COVID-19 Notices and Information
COVID-19 F.A.Q.
1. How will processing and review of applications be affected?
We expect to see a minimal change beyond any unforeseen timeline changes. We will start reviewing applications as they are transmitted by the Texas Medical and Dental School Application Service (TMDSAS). Please make sure to visit their site for the most updated application timeline. Our holistic review process will provide us with the ability to review and process applications as we would normally do in any other cycle.
2. Many institutions have moved courses online, how will this affect the application review process?
As an institution, we truly value the holistic review of an application. We will continue to accept online coursework for this application cycle. TTUHSC School of Medicine will also accept pass/fail courses during this time period.
Our preference would be that courses be given a grade. If students have no other choice, we will review their coursework and make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for students that have taken courses from January 2020 through May 2020 and potentially through the summer of 2020.
3. How will interviews be impacted?
All upcoming interviews will be hosted virtually. Interviews will begin in August 2021.
4. Will I be overlooked if I have not taken my MCAT?
Applicants who have not yet taken the MCAT or who have not yet received their score will be eligible for an interview. The Admissions Selection Committee will require the MCAT as part of the holistic review and decision-making process for acceptance. Please note that TMDSAS does not require a MCAT to transmit an application.
We will be able to review an application as long as there is an official MCAT score report that has been taken within the last 5 years. Please follow the AAMC page on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and The MCAT Exam for the most current information.
5. If I finish courses remotely, will these courses still meet the requirement?
Yes, as long as the coursework is officially accepted and documented on your undergraduate transcript.
6. Will there be any concessions for required coursework?
Required prerequisites will remain the same. We will review transcripts after acceptance to determine if they are deficient on any of the required courses. We will evaluate each student on a case-by-case basis and provide them guidance on how to remedy deficiencies.
We have put together a few important tips to help you prepare for your interview.
- Please make sure you are using compatible hardware and software. TTUHSC School of Medicine will be using breakout rooms for interviews. Zoom has reported that Chromebook/ChromeOS or Zoom Rooms users are not compatible with breakout rooms. The break out room feature is timed and interviews will end after 20 minutes. We plan to broadcast messages alerting you to this during the interview.
- Your Zoom name should match the name on your application. This will help us assign you to your interview room quickly.
- Get enough sleep. This is the most important thing you can do before any interview. Sleep deprivation can slow down your cognitive process, making you less sharp and able to answer questions quickly.
- Eat a nutritious breakfast and/or lunch before your interview. Not eating can impair cognitive function, memory and concentration.
- Test your technology. Avoid potential technical issues by testing your equipment before the interview. Having a good external webcam and microphone is important as is having a stable internet connection.
- Keep your virtual identity professional. Make sure that your profile name and picture are professional. In a virtual format, this is your first impression.
- Dress for success. Dress as though you are in an in-person interview. Wear your best business attire and stick to solid colors that will prevent washing you out under harsh lighting such as rich blues. Avoid overpowering or flashy accessories. You should be the focus of the interview, not your wardrobe.
- Create a set. Your backdrop can help determine what to wear for your interview. If possible, sit in front of a blank background so you remain the focal point. Make sure that the space around you is clean and organized. Check your lighting.
- Make sure you introduce yourself, first and last name.
- Monitor your body language. You are not going to have the opportunity to give that firm handshake so you must convey confidence with your body language. Sit up straight, smile and keep the camera at eye level. Be sure to keep your eyes focused on the camera to make eye contact; especially when responding to questions.
- Rid yourself of distractions. Turn off the TV, silence your cell phone and close the window to drown out the outside noises. If you are using your cell phone to connect with the interviewer, make sure you do not get any phones calls, as this will disrupt the interview just as notifications will.
- Avoid interrupting or talking over someone inadvertently. This is easy to do when connected virtually. Wait for an extra moment before responding to a question to make sure that the interviewer has completed their sentence.
- Take your time and get it right. Be prepared. Practice interviewing with a friend or family member to ensure you are comfortable with this format. Have good answers to questions like “Tell me about yourself”. This is not the same as “Why do you want to be a physician”.
- Be yourself not the person you think the interviewer wants you to be. This interview is going to be a great opportunity for you to speak in a familiar environment (your home). Take advantage of that opportunity and let the interviewer know you. Be authentic.
- Thank the interviewer for their time and if possible send them an email to say thank you. This email will allow you to remind the interviewer of who you are.
- If you have any technical problems please contact our office at SOMADM@ttuhsc.edu.