Admissions

Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative (UMSI)

About the Program

This is not an accelerated, 6, 7 year, or other type of fast-track program to medical school. Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine offer an exciting and competitive program designed for academically talented and highly motivated students interested in pursuing a M.D. degree. By meeting the special requirements and deadlines of this joint program, a select group of entering freshmen are guaranteed admission to the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine after completion of a Bachelor's Degree at Texas Tech University. Combined with undergraduate coursework and medical school, the student is looking at 8 years of study.

Primary Qualifications

Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
Must be a Texas resident
High School Senior classification
Minimum 1300 SAT (includes math and critical reading sections only) or 29 ACT (composite score must be earned in one time administration)
Preference will be given to students ranking in the top 10% of high school class
Minimum high school GPA of 3.7 on four-point scale (or equivalent) in a college preparatory curriculum

Other Program Details

Students must apply and be admitted to Texas Tech University and the Honors College as entering Freshmen, before the application process for UMSI is complete.

UMSI students are required to spend four years as an undergraduate at Texas Tech University and demonstrate significant evidence of health-related activities in a hospital or clinical setting before entering the School of Medicine. By waiving the MCAT requirement and guaranteeing medical school admission, UMSI gives students the opportunity to have a varied undergraduate education, which could include internships or study abroad.
Students accepted into the UMSI program are required to complete the HONORS College requirements as well. The completion of the required coursework, activities, and events in the HONORS College are a condition of matriculation to TTUHSC SOM.
NOTE: Study abroad programs must be taken with an affiliated Texas Tech University institution or program. These grades MUST appear on your Texas Tech University transcript.

Applications

Step 1: Applications to Texas Tech University

Apply to Texas Tech University though, ApplyTexas
Honors College Application
$50 application fee
The following documents are submitted to Texas Tech University-Undergraduate Admissions at the time of application and will be reviewed when applying to the UMSI program.
- Test scores
  - Either SAT or ACT scores are acceptable
  - Scores should be sent to Texas Tech by the testing service agency
- Official copy of high school transcripts indicating
  - Class rank
  - Courses in progress
- 2 letters of evaluation addressing academic and leadership potential

TTU Application Processing Notes

Processing of submitted applications will be completed and students will be informed of admission status within 4-6 weeks. Contact TTU admissions for any questions regarding undergraduate degrees.

Step 2: School of Medicine Application

The UMSI application must be completed and submitted online
Proof of Texas residency must be provided (copy of driver's license)
- utility bill with address
- high school photo identification
- driver's license
- state photo identification card
Send to the School of Medicine, Office of Admissions
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
  School of Medicine - Office of Admissions 2B116
  3601 4th St. MS 6216
  Lubbock, Texas 79430
  (806) 743-2297
  (806) 743-2725 FAX
NOTE: Additional documents that were submitted to Texas Tech University at the time of application (see Step 1 above) will also be reviewed and may include
- Proof of acceptance from TTU
- Proof of pending application to Honors College

Step 3: Interviewing at the School of Medicine

After the UMSI application is submitted, admissions officers will review the files and invite a select group of qualified individuals for personal interviews with the UMSI selection committee.

Students that have submitted their application after the deadline will not be considered for an interview.
Students accepted into UMSI cannot apply to other medical schools.

Qualities Searched for in Interview

Ability to balance academics with extracurricular and work activities.
Evidence of caring behavior.
Experience in health care field.
Knowledge of the health care system and its current changes.
Interpersonal skills such as the ability to interact well with patients and peers.

Timeline

Date	Event
September 15	UMSI application opens
December 1	Deadline for UMSI application and all supporting documents (see step 2 above)

Undergraduate Requirements at Texas Tech

UMSI students are welcome to pursue a major of their choice. However, the following prerequisite courses must be completed by all in the program:

Courses	Hours
Biology or Zoology	15*
Biology Labs	2
General Chemistry (with labs)	8
Biochemistry	3
Organic Chemistry (with labs)	8
Physics (with labs)	8
English	6
Statistics offered by Math Department	3
Total	53

* Recommended upper level courses include: Genetics, Cell Biology, Microbiology, Anatomy and Physiology, Molecular Biology, Developmental Biology, Cell Biology and Immunology.

Note: A limited number of Advanced Placement (AP) or dual credit courses may also be accepted by Texas Tech University School of Medicine for coursework only in English.

All prerequisite courses require graded work. All A/P and/or dual credit for prerequisite courses must be retaken or substituted with a higher level course.

Prerequisites for UMSI are specific to the program and are different than general admission requirements.

Maintaining UMSI Qualifications

Take all coursework and prerequisites at Texas Tech University. Coursework can also be taken at any study-abroad affiliated TTU program with the exception of medical school specific courses or prerequisites.
GPAs
- All UMSI students must maintain a 3.7 overall GPA
- All UMSI students must maintain a 3.6 science GPA
A grade of "B" or higher must be earned in all graded prerequisite courses
Matriculation will occur four years from acceptance into the UMSI program and is dependent on completion of an undergraduate degree and maintenance of program requirements.
Be in good standing in the Honors College (including regular involvement in Honors extracurricular activities)
Meet all requirements of the Program Guidelines
Show evidence of continued health care related and non-related health care activities
NOTE: Criminal background checks will be completed on all students matriculating to TTUHSC School of Medicine.

Contact Information

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, School of Medicine

Irene Chavez
Assistant Director of Recruitment and Special Programs
School of Medicine - Office of Admissions 2B116
Lubbock, TX 79430
(806) 743-2297
irene.chavez@ttuhsc.edu

Texas Tech University Undergraduate Admissions

Toni Riley
Associate Director, Recruitment
(806) 834-1153
toni.riley@ttu.edu
www.gototexastech.com

Texas Tech University Honors College

Sarah Timmons
Texas Tech University
Honors College
(806) 742-1828
sarah.timmons@ttu.edu
http://www.honr.ttu.edu
http://www.admissions.ttu.edu

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