Admissions Overview

In order to be considered for the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, an applicant must have completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate course work at an accredited U.S. or Canadian university. Only credits with a "C" or better will be considered.

See a complete breakdown of the suggested courses in the PLFSOM admissions brochure.

The Medical College Admissions Test, better known as the MCAT, is a computer-based aptitude test that helps to gauge a student's "problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine."

Applicants must have an MCAT score before they apply to most medical schools.

For complete information about the MCAT, please refer to AAMC's website.

To apply to the PLFSOM, prospective students must submit two separate applications.

The first application must be submitted through the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). This application can be completed online and the current fee for submittal is $150.

The secondary application comes directly from the PLFSOM Office of Admissions. After the Office of Admissions receives your TMDSAS application, an email will be sent with detailed instructions for completing the secondary application. There is a submittal fee of $50 for this application.

Please keep these important dates in mind when applying to the PLFSOM.

MCAT

• The MCAT is best taken as soon as possible during the year of application; the sooner the better.

Application Deadlines

• Applications are accepted May 1 to September 29.
• TMDSAS Match is Febuary 1.
• JAMP matches are in September and October.
• A $100 deposit is due May 15 in order to hold a seat.

Candidates who are selected for an interview will be invited for a full day of orientation to the school and interviews. The interview is designed to evaluate their interest and knowledge of the health care field and motivation for a medical career; personal characteristics; and problem solving skills. The interview can also address questions from the candidate that may have arisen during the application process. These interview sessions will be conducted weekly from early August to the middle of January. All successful candidates must participate in the interview process.

Interviews are held Thursdays, August through January. All candidates are responsible for their own expenses involved with travel to and from the interview.

Medical school starts in the fall and incoming students must complete a criminal background check (CBC) before classes begin.

Applicants will be notified through TMDSAS, JAMP, and PLFSOM processes.