UTHSC (Tennessee)

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine Memphis, TN · Public · MD

Average MCAT: 511
Average GPA: 3.86
Class size: 181 (2,798 applicants)
Tuition: $58,020 (per year, nonresident)
Out-of-state applicants: Limited

Deadlines

AMCAS deadline: Oct. 15, 2026
Secondary deadline: Within 14 days of the secondary invitation

Essays

Patient with different beliefs (3,000 characters)

Imagine you are a medical student in a clinic and encounter a patient whose cultural background and beliefs differ significantly from your own. The patient is hesitant about a treatment plan that is standard practice but conflicts with their personal beliefs. How would you approach this situation to ensure the patient feels heard and respected while also providing the best possible care.

Additional information (500 characters)

(Optional) Any additional information not previously provided in the personal comments of your AMCAS primary application.

Current coursework

List all courses you are taking or planning to take within the current academic year (e.g. Fall 2025 and/or Spring 2026). List course(s), title, and credit hours. (If applicable)

Editor's notes

If you're not a Tennessee resident, be realistic. Out-of-state applicants were 2,194 of 2,798 applications but 26 of 181 matriculants in 2026, and the requirements page says nonresidents need superior qualifications. A parent with a UT degree helps; the school says so.
Treat Oct. 15, 2026 as your AMCAS deadline. Decisions are rolling and interviews start in October, so a September submission is the safer choice.
The interview is two one-on-one conversations with committee members, not an MMI. The secondary essay is a scenario about a patient whose beliefs conflict with standard care, so expect that kind of reasoning to come up in person too. Practice talking through a plan out loud.
The three-year track isn't a separate application at the start. You apply after you're admitted, and it ties you to a UT residency in a set list of specialties. If you already know you want primary care in Tennessee, say so in your file; that's who the track is built for.