Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine Application Guide

Statistics

To summarize, listed below are the most important academic statistics for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine applicants:

Average GPA:

3.93

Average MCAT:

514

Competitiveness:

Moderately Competitive

Note: Competitiveness is assessed based on the school's acceptance rate, average MCAT, and average GPA.

Tuition

Affording medical school can be tough, often requiring students to take on significant loans. Information about the yearly tuition for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is below.

In-State Tuition:

$21000

Out-of-State Tuition:

$36000

For more information about tuition at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, visit the following link: https://www.elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/fiscal/businessaffairs/studentbusserv/resources/tuition-and-fee-estimates/plfsom.aspx#:~:text=Total%20Estimated%20Tuition%20and%20Fees%20%2421%2C483.80%20%2436%2C434.80%20This,books%20and%20other%20personal%20expenses%20are%20not%20included.

Friendliness

Some schools prefer in-state candidates, while others are more receptive to out-of-state or international applicants. View our school "friendliness" scores for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine below:

IN-STATE

In-State Friendliness:

Very Friendly

OUT-OF-STATE

Accepts Out-of-State:

Yes

Out-of-State Friendliness:

Neutral

INTERNATIONAL

Accepts Canadian:

No

Accepts International:

No

International Friendliness:

Not Friendly

Note: Most schools will be labelled "Neutral" for In-State Friendlines because they don't have a strong bias for in-state applicants compared to out-of-state applicants. In other words, we believe these schools view In-State and Out-State applicants more or less equally. Schools labelled as "Out-of-State Friendly / Very Friendly" have a high proportion of their class filled with Out-of-State applicants.

Mission Statement

It is always important to read and understand a medical school's mission statement before applying. Often, you will find out what the medical school stands for, and if you fit in with the general "vibe" of the medical school. However, being honest, most medical schools have the same run-of-the-mill mission statement as everybody else. Anyways, you can be the judge. Below you can find the mission statement for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine:

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine Mission Statement:

The mission of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is to provide exceptional educational and development opportunities for our diverse learning community, advance knowledge through research and innovation, and serve the needs of our border region and beyond

For more information on the mission statement for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, visit the following link: https://ttuhscep.edu/som/_documents/PLFSOM_Strategic_Plan_2021-2026rev30DEC2021.pdf#:~:text=The%20mission%20of%20the%20Texas%20Tech%20University%20Health,the%20needs%20of%20our%20border%20region%20and%20beyond.

Situational Judgement Tests

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine does not require the completion of either the CASPer® nor the AAMC PREview™ examinations.

CASPer®:

Yes

AAMC PREview™:

No

Dates, Deadlines, and Fees

Throughout your application cycle, there are many dates to be cognizant of in order to ensure the successful completion of your application.

Primary Application Deadline:

November 1

Secondary Application Deadline:

Dec 1

Secondary Application Fee:

$60

Note: The primary application deadline refers to when your primary application (i.e., the initial AMCAS/AACOMAS/TMDSAS application) needs to be completed. Please be aware that there are processing times associated with primary applications—for instance, there can be a several week processing time associated with verifying your acadmic transcripts when initially submitting the AMCAS application. Upon receipt of the primary application, most schools will then shortly send you a secondary application with targeted essay questions relevant to the specific school.

The secondary application deadline is the final day for all your application materials to be together, which includes submitting the secondary essays, all letters of recommendation, all test scores, etc. Sometimes, schools may have earlier deadlines for letters of recommendation. However, note that for the vast majority of schools it is best to submit your secondary application as soon as possible: within 2 weeks of receiving the secondary application is a good rule-of-thumb.

Below are some other helpful dates:

Interview Cycle Start:

Aug

Interview Cycle End:

Jan

Prerequisite Courses

Most schools have a list of prerequisite courses that you need to have completed before matriculating. View information provided for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine below:

Interpreting Semester Hours

Typically,

3 Semester Hours = A single semester-long course = 1 or 2 quarters

4 Semester Hours = A single semester-long course + associated lab unit

6 Semester Hours = Two semester-long courses = 3 quarters

8 Semester Hours = Two semester-long courses + two associated lab units

PHYSICS

Semester Hours:

8

Lab?

Required

CHEMISTRY

GenChem = General Chemistry

OChem = Organic Chemistry

Biochem = Biochemistry

GenChem Semester Hours:

8

GenChem Lab?

Required

OChem Semester Hours:

8

OChem Lab?

Required

Biochem Semester Hours:

3

Biochem Lab?

Not Required

The required 3 semester hours of biochemistry may be used towards fulfilling the general biology or general chemistry requirement.

BIOLOGY

GenBio = General Biology

HL Bio = Higher Level Biology

GenBio Semester Hours:

14

GenBio Lab?

Required

HL Bio Semester Hours:

HL Bio Lab?

Not Required

Coursework in immunology, genetics and cellular/molecular biology is strongly encouraged.

HUMANITIES & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

Semester Hours:

Humanities, social sciences, or behavioral sciences are recommended.

ENGLISH/WRITING

Semester Hours:

6

Competence in spoken and written English will be necessary

MATHEMATICS/STATISTICS

Mathematics Semester Hours:

Statistics Semester Hours:

3

OTHER REQUIRED COURSES

OTHER RECOMMENDED COURSES

Proficiency in Spanish is recommended.

SOURCE: https://elpaso.ttuhsc.edu/som/admissions/requirements.aspx

Special Programs

Many schools have dual-degree programs for motivated applicants. View the ones offered at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine below:

MD+PhD (MSTP - Medical Scientist Training Program):

MD+MPH (Public Health):

Yes

MD+MBA (Business, Healthcare Administration):

Yes

MD+JD (Law):

MD+MA (Master of Arts):

MD+MS (Master of Science):

Contact Information

View contact information (phone and email) available to contact Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine below:

CONTACT #1

Title:

E-mail:

fostersom.admissions@ttuhsc.edu

Phone:

CONTACT #2

Title:

E-mail:

Phone:

Secondary Application Essay Prompts

Below are the past secondary (supplemental) application essay prompts for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine.

The mission of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is to provide an outstanding education and development opportunities for a diverse group of students, residents, faculty, and staff; advance knowledge through innovation and research; and serve the needs of our socially and culturally diverse communities and region.” Recognizing the components of this mission and that PLFSOM is located on the US/Mexico border, please describe why you are interested in applying to our school. (300 words or less)

The Foster SOM student honor code states “In my capacity as a Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso School of Medicine medical student, I will uphold the dignity of the medical profession. I will, to the best of my ability, avoid actions which might result in harm to my patients. I will protect the dignity of my patients and the deceased, and will protect their confidential information in accordance with the prevailing standards of medical practice. I will not lie, cheat, or steal. I will enter into professional relationships with my colleagues, teachers, and other health care professionals in a manner that is respectful and reflective of the high standards and expectations of my profession. I will not tolerate violations of this Code by others and will report such violations to the appropriate authorities.” Please describe past experiences or personal attributes that reflect your affinity with this honor code. (300 words or less)

Please describe any unique personal experiences or disadvantage (educational, financial or otherwise) and their significance to you in your pursuit of a medical degree. (300 words or less)

Interview Questions

Below are common interview questions that you might encounter on your important day for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine.

How would you handle a situation where a patient's family requested that you withhold information from the patient?

Tell me about yourself.

What would you do if a young adult patient no longer wanted treatment, but their family insisted on it?

Explain your understanding of medical ethics.

What is your opinion on the current state of healthcare and the problems it faces?

What do you enjoy doing for fun?

Would you report a medical mistake if asked to keep it quiet?

What is the last book you read?

Why do you think many scientists are involved in the arts?

How would you handle a pregnant patient who admits to using drugs and alcohol?

Where do you see yourself in the healthcare field in 10 years? How do you perceive the future of healthcare?

(If applicable) What have you learned from being an EMT?

Explain your knowledge of HIV.

What would you do if patients refused the HPV vaccine?

Why do you want to be a doctor?

How well do you understand healthcare as a whole?

How do you feel about major social issues in your state or country?

Describe someone who has had a significant impact on your life, and how they influenced you.

What qualities do you believe a good friend or colleague would say you possess?

(If applicable) Are you familiar with the city of El Paso?

How do you know you can handle medical school?

What do you believe are the five most significant discoveries in medicine?

What are your strengths and weaknesses?

What are your thoughts on healthcare legislation such as the Affordable Care Act?

Describe a situation where you demonstrated leadership.

What do you believe are some of the biggest challenges in healthcare today?

(If applicable) Can you tell me about a challenging patient encounter you've had in a clinical setting?

Describe your thoughts on healthcare reform.

How do you manage stress?

Why are you interested in this particular medical school?

(If applicable) How would you address any academic shortcomings to the admissions board?

If there was one thing you wanted the admissions committee to know about you, what would it be?

(If applicable) Tell me about your previous research experience.

Describe a difficult decision you've had to make.

How do you handle disagreements or conflicts with colleagues or superiors?

How do you keep yourself updated on medical advancements and news?

Describe an experience where you had to work in a diverse team. What did you learn?

What is your understanding of patient confidentiality?

How do you handle situations where your personal beliefs might conflict with your professional duties?

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHC) Paul L. Foster School of Medicine

Statistics

Students Who Got In, Helping You Get In

Tuition

Friendliness

IN-STATE

OUT-OF-STATE

INTERNATIONAL

Mission Statement

Situational Judgement Tests

CASPer® Question Bank

AAMC PREview™ Question Bank

Dates, Deadlines, and Fees

Medical School Interview Question Bank

Prerequisite Courses

PHYSICS

CHEMISTRY

BIOLOGY

HUMANITIES & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

ENGLISH/WRITING

MATHEMATICS/STATISTICS

OTHER REQUIRED COURSES

OTHER RECOMMENDED COURSES

Special Programs

Contact Information

CONTACT #1

CONTACT #2

Secondary Application Essay Prompts

Interview Questions