Application Details

Candidates can apply from May 2 to Nov. 1 using the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS). If all materials are not submitted at the same time, TMDSAS transmits a candidate’s application prior to the upload of transcripts, letters and MCAT scores. In that case, the Dell Med team reviews the application first followed by the supporting materials upon their receipt. Applications are not considered complete until all materials have been submitted.

For the initial review, the admissions team assesses how well the candidate’s experiences and academic record fit with the school’s mission and standards. The reviewer considers a candidate’s non-academic obligations, leadership activities, innovative endeavors, rigor of prior coursework, performance trends, experiences related to the mission of the school, socio-economic status and community engagement.

In an effort to give a greater number of applicants the opportunity to present themselves to Dell Med’s admissions team, the school uses a unique video secondary application. If selected for further consideration, the applicant receives an email invitation with details on how to prepare and submit the video through a free online portal. The secondary application consists of questions that address specific aspects of the school’s mission. In a two-minute response for each question, the candidate speaks to how their experiences will help them contribute to this work. The priority deadline for the secondary application is Dec. 15; the application will be reviewed only after the secondary application is submitted.

Candidates who feel they would represent themselves better in a written format are given the opportunity to request a written version of the secondary application.

In the application review, the candidate’s application receives two independent reviews. Reviewers are blind to the candidate’s GPA and MCAT data. Each applicant receives a ranking relative to all other applicants under full review in these areas:

1. Personal attributes
2. Life experiences
3. Academic preparation
4. Contribution to and fit with the school’s mission
5. Teamwork
6. Community engagement
7. Problem-solving for betterment of others
8. Resilience

Each reviewer assigns the candidate with an overall ranking that is used to determine which applicants are invited for an interview.

If selected for an interview, a candidate will be contacted to schedule an interview. Interviews begin in early August and conclude in February.

In the week leading up to the interview, the admissions team provides detailed information on the location, parking and schedule. An applicant should have a good understanding about what the interview experience entails before they arrive.