Undergraduate to Medical School Initiative

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. 

After Acceptance—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:

• * Recommended upper-division courses (3000 or 4000 level courses) include: Microbiology with lab, Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Immunology, Parasitology, Anatomy and Physiology. (Please review updates for upcoming application 2026 cycle as this will change)
• 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 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.

After Acceptance—Maintaining UMSI Requirements

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 (Please review updates for upcoming application 2026 cycle as this will change)
  • 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. (Please review updates for upcoming application 2026 cycle as this will change)
  • 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.