*~*~*~* Official TMDSAS Questions Thread 2023-2024 *~*~*~*

[dikai133]

Up to you to interpret the questions and decide what to write, you’ll get it

I am not asking anyone to tell me what to write, I am just trying to understand the difference. Is the question about strengthening the application literally about how I write a stronger app vs the things I have done this year? That is all I want to know.

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[wysdoc]

I am not asking anyone to tell me what to write, I am just trying to understand the difference. Is the question about strengthening the application literally about how I write a stronger app vs the things I have done this year? That is all I want to know.

An example would be to say you realized you needed more clinical experiences in the first question, then in the second question discuss them and what you gained.

 

[dikai133]

An example would be to say you realized you needed more clinical experiences in the first question, then in the second question discuss them and what you gained.

Thank you, that is exactly what I needed!

 

[Boydhud42]

Hello! For coursework that is planned, am I supposed to put that coursework into the "terms attended" part of the application or am I just suppose to have my planned enrollment instead? Also, do I put yes for the last time taking it as well as the grade as "Not yet reported" ? Please help! Thanks

 

[wysdoc]

Hello! For coursework that is planned, am I supposed to put that coursework into the "terms attended" part of the application or am I just suppose to have my planned enrollment instead? Also, do I put yes for the last time taking it as well as the grade as "Not yet reported" ? Please help! Thanks

You can put the next semester of planned courses if you want to. list them in Fall 2024 term. It’s not required.
What IS required is waiting until you know your final spring 2024 grades, to enter manually into your TMDSAS app.

 

[noclassroom2567]

My school's spring grades were due last week, but one of my professors still hasn't given me the pfficial grade... I know what grade I will get, though I would like to submit tomorrow because everything else is ready.. is it okay to just put my expected grade?

 

[wysdoc]

My school's spring grades were due last week, but one of my professors still hasn't given me the pfficial grade... I know what grade I will get, though I would like to submit tomorrow because everything else is ready.. is it okay to just put my expected grade?

Wait a few days to get the official grade (you don't need the official transcript, just the grade that you can see on your college's grade portal)

This will make everything smoother, believe me!
If you submit with any spring 2024 grades missing, TMDSAS will message you to fill that in, and you will be further down the line for verification.
If you thought you were going to get an A and you got a B, that would be an error you need to correct, leading to more delays.

For fastest processing, wait until you have everything!

 

[StumpjumperIII]

Wait a few days to get the official grade (you don't need the official transcript, just the grade that you can see on your college's grade portal)

This will make everything smoother, believe me!
If you submit with any spring 2024 grades missing, TMDSAS will message you to fill that in, and you will be further down the line for verification.
If you thought you were going to get an A and you got a B, that would be an error you need to correct, leading to more delays.

For fastest processing, wait until you have everything!

Hi wysdoc!

To build off your last comment, I am trying to submit my application early, but will not have retaken my MCAT till June 1st. Should I wait until I have my scores to submit my primary application or go ahead and submit it and then just release my scores (I have an old 495 MCAT) on the day I get my new score? Let me know your thoughts please!

 

[wysdoc]

Hi wysdoc!

To build off your last comment, I am trying to submit my application early, but will not have retaken my MCAT till June 1st. Should I wait until I have my scores to submit my primary application or go ahead and submit it and then just release my scores (I have an old 495 MCAT) on the day I get my new score? Let me know your thoughts please!

Are you ready, with revised essays, to submit your new application?
If not, I suggest these steps:
1. After you finish the MCAT on June 1, log in to the MCAT portal and give permission to release your scores to TMDSAS. This is a needed step. You can do this after your test date and before the scores are released.
2. Get your new app ready to submit, adding new courses you took since last time, adding new activities or hours, and revising your essays.Try to submit it in early June.
3. By the time your app has made its way through verification by TMDSAS, both of your MCAT scores should be on it and will go out to your schools when TMDSAS transmits your app.

 

[StumpjumperIII]

Are you ready, with revised essays, to submit your new application?
If not, I suggest these steps:
1. After you finish the MCAT on June 1, log in to the MCAT portal and give permission to release your scores to TMDSAS. This is a needed step. You can do this after your test date and before the scores are released.
2. Get your new app ready to submit, adding new courses you took since last time, adding new activities or hours, and revising your essays.Try to submit it in early June.
3. By the time your app has made its way through verification by TMDSAS, both of your MCAT scores should be on it and will go out to your schools when TMDSAS transmits your app.

Sorry for any confusion, this is my first cycle! (Not sure if I'm in the wrong thread or if there is a new one) I did not apply with my old MCAT! I assume most of the steps still apply though?

 

[wysdoc]

Sorry for any confusion, this is my first cycle! (Not sure if I'm in the wrong thread or if there is a new one) I did not apply with my old MCAT! I assume most of the steps still apply though?

Yes, the suggestions still apply. I somehow thought you were a reapplicant.
If you want your new MCAT score to be there when schools first see your application this is the way to do it

 

[StumpjumperIII]

Yes, the suggestions still apply. I somehow thought you were a reapplicant.
If you want your new MCAT score to be there when schools first see your application this is the way to do it

Sounds good! Is there any benefit to submitting earlier than June or should I just submit after I take my MCAT and release my scores for the best processing? Thank you!

 

[xtrahotcheeto]

By when can we submit and still be considered “early?”

What would be late?

 

[Lab2Doc]

Do I enter the same school as one or two entries? Context:

Degree obtained 2014
A couple more undergraduate courses taken a few years later

If I did not enter it as two separate entries and I should have, what can I expect to happen, and is there anything I can do about it?

Thanks.

 

[dikai133]

Probably overthinking this, but if you apply to the FMAT program for TTUHSC Lubbock and don't get in, are you still considered for the regular MD program?

 

[wysdoc]

Probably overthinking this, but if you apply to the FMAT program for TTUHSC Lubbock and don't get in, are you still considered for the regular MD program?

Here's how someone explained it last year: 2022-2023 Texas Tech Lubbock

For more detail you might have to write to the program director tor, should be able to find a contact address on the school's web page.

 

[dikai133]

Here's how someone explained it last year: 2022-2023 Texas Tech Lubbock

For more detail you might have to write to the program director tor, should be able to find a contact address on the school's web page.

Thank you

 

[xtrahotcheeto]

On the TMDSAS app under the “non-traditional” classification, I was wondering what criteria there is? Would a reapplicant with 2-3 gap years be non-traditional? I feel like I don’t have a special non-traditional story to tell but I don’t want to give off the wrong impression by not writing one

 

[wysdoc]

On the TMDSAS app under the “non-traditional” classification, I was wondering what criteria there is? Would a reapplicant with 2-3 gap years be non-traditional? I feel like I don’t have a special non-traditional story to tell but I don’t want to give off the wrong impression by not writing one

 

[Avatararrow]

I’m a little bit panicked rn

My application got transmitted today but I also sent in my letters today via interfolio (was waiting on a letter).


I just found out on of my letters got rejected because it wasn’t dated. I’m fully terrified now since I don’t want this to affect my early submission edge but I’ve been trying to get ahold of my prof to get that letter submitted and have no clue how long it could take ://

Will getting that last letter (4th letter) cause any hiccups down the road?

Edit: I’m also kind of mad that interfolio didn’t flag this in its quality check >, I had this letter in for like 1 month

 

[wysdoc]

I’m a little bit panicked rn

My application got transmitted today but I also sent in my letters today via interfolio (was waiting on a letter).


I just found out on of my letters got rejected because it wasn’t dated. I’m fully terrified now since I don’t want this to affect my early submission edge but I’ve been trying to get ahold of my prof to get that letter submitted and have no clue how long it could take ://

Will getting that last letter (4th letter) cause any hiccups down the road?

Edit: I’m also kind of mad that interfolio didn’t flag this in its quality check >, I had this letter in for like 1 month

Interfolio doesn’t seem as efficient or effective as they used to be, all you can do is ask the writer to resubmit it with a date, letterhead, signature.
TMDSAS does not hold up processing your app if letters are not in. Interfolio letters have more processing time.
Schools don't read your letters until/unless they are considering you for an interview so you have plenty of time.

 

[Avatararrow]

Genuinely curious— if I do bad in my summer, fall, and spring courses will it really
Impact my chances in Texas? I’m in grad school so it’s nothing to do with my premed prereqs

Edit: I ask this because I want to slack off the rest of school lol

 

[wysdoc]

Genuinely curious— if I do bad in my summer, fall, and spring courses will it really
Impact my chances in Texas? I’m in grad school so it’s nothing to do with my premed prereqs

Edit: I ask this because I want to slack off the rest of school lol

downwards trends are downers. Are you in a SMP? That's where you are supposed to show your skills so don't slack off

 

[Avatararrow]

downwards trends are downers. Are you in a SMP? That's where you are supposed to show your skills so don't slack off

No I’m doing a masters program

But do schools in TX even see these grades? If I get B’s will it really mess with me in any way

 

[wysdoc]

No I’m doing a masters program

But do schools in TX even see these grades? If I get B’s will it really mess with me in any way

You should enter your grad school grades on the TMDSAS app.
If you didn't you can add them later

 

[purkinjekitty]

Genuinely curious— if I do bad in my summer, fall, and spring courses will it really
Impact my chances in Texas? I’m in grad school so it’s nothing to do with my premed prereqs

Edit: I ask this because I want to slack off the rest of school lol

I would try your best to get the best grades you can. There’s gonna be a point where you need to update grades to send to schools and if you’re on a waitlist/waiting for an II then I think you’d really want to send the best updates you can!

(I totally get you though, lol)

 

[Avatararrow]

You should enter your grad school grades on the TMDSAS app.
If you didn't you can add them later

I added my current grades up to spring 2024 but I was referencing summer 2024, fall 2024, and spring 2025 in terms of grades I wanna slack lol

 

[IWishICouldPhysics]

Hey y’all, I submitted a few days ago but after speaking with one of my lab mates, I realized made a mistake on one of my activities descriptions. I overstated my duties on one of the posters on accident (said I collected data when I just helped with the study and poster in general), after getting it mixed up with another poster I’m on. I’m freaking out right now, and I’m 100% a total idiot for this, but I have no clue what to do One of my grad students previously said that I had helped with data on this study, but they today said they got mixed up as well.

This is the only mistake on my app, and I hadn’t realized it at all, it was a complete accident. I definitely don’t want to be a liar and have something terrible happen, but the website says no changes after submission, and I’m terrified this will have some serious repercussions. Any advice, from anyone who sees this? Is there anyway to reach out to TMDSAS?

 

[wysdoc]

Hey y’all, I submitted a few days ago but after speaking with one of my lab mates, I realized made a mistake on one of my activities descriptions. I overstated my duties on one of the posters on accident (said I collected data when I just helped with the study and poster in general), after getting it mixed up with another poster I’m on. I’m freaking out right now, and I’m 100% a total idiot for this, but I have no clue what to do One of my grad students previously said that I had helped with data on this study, but they today said they got mixed up as well.

This is the only mistake on my app, and I hadn’t realized it at all, it was a complete accident. I definitely don’t want to be a liar and have something terrible happen, but the website says no changes after submission, and I’m terrified this will have some serious repercussions. Any advice, from anyone who sees this? Is there anyway to reach out to TMDSAS?

This activity description cannot be edited but it seems a minor discrepancy to me. TMDSAS will not change it for you.

The rest of y'all:
Proofread that thing several times before you submit!
Print a .pdf of it and sit there reading it one line at a time.
Look not only for spelling and grammar, but dates, hours, which semester did you do things, did you leave a place marker where an essay should be?

 

[IWishICouldPhysics]

Thanks wysdoc, appreciate it! I only really helped with the poster for this entry, so that’s why I was worried about the discrepancy, since it made me sound more involved for this particular project than I was, but it seems like I’ll be okay then? Any advice for how to explain it one the chance it comes up? Definitely don’t wanna seem like a dummy or a liar

 

[wysdoc]

Thanks wysdoc, appreciate it! I only really helped with the poster for this entry, so that’s why I was worried about the discrepancy, since it made me sound more involved for this particular project than I was. Any advice for how to explain it one the chance it comes up? Definitely don’t wanna seem like a dummy or a liar

Who is going to ask about this?

 

[IWishICouldPhysics]

Who is going to ask about this?

No idea to be honest. Just paranoia for if an interviewer asks about it or someone calls my PI to confirm or whatnot. I guess I’m being ridiculous.

 

[AkayHaa]

Hi, So I am working as a Clinical/Medical Assistant at a local hospital so the experience fit under both Employment & Healthcare and it is also ongoing past the application deadline on Oct 2024. Should I only pick one (employment versus healthcare) to list this CA position on my planned activities or should I list it twice for the planned activities (one as employment and one as healthcare, splitting the hours) and have different description to highlight the 2 different aspects of the job will be ongoing. I'm worry about redundancy in the app but also want to make sure I don't leave anything out since I did list the experience in both Employment & Healthcare section. Thank you!

 

[Avatararrow]

As I get closer to taking my Casper I’m slowly freaking more and more out.

I’ve heard horror stories of some applicants being 1st quartile and getting no love from TX. I know this is all anecdotal but I honestly don’t know how I could cope with getting 1st quartile. The hardest part for me is thinking of what to say with such little time and I feel like I’m gonna freeze in the moment

 

[longhorn2022]

Hi, So I am working as a Clinical/Medical Assistant at a local hospital so the experience fit under both Employment & Healthcare and it is also ongoing past the application deadline on Oct 2024. Should I only pick one (employment versus healthcare) to list this CA position on my planned activities or should I list it twice for the planned activities (one as employment and one as healthcare, splitting the hours) and have different description to highlight the 2 different aspects of the job will be ongoing. I'm worry about redundancy in the app but also want to make sure I don't leave anything out since I did list the experience in both Employment & Healthcare section. Thank you!

i was an MA and put it under both employment and HC last cycle when i applied!!

 

[Mr.Smile12]

As I get closer to taking my Casper I’m slowly freaking more and more out.

I’ve heard horror stories of some applicants being 1st quartile and getting no love from TX. I know this is all anecdotal but I honestly don’t know how I could cope with getting 1st quartile. The hardest part for me is thinking of what to say with such little time and I feel like I’m gonna freeze in the moment

Our data relies on those who responded to our survey. There is no data that definitely suggests Casper scores alone will exclude your chances at an interview.

I welcome those who want to comment for this year to wait until our new survey is open.

Casper Scores, MCAT Performance Linked Per Survey - HPSA

The 2023 HPSA/SDN SJT Experience Survey results indicate applicants with strong MCAT CARS scores may have better Casper performance.

www.hpsa.org

 

[Avatararrow]

Our data relies on those who responded to our survey. There is no data that definitely suggests Casper scores alone will exclude your chances at an interview.

I welcome those who want to comment for this year to wait until our new survey is open.

Casper Scores, MCAT Performance Linked Per Survey - HPSA

The 2023 HPSA/SDN SJT Experience Survey results indicate applicants with strong MCAT CARS scores may have better Casper performance.

www.hpsa.org

You guys at SDN are the goats for this