TMDSAS 2025-2026 Personal Characteristics Essay

[RedTX]

---

Members don't see this ad.

The personal characteristics essay on TMDSAS says it is new for EY2026, but it looks very similar to the earlier prompt with a doubled character limit compared to prior years.

The prompt this year is: A key aspect of holistic review includes the consideration of applicants' attributes within the context of their experiences and academic metrics.
Describe any personal qualities, characteristics, and/or lived experiences that could enrich the educational experience of others. (5000 Characters)

Earlier prompt was: Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others (2500 characters)

It seems like just a longer version of the diversity essay but that they possibly changed the wording of the prompt due to anti-DEI rules in Texas. I can find articles online with guidance for the earlier essay prompt, but I'm not sure how much this change of wording affects the goal of this essay.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

It seems like just a longer version of the diversity essay but that they possibly changed the wording of the prompt due to anti-DEI rules in Texas. I can find articles online with guidance for the earlier essay prompt, but I'm not sure how much this change of wording affects the goal of this essay.

Correct. They changed the preamble to be more about holistic review rather than try to lead you to talk about "diversity."

 

[marquee_moon]

The altered framing is fine by me – it sucks that this sort of hurdle-jumping is needed now, but at least the substance of the question remains the same.

However, I have to say I'm less pleased about the doubled character limit. This essay is something that I prewrote months ago to be around 2100 characters. How bad would it be if I submitted it in its current state? I don't know how I'd be able to double it in length without basically repeating myself over and over.

 

[PolarIceLongLastingFlavor]

The altered framing is fine by me – it sucks that this sort of hurdle-jumping is needed now, but at least the substance of the question remains the same.

However, I have to say I'm less pleased about the doubled character limit. This essay is something that I prewrote months ago to be around 2100 characters. How bad would it be if I submitted it in its current state? I don't know how I'd be able to double it in length without basically repeating myself over and over.

I've seen your post history and you have a shot at the top texas schools, so I would say to bulk up that essay to 4000 to 5000 characters. Its unfortunate, and there's a good chance a well written 2k character essay will beat out flimsy 3k character essays, but in the realm you intend to battle in a well written 4-4.5k character essay will probably beat out a well written 2k character essay. It's still early and you already have the back bone, but take this more as an opportunity to really flesh out and elaborate on important parts of yourself you felt was not conveyed well enough in the shorter draft.

 

[Mr.Smile12]

I agree. I don't review TMDSAS applications. We don't know what you pre-wrote, but don't just fill with fluff. I think a well-written tight essay is better than a meandering essay that hits the character limit, but I would encourage you at least to get closer to 4000 of the 5000 characters. Don't use chatbots to get you there.

 

[pol@ris]

I applied for EY2025. This was the same essay on TMDSAS last year.

 

[wysdoc]

I applied for EY2025. This was the same essay on TMDSAS last year.

Yep, the character count had already doubled to 5000 last year. The prompt is vague so you can use the essay how you want to, but the essay should be about your good qualities while the personal statement essay should be about why you are pursuing medicine.

 

[marquee_moon]

I've seen your post history and you have a shot at the top texas schools, so I would say to bulk up that essay to 4000 to 5000 characters. Its unfortunate, and there's a good chance a well written 2k character essay will beat out flimsy 3k character essays, but in the realm you intend to battle in a well written 4-4.5k character essay will probably beat out a well written 2k character essay. It's still early and you already have the back bone, but take this more as an opportunity to really flesh out and elaborate on important parts of yourself you felt was not conveyed well enough in the shorter draft.

I agree. I don't review TMDSAS applications. We don't know what you pre-wrote, but don't just fill with fluff. I think a well-written tight essay is better than a meandering essay that hits the character limit, but I would encourage you at least to get closer to 4000 of the 5000 characters. Don't use chatbots to get you there.

I appreciate the grounded advice, y'all – I just beefed this essay up to about 4700 characters with meaningful examples and analysis!

 

[notjoemama]

can someone review my personal characteristics essay pls 🙁?

 

[wysdoc]

can someone review my personal characteristics essay pls 🙁?

Try your luck on this thread: Forum Members - *~*~*~*~*~*Official Personal Statement Guide and Reader List 2025-2026*~*~*~*~*~*