If you’re applying to Texas medical schools through the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS), you might assume your GPA will be calculated the same way as it is for AMCAS (MD programs) and AACOMAS (DO programs). However, TMDSAS uses a different method to calculate your GPA, which can impact how admissions committees evaluate your academic performance.

At AcceptMed, we help students understand how GPA calculations vary between application systems and how to optimize their applications based on these differences. Many students don’t realize that TMDSAS recalculates every course you’ve taken, including non-traditional coursework, repeated classes, and even unique subject classifications. Knowing how TMDSAS GPA calculation works can help you identify weaknesses, strategize retakes, and improve your overall application.

How Does TMDSAS Calculate Your GPA?

TMDSAS uses a standardized GPA calculation system to evaluate all applicants fairly, regardless of their undergraduate institution. Every grade from every college-level course you have taken is included, whether from a four-year university, community college, or post-baccalaureate coursework.

Key TMDSAS GPA Factors:

• Includes ALL coursework (undergraduate, graduate, post-baccalaureate).
• Does NOT offer grade replacement for retaken courses (unlike AACOMAS).
• Breaks GPA into specific categories, including science GPA and non-science GPA.
• Applies a standardized conversion for non-traditional grading scales.

Key Takeaway: TMDSAS does not allow grade replacement for repeated courses, meaning all attempts count toward your GPA. If you’ve retaken courses to improve grades, this can impact your final TMDSAS-calculated GPA.

The Different Types of GPA TMDSAS Calculates

TMDSAS calculates and reports multiple GPA types to medical schools, including:

Overall GPA

• Includes all college-level coursework from every institution you attended.
• Even if you transferred schools, your previous coursework still counts toward your cumulative GPA.

Science GPA (BCPM GPA)

• Only includes biology, chemistry, physics, and math (BCPM) courses.
• This is one of the most important GPAs for medical school admissions, as it reflects your performance in core pre-med subjects.

Non-Science GPA

• Includes all courses outside of biology, chemistry, physics, and math.
• This can still be important—strong performance in non-science courses shows well-rounded academic ability.

Last 45 Credit Hour GPA

• TMDSAS calculates a separate GPA for your most recent 45 credit hours.
• If you had a low overall GPA but improved later in college, this can help highlight your upward trend.

Graduate/Post-Bacc GPA

• If you completed graduate or post-baccalaureate coursework, TMDSAS calculates this GPA separately from your undergraduate GPA.
• Strong post-bacc grades can help offset a lower undergraduate GPA.

Key Takeaway: TMDSAS provides multiple GPA breakdowns, which can work to your advantage if you’ve shown an upward trend or improved performance in later years.

How TMDSAS GPA Calculation Differs from AMCAS and AACOMAS

Many students assume their GPA will be calculated the same way across all medical school application systems, but this is NOT the case.

TMDSAS vs. AMCAS (MD Schools)

• AMCAS only reports Overall GPA and Science GPA. TMDSAS breaks GPA down further (e.g., Last 45 Credit Hour GPA).
• AMCAS does not calculate a separate graduate GPA. TMDSAS distinguishes undergraduate and graduate coursework separately.
• AMCAS allows applicants to categorize their own courses. TMDSAS has stricter guidelines on which courses count toward science GPA.

TMDSAS vs. AACOMAS (DO Schools)

• AACOMAS uses grade replacement (if you retake a course, only the most recent grade is counted).
• TMDSAS does NOT replace grades—all attempts are factored into your final GPA.
• AACOMAS does not calculate a separate Last 45 Credit Hour GPA like TMDSAS does.

Key Takeaway: If you are applying through multiple application systems (TMDSAS, AMCAS, AACOMAS), your GPA may look different in each. Knowing how TMDSAS recalculates grades helps you better assess your chances at Texas medical schools.

Why TMDSAS GPA Calculation Matters for Your Med School Application

Understanding how TMDSAS calculates GPA can help you plan strategically for your medical school application. Here’s why it matters:

1. A Low Overall GPA Doesn’t Mean You’re Out of the Running

• If your Overall GPA isn’t great, a strong Science GPA or Last 45 Credit Hour GPA can still make you competitive.
• Schools pay close attention to academic trends—an upward trajectory can work in your favor.

2. No Grade Replacement Means Retakes May Not Have the Same Impact

• If you retook a class expecting the new grade to replace the old one, TMDSAS will still include both attempts in your GPA calculation.
• This means your GPA won’t improve as much as it would through AACOMAS.

3. Your Science GPA Carries More Weight

• Texas medical schools emphasize the BCPM (Science) GPA, so strong performance in core pre-med subjects can outweigh lower grades in non-science classes.
• If your science GPA is low, consider taking extra upper-level biology or chemistry courses to boost it.

4. Post-Bacc and Graduate Coursework Can Help Offset a Lower Undergrad GPA

• Since TMDSAS separates graduate coursework GPA, excelling in a post-baccalaureate or master’s program can help make up for weaker undergraduate performance.
• If you’re applying with a lower undergrad GPA, strong recent coursework can prove academic improvement.

Key Takeaway: Your TMDSAS GPA isn’t just a single number—understanding how different GPAs are calculated allows you to highlight your strengths and mitigate weaknesses.

How to Improve Your TMDSAS GPA Before Applying

If your GPA is lower than you’d like, there are still ways to improve your competitiveness:

Take Additional Upper-Level Science Courses

• Focus on biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses to boost your Science GPA.
• Strong performance in upper-level courses can demonstrate your readiness for medical school coursework.

Do Well in Post-Bacc or Master’s Programs

• If your undergrad GPA is weak, a strong graduate GPA can help balance your application.
• Many applicants pursue post-bacc programs specifically to improve their academic record.

Apply Early

• TMDSAS follows rolling admissions, so applying early increases your chances of acceptance.

Consider the Last 45 Credit Hour GPA

• If your early undergraduate years were weak, strong recent coursework can still make a big difference.

Key Takeaway: A strong performance in recent coursework, science-heavy classes, and post-bacc programs can improve your overall academic profile.

Understanding and Maximizing Your TMDSAS GPA

Applying to Texas medical schools means understanding how TMDSAS calculates GPA differently. While a lower GPA might seem like a disadvantage, TMDSAS provides multiple GPA categories that can highlight an upward trend or strong science coursework.

• TMDSAS does not replace grades—every attempt counts toward your GPA.
• Your Science GPA (BCPM) is one of the most critical factors in admissions.
• The Last 45 Credit Hour GPA can help applicants who showed improvement in later years.
• A strong post-bacc or graduate GPA can offset a weaker undergraduate record.
• Applying early gives you the best chance at Texas medical schools due to rolling admissions.