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US Medicine · 2027 Entry

University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (MD) Medical School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Dallas, TX, United StatesEstablished 1943Interviews September–FebruaryDecisions March 30 (TMDSAS match)
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How to get into University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (MD) medicine

Step-by-step: entry requirements, MCAT prep, personal statement, interview format and the key deadlines.

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Interview guide

Prepare for the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (MD) interview

Format breakdown, school-specific sample questions, FAQs and prep tips from tutors who interviewed here.

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Overview

About University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (MD)

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, based in Dallas, is a flagship public research university medical school ranked consistently among the top tier of US programs. Founded in 1943, UTSW trains physicians and physician-scientists across MD, MD-PhD, and combined-degree tracks. Its affiliated hospitals — including UT Southwestern Medical Center and Parkland Memorial Hospital — provide exposure to high-acuity, high-diversity patient populations. The school participates in the TMDSAS system and reserves the large majority of seats for Texas residents.

What makes it different

UT Southwestern boasts one of the highest Nobel laureate concentrations of any US medical school and is among the most research-intensive institutions in the country. The school has a strong MD-PhD program (MSTP) funded by the NIH. Dallas's large and diverse metropolitan healthcare system provides exceptional clinical training breadth. Tuition is among the lowest for a research-intensive school owing to Texas public funding.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year MD. Preclinical years blend organ-system instruction with early patient contact. Core clerkships at Parkland Memorial, UT Southwestern Medical Center, and Children's Medical Center Dallas. A longitudinal scholarly activity requirement encourages research or community health projects through all four years.

Research strengths

University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (MD) has notable research strength in Molecular biology and biochemistry, Cancer biology, Neurodegenerative disease, Cardiovascular disease, Structural biology.

Interview

University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (MD) interviews via Traditional one-on-one or panel interviews (in-person or virtual). UT Southwestern conducts traditional one-on-one interviews, typically two sessions with faculty, clinicians, or senior students. Each session runs approximately 30 minutes; the full interview day includes campus tours, information sessions, and lunch with current students. Interviewers review the application in advance and ask both behavioral and situational questions. The day emphasizes research potential alongside clinical motivation.

Intake

Approximately 230 students per year.

At a glance

Founded in 1943, based in Dallas, TX. Programmes offered: Biomedical Research, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology.

Entry requirements

What you need to apply to University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (MD)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and MCAT required. Applied via TMDSAS; Texas residency strongly preferred. Strong research background highly valued — UTSW actively recruits future physician-scientists. Secondary application required. MD-PhD applicants should contact the MSTP program separately.
MCAT median
517 (range 511–522)
GPA median
3.86 overall / 3.83 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
4.0%
Class size
230
In-state preference
Strong — primarily in-state
In-state matriculants
90%
CASPer
Required
AAMC PREview
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Research potential, academic excellence, clinical exposure, and leadership in scientific or community settings.
Notes
Estimates from public AAMC FACTS / TMDSAS class-profile data; verify current cycle. TMDSAS application; strong Texas resident preference.
Specialities offered
Biomedical Research, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Neuroscience, Molecular Biology
Interview

How University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (MD) interviews applicants

Format
Traditional one-on-one or panel interviews (in-person or virtual)
Interview window
September–February
Decision date
March 30 (TMDSAS match)
Post-interview chances
Post-interview acceptance estimated at 20–35%; research experience and Texas residency are significant selection factors.
Tutor insight
UTSW values research potential extremely highly — applicants without substantive lab or scholarly experience will face a significant disadvantage even if clinical credentials are strong. Prepare a clear narrative of each research project, including methods, findings, and your specific intellectual contributions. Parkland Memorial Hospital provides exposure to one of the country's largest safety-net hospital systems; demonstrate an understanding of health disparities in your personal statement. TMDSAS requires applicants to understand the match process and rank orders carefully.
Practice

Practise for your University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (MD) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank621 medicine questions inside

Interview questions matched to University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (MD)

Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for University of Texas Southwestern Medical School (MD)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

EasyPanelQ1

AAMC Core Competency: Reliability and Dependability

Your anatomy lab partner consistently comes to sessions unprepared, does not complete the assigned reading, and relies on you to carry the practical component. You have tried dropping hints, but nothing has changed. The midterm practical is in two weeks. How do you handle this situation, and what does reliability mean in a future clinical context?

Likely follow-up · How do you have a direct, constructive conversation with a peer about their underperformance without damaging the relationship?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
EasyPanelQ2

AAMC Core Competency: Reliability and Dependability

The AAMC includes Reliability and Dependability among its Professional (formerly Intrapersonal) competencies, noting that medical students and physicians must consistently follow through on commitments to colleagues, supervisors, and patients. Describe a time when you made a commitment that became significantly harder to keep than you anticipated, and explain what you did and what you learned about yourself.

Likely follow-up · How do you prioritise when multiple genuine commitments conflict and you cannot fully meet all of them?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
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FAQ

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