How to Get Into UNT Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine: The Definitive Guide (2026)

How to Get Into Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM): The Definitive Guide for 2026

Part 1: Introduction

Joining the ranks of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and Western University of Health Sciences, the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine is a strong option for students who want to become doctors of osteopathic medicine. It is also one of the most respected medical schools in Texas, particularly for students interested in primary care.

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine differ from Doctors of Medicine in their approaches to treatment. We recommend learning the differences between these approaches before deciding what kind of school you want to attend. You can also read our guide on explaining osteopathic manipulative medicine for a clearer picture of how DO training differs in practice.

Among the colleges of osteopathic medicine in the United States, the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) is among the best. TCOM is part of UNT Health Fort Worth, formerly known as the University of North Texas Health Science Center. In July 2025, the institution officially rebranded to UNT Health Fort Worth to better reflect its ties to the UNT system and the city of Fort Worth. The school itself is still called TCOM, and its mission has not changed.

TCOM sets itself apart from other medical schools in Texas through its emphasis on primary care and rural medicine. In the Class of 2024, 66% of graduates matched into primary care residencies, up from 62% in the Class of 2023. That consistent track record makes TCOM one of the most primary care-focused medical schools in the country.

For its mission, the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine believes in forging solutions to improve community health. This goal is accomplished by teaching medical students to center their care around the patient and by continually improving teaching and learning approaches.

So, what programs does TCOM offer? How much does it cost to attend in 2026? How many secondary essays are there to write? And what is the interview process like?

We’ll be answering all those questions and more in this definitive guide. It is part of our pre-med advising services. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Part 2: TCOM at a Glance: Key Facts and Rankings for 2026

Before we get into the details of programs, tuition, and applications, here is a snapshot of what TCOM looks like right now. These numbers can help you quickly assess whether TCOM fits your profile and goals.

Note on rankings: U.S. News has shifted from numeric rankings to a tier-based system for medical schools. TCOM earned a Tier 1 designation for Primary Care in 2024, and the most current listing places it at Tier 2 for Primary Care and Tier 3 for Research. TCOM’s ranking trajectory over recent years has been strong, rising from 72nd in 2020 to the top tiers by 2024.

Also worth noting: TCOM is the first medical school in the United States to require students to complete a patient safety course leading to the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) credential. As of June 2025, over 1,114 TCOM students have passed the CPPS exam. This kind of curricular distinction speaks to the school’s focus on graduating physicians who are ready for safe, accountable clinical practice.

Part 3: Osteopathic Medical Programs at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

These are the programs offered at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine:

• College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences (formerly Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences)
• Joint Admissions Medical Program
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine / Ph.D. Program
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine / Master of Public Health Program
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine / Master of Health Administration Program
• Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine / Master of Science Program

The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine offers the DO program on its own, as well as several dual-degree options. In recent years, TCOM has expanded its dual-degree offerings to include the DO/MHA and DO/MS programs in addition to the DO/Ph.D. and DO/MPH tracks.

TCOM also participates in accelerated pathway programs that may interest students planning ahead. These include a 3+4 Pathway with UNT Denton (allowing students to complete both a bachelor’s degree and DO in seven years), a BS/DO Biomedical Engineering 4+4 Program with UT Arlington, and a Primary Care Pathway (2+1+4 plan) in partnership with Midland College and Midland Memorial Hospital. Each of these programs has its own eligibility criteria and application timeline, so check the TCOM admissions page at unthealth.edu for current details.

College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences

Formerly known as the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences is intended as a post-baccalaureate option for students who want to earn master’s degrees or a Ph.D. in one of the following areas. If you are weighing whether additional graduate coursework could strengthen your medical school application, our article on whether grad school helps you get into medical school is worth reading.

Certificates

• Biomedical Entrepreneurship Certification

Specialized Master’s Degrees

• Biotechnology
• Clinical Research Management
• Medical Science

Traditional Master’s and Doctoral Programs

• Biochemistry and Cancer Biology
• Cell Biology, Immunology and Microbiology
• Integrative Physiology
• Genetics
• Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacotherapy
• Pharmacology and Neuroscience
• Structural Anatomy and Rehabilitation Sciences
• Visual Sciences

If you are interested in applying to one of these programs, click the link. It will take you to the respective page for that degree. Note that some of these URLs may redirect to the new unthealth.edu domain.

Joint Admissions Medical Program (JAMP)

The Texas Legislature created JAMP to help students who are more than qualified for medical school but have significant disadvantages that greatly hinder their ability to apply. If you want to attend medical school but don’t have the means to do so, see if you’re eligible.

The program assists students by providing internship opportunities, scholarships, stipends, MCAT prep programs, mentorship and guaranteed admission to a Texas medical school if students meet each and every program criterion.

The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine proudly partners with JAMP to admit these students.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine

The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree offered at TCOM has similar curricular offerings as Lake Erie or Western University. Their focal point is what differs. Students first learn the fundamentals of health and how to approach medical treatment through a whole-body approach. The Fundamentals of Disease and Treatment follows. Where students first learned how the body works, they now learn how things can go wrong.

After completing the first two years of education in the DO program, students finish their education through affiliated hospitals and clinics. They go through the following rotations:

• Family Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Internal Medicine
• Surgery
• Psychiatry
• OB/GYN
• Manipulative Medicine
• Emergency Medicine
• Geriatrics

Upon successful completion of the program and passing scores on all exams, students will become residents.

One additional curricular feature worth highlighting: TCOM requires all students to complete a patient safety course that prepares them to sit for the Certified Professional in Patient Safety (CPPS) exam. TCOM is the first medical school in the United States to build this certification into its curriculum. Research published by the school has linked this training to improved patient safety awareness and residency readiness. If patient safety and quality improvement matter to you as a future physician, this is a meaningful distinction.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine / Ph.D.

Because this program awards a Ph.D. in addition to the DO degree, students are expected to take six to seven years to complete the program. TCOM has partnered with the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences (formerly the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences) to make the Ph.D. portion of this degree possible. Students who complete this program are prepared to spend time in clinics with patients and in laboratory settings where research is conducted.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine / Master of Public Health

This dual degree is designed to be completed in five years. Four years are dedicated to the osteopathic medicine part, and one year is dedicated to the MPH. Students in this dual-degree program are trained to consider how cultural, social, psychological and biomedical factors can impact medicine and patient lives. Public health courses may be completed online while students are enrolled in the medical school. For more on dual DO/MPH programs generally, see our guide on how to get into an MD-MPH program, which covers the reasoning and preparation that applies to DO/MPH programs as well.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine / Master of Health Administration

TCOM now offers a DO/MHA dual degree in conjunction with the College of Public Health (formerly the School of Public Health). The MHA portion is completed on a part-time basis over a period of five years, with courses offered online and taken concurrently with the DO curriculum. This program is designed for students who want to combine clinical practice with healthcare leadership and administration skills.

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine / Master of Science

A DO/MS dual degree is offered in conjunction with the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences. This track suits students interested in pairing clinical training with focused research in a biomedical science discipline.

Part 4: Cost of Attendance in 2026

TCOM provides a tuition calculator for all students, current and prospective. Because the state of Texas funds the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the college is required to admit approximately 90% Texas residents and 10% non-Texas residents each year.

Here is the current annual tuition breakdown, based on the most recent data from AACOM and the official UNT Health financial aid documents:

Annual Tuition:

• $13,078 for Texas residents
• $28,766 for non-Texas residents

Annual Fees:

• Approximately $5,736 to $6,690 (varies by year and source)

For a more complete picture, here is the estimated total cost of attendance for one year (based on the Class of 2026, Year 3 data from the official COA document):

For Texas residents, TCOM remains one of the most affordable osteopathic medical schools in the country. It has been cited as the most affordable among the 15 Tier 1 primary care medical schools. A student who takes loans for all four years (covering tuition, fees, cost of living, and accrued interest) can expect total student loan debt of approximately $231,530, according to the Student Doctor Network school database.

That figure may sound large, but compared to the national average for medical school debt, TCOM’s cost is significantly lower. If keeping debt manageable is one of your priorities, and it should be, TCOM deserves a close look.

Go here if you have any additional questions about tuition and financial aid.

Part 5: How TCOM’s Cost Compares to Other Osteopathic Schools

When evaluating cost, it helps to compare TCOM against other DO programs you may be considering. TCOM’s in-state tuition of $13,078 per year is notably lower than many private osteopathic schools, where tuition can exceed $50,000 annually.

If you are a Texas resident weighing options, you might also look at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine or University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine, both of which are Texas-based DO programs with different tuition structures and class sizes.

For out-of-state applicants, TCOM’s non-resident tuition of $28,766 is still competitive with many private osteopathic programs, though keep in mind that TCOM fills approximately 90% of its seats with Texas residents. That means out-of-state spots are limited, typically around 15 to 20 per entering class.

The bottom line: cost alone should not determine where you apply, but it should absolutely be part of your decision. TCOM’s affordability is a real advantage, especially for Texas residents.

Part 6: Admissions Requirements

Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine requires the following courses to be taken. Without completing these prerequisites, you won’t be considered for admission.

The following science courses are required.

• Biology/Zoology, 14 credit hours
• Organic Chemistry, 8 credit hours
• Inorganic Chemistry, 8 credit hours
• Physics, 8 credit hours

The following science courses aren’t required, but they are recommended.

• Anatomy
• Biochemistry
• Genetics
• Physiology

Finally, these non-science courses are required.

• College English, 6 credit hours
• Math/Statistics, 3 credit hours

In addition to these courses, the MCAT is required. TCOM does not use a hard minimum MCAT cutoff score; grade point averages and MCAT scores are only two of the factors used in evaluating applicants. However, TCOM expects applicants to have better than a B average in their prerequisite coursework. For context on what MCAT scores are competitive, read our breakdown of what MCAT score you need to get into medical school.

The oldest MCAT score TCOM will consider is from January 1, 2021. The latest MCAT score accepted for the current cycle was September 13, 2025. Plan accordingly, as taking the MCAT too early or too late could limit your options.

Applicants must also submit a packet from their advisory committee. If you do not have an advisory committee, you may submit three individual letters of evaluation or recommendation.

Citizenship requirement: As of the 2022 entry year, TCOM accepts only U.S. Citizens and U.S. Permanent Residents. DACA recipients and international students are not considered for admission. This is a change from prior years, when TCOM was the only Texas public medical school to admit DACA recipients.

Part 7: Admissions Statistics and What They Mean for You

Understanding where you stand relative to the entering class can help you apply strategically. Here are the most recent official admissions statistics, based on TCOM’s Fall 2023 entering class data (the latest published by the school as of early 2026):

A few things stand out. First, with 4,209 total applicants for 231 seats, TCOM’s acceptance rate is roughly 5.5% overall. That is competitive, so your application needs to be strong across the board. Second, 215 of 231 matriculants were Texas residents. If you’re applying from out of state, know that you’re competing for about 16 seats. Third, while the average GPA is 3.83, remember that TCOM considers the full picture: MCAT scores, clinical experience, community service, interview performance, and your personal story all matter.

For the Fall 2024 cycle, student-reported data from a TCOM Preview Day presentation indicated that 687 interviews were conducted, 486 acceptances were offered, and 241 students matriculated. These numbers have not been officially published by TCOM as of this writing, but they suggest a slightly larger class and a similar acceptance pattern.

Part 8: Applying to Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Have you decided that TCOM is the school for you? To apply, adhere to the following guidelines.

First, fill out your primary application. TCOM uses the Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service for its primary application. This application can be accessed at www.tmdsas.com.

Key deadlines for Entry Year 2026:

• Earliest TMDSAS application submission: May 15, 2025
• TMDSAS application due: October 1, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. CT
• TCOM secondary application due: October 15, 2025, by 5:00 p.m.
• For best consideration, submit both applications by August 15

The TCOM secondary application fee is $50. (U.S. News reports a total application fee of $270, which likely includes TMDSAS fees.)

After you’ve filled out the TMDSAS, you’ll move on to the secondary application. This application will be sent directly to the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. Part of the application includes answering essay prompts. These prompts will help the admissions committee get to know you better.

We’ll take a look at the questions, break down how to answer them and provide you with samples. If at any point you feel stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for help. We provide medical school admissions consulting to any prospective student who needs it. Reviewing secondary application essays is part of what we do in our admissions consulting. We’d be happy to help you as you prepare to become a DO candidate.

Question #1
What experiences and/or relationships have motivated you toward a career in osteopathic medicine? (2,000 characters)

A career in osteopathic medicine will lead down a slightly different path than that of an MD program. While MDs primarily focus on treating symptoms (like pain or fatigue), DOs focus on the root issues. (What’s causing the pain or fatigue?)

The admissions committee wants to make sure that you understand this. They also want to know why you want to practice osteopathic medicine. Like we talk about in our Show v. Tell article, admissions committees care far more about why you’re doing what you’re doing than what it is you are doing.

Here’s an example.

Growing up, my mother suffered from severe migraines. Her headaches were so bad that she would have to lie down with her eyes closed in complete darkness to have any hope of feeling better. Her best chance at kicking a migraine was simply not getting up in the mornings when she felt one coming on. If she stayed in bed all day, she could usually escape the worst of it.

But there were three of us at home and Mom was a stay-at-home mother. Our father was a firefighter, so his hands were tied when he was on a 24-hour shift. Because Mom had primary responsibility for us, there were some days when she couldn’t just stay in bed. Those days wrecked her.

When I was younger, I didn’t understand what was wrong. I just knew that “Mommy’s head hurt.” But as I grew older and could understand, I started looking up treatments online. Mom told me not to worry about it. She wanted me to focus on school and hanging out with my friends. But seeing her in so much pain worried me, and researching potential causes and treatments helped me to not worry as much.

Of course, Google isn’t a doctor, so I found a lot of misinformation. But what I found saved Mom’s quality of life. Dr. Leroy Gibson was a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine who specializes in treating migraines. He didn’t just prescribe pills to mask the pain like Mom’s MD did. Instead, he did tests on Mom and was able to get down to the root cause. Mom went through treatment for her migraines under Dr. Gibson’s care, and today she has a migraine maybe once or twice a month. That’s a huge difference from the migraines she would have multiple times a week!

My interest in becoming a doctor was definitely starting to form when I researched Mom’s migraines. And I can tell you without any doubt that Dr. Gibson’s treatment is what inspired me to study osteopathic medicine. I want to help people get better instead of helping them temporarily feel better.

This essay just barely makes the cut at 1,913 characters. It’s a great essay because it thoroughly explains this applicant’s understanding of osteopathic medicine and why they want to study it in medical school.

Question #2
If you attended more than two colleges/universities, please explain why. Community college doesn’t count. (1,000 characters)

Here at International Medical Aid, we highly recommend writing essays in response to all of the prompts. However, some essays only require an answer if you’ve done something specific. This is the case here. If you’ve only attended one or two schools, there’s no need to answer this question. It doesn’t apply to you. However, if you’ve attended more than two, you’ll need to explain why.

Transferring multiple times doesn’t make you a bad student, but it can set you back. Not all of your credits will transfer with you, so you’ll have to repeat some courses. But many students have good reasons for transferring. If this is you, just explain your reasons. There’s no need to be embarrassed about it.

Here’s an example.

I began my education at Weber State University in Utah. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study yet, but I was from Lehi, so it made sense to go there when I was accepted. I could visit home for the holidays but be far enough away to live my own life. I didn’t like Weber State University at all. So, I transferred to Utah State University.

It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I became interested in medicine. The more I learned in my Science electives, the more I knew that I had found my passion. I quickly decided that I wanted to be a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. While Utah State had a medical program, it was for MDs, not DOs.

I transferred to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, where I met my wife, Sara, at church. While we were engaged, she was accepted into the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. My wife and I are currently living apart while we are both in medical school. I am applying so that I can study medicine and live with my wife.

Question #3
This is your opportunity to share anything that’s not up-to-date on your TMDSAS application. If you’ve completed any additional coursework, plan to change your coursework or graduation date, have completed more extracurricular activities, etc., please explain. (1,000 characters)

The Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine wants to give you the opportunity to fill in any gaps. Things change, but you can’t always make changes to your documentation. This question is as straightforward as it gets. If you don’t have any changes to report, even after careful review, just say so.

Question #4
Do you consider yourself financially disadvantaged?
Do you consider yourself educationally disadvantaged?

If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, you’ll need to write a response. Here’s an example.

I consider myself to be financially disadvantaged. I have four siblings, so money has always been tight. But my father passed away in 2016, which made things very difficult. My mom has worked a full-time day job and a part-time night and weekend job since my father passed away. It pays all the bills and covers any emergencies that come up. But my mother doesn’t have any funds to help put me through school. I am entirely dependent on my own income, scholarships, grants and loans to get through medical school.

This answer is simply stated and clearly explained. There’s no question that this applicant is financially disadvantaged.

Question #5
In this final, optional essay, please share one of the following:

• A time when you led a group project that involved interaction with people outside of your organization
• A time when you developed a plan that enabled you to work through a specific situation that challenged your ethics or moral code
• A time when you had the ability to improve through developing and executing a plan to succeed in a previously unsuccessful endeavor

(1,000 characters)

Like we said before, we highly recommend answering this essay prompt, even though it’s “optional.” This is your final opportunity to make yourself stand out from the crowd in the best way possible. We recommend choosing the prompt for which you have a great story to tell.

For the first prompt, a group project is likely to have taken place at school or work. But for the second and third prompts, it could happen anywhere. So, when you think of experiences to write about, think about all your extracurricular activities and things you participate in during your free time.

If you find yourself struggling to write this essay, remember our pre-med advising services. We’re more than happy to help you brainstorm ideas.

Part 9: Your Interview Experience

Congratulations! You’ve been invited to interview at the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. This is a big deal. It means that you impressed the admissions committee enough for them to want to get to know you better. They want to see if you’re a good fit for the school.

TCOM uses the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) format. This means that instead of having two long interviews, you’ll go through approximately 5 to 6 stations, each with its own scenario or question.

This interview process is different from the traditional interview for two reasons. First, you get a break between questions. It’s only for a couple of minutes, but it’s still a break. Having a moment to breathe during a medical school interview is something to be thankful for. Second, you’ll know each question beforehand. You aren’t given all the questions at the beginning, but you are given each question before that mini interview begins. You’ll have time to think through the question before the interviewer starts.

You can expect the MMI to last for about 45 to 50 minutes. Students who have gone through the process have described the atmosphere as “very chill” compared to more traditional interview formats. That said, take it seriously. Your interview score is one of the most important factors in the admissions decision.

If you have more questions, visit this page on the school’s website.

Selection Criteria

After interviewing applicants, the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine uses the following criteria to evaluate applicants and decide whom to admit.

• High school grades
• Undergraduate grades
• Graduate school grades
• MCAT scores
• Interview scores
• Geographic diversity
• Socioeconomic background
• Dedication to becoming a medical professional
• Community involvement
• Whether osteopathic doctors were part of the applicant’s life during elementary school
• First-generation college student
• Letters of evaluation
• Diversity

Notice that TCOM considers factors that go well beyond GPA and MCAT. Geographic diversity, socioeconomic background, and being a first-generation college student all carry weight. If your numbers are slightly below the average, a compelling personal story and strong community involvement can still make you a serious contender.

Part 10: Why TCOM Stands Out Among Texas DO Programs

Texas now has several osteopathic medical schools, and the field has become more competitive for applicants. It’s worth understanding what makes TCOM distinct so you can speak to it in your application and interview.

Primary care focus. TCOM’s 66% primary care match rate for the Class of 2024 is well above the national average. If you plan to practice family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, or OB/GYN, TCOM’s curriculum and clinical partnerships are built around that goal. If you’re interested in why rural medicine in particular matters, our article on why practice rural medicine offers useful context.

Affordability. For Texas residents, TCOM’s annual tuition of $13,078 is among the lowest of any medical school in the country. The total estimated cost of attendance, including living expenses, is roughly $65,334 per year for residents. Over four years, that is a substantially smaller financial burden than most private DO programs.

Patient safety training. As the first U.S. medical school to require CPPS certification, TCOM sends a clear signal about its priorities. Patient safety is not an elective or an afterthought; it is part of how every student is trained.

Part of a growing health sciences campus. UNT Health Fort Worth now houses six colleges: the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, the College of Biomedical and Translational Sciences, the College of Public Health, the College of Health Professions, the College of Pharmacy, and the College of Nursing. With nearly $100 million in funded research and approximately 1,500 students campus-wide, TCOM students have access to interprofessional learning opportunities that smaller standalone schools may not offer.

Accelerated and pathway programs. The 3+4 Pathway with UNT Denton, the BS/DO 4+4 Biomedical Engineering program with UT Arlington, and the Primary Care Pathway with Midland College give students multiple entry points depending on where they are in their academic journey. These pathway programs can save time and money, though each has its own eligibility requirements.

Part 11: Financial Aid and Loan Considerations for TCOM Students

Even at a school as affordable as TCOM, medical education requires careful financial planning. Here are a few things to keep in mind.

Federal student loans. Most medical students rely heavily on federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Grad PLUS Loans. These are available regardless of income, though interest rates and borrowing limits change annually. Check the Federal Student Aid website for the most current terms.

JAMP scholarships. If you qualify for the Joint Admissions Medical Program, you may receive scholarships, stipends, and mentorship that significantly reduce your costs. JAMP eligibility is based on financial need and residency, among other criteria.

Texas-specific aid. As a state-funded institution, TCOM students may qualify for Texas-specific financial aid programs, including the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s grants and loan repayment programs.

Loan repayment programs for primary care. Because TCOM produces a high percentage of primary care physicians, graduates may be well-positioned for federal and state loan repayment programs tied to primary care service, especially in rural and underserved areas. Programs like the National Health Service Corps offer loan repayment in exchange for service commitments. Given that TCOM’s curriculum already emphasizes primary care and rural medicine, this is a practical post-graduation option worth factoring into your planning.

Total debt estimate. A student taking loans for all four years at TCOM, including tuition, fees, living expenses, and accrued interest, can expect approximately $231,530 in total student loan debt. While that number is significant, it is well below the median debt for graduates of many private DO programs. Keeping your total debt as low as possible gives you more freedom in residency and career choices later.

Part 12: Preparing a Strong TCOM Application

Beyond meeting the prerequisite requirements, here are practical steps to strengthen your candidacy for TCOM specifically.

Get exposure to osteopathic medicine early. TCOM’s selection criteria explicitly mention whether osteopathic doctors were part of the applicant’s life. Shadowing a DO, volunteering in a DO clinic, or working alongside osteopathic physicians in a structured setting will give you real stories to draw from in your essays and interview. If you want to build early clinical exposure in a structured environment, our programs at IMA are one way to gain that kind of perspective before applying. You can read about why early clinical exposure changes how students prepare for medicine for more on this.

Submit early. TCOM recommends submitting both your TMDSAS and secondary application by August 15 for best consideration. Rolling admissions means earlier applications are reviewed first. Waiting until the October deadline puts you at a disadvantage, even if your application is otherwise strong.

Prepare for the MMI thoughtfully. The MMI is not something you can cram for, but you can practice. Work through ethical scenarios, practice thinking aloud, and get comfortable with brief, focused responses. The MMI tests your reasoning, empathy, and communication, not just your medical knowledge.

Show commitment to primary care or underserved communities. TCOM’s mission centers on primary care and community health. If your experiences align with that mission, make sure your application reflects it clearly. Volunteer work in underserved areas, community health projects, or sustained clinical exposure in primary care settings all strengthen your case.

Be honest about disadvantages. TCOM asks directly about financial and educational disadvantage. If these apply to you, answer honestly and specifically. The school values students who have overcome barriers, and there is no benefit to understating your challenges.

Part 13: Other Schools to Consider

If you’re looking at medical schools in Texas or osteopathic medical programs, TCOM is one of the strongest options available. But we encourage you to research and apply to multiple schools. Your list should include your dream school, schools that fit your profile well, and schools where you’re highly competitive. This strategy greatly increases your chances of acceptance.

Here are some other programs worth researching:

• Baylor College of Medicine
• George Washington University School of Medicine
• Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
• St. George’s University School of Medicine
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (in Pennsylvania)
• Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
• Wake Forest University School of Medicine
• Western University of Health Sciences (in California)
• Drexel University College of Medicine
• Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago
• Georgetown University School of Medicine
• Yale School of Medicine
• Perelman School of Medicine
• UCLA Medical School
• NYU Medical School
• Washington University School of Medicine
• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
• Brown Medical School
• Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Should you need any help with your applications, remember that International Medical Aid is here to help. Our medical school admissions consulting is designed to help you prepare. Pre-med advising is a useful tool for any student. We’re a click away. Simply visit our website to schedule a time to meet with us. One of our experts will gladly assist you.