TMDSAS: Complete Guide for Texas Med School Applicants

What Is TMDSAS?

TMDSAS stands for the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service. It's the centralized app system for most med, dental, and vet schools in Texas. Unlike AMCAS (for MD programs) or AACOMAS (for DO programs), TMDSAS has its own platform, timeline, and requirements.

Which schools use TMDSAS?

TMDSAS is used by all public medical schools in Texas and some private ones. Here’s a current list:

• Baylor College of Medicine
• Long School of Medicine, UT Health San Antonio
• McGovern Medical School
• Texas A&M University College of Medicine
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine in Lubbock
• Texas Tech University Heath Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
• The University of Texas at Austin, Dell Medical School
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
• University of Houston Tilman J. Fertitta College of Medicine
• The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
• The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
• The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine

You can't apply to these schools using AMCAS or AACOMAS. If you're applying to any of them, TMDSAS is your only option.

TMDSAS is more than just a platform—it's a system that impacts how you're evaluated, how you're interviewed, and how you're ultimately matched with a school. Understanding how it works gives you a real edge.

TMDSAS Application Timeline

TMDSAS operates on a rolling admissions system. That means the earlier you apply, the better your chances. Don’t wait.

• May 1: TMDSAS application opens
• May 15: You can begin submitting your application
• August 1: Early submission deadline (highly recommended)
• October 1: Letters of evaluation must be received
• November: Interview season ends
• Mid-February: TMDSAS Match results released

TMDSAS Match: What It Is and Why It Matters

TMDSAS Match is unique. After your interviews, you submit a ranked list of the schools where you interviewed. Each school does the same. Then, an algorithm matches applicants and schools based on their preferences.

• If you match: You’re committed to that school. It’s binding.
• If you don’t match: Schools can still make you offers after Match Day, but only if they have spots open.

This process is critical, and many applicants don’t plan for it. Make sure you’re thinking about school fit from the start—not just rankings.

TMDSAS Requirements

TMDSAS requires a full breakdown of your academic history. That includes:

• Overall
• Science
• Non-science
• BCPM (Bio, Chem, Physics, Math)

You’ll input all courses manually. TMDSAS will verify your entries. If anything is unclear or inconsistent, it can delay your application. Double-check everything.

Prerequisites Unique to Texas Schools

Each Texas school may have slightly different course requirements, so don’t assume they’re all the same. In general, you’ll need:

• Biology with lab
• General + Organic Chemistry with lab
• Physics with lab
• English
• Possibly Biochemistry or Stats

Some schools also have policies about AP or online credits. Always check each school's admissions website.

How to Report Courses

TMDSAS uses a unique course classification guide. You’ll need to classify each course correctly using the TMDSAS coding system. This affects your GPA calculation, so take your time. If you’re not sure how to classify a course, ask your premed advisor or contact TMDSAS support.

TMDSAS Essays Explained

Writing strong essays is key. TMDSAS asks for three:

1. Personal Statement (5,000 characters)

This is your core story. It should explain why you want to be a doctor. Avoid cliches. Be honest about your path. Think about the moments that shaped your decision.

Example:

"When my brother was diagnosed with leukemia, I didn’t understand half of what the doctors said. But I saw how they helped my family make sense of everything. I wanted to be that person—the one who explains, who guides, who helps."

2. Optional Essay (2,500 characters)

This one is optional, but use it if:

* You took time off

* You had a GPA dip

* You changed majors

* You faced a personal challenge

Be concise and don’t make excuses. Explain what happened and what you learned.

Example:

"My sophomore year, I lost a close family member. My grades suffered. But I also learned how to ask for help and how to keep moving forward."

3. Personal Characteristics Essay (2,500 characters)

This is about what makes you who you are. Reflect on your background, identity, and values.

Example:

"I grew up in a rural town where healthcare access was limited. My first pediatrician visit was at age 12. I know what it means to be left out—and I want to change that."

How to Enter Activities & Experiences

TMDSAS doesn’t ask you to rank your activities. You just list them, but space is limited: 300 characters per entry. That’s about 2-3 sentences.

What to Include

• Clinical experience
• Shadowing
• Leadership roles
• Research
• Volunteer work
• Employment

Be clear and specific. Focus on impact.

Examples:

"Worked as EMT for 200+ hours. Responded to 911 calls. Learned to stay calm, make quick decisions, and communicate under pressure."

"Founded a mental health awareness club. Hosted three speaker panels with 150+ attendees. Learned leadership and advocacy."

TMDSAS Letters of Evaluation

TMDSAS allows up to 4 letters. You need at least 3. Here's the recommended mix:

• 2 science profs
• 1 non-science
• 1 physician or supervisor

What Makes a Strong Letter

• Specific examples of your performance or character
• Context (e.g., class size, role, relationship)
• Personal voice—not a template

You’ll assign letter writers in the TMDSAS portal. They’ll get instructions to upload directly. You can track status in your app. If your letters don’t arrive, your application may be delayed.

How to Prep for TMDSAS Interviews

Texas med schools use a variety of interview formats. Most follow a traditional or hybrid MMI (multiple mini interview) model. Here’s what to expect:

Common Question Types

• "Why medicine?"
• Ethical dilemmas
• Scenario-based questions
• "Tell me about a time..."

Tips for TMDSAS Interview Prep

• Review each school’s mission before your interview
• Practice aloud with a peer or coach
• Time yourself with sample MMI stations

Sample MMI Scenario

"A patient refuses a life-saving blood transfusion for religious reasons. What do you do as their physician?"

This tests your ethics, empathy, and communication—not just your medical knowledge.

TMDSAS Match Explained

After interviews, you’ll enter a ranked list of schools. They’ll rank you too. The system uses these lists to make the best possible match.

Unlike AMCAS, this process is binding. If you match, that’s your school.

What You Need to Rank Schools Strategically

• Review your interview experiences
• Think about location, culture, mission fit
• Don’t rank based on prestige alone
• Rank all schools you’d attend

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ranking only one school
• Ignoring school missions
• Skipping the Match (yes, some forget to submit!)
• Assuming you’ll get post-Match offers

TMDSAS for Non-Texas Residents

It’s harder, but not impossible, to get in as an out-of-state applicant. Most Texas schools are funded by the state and prioritize in-state students.

If you're out-of-state:

• Check each school’s out-of-state acceptance rates
• Show genuine interest in Texas (family ties, prior visits, etc.)
• Use your essays to connect your story to their mission

Some schools are more friendly to out-of-state applicants. Baylor, for example, accepts a larger share compared to others.

Mistakes I See All the Time

You’d be surprised how many people trip up on the basics. Here are common TMDSAS mistakes:

• Submitting without reviewing
• Not using the optional essay to explain red flags
• Listing every activity instead of key ones
• Sending letters late
• Misunderstanding how the Match works

Each mistake could cost you an interview. Don’t rush.

Final Checklist Before You Submit

1. Transcripts submitted (from all institutions)
2. Letters uploaded and confirmed
3. Essays proofread for typos and tone
4. Courses classified correctly
5. Activities prioritized and well written
6. School list reviewed for mission fit
7. TMDSAS Match preferences ready

FAQs

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting