TTUHSC El Paso (Foster)

Paul L. Foster School of Medicine Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at El Paso El Paso, TX · Public · MD

Average MCAT: 509
Average GPA: 3.84
Class size: 130 (4,814 applicants)
Tuition: $36,435 (per year, nonresident)
Out-of-state applicants: Limited

Deadlines

AMCAS deadline: Oct. 1, 2026
Secondary deadline: Dec. 1, 2026

Essays

Essay 1: mission and the border (300 words)

“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.

Essay 2: honor code (300 words)

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.

Essay 3: unique experiences or disadvantage (300 words)

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

Editor's notes

The border is the whole point here, and all three secondary essays give you room to show it. Spanish helps: the school names conversational Spanish as an advantage and builds language immersion into the curriculum. If you speak it, make that visible in TMDSAS. If you're learning it, say how.
Foster interviewed 656 of 4,814 applicants for 130 seats in EY2025. The interviewees averaged a 513 MCAT against 509 for the entering class, so the interview is where decisions get made. Take Casper early; without a score on file you can't be considered for an interview at all.
The secondary stays open until Dec. 1, but interviews start July 1 and pre-match offers begin Oct. 15. A late secondary is allowed. It isn't smart. Submit within two weeks of the invitation.
More than half of the 2025 class matched in Texas and 51% went into primary care. If your goals point toward community or primary care practice in Texas, say so plainly; it fits the school's record.