John Sealy SOM Office of Admissions & Recruitment

Admissions Policies & FAQs

• How do I apply for admissions?
  Applicants interested in the MD Program only should apply online with the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). Applicants interested in the MD/PhD Combined Program must apply to the MD program via TMDSAS and the PhD program via American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®).
• What is the timeframe for applying and the application process?
  Please refer to the application timeline webpage.
  
• Does your school have a secondary or supplemental application?
  Yes, JSSOM requires a supplemental application for all applicants. Applicants are sent an email inviting them to complete the supplemental once their TMDSAS application has been initially reviewed.
• Does your school require Casper and Duet?
  Successful completion of Casper is mandatory to maintain admission eligibility. We strongly encourage applicants to compute Duet as they give our committee a more holistic perspective of an application.
• What are the minimum requirements for interview consideration?

  For full consideration, applicants must:

  1. Apply online via TMDSAS,
  2.  Complete the supplemental application (invite only),
  3. Pay a $70 supplemental application processing fee,
  4. Have an MCAT and CASPer score on file.
• What are the minimum GPA and MCAT?
  There is no minimum GPA and MCAT. The average GPA is approximately 3.80 and the average MCAT is 511.
• Is there an expiration date on MCAT?
  Yes. JSSOM will not accept MCAT scores older than five years from the date of matriculation. We recommend taking the MCAT during the Winter or Spring prior to applying to ensure your score is on file before you apply.
• What courses are included in the BCPM/Science GPA in my application?
  Any course taught within an institution's chemistry, physics, biology, or math department. Applicants are responsible for entering this information accurately on their TMDSAS application.
• Do you only accept applicants who majored in the sciences as an undergrad?
  No. There is no preference given to applicants who have majored in science over those who have majored in other disciplines. Students are urged to strive not for specialized training but for a balanced liberal arts education.
• Does your school accept Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) credit?
  Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) are only accepted if the undergraduate institution granting the credit lists the specific course(s) and the number of units granted per course on an official transcript. If credits are lumped/combined on the transcript, a letter from the college or university registrar specifying course equivalency for credit earned will be required in order to receive credit for the courses.
• Do I have to complete the required courses before applying to JSSOM?
  No. However, all the requirements must be completed prior to matriculation.
• Is there an expiration date on prescribed coursework?
  No. We recommend that your MCAT be more recent if your coursework is over five years old.
• Do you accept Pass/Fail Grading?
  JSSOM will allow applicants to take any course Pass/Fail from Spring 2020 (January 2020) through Fall 2021 (December 2021). The letter grade requirement for prerequisite courses reported to TMDSAS began in January 2022. It is up to the applicant to ensure all courses entered on their application match their official transcripts.
• Does a C- still count towards the grade requirement?
  Yes, a C minus will still satisfy the minimum requirement of a C grade.
• Do you accept coursework from international institutions?
  Coursework is acceptable only if completed at regionally accredited US college and university. We also accept coursework taken at Canadian universities, but transcripts require a course-by-course credential evaluation by a transcription service. Click here for an approved list of services.
• Are applications from international students considered?
  No. Per University of Texas System policy, only applicants who are permanent US residents or American citizens will be considered for interview and admission.
• Can my letter of recommendation request be sent before submitting the application?
  No. You must submit your application for the request to be sent to your recommender.
• Do you accept letters of intent?
  Yes. Please email them to somadmis@utmb.edu.
• How do I submit an update to my application?
  Updates can be uploaded to AMP and an email can be sent to somadmis@utmb.edu.
• Do you offer file reviews for re-applicant or a re-applicant workshop?
  Yes, we offer re-applicant file reviews by appointment between March - May as well as an annual re-applicant workshop.
• What is your class size?/How many students do you admit each year?
  Each year, approximately 230 students matriculate, with no more than 10% from out of state.
• What are the criteria for applicant evaluation?
  The Admissions Committee reviews all applications and recommends the most qualified applicants for admission. Committee members consider aspects such as the recommendation of the health professions advisor or advisory committee, personal qualifications, academic profile, undergraduate coursework, grades, MCAT and CASPer scores. Academic and nonacademic factors are of equal importance. (Please Note: All documents and test scores, including CASPer, MCAT, must be received before an application will be reviewed.)
• What can I do to make myself a more attractive candidate for admission?
  Consideration is given to the applicant's maturity, motivation, and intellectual curiosity as reflected by academic honors, demonstrated leadership roles, research experiences, and participation in public or community service, athletics, performing arts, and social organizations. Additionally, the committee considers interpersonal, oral, and bilingual communication skills and unique educational, career, or life experiences.
• What undergraduate institution should I attend?
  JSSOM is looking for students with broad interests and talents, not for students from particular academic institutions. Attend an undergraduate college that will challenge you both academically and personally.
• Does your school have a rolling admissions policy?
  Yes, applicants not accepted via the TMDSAS Match are placed in the alternate pool. The alternate pool is not ranked. When positions become available, the Admissions Committee will review all candidates in the pool for acceptance. The number taken from the pool varies yearly, ranging from 10-15.
• What is your policy on deferring admission?

  UTMB does not routinely grant deferments. If you wish to be considered for a deferment, you must make a request in writing to the Admissions Committee. This must be completed prior to May 15th. Once received, the Admissions Committee will meet, review your request, and notify you when a decision has been reached. If approved, the following conditions apply:

  1. The deferment must be used for the purpose requested, as stated in your letter.
  2. You will not seek admission to another medical school during the period of your deferment.
  3. You will send us written notification on or before March 1st of the following year, reaffirming your intent to matriculate in July.
  4. All of the statements on your application and all of the other personal information that you have provided to us remain true and valid and you have met all of the conditions in your acceptance letter.
  5. Your ability to perform out technical standards remain and will not have changed upon your matriculation to UTMB.
  6. Nothing occurred which would cause us to refuse you a position in the first-year class if you were applying for admission to The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston for the first time.
  7. You will have successfully completed all the requirements for your baccalaureate degree or meet all conditions that you indicated on your application to UTMB.
• Is there an age limit for applicants?
  No, we comply with Federal and State Law prohibiting discrimination against any applicant or enrolled student based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, or handicap.
• What are your policies on persons with disabilities?
  The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) provides equal employment opportunities, with reasonable accommodations when appropriate, to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. UTMB also provides to employees, students, and members of the general public who have disabilities equal access, with reasonable accommodations when appropriate, to the services, programs, and activities of UTMB. UTMB complies, with applicable federal and state laws and regulations, and strives to maintain an environment, which does not discriminate against applicants or employees on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, or veteran status. We strongly recommend all applicants review the JSSOM Essential Functions before applying.
  
• Do you accept transfer applicants from other medical schools?
  No. JSSOM does not accept transfer students.
• Are interviews conducted virtually or in person?
  Interviews will be virtual for the foreseeable future.
• What is your interview format?
  JSSOM uses a multiple mini interview (MMI) format. Our MMI consists of seven 8-minute interviews. Applicants will have 3 minutes to read a scenario before each interview. Your interviewer will then connect, and you will have 8 minutes to respond and engage in dialogue. Interviewers consist of faculty, alumni, staff, residents, and students. During one of the interviews, you will have the opportunity to sell yourself, discuss your interest in JSSOM, and ask questions of our faculty.
• Can I visit for a tour?
  We only provide campus tours to prospective applicants before applying via our Open House Program once a month. Click here for more information. After applying, campus tours are invitation-only.
  
• How do I apply for MD-PhD program?

  Applicants interested in the MD Program only should apply online with the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). Applicants interested in the MD/PhD Combined Program must apply to the MD program via TMDSAS and the PhD program via American Medical College Application Service® (AMCAS®). Please visit the MD-PhD webpage for more information.

• Do I need to complete the TMDSAS Application and the AMCAS Application if I am applying to the MD-PhD program only?
  Yes, the TMDSAS must be completed in order to receive full consideration. This is in addition to the AMCAS application and the CASPer. Please visit the MD-PhD webpage for more information.