At some point in history, someone must have stated that every South Asian male must attempt to pursue medicine in their lives. Unfortunately, the intentions behind this were rooted in materialistic wealth rather than upholding the noble reputation of the profession.
“If you’re a doctor in this country [United States], you’re set for life!”
The number of times I’ve heard this circulating amongst parents is ridiculous. If anything, becoming a doctor is far less appealing than ever. Sure the salary, honor and responsibilities of being a physician are widely respected; however, the amount of education and training (not to mention expenses) associated with achieving such a status are borderline inconceivable.
Fortunately, my ambition was sparked at a very early age unbiased by thoughts of money or glory. I found myself genuinely interested in the career by my dad’s stories as a medical technologist and mother’s nursing school textbooks. From that day, I chose to focus most of my time on activities worthy of applying towards medicine - studying the natural sciences, taking an interest in technology, and participating in research. Throughout my education, I’ve strived to attain success in all the aforementioned activities, trying to remain focused with my ultimate goal of medicine at the forefront.
So why do I want to be a doctor? Well, specifically, why do I want to be a neurosurgeon? Because it’s the only profession which will utilize all of my abilities, knowledge, and patience to the fullest extent. Because it’s one of the few professions which everyone, regardless of age, gender, and ethnicity, is in need of. Because all the other fields I’ve participated in require a set of skills which are not conducive towards my own.
This is why I want to be a doctor.
Application Services
I wanted to share my experiences from applying to Texas medical schools with those who aspire to follow the same journey. Hopefully they will help you make wiser decisions regarding the overall process and help clarify some ambiguities along the way. First, all the Texas medical schools (except for Baylor College of Medicine) take part in a common application service known as the TMDSAS. These schools are as follows:
- University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston (UTMB)
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston (UTH)
- University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio (UTSA)
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas (UTSW)
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso
- Texas A&M Health Sciences Center in College Station
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) in Fort Worth
Baylor College of Medicine uses a separate application service known as the AMCAS. I applied to BCM as well as UTMB, UTSA, UTSW, and UTH.
My Timeline
It’s a well known fact that the early applicants get the early interviews (and therefore, the acceptance letters). Knowing this, I attempted to finish everything as early as possible. I now realize there were things I should have done a little differently to streamline the process even more.
Application for 2009 Enrollment
(View in timeline format)
May |
5/1 | TMDSAS opens. | ||||
| 5/12 | TMDSAS submitted and transcript requested from undergrad. | |||||
| 5/16 | TMDSAS receives transcript. | |||||
| 5/18 | MCAT score is posted online. | |||||
| 5/23 | MCAT scores are electronically released to TMDSAS. $115 fee is mailed along with passport photos and certification page to TMDSAS. | |||||
| 5/27 | TMDSAS receives certification page, fees, and photos. | |||||
June |
6/4 | AMCAS opens for application submission. | ||||
| 6/5 | AMCAS submitted ($160 fee) and transcript requested from undergrad. | |||||
| 6/13 | Committee letter mailed to TMDSAS and AMCAS. | |||||
| 6/19 | AMCAS receives transcript. | |||||
| 6/25 | TMDSAS receives committee letter. TMDSAS is now complete. | |||||
July |
7/1 | Baylor’s secondary app is posted online. I completed and submitted it the same day ($80 Paypal fee). | ||||
| 7/8 | AMCAS receives committee letter. AMCAS is now complete. | |||||
| 7/24 | UT Southwestern’s secondary app is posted online. I completed and submitted it the same day (no fee). |
Based on the timeline above, there are several things which I’m glad I did:
- Finished my personal statement before the applications went online.
- Already knew which schools I was going to apply to.
- Submitted my secondary applications the day they were posted.
- Ensured that I was first in line to have my recommendation letter compiled and mailed out.
- Followed up with all the schools after my initial processing was completed.
- Send your transcripts to TMDSAS/AMCAS as soon as you have an account number (even though you’re still working on your actual application)
- Get around ten passport-sized photos before May.
- If possible, take the MCAT early. This will prevent you from receiving your score after TMDSAS has already opened.
By implementing the aforementioned list of improvements, I could have been faster in having my initial processing completed. For those who don’t know, medical schools begin receiving applications only after the initial processing has been completed. Therefore, earlier should be better. With a 4.0 GPA and overall MCAT score in the 90th+ percentile (view my vita), I was still able to get some early interview slots. In other words, my timeline above could have been streamlined a little more, but it wouldn’t have really made a difference. The additional time allowed me to double check my applications for errors, revise my personal statement, etc.
Interviews
| Medical Institute | Interview Invite | Interview | Acceptance |
| Baylor College of Medicine in Houston | August 22 | October 17 ¹ | — |
| University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston | …waiting… | — | — |
| University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio | July 24 | August 11 | — |
| University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston | July 2 | August 8 | November 14 |
| University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas | August 8 | September 13 | — |
| ¹Rescheduled from 9/19 to 10/17 due to Hurricane Ike |
Here are some posts which summarize my thoughts after each interview.
- University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston
- University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio
- University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas
- Baylor College of Medicine in Houston
I read your section on the med. school application process, and it is definitely informative. Although I am not applying to med. schools initially, this is also useful for P.A. schools as well. Med. school is a foresight into the future after working as a P.A.; of course, I like to call it, the step-by-step approach. I’ve been shadowing a couple of docs over the summer, and I will continue this during the semester. How do you think these schools will see recommendation letters from these two doctors? I would be interested in finding out how much of a boost it would give your application. I hope you’re doing well, and wish you the best of luck. By the way, we started SAACS, and Ricki is the Historian. Milin is the President, and Aaron is Vice-Pres. So far so good. Let me know how you’re doing.
back to top
Great question, Brad. Though I can only speak with reference to my experiences in applying to medical school, I’m sure the advice may be universally applicable. It’s great to hear that you’ve already thrown yourself into the career by shadowing some doctors. On top of that, you’ve shown more than one way that you do indeed have a genuine interest for the sciences *cough-Facebook-videos-cough.*
In my humble opinion (and remember, I’m not a dean of admissions), the letters of recommendation don’t have as much of an influence on receiving an acceptance as “numbers” (GPA, admissions tests, etc.) Sure, the fact that you’ll have evaluations from two very credible/professional sources makes you even more unique as an applicant (definitely a good thing), but I wouldn’t use that as the sole factor in making you stand out. The shadowing experiences themselves will allow you to speak volumes during your interview and in your personal statement, so use that as a cornerstone in your application process. Best of luck, buddy, and thanks for the post!
back to top
Rishi, you are so awesome. Reading about your interviews, makes me nervous. I feel like I have a lot to do. Oh well, it’ll be done with, eventually.
back to top
Honestly, from first hand experience, the last thing you should feel is “nervous” about interviewing. Remember, to receive an interview is to have already met the academic requirements for medical school. You’ll have a lot of stuff to talk about (AED, tennis, etc.), so take pride in that. You’ll find that the interview experience is far less stressful than most people expect.
back to top
Hey Whats up Rishi! Glad to visit your site. It’s awesome! You have a pretty good collection of everything here. Site is very helpful! I wanted to talk about something. I know you had 4.0, but what did you get on your MCATs (give me a break down if possible)? As you know, I have just transferred to HBU. Right now, I have a 3.7 GPA and scoring about 19 on MCAT (this is before taking O chem I and II and Physics I and II, I took that test in freshmen year), I’ve done research in BCM and I have scrubbed into surgeries at Memorial Hermann for two summers. I have many community leaderships, but I still panic when I think about Med Schools. Is there anything I need to keep in mind or ANYTHING that you can tell me that I can do to improve myself as a better candidate for med school admissions. Also, I want to score 32+ on MCAT, so are there any tips that you have for me to help score better on MCATs. Overall, is there anything I need to do before I start the application process? I mean, looking at you, I feel like I am not even close to being a good candidate, you had zillions of activities, and I have like 3. Any advice would help. Thanks bro and stay in touch! ** you should visit HBU more often ** =)
Regards,
Danish Ali
back to top
Hey Danish, thanks for the kind words regarding the site. I sent you the information you requested, but in general, you should really focus on your MCAT. Keep in mind that having a 4.0 from HBU is different than having a 4.0 from Harvard, but having a 35 on the MCAT is universally accepted as a sign of academic ability. In other words, since you have some time before you take it, focus on preparing for the verbal section. I can’t stress this enough. It’s the hardest section, by far, and unfortunately the most difficult to prepare for. I don’t care what people say about there being “strategies.” From my experience, the best strategy is the one that you devise… and that takes some time. Extra-curricular opportunities will begin to open up as you advance at HBU, and you’ve already got some fantastic items for your vita. If there was ever an exam which “determines the rest of your life”, the MCAT, quite literally, is just that. Best of luck!
back to top
I must say though, one thing about being an English major, is that the Verbal Section doesn’t seem as intimidating. Reading critically is something that is developed over time, not in 1-3 months like most people taking the MCAT. That is something I have learned, that most people that are premeds just focus entirely on Bio and Chemistry or Bio and Psychology. I would recommend students at HBU to try the English major. Reading “tough” literature has helped me considerably on practice tests. Sure, an English major sounds rather weak and less impressive than a double major in science, but if you are looking to get into med school, an English major will help a lot for the MCAT. The thing is, most science students aren’t very attracted to reading Virgil, Homer, Plato, Dante, Goethe, and the other difficult but rewarding literature. English will not only help for the Verbal, but also for the writing sample. That is killing two birds with one stone.
back to top
Great point Oscar! But actually, being an English major would give you a slight advantage in conveying a holistic education. Medical schools receive thousands of applications from science majors, so having some other major would make you more unique. On the down side, studying for the MCAT is easier if you’re a double science major.
Furthermore, you’re right about the rigors of pursuing an English major. I dislike reading in general, and therefore suffered on the verbal section. I can probably attribute my success on the writing section to… well… I don’t know… maybe blogging. 
So the three month countdown is on its way down for you. Good luck!
back to top
Congrats, dear friend, congrats.
back to top
I received an pre-match acceptance offer from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston today.
I’m going to be a doctor! Hopefully, the next month will offer more acceptances.
back to top
CONGRAT dear friend, This world need more people like you. Rishi I have a feeling you are going to change this world.
back to top
I thought they were laying off workers! LOL
Congratulations sir!
I’m sure others will give you a holler as well!
If you know what I mean…
back to top
Is this process completely random or what?
back to top
In your humble opinion, what do you think UTSA and UTSW are thinking? Do you think you’re overqualified or underqualified?
If I had to guess as to the results of the prematch decisions, I would say that the adcoms have been stalking you and they know you have your heart set on only one school, Rice College of Medicine.
back to top
I wouldn’t say it’s *completely* random, but to a certain degree, there are factors out of an applicant’s control which drastically influence whether or not they’re accepted (for example, ethnicity). As far as being qualified for certain schools, I have a few friends who got into UTSW who are just as qualified as I am. They too have their eyes set on BCM, but I guess time will tell where we all end up. In all honesty, I’m rather disappointed in not being pre-matched to UTSW, but my hopes for BCM are still alive, so I’ll remain optimistic.
There’s no sure way to know whether UTSA and UTSW consider me “below” or “above” the expected framework of their students. I just gotta convince myself that I’m fortunate to have received an acceptance from a great, mainland MD school. Thousands of others did not, and for their sake, I should be proud of this accomplishment. 
back to top
Hi, I’m ncpheartsyou on SDN and just saw your link when reading through the TX thread and thought I’d say hi. Your blog is neat. Do you think you would go for UTMB over UTHSCSA? I know you like UTSW more but just thought I’d throw that question out there…
back to top
Hey Natalie! Thanks for the comment! In short, I would definitely take UTMB over UTHSCSA because a four letter acronym is easier to memorize.
Personally, I like UTMB’s program and facilities (yes, even after Ike) more than SA. Also, being a Houstonian, Galveston is closer to home than SA. Truth be told, the fact that UTMB is on an island is also appealing. 
If I were pre-dent, I’d take SA in a heart beat; however, as a pre-med, UTMB is my pick.
back to top