Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative Lubbock

Program Overview

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.

UMSI is not an accelerated 6-year, 7-year, or other type of fast-track program to medical school.

Information Session

We will be hosting a virtual Information Session in September 2026. Registration details coming soon.

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.
• 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.

Admissions Requirements

Primary Qualifications

• Texas residents
• U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents
• Classified as an incoming freshman (transfer students are ineligible) 

Requirements to Apply

• Must achieve a minimum score of 33 ACT or 1450 SAT. SAT exams consider math and critical reading sections only.

Requirements after Acceptance

• Upper Division Biology will require the following courses to be taken: Biochemistry, Microbiology with Lab, Genetics, Cellular Biology with Lab, and Human Anatomy and Physiology.
• Recommended upper-division courses include: Immunology, Molecular Biology, Parasitology, and those listed in Attachment D.

Maintaining UMSI Qualifications

• GPA Requirements:
  • All UMSU Students must maintain a 3.85 overall GPA
  • Additionally, UMSI Students must maintain a 3.8 science GPA
  • Students must show evidence of 300 hours of continued related health care and community engagement each year of the program.

Meet all requirements of the UMSI Program Guidelines

How to apply to the Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative

UMSI applicants must apply to all the following:

Step 1

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 33 ACT or 1450 SAT. SAT exams consider math and critical reading sections only.
    • Scores should be sent to Texas Tech by the testing service agency.
  • Submit high school transcripts in accordance with TTU policy.
  • Letters of evaluation
    • 3 Letters of evaluation are required. These letters should address both the academic and the leadership potential of the student.

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.

Step 2

Application to TTUHSC School of Medicine
To apply:

• Complete and submit the UMSI application online. Application opens October 1.
• 3 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.
• 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

UMSI Application Notes
Successful and timely completion of the UMSI application, letters of recommendation, and TTU and TTU Honors College applications 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.

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 will receive a notification around this time frame as well.

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. 

Before Matriculating into TTUHSC School of Medicine

UMSI participants are required to apply through the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (https://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.

Application Timeline

• October 1, 2026—UMSI Application Opens
• December 1, 2026—Deadline for UMSI application and all supporting documents (see applications section for details).  Application closes at 11:59 PM central time.
• End of January 2027—Interview invitations sent out to UMSI applicants via email. 
• End of February 2027 - Beginning of March 2027— Interviews with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine.
• April 2027—UMSI results announced via email.  

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.