Are you considering applying to Texas medical schools? Cowboys, rodeos, legendary BBQ, Tex-Mex cuisine, distinctive landscapes, and country music are just a few of the things that make Texas such a unique and fun place to live—but that’s not all Texas has to offer. There are also well over a dozen well-respected medical schools in Texas that attract hopeful premeds every year.
The state is passionate about its medical training—so much so that Texas has its own application service outside of the traditional AMCAS process.
In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know about going to medical school in Texas, including how many medical schools there are, how the separate TMDSAS application process works, how to apply, and tips for gaining acceptance to medical schools in Texas.
Here’s what to expect below.
- How Many Medical Schools Are in Texas?
- What Texas Medical Schools Use TMDSAS vs. AMCAS vs. AACOMAS?
- How Much is Tuition in Texas?
- How to Apply to Texas Medical Schools
- Application Deadlines
- Application Requirements
- Preparation Timeline
- Tips to Gain Acceptance at Texas Medical Schools
- Craft Your School List Early
- Illustrate Why You Want to Study in Texas Specifically
- Craft a Narrative-Driven Personal Statement in 5000 Characters
- Choose Schools Based on Fit Over Prestige
- Is Going to Medical School in Texas Right for You?
How Many Medical Schools Are in Texas?
There are 16 medical schools in Texas, 13 allopathic (MD) medical schools and 3 osteopathic (DO) medical schools, which ties it with California for the second-most medical schools in a single state. New York has the most with 18 medical schools.
List of Medical Schools in Texas
Allopathic Medical Schools in Texas (MD)
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio
- McGovern Medical School at UT Health Houston
- Texas A&M School of Medicine
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at El Paso
- Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine at Lubbock
- Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at University of Houston
- The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
- John Sealy School of Medicine at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
- The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine
- Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU
Osteopathic Medical Schools in Texas (DO)
- Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
What Texas Medical Schools Use TMDSAS vs. AMCAS vs. AACOMAS
Most medical schools in Texas, both allopathic and osteopathic, use the Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service (TMDSAS). Texas is tied for the second-most medical schools in the country, and since they so heavily favor applicants from their own state—Texas only accepts about 10% of out-of-state applicants—they developed their own application service. However, not every school in Texas uses TMDSAS, which makes it all a little confusing.
There are three separate application services used in Texas. There’s the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), which is the AAMC’s centralized medical school application processing service and the primary application method for first year entering classes for the majority of US medical schools.
There’s also the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS), which is the centralized online application service for US colleges of osteopathic medicine and the primary application method for students pursuing osteopathy.
And finally, there’s the Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service (TMDSAS), which is the primary application service for most medical schools located in Texas, including dental and veterinary schools. More than likely, if you’re applying to medical schools in Texas, this is the application method you’ll be using. While quite similar to the two other application methods, there are some key differences to be aware of.
To learn more about the differences between each application service, read our guide: AMCAS vs. AACOMAS vs. TMDSAS Med School Application Differences.
Below are each of the medical schools in Texas along with which schools use which service.
Texas Medical Schools Using TMDSAS (MD + DO):
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio
- McGovern Medical School at UT Health Houston
- Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Texas A&M School of Medicine
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine at El Paso
- Texas Tech University Health Science Center School of Medicine at Lubbock
- Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at University of Houston
- University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
- John Sealy School of Medicine at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston
- The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
- The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
- The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine
Texas Medical Schools Using AMCAS:
- Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU
Texas Osteopathic Schools Using AACOMAS:
- University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
How Much Is Medical School in Texas
So, how much does medical school cost in Texas? Tuition will vary from school to school, but it’s generally lower than other states; plus, cost of living is also lower. That said, if you’re applying out-of-state, expect to pay considerably more than your in-state peers.
If you are an in-state applicant, you will get a break on price. Many of the most affordable public medical schools are based in Texas.
Texas Tuition Costs (2022 Data From AAMC)
| Texas Medical School | Yearly Tuition In-State | Yearly Tuition Out-of-State |
|---|---|---|
| Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU | $63,034 | $63,034 |
| Baylor College of Medicine | $22,804 | $35,904 |
| McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston | $23,895 | $30,499 |
| Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine | $21,760 | $34,860 |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine | $21,484 | $36,435 |
| Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine | $22,076 | $35,176 |
| The University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine | $0 | $0 |
| University of Houston College of Medicine | $23,154 | $37,362 |
| University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School | $21,086 | $35,406 |
| University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine | $26,048 | $40,758 |
| University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine | $19,639 | $32,739 |
| University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio | $22,043 | $39,755 |
| University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Southwestern Medical School | $22,465 | $35,565 |
| University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine | $13,079 | $28,767 |
| University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine | $60,000 | $60,000 |
| University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine | $8781 | $18,573 |
View the most recent AAMC tuition data.
- Additional fees not included.
- *Texan Osteopathic schools are not featured on the AAMC website. Visit each school’s website for current and accurate data on tuition and fees for the upcoming application cycle.
Remember to factor in the cost of medical school applications, as these can add up fast. Between primary fees, secondary fees, exam fees, study resources, and interview travel costs, you can expect to spend a lot more than the listed tuition.
Learn more: How Much Do Med School Applications Cost? The Full Price Analyzed.
Additionally, there are many other factors to consider when estimating the cost of medical school, including housing, health insurance, transportation, food, exercise, and events.
How to Apply to Texas Medical Schools
All but two medical schools in Texas use TMDSAS, so if you want to apply to allopathic or osteopathic medical schools in Texas, you will likely be using TMDSAS.
Here’s what you need to know about the application process.
1 | Application Deadlines
The TMDSAS application opens during the first week of May for the following academic year’s medical school class, and you’ll be able to submit your application at the end of May or in early June. It’s quite a long process, so if you want to begin medical school in the fall of 2025, you’ll need to start the application process in the spring of 2024.
Secondary applications arrive two to four weeks after you submit your primary application. It is critical that you submit your secondaries as soon as possible—7-14 days after you receive them.
Interview invitations will start arriving in September, though depending on how quickly you submit your secondaries, they could arrive as early as August. Medical schools will continue sending invitations until the spring of the following year.
While technical deadlines for primary and secondary applications are provided by TMDSAS, these do not represent the timeline you need to follow for your best chance of success.
Applying early is vital. Both allopathic and osteopathic schools use rolling admissions, which means applications are reviewed as soon as they come in on a continuous (rolling) basis. The applicants who submit fastest secure the first secondaries and interview spots, and these will be gone before you know it. Your chances of acceptance are directly hindered by delaying your secondaries as well as your interviews.
2 | Application Requirements
Just like with AMCAS and AACOMAS, the TMDSAS application has a number of different components.
To apply through TMDSAS, you’ll need your college transcripts, a high GPA and MCAT score, strong letters of recommendation, a varied and thorough Work and Activities section, and a narrative-driven personal statement. Each piece of your application requires a major investment of time.
Earning a high GPA means applying yourself throughout your entire college career.
Achieving a high score on the MCAT necessitates either three months of full-time studying or six months of part-time studying.
Writing your personal statement also requires a serious time investment. Not only will writing your statement take some time, but you must also allow ample time for feedback and editing. Your first draft will certainly not be your last!
Securing at least three strong letters of recommendation or a One Health Professions Committee Packet is yet another requirement for TMDSAS. Three to four strong letters means you will need to foster as many or more strong relationships with supervisors and professors over the course of your college career—and maybe even earlier.
The Activities, Meaningful Experiences, and Mini-Essays section won’t only take time to write; it also requires the countless hours it takes to actually complete the activities. You can include as many activities as you want, but you are only allowed a maximum of 300 characters to provide a meaningful description. You can also choose three most meaningful experiences, which provides you with another 500 characters each to describe why the activities stand out and why they meant so much to you.
But that’s not all. In contracts to AMCAS and AACOMAS, TMDSAS asks you to include activities you plan to participate in after you submit your application. This also includes activities you are currently involved in that you plan to continue with after you submit the application.
Learn How to Get Into Medical School: 2023-2024 Application Process.
3 | Preparation Timeline
As we’ve covered, applying to medical school is quite a long process. It takes so much time to prepare each piece of your application that it’s absolutely vital you begin as soon as possible.
Decide which extracurriculars interest you in your first year of college and continue to experiment to discover what you truly like. While you try different things out, remember that admissions committees are primarily looking for activities in three central areas: research, clinical experience, and volunteering. You do not have to dedicate the same amount of time to each of these areas, but it’s important to invest some time in each.
It’s also important to keep in mind that strong letters of recommendation don’t just happen. Strong letters require strong relationships, and these take time to build. Start to think about which professors or supervisors you’re particularly inspired by or connect with most during first year. Visit their office hours and show enthusiasm for the material by asking insightful questions. If they’re involved in a research project, ask if there’s anything you can do to help.
Begin writing your personal statement and asking for letters of recommendation several months before applications open. Developing a cohesive narrative for your application, including drafting a convincing personal statement, takes time. Plus, you want to give your letter writers as much time as possible. After all, they’re busy people with lives and careers of their own, and odds are you’re not the first person to ask for a letter.
All this to say, begin thinking about your med school application early in college, regardless of which schools you plan to apply to. It’s not only your medical school prerequisites you have to worry about; you must also devote plenty of hours to your extracurriculars and to fostering strong relationships with potential letter writers.
Stay on top of each of your medical school application deadlines with our comprehensive Medical School Application Timeline and Monthly Schedule. (Updated every application cycle.)
Tips to Gain Acceptance at Texas Medical Schools
1 | Craft Your School List Early
While it’s certainly possible to apply through multiple application services, it’s not a decision you should rush into. You already have a lot on your plate. You do not want to pile on extra tasks only to burn yourself out before you even hit interviews.
Give yourself plenty of time to research each school you want to apply to. Texas only accepts about 10% of out-of-state students, and the cost of tuition is much higher. Is it Texas or bust, or are you equally as passionate about schools outside of Texas? If you are from Texas, think long and hard about whether or not it’s worth it to leave your home state when there are prestigious, low-cost med schools so close by.
Begin crafting your school list many, many months before your applications are due. This way, you can know exactly what to expect and plan ahead for the different application services.
2 | Illustrate Why You Want to Study in Texas Specifically
Going to medical school in Texas is cheaper than other states, but you should not lead with this. Illustrate to admissions committees why you want to attend school in Texas beyond the financial benefits. What draws you to Texas? Is it a place you have always wanted to live, or is it the home you already love?
What is it about these particular programs that makes you certain you belong there? Be specific. Demonstrate you have done your research.
3 | Craft a Narrative-Driven Personal Statement in 5000 Characters
The AMCAS and TMDSAS personal statements are almost exactly the same, but with one key difference. While AMCAS gives applicants 5300 characters, the TMDSAS personal statement has a maximum of 5000 characters.
5000 characters is less than 1.5 pages of single-spaced 12-point Times New Roman font. This means you’re going to have to be very selective and succinct in your writing. Select major events from your life that are revealing and appealing—but keep it short. How have different moments in your life shaped your desire to pursue medicine?
Just like with AMCAS and AACOMAS, your TMDSAS personal statement is your chance to show admissions committees who you are beyond your grades. A personal statement is not just your CV in complete sentences—this is boring and will not keep admissions committees engaged.
Your personal statement is your chance to stand out and differentiate yourself from your fellow applicants. While far from easy, it’s imperative that your personal statement be a story that ties into the overall narrative of your application.
What drives you? How do you know you have the passion and stick-to-itiveness required to excel in medical school? How can you prove it using real events and anecdotes from your life?
Your personal statement is not a list of accomplishments or pleasant-sounding adjectives like ‘hardworking,’ ‘compassionate,’ or ‘ethical.’ It’s a story—your story. How can admissions committees infer these qualities about you? Show how your unique talents and experiences will benefit the school and add to the student body.
Every good story needs a beginning, middle, and end. Think of it like a movie. If someone was making a movie about your life, what key events need to be included in order to understand your character and your motivations?
Reflect on your past experiences, illustrate your points with authentic examples, use clear and direct language, mind the character limit, and tie in your personal statement with the rest of your application.
4 | Choose Schools Based on Fit Over Prestige
Attending a prestigious medical school definitely looks good on a resume, but only if you were able to excel. Unfortunately, just because a school has prestige and a storied history does not mean it’s the right fit for you. Feeling alienated and unhappy for your four years of medical school won’t be good for your future career or your mental health, which is why it’s critical to choose schools based on fit.
The only way you can figure this out is through ample research, and the best place to start is the MSAR (Medical School Admission Requirements™). MSAR provides thorough and comprehensive information about a program’s campus life, teaching methodologies, demographics, and much more.
How does the program approach medical education? Do you agree with their approach? Do you like the idea of a pass/fail curriculum? How do you prefer to be graded? Are you more interested in programs that get students in the clinic, or do you gravitate more to research? What are their extracurriculars like? Are you looking for a certain learning environment or specific class size?
If you find yourself particularly enthusiastic about a specific school, don’t rely on the MSAR alone. Reach out to current students or graduates of the program and ask them about their experience.
Are students competitive with each other, or did they find it easy to make friends and study partners? What were the class sizes like? Did they regularly get to interact with the professor one-on-one, or were these instances few and far between? What were the research opportunities like, and were there any professors they were truly inspired by?
Do not base your choices on the name and reputation of the school alone. If the program does not align with your values or preferred learning style, medical school is going to be far more challenging than it already is, and you could leave your medical education disillusioned and unfulfilled.
There are 13 allopathic and 3 osteopathic schools in Texas. Do your research, and only choose schools that fit your personality, interests, and learning preferences.
Learn more: How to Decide Which Medical Schools to Apply to (12 Important Factors).
Bottom Line: Is Going to Medical School in Texas Right for You?
If stunning natural landscapes, Tex-Mex, BBQ, cowboys, Southern charm and hospitality, a low cost of living, country music, and over a dozen well-respected medical schools sound appealing to you, Texas is definitely a place to consider. However, it’s important to understand that if you’re an out-of-state applicant, you face an uphill battle. Only 10% of out-of-state applicants are accepted, and those students need to pay a great deal more than their in-state peers.
Plus, there are the different application systems to consider. While similar, there are a number of key differences between TMDSAS, AMCAS, and AACOMAS that will mean more work for you. Carefully consider if you have the time and bandwidth to apply through different systems and if it’s worth it to you.
On the other hand, if you’re already living in Texas, strongly consider whether or not moving to another state is financially viable when there are so many strong, low-cost schools in your state.
Gaining an acceptance at your top choice schools requires more than checking off boxes. What makes you different from the students who are also applying to Texas schools? Adcoms are looking for well-rounded and mature students who will enhance their student body.
Med School Insiders can help you craft a stand out application that will get you noticed by Texas medical schools. We have a wide range of services to suit your individual needs, including one-on-one guidance, application editing, mock interviews, and more.
Our services are tailored to meet the needs of each student. Learn more about our comprehensive medical school application packages.
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