quotes are locked because she is so overwhelmingly popular said:
You are new here so you may not have seen my analogy of the staircase. Your grades and scores (combined, if you will, with the formula GPA(10)+MCAT) along with your ECs, essays and LORs place you in one of many broad ranked categories. You can think of them as stairs on a wide staircase. (In other words, many of you can be on the same stair.) If a school selects you for interview, in all likelihood you are high enough on the stairs to be admitted or there is the potential that a good interview could boost you up enough to garner admission. That said, someone with a 4.0/40 and an amazing dossier of activities will start out on a higher stair and be more likely to be admitted if your interviews are about the same. Or, the other applicant could bomb the interview and move far down the staircase while you, with a great interview, move up. If a school looks at an applicant and says, "Even with a great interview, we couldn't possibly admit someone with an undergrad gpa of x.xx", then the school is doing you a disservice by inviting you to interview. If you get an interview, it should be a signal that you are "good enough" on paper and the next step is to determine if you are as good (or even better) in person.
____________________
1. It isn't a ladder rung which suggests that only one person can occupy each rung. It is a wide staircase with many people on each stair.
_________________________________

I've answered this before but here goes: It does vary by school. Imagine that people are standing on a huge staircase with those who have the highest stats and the most remarkable experiences at the top stair and downward to the least among those who are interviewed. After the interview, the applicants can keep their place on their original stair, go up a step or two or go down a step or many steps. In most cases, the people with the higest stats are still at the top but some are sent to the bottom step and some people move up or down according to their performance.
____________________________

My school doesn't really use numbers in this way but let me give you an example that roughly approximates what happens at one school.

Imagine a huge staircase with numbered stairs. On interview day, the applicants are on the stair that corresponds to their LizzyM score. An applicant that is very impressive on interview might be moved up one stair or more. Most applicants are going to remain where they are.. not going up or down. Some student who do or say something absolutely terrible might be sent down 10 steps, or more. In some cases, an applicant that didn't impress the interviewers but wasn't horrible might go down a step or three.

Now where is everyone? Starting at the top of the staircase, we admit students until we max out the number we can safely admit (without becoming oversubscribed). Obviously, scores and grades still matter but those who are great on interview can jump ahead and those who bomb will be demoted to the bottom of the waitlist or outright rejected."

 

[texasvandy]

Your understanding is correct except for your comments that this is a random process. Admissions offers are all considered, planned, discussed, and intentional.

Would be interesting if they start drawing lotto numbers for all interviewed to make it random.

 

[IWishICouldPhysics]

wack* 😜😜🤣🤣 Whack is when you whack the mole

i am the mole, someone can whack me and end the waiting 😂