When applying to medical school, most students are familiar with AMCAS (for MD schools) and AACOMAS (for DO schools). However, if you're interested in Texas medical schools, you’ll notice something different—most public medical schools in Texas don’t use AMCAS or AACOMAS. Instead, they have their own centralized system: TMDSAS (Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service).

At AcceptMed, we help students navigate the differences between TMDSAS, AMCAS, and AACOMAS to ensure they make the best choices when applying to medical school. Many students wonder if they should apply through TMDSAS, whether they are Texas residents or out-of-state applicants looking for affordable tuition options.

What Is TMDSAS and How Does It Work?

TMDSAS is the centralized application system for public medical schools in Texas. If you’re applying to any of the state-funded MD or DO programs, you must apply through TMDSAS instead of AMCAS or AACOMAS.

Texas medical schools that use TMDSAS include:

• Long School of Medicine (UT Health San Antonio)
• McGovern Medical School (UTHealth)
• Texas A&M College of Medicine
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
• University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)
• University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
• University of North Texas Health Science Center – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)
• Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (DO)

Texas medical schools that do NOT use TMDSAS (use AMCAS instead):

• Baylor College of Medicine
• TCU School of Medicine
• University of Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine

If you want to apply to both Texas and non-Texas medical schools, you may need to submit separate applications through TMDSAS and AMCAS or AACOMAS.

Key Takeaway: If you plan to apply to public medical schools in Texas, you MUST use TMDSAS.

How Is TMDSAS Different from AMCAS and AACOMAS?

TMDSAS has several key differences compared to AMCAS (MD schools nationwide) and AACOMAS (DO schools nationwide). These differences impact fees, essays, deadlines, and how applicants are selected.

Lower Application Fees

• TMDSAS charges a flat fee of $200, regardless of how many schools you apply to.
• AMCAS charges $175 for the first school and $45 per additional school, making TMDSAS a much cheaper option if you’re applying to multiple schools.

Unique Essays

• Personal Statement (5,000 characters): Shorter than AMCAS’s 5,300-character limit but similar in purpose.
• Personal Characteristics Essay (2,500 characters): Explores your background, diversity, and unique experiences. This is NOT required in AMCAS or AACOMAS.
• Optional Essay (2,500 characters): Used to explain weaknesses, gaps, or special circumstances in your application.

Texas Residency Advantage

• 90% of seats at public Texas medical schools are reserved for Texas residents.
• Out-of-state applicants face much tougher competition.

Texas Match System

• TMDSAS uses a ranking and match system similar to residency applications.
• Applicants rank their top-choice schools, and the system matches them based on school rankings and interview performance.

Key Takeaway: TMDSAS has different essay requirements, a unique ranking system, and a strong preference for Texas residents.

Who Should Apply Through TMDSAS?

While TMDSAS is required for Texas public schools, not every applicant should apply through this system. Here’s who benefits the most:

Texas Residents

• Texas residents have a major advantage because they receive priority consideration for admission.
• TMDSAS tuition rates are significantly lower than most medical schools in the U.S.

Students Looking for Affordable Medical School Options

• Texas medical schools offer some of the lowest tuition rates in the country, making them an attractive option for budget-conscious applicants.

Students Interested in Osteopathic Medicine

• Texas has two strong DO schools (TCOM and Sam Houston State) that use TMDSAS instead of AACOMAS.
• If you’re considering osteopathic medicine, you can apply to both MD and DO schools using TMDSAS.

Key Takeaway: If you are a Texas resident or looking for affordable tuition, TMDSAS is one of the best application systems to use.

Should Out-of-State Students Apply to TMDSAS?

Texas medical schools strongly prefer in-state students, but out-of-state applicants can apply. However, there are a few things to consider:

Out-of-State Acceptance Rates Are Much Lower

• Only 10% of seats at Texas public medical schools are available for non-residents.
• This means out-of-state applicants face stiff competition and need exceptional stats and experiences.

Some Texas Schools Are More Out-of-State Friendly

• Schools like UT Southwestern and Long School of Medicine are known for accepting more out-of-state students than others.
• Check school-specific residency data before applying.

Key Takeaway: Out-of-state students can apply, but competition is much higher. It’s only worth it if you have a strong application and are seriously interested in attending a Texas school.

How to Strengthen Your TMDSAS Application

If you’re applying through TMDSAS, here’s how to make your application stand out:

Apply Early

• TMDSAS follows rolling admissions, so the earlier you apply, the better.
• Submit your primary application by May or early June for the best chances.

Tailor Your Personal Characteristics Essay

• Texas schools value diversity, leadership, and community service—highlight these qualities in your essay.
• Make sure to explain how your background and experiences align with Texas medical schools’ missions.

Rank Your Schools Strategically

• Since TMDSAS has a match system, you need to be careful about how you rank schools.
• Only rank schools where you would actually attend if accepted.

Get Strong Letters of Recommendation

• TMDSAS allows individual letters or a committee letter, but strong letters from science professors and physicians are essential.
• If possible, get a letter from a doctor practicing in Texas to show a commitment to the state’s healthcare system.

Key Takeaway: Apply early, craft a strong Personal Characteristics Essay, and rank schools wisely to maximize your chances.

Is TMDSAS Right for You?

TMDSAS is a unique system that offers advantages to Texas residents and students looking for affordable tuition options. However, out-of-state applicants should apply strategically, as competition is high for non-residents.

• TMDSAS is required for public Texas medical schools—AMCAS is not an option.
• Texas residents receive priority admissions and lower tuition.
• Out-of-state applicants face more competition but can still apply.
• The Texas Match system means applicants must carefully rank their preferred schools.
• Applying early is critical due to rolling admissions.