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Apply to SHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine

Everything you need to know about applying to SHSU-COM, from timelines to requirements to tips for standing out.
Student doctors in a birthing simulation lecture

Steps to Apply

To be considered, applicants must complete all application steps. SHSU-COM uses a mission-driven, holistic review that balances academics, experiences, attributes, and contributions.

  • Apply online through Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS).
  • Submit the following:
    • $230 non-refundable application fee
    • Letters of evaluation or Health Professions Evaluation (due by Oct. 15)
    • Official MCAT scores
    • Coursework details (completed and in-progress)
    • Official transcripts (required after acceptance)
  • You’ll receive an invitation to complete your required SHSU-COM supplemental application once your TMDSAS application is received
  • $75 non-refundable fee (credit card only)
Note: there are no fee waivers available
  • All assessments are required for all applicants
  • Visit the Acuity Insights website to register for the following assessments:
    • Casper: 90–110-minute situational judgement test
    • Duet: 15-minute value alignment assessment
  • May 1: TMDSAS application opens
  • May 15: SHSU-COM supplemental application opens
  • July/August: Interviews begin
  • October 1: TMDSAS application deadline (5 p.m. CST)
  • October 15: TMDSAS pre-match offer period begins
  • December 1: SHSU-COM supplemental application deadline (5 p.m. CST)
  • January 31: TMDSAS pre-match offer period ends (11:59 p.m. CST)
  • February: TMDSAS match results released
  • April 30: Multiple-offer deadline for applicants

Note: Applicants must submit both the supplemental application and Acuity assessments to be considered for an interview.

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Tips for first-time and returning applicants

  • Apply early: Submitting a complete application early increases your chances of securing an interview before the majority of the interview spots are filled.
  • Understand osteopathic medicine: You are encouraged to have at least some reasonable knowledge of the tenets and practice of osteopathic medicine. Do your research, attend info sessions, or shadow a D.O.
  • Write a strong personal statement: Be authentic, organized, and clear about your motivations. While there’s not a template for what should be included, you should be able to express your “why” behind wanting to enter the medical profession in an organized and meaningful manner.
  • Update if reapplying: The Admissions Committee expects improvement on your application as a reapplicant. Please do not submit the same answers to your essays from a previous application. Show growth and address improvements since your previous application. On the TMDSAS application, there is space to answer what you have done to improve your application from the previous cycle. Do not leave this question blank. If you do not have anything to add, please consider whether you should take additional time to continue improving your application.
  • Be honest: Accuracy and integrity are essential. Misrepresentation may result in being removed from consideration.
  • Retake the MCAT if needed: While there is no minimum score, competitive applicants may benefit from retaking a low score if you know it is lower than those who are normally admitted.
  • Complete all prerequisites: Prerequisite coursework is required. Online coursework is accepted. There is no option to waive or substitute prerequisites, so ensure you demonstrate on your application that they will be completed, if they are not already.
  • Minimize withdrawals: Excessive drops can reflect poorly on your academic readiness. There are no opportunities to drop or withdraw from individual courses at SHSU-COM. It is a negative attribute for an application to have more than three drops or repeated courses.
  • Stay involved: Continue community and healthcare-related service after graduation. It is our perspective that medicine is a profession of service and we look to find those who continue to engage themselves in these activities.
  • Prepare for interviews: Practice answering questions, seek mock interviews, and work on communication skills ahead of your medical school interviews so that you are able to put your best foot forward and overcome any anxiety you may experience otherwise.