Texas Medical Schools: How to Master the TMDSAS Application

If you’re applying to medical school in Texas, chances are you’ll be using the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). This application system is used exclusively by public medical, dental, and veterinary schools in Texas, and it differs from the more widely used AMCAS and AACOMAS systems. In this guide, we’ll walk you through each step of the TMDSAS process—what to expect, how to stay organized, and how to make your application as strong as possible.

What Is TMDSAS?

TMDSAS is a centralized application service for medical schools in Texas. If you plan to apply to any of the following institutions, this is the system you’ll use:

• UT Southwestern Medical Center
• UT Medical Branch at Galveston
• McGovern Medical School at UTHealth
• Long School of Medicine at UT San Antonio
• Texas A&M University College of Medicine
• Texas Tech University HSC School of Medicine (Lubbock
• Paul L. Foster SOM (El Paso)
• UT Austin Dell Medical School
• UT Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
• University of Houston College of Medicine
• University of North Texas Health Science Center—TCOM (osteopathic)
• Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
  
  

Before You Begin Your Application

If you’ve previously submitted a TMDSAS application, you’re considered a reapplicant. You can reuse your account, but most sections—like your activities, essays, and demographic data—will need to be re-entered.

Some data, like test scores and recently written letters of evaluation, may carry over. If your letters were written after May 1 of your last application year, you may reuse them—an advantage unique to TMDSAS.

TMDSAS Timeline and Deadlines

• Beginning of May: Application opens
• Mid-May: JAMP application deadline
• Beginning of June: Begin submitting applications
• Mid-September: Deadline for supporting documents
• End of October: Final deadline for submission (5:00 p.m. CST)
• Mid-February: Deadline to rank school preferences
• Beginning of March: Match results released
• End of April: Final school commitment required

The TMDSAS application fee is $185 and must be paid via credit card.

Supporting Documents and MCAT Scores

TMDSAS accepts MCAT scores from tests taken within the last five years. Scores should be released directly to TMDSAS via the AAMC website. Supporting documents—like transcripts and letters—can be submitted after the application is sent, but must be received by the document deadline. TMDSAS does not accept late submissions.

How to Fill Out Your TMDSAS Application

Start early. The TMDSAS application is detailed and requires careful organization. The more prepared you are in advance, the smoother your process will be.

What You’ll Need:

• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions
• MCAT test dates (actual or planned)
• A comprehensive list of work, volunteering, shadowing, and extracurriculars
• Personal statement and essays
• Names and contacts for evaluators

Double-check every section for spelling and grammar errors, and submit as early as possible to avoid system slowdowns or last-minute issues.

Personal Information Section

This section collects basic details about your identity, background, and contact information.

Key Details:

• Legal name, other names (e.g., maiden names)
• Permanent and mailing address
• Email and phone (use a professional email)
• Birthplace, hometown population, and primary language
• Race and ethnicity
• Gender identity and preferred pronouns
• Socioeconomic background
• Military service (optional)
• Family information (parents, siblings, significant influences)
• Felony/misdemeanor history (excluding minor traffic violations)
  
  

Educational Background and Coursework

You must list every high school and college attended, including dual enrollment and withdrawn registrations. TMDSAS will eventually request official transcripts for all.

Course Entry Tips:

• Label each course by year (freshman–senior)
• Choose correct course type (e.g., AP, honors, study abroad)
• Enter course prefix, title, number, grade, and credit hours
• Mark “last time taken” appropriately

If you've taken international coursework, note the sponsoring U.S. institution if it was part of a study abroad program.

Chronology of Activities

This section is auto-generated from your work, volunteer, leadership, research, and extracurricular inputs. Make sure there are no timeline gaps between high school graduation and the present. If any gaps exist, explain them clearly.

Most Meaningful Activity

You may highlight up to three of your most meaningful experiences and explain why in 500 characters each. Choose activities that showcase impact, leadership, or personal growth.

Writing Your TMDSAS Essays

Personal Statement (5,000 characters)

This is your chance to explain why you want to pursue medicine. Discuss life experiences, clinical exposure, and what draws you to the field. If you've participated in a global health internship—like those offered by Go Elective—share what you learned in resource-limited settings, how it impacted your view of healthcare, and how it shaped your goals.

Personal Characteristics Essay (2,500 characters)

Here, describe the traits, background, and perspectives you’ll contribute to your medical school class. Focus on characteristics such as resilience, leadership, communication, or adaptability. If you've participated in cultural exchange or medical volunteering abroad, this is a great space to reflect on that growth.

Optional Essays

You may include up to two additional essays:

• Essay 1 (2,500 characters): Share any life experiences, challenges, or values that didn’t fit into other sections but would help the admissions committee understand your journey.
• Essay 2 (2,500 characters): Explain any unique or extenuating circumstances you'd like considered during review.

These essays are optional, but submitting them is strongly recommended.

Additional Essays for MD/PhD or DO/PhD Applicants

If applying to a dual-degree program, you’ll need to write two more essays (5,000 characters each):

1. Why do you want to pursue a dual degree? Include research interests and long-term career goals.
2. Describe your major research experiences. Include mentor names, project details, and publication outcomes if applicable.
   
   

Proof of Texas Residency

To qualify for in-state tuition and apply via TMDSAS, you’ll need to prove Texas residency. Supporting documents must be uploaded directly and verified during processing. Review TMDSAS residency guidelines for the latest requirements.

Letters of Evaluation

You must submit either:

• Three individual letters, or
• One committee packet (from your school’s Health Professions Committee)

An optional fourth letter is allowed. Letters must:

• Be on official letterhead
• Include the writer’s contact info
• Be written in English
• Be signed and dated
• Refer to you by name
  
  

Transcript Submission Guidelines

Wait until TMDSAS specifically requests your transcripts. If you send them too early, they may not be processed. When it's time, request them from every institution you've attended. Transcripts must be official, unopened, and no more than one year old.

Submitting Your TMDSAS Application

Once submitted and paid, your application will be distributed to your selected schools—even if all documents haven’t arrived yet. However, it’s your responsibility to ensure supporting materials are submitted before the deadline.

How TMDSAS Differs from AMCAS and AACOMAS

Knowing these differences helps you prepare for multiple applications if you’re applying to schools outside Texas.

Want to Strengthen Your Application?

TMDSAS—and other admissions committees—value real-world healthcare exposure, cultural competence, and demonstrated commitment to medicine. That’s where Go Elective can help.

Our pre-med internships abroad are designed for students like you. You’ll shadow doctors, gain global health insights, and build clinical skills that go beyond what most applicants bring to the table.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Medical Electives,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: May 12, 2025