Application Service (TMDSAS)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Completing Your Application
What is the Personal Identification Number (PIN)?
The personal identification number or PIN is the number assigned to each applicant once the application has been started and a personal password has been chosen. It is important that applicants remember their PIN and password to gain access to secure data relating to the application. For example, the retreival of an unfinished application, viewing the application after submission, submitting preferences, viewing the status of supporting documents and viewing the applicant profile.
Your personal ID number (PIN) must be included on ALL correspondence with TMDSAS.
What if I forget my PIN and password?
Click on the "PIN & Password Lookup" link at the top of this page.
Who can apply using the TMDSAS application?
The TMDSAS application is for students applying to participating medical, dental and veterinary schools as a first-time entering student.
The application is not used for transfer students, advanced standing students and students applying to internship or residency programs. In those cases, applicants should contact the schools directly. Applicants must meet the minimum educational requirements.
Can I prepare my essay and other text information in Word and then copy and paste it into the application?
To avoid formatting issues, you must type your essay and/or answers directly in the TMDSAS application rather than cutting and pasting your text from other software. Proofread carefully! Grammatical or typographical errors will not be corrected once your application is submitted to TMDSAS. It is imperative that all entries made are proofed and edited AFTER the section has been saved.
What should be included in my personal essay?
The admissions committees recommend being specific when discussing your motivation for seeking a career in the medical, dental or veterinary field. Discuss people, experiences, and events that have contributed to your decision and how you have prepared yourself for your goal of becoming a physician, dentist or veterinarian. Indicate your goals relevant to the profession and discuss them within the context of your vision for your future practice. Content is the more important than length.
Remember that you are limited to 62 lines of text, 80 characters per line, for your personal essay. Space and symbols count towards the character limit.
What can I do to strengthen my application?
- Apply early
- Read the instructions thoroughly
- Proof your application thoroughly before submitting
- Get all supporting documents (transcripts, evaluation letters, etc.) in to TMDSAS early, preferably at the same time you submit your online application
- Complete any required secondary applications at the same time you submit your application to TMDSAS
- Keep TMDSAS updated of any changes to your application
- Send updated transcripts to TMDSAS at the end of each semester that coursework is completed between time of application until matriculation into medical/dental/vet school
Do you accept Advanced Placement (AP) or College Level Examination Program (CLEP) courses?
AP, CLEP, distance learning and correspondence courses are all accepted if reported on an accredited college transcript. It is recommended that you follow your AP credit with higher level courses in the subject. College transcripts must list each individual course credit. Lump sum course credit will not be accepted.
What does "Last Taken" mean when entering the Record of College Work in Section 11?
"Last Taken" is asking "was this the last time you took this course?". Most coursework will be answered yes ("Y").
Instances where you would answer no ("N"):
1. If you withdrew and re-took or plan to take the course again. For the first time you took the course enter no ("N"). When retaken, enter yes ("Y").
2.
If you received a C, D, F, took a Pass/Fail or Credit/No-Credit course then re-took the course for a better grade, enter no ("N") for the first time taken and enter yes ("Y") for the second time taken.
Course Taken and Passed |
Received C, D, F or took Pass/Fail or Credit/No-Credit Course and re-took for a better grade |
Enter Yes ("Y") |
Enter No ("N") first time course
was taken |
Enter Yes ("Y") second time course
was taken |
What are the Supporting Documents?
The supporting documents include official transcripts, official test scores and evaluation letters. For detailed information go to the Application Instructions section.
What if I can't find my Federal Interagency Committee on Education (FICE) code?
When completing Section 3 of the online application you will be able to enter your school name and search for the institutional FICE code. If none is found, enter 6 zeroes and TMDSAS will enter the correct FICE code upon reviewing your application.
What if I don't know my Visa or Permanent Resident number or expiration date?
Enter zeroes if you are unsure of your Visa number, Permanent Resident number or expiration date. TMDSAS will enter the correct information upon receiving copies of your Visa or Permanent Resident card. Please make sure that the copies you send to TMDSAS are clear and legible.
What is considered a "complete application"?
A complete application means TMDSAS has received the following:
1. Submitted online application
2. Application fee and photos
3. Signed Certification Page
4. Transcripts - you must submit updated transcripts each time coursework is completed up until matriculation.
5. Evaluation letters
6. Admission test scores
7. Secondary Application has been been submitted to applicable schools
For more detailed information go to the Application Instructions section of this website.
Will taking the MCAT after July delay my application processing?
It will not cause a delay in TMDSAS processing your application. However, if you are taking the MCAT for the first time in July - September, be aware that the medical schools may not complete the review of your application until the MCAT score has been received. Because of this it is highly recommended that you take the MCAT in January, April or May.
I did not graduate high school but got my GED instead, how do I enter that in Section 3?
If you received your GED in place of graduating from high school, please answer the questions in Section 3 in the following way:
High School Information:
Name: GED
School Code: enter 7 zeroes in place of a school code
City/State/Texas County/Zip: enter name of city, state, county and zip code in which you
obtained your GED
Year Graduated: enter the year you received your GED
Class Size: enter “N/A”
Class Rank: enter “N/A”
Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service
702 Colorado Street, Suite 6.400 | Austin, Texas 78701
Phone: 512-499-4785 | Fax: 512-499-4786 | Email: tmdsas@utsystem.edu
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