Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative
About the Program
The Honors College of Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences
Center School of Medicine offer an exhilarating, competitive undergraduate medical
school program designed for motivated, academically talented students interested in
pursuing an M.D. degree in Texas. Medical School is one of the most difficult graduate
programs to attain, so TTUHSC designed an initiative that would guarantee admission
for a selection of driven, academic undergraduates.
UMSI is not an accelerated 6-year, 7-year, or other type of fast-track program to
medical school. After meeting the special medical school requirements and deadlines set by this joint
program, a select group of entering freshmen are guaranteed admission to medical school
at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine after completion
of a Bachelor's Degree at TTU. Combined with undergraduate coursework and medical
school, the student is looking at 8 years of study.
Primary Qualifications
Undergraduate Medical School Requirements
- Student must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of the U.S at the time of application.
- Student must be a Texas resident.
- High School Senior classification from a Texas high school is required.
- Must achieve a minimum score of 30 ACT or 1360 SAT. These test scores need to be achieved from a singular testing date. SAT exams consider math and critical reading sections only.
- SAT or ACT "Superscores" will not be accepted.
- Preference is given to candidates ranked in the top 10% of their class
- 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.
- Students accepted into the UMSI program must complete the Honors College requirements as well. The completion of coursework, activities, and events in the Honors College are a condition of matriculation to TTUHSC School of Medicine.
- UMSI students spend four years as an undergraduate at Texas Tech University, which gives them the opportunity to demonstrate significant evidence of health-related activities in a hospital or clinical setting, which is a medical school requirement for students within the program.
- Study abroad programs must be taken with an affiliated Texas Tech University institution or program, and the grades must appear on your Texas Tech University transcript.
- By waiving the MCAT requirement and guaranteeing medical school admission, UMSI gives
students the opportunity to have a varied undergraduate experience, including taking
on internships or studying abroad.
- Participants who decide to take the MCAT, for any reason, must notify the School of Medicine Office of Admissions and must withdraw their acceptance to TTUHSC School of Medicine and are no longer eligible to participate in the UMSI program.
| Date: | Event: |
| October 1, 2023 | UMSI Application opens |
| September 7 - December 7, 2023 |
Take the online Casper exam. Eligible test dates are listed below. To sign up please visit https://acuityinsights.app/dates-times/.
|
| December 1, 2023 |
Deadline for UMSI application and all supporting documents (see applications section for details). Application closes at 11:59 PM central time. |
| February 2024 |
|
| March 6, 2024 |
|
| April 2024 |
|
Applications
How to apply to the Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative
UMSI applicants must apply to all the following:
Applications to Texas Tech University and Honors College
A complete application to Texas Tech University is comprised of the following:
- Apply to Texas Tech University through ApplyTexasor Common App.
- Additionally, apply to the Honors College through Honors College Application
- Certain documents will be reviewed when applying to the UMSI program. The following
items must be submitted to Texas Tech University Undergraduate Admissions at the time
of application.
- Test scores
- Either SAT or ACT scores are acceptable.
- Must achieve a minimum score of 30 ACT or 1360 SAT. These test scores need to be achieved from a singular testing date. SAT exams consider math and critical reading sections only.
- SAT or ACT "Superscores" will not be accepted.
- Scores should be sent to Texas Tech by the testing service agency.
- Submit high school transcripts in accordance with TTU policy.
- Letters of evaluation
- 2 letters of evaluation are required. These letters should address both the academic and the leadership potential of the student.
- Test scores
TTU application processing notes
Within 4-6 weeks, submitted applications are processed, completed, and students are informed of admission status. Contact TTU admissions for any questions regarding undergraduate degrees.
Application to TTUHSC School of Medicine
To apply
- Complete and submit the UMSI application online. Application opens October 1.
- Two letters of evaluation are required as a part of your UMSI application, which must be submitted within the online application. These letters should address your readiness and preparation to pursue medicine and complete both the UMSI and medical school programs.
- A completed Casper test
- The Casper test is an online screening tool designed to evaluate key personal and professional characteristics that TTUHSC School of Medicine feels are important for medical students and graduates.
- Complete and submit a Casper test by the application deadline or last Casper test date in order to maintain admission eligibility. Without a complete Casper test, you will not be eligible for an interview or offer of acceptance to TTUHSC School of Medicine.
- To reserve your Casper test click browse test dates and times on the dates and fees page then click United States of America → BA/MD → Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative
- UMSI applicants to TTUHSC School of Medicine are only required to complete the Casper test.
- NOTE: Additional documents that were submitted to Texas Tech University at the time of application (see Step 1) may also be reviewed. This may include:
- Proof of acceptance to TTU
- Proof of pending application to Honors College
Sign up for the Casper test at Acuity Insights
UMSI application notes
Successful and timely completion of the UMSI application, letters of recommendation, and Casper test results are the sole responsibility of the applicant. Failing to submit any application materials or documents before the deadline may result in the withdrawal from consideration of said application.
Interviewing at the School of Medicine
After the above applications have been submitted, admissions officers will carefully review and choose a select group of qualified individuals who appear to have the credentials and values that align with the school of medicine. The selected group will be invited for personal interviews with the UMSI selection committee.
Students that have submitted their application after the deadline will not be considered for an interview.
Qualities searched for in an interview
- The ability to balance academics with extracurricular and work activities. Superior grades coincide with knowledge and interests outside of an academic context.
- Quality service to patients is an element of health care that TTUHSC values above all else. Applicants who demonstrate empathy and caring behavior are preferred.
- Applicants who already have some experience in a health care field.
- Prior to the interview, applicants should possess knowledge of the health care system and awareness of its current changes.
- Interpersonal skills are vital for a career in health care. Applicants capable of demonstrating the ability to interact well with patients and peers are preferred.
Interviews with the School of Medicine are held in the months of February and March. Interview decisions are communicated before then. Applicants not selected for interviews receive a notification as on these dates as well.
Admission Decisions
Decisions are communicated no later than mid-April to all applicants accepted to the UMSI program concurrently with any alternate applicants selected. All Admissions Committee decisions are final and not open to appeal.
Note: SOM Admissions does not offer file reviews for UMSI students.
UMSI Requirements while at Texas Tech
UMSI students are welcome to pursue a major of their choice, so long as they complete the following prerequisite courses:
| Course | TTU Course Number | Hours |
| General Biology or Zoo (with labs) |
BIOL 1403 BIOL 1404 |
8 |
| Upper Division Biology | CHEM 3310/CHEM3311 (Biochemistry may be used here if not otherwise satisfying another requirement) | 9 |
| Biochemistry | CHEM 3310/CHEM3311 | 3 |
| General Chemistry (with labs) | CHEM 1307/CHEM 1107 | 8 |
| Organic Chemistry (with labs) |
CHEM 3305/CHEM3105 CHEM 3306/CHEM3106 |
8 |
| Physics (with labs) |
PHYS 1403 PHYS 1404 |
8 |
| English |
ENGL 1301 ENGL 1302 |
6 |
| Statistics Offered by Math Department | MATH 2300 | 3 |
| Total | 53 |
* Recommended upper division courses (3000 or 4000 level courses) include: Biological Science courses applied toward Baccalaureate degree in traditional science fields, such as Biochemistry, Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Immunology and Parasitology.
Courses for non-science majors or for health career majors (nursing, pharmacy, allied health sciences, etc.) will NOT satisfy the required coursework. All required coursework must be applicable towards a traditional science degree.
Note: A limited number of Advanced Placement (AP) or dual credit courses may also be accepted by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine for coursework only in English.
All prerequisite courses require graded work. All AP and/or dual credit for prerequisite courses must be replaced with a higher level course.
Prerequisites for UMSI are specific to the program and are different than general admission requirements.
Before matriculating
UMSI participants are required to apply through the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (http://www.tmdsas.com/) between May 1st and October 1st the year prior to matriculation to TTUHSC School of Medicine. We ask that participants complete this by July 1 to assist with processing times.
UMSI participants receive a fee waiver for the TTUHSC School of Medicine secondary application and are required to take the Casper test before October 1st the year prior to matriculation.
Maintaining UMSI qualifications
There are many elements that students must maintain while within the program. Please review these carefully.
- Students must take all required coursework and prerequisites at TTU, or at a study-abroad affiliated TTU program (with the exception of specific courses and prerequisites).
- GPA requirements:
- All UMSI students must maintain a 3.7 overall GPA
- Additionally, UMSI students must maintain a 3.6 science GPA
- A grade of "B" or higher must be earned in all graded prerequisite courses
- Matriculation occurs four years from acceptance into the UMSI program and is dependent on completion of an undergraduate degree and completion of program requirements.
- Students must be in good standing in the Honors College (including regular involvement in Honors extracurricular activities)
- Meet all requirements of the Program Guidelines
- It is important to be in good academic and non-academic standing
- Students must show evidence of 100 hours of continued related health care and volunteerism
or service-based activities. These activities are due by August 31 of each year.
Fourth year UMSI students must submit hours by July
- Healthcare/Volunteer Activity Log
- Note that TTUHSC School of Medicine registration begins in June and we encourage all matriculating participants to complete and submit their hours in May to avoid any holds.
- Hours will be saved in an institutional cloud service and should be organized by year
and type.
- Filename example: [Academic Year - Activity Type].pdf
- NOTE: Criminal background checks will be completed on all students matriculating to TTUHSC School of Medicine.
- If a student desires to change their academic major or degree plan, they must meet and be granted approval by the TTU Honors College and complete the Pre Approval form and submit it to TTUHSC School of Medicine Office of Admissions.
Contact Information
Ileana Hinojosa
Assistant Director of Outreach and Programs
School of Medicine Office of Admissions
(806) 743-2297
ileana.hinojosa@ttuhsc.edu
Rex Oliver
Recruitment Manager
(806) 834-0759
Rex.Oliver@ttu.edu
www.gototexastech.com
Chad Cain
Texas Tech University
Honors College
(806) 834-8972
Chad.Cain@ttu.edu