Admission Requirements
Applicants to the Foster School of Medicine must complete an undergraduate curriculum
and receive a baccalaureate degree or equivalent before matriculation. Applicants
must complete at least 90 semester hours, including all prerequisite courses, at an
accredited college or university in the United States or Canada.
Ready to prepare your application? Review how to apply to the Foster School of Medicine.
Prerequisite Courses
The following prerequisite courses are required for admission.
| Course | Required Hours |
|---|---|
| Biology | 12 semester hours |
| Biology laboratories | 2 semester hours |
| Biochemistry | 3 semester hours |
| General chemistry with laboratories | 8 semester hours |
| Organic chemistry with laboratories | 8 semester hours |
| Physics with laboratories | 8 semester hours |
| Statistics | 3 semester hours |
| English | 6 semester hours |
The required 3 semester hours of biochemistry may be used toward the general biology or general chemistry requirement. Grades of C or better are required for all prerequisite courses or AP credit.
Applicants should also have a broad educational background, including coursework outside of chemistry, biology, physics, and mathematics. The Admissions Committee considers the breadth of each applicant’s educational experience during the admission review.
Recommended additional coursework includes:
- Humanities, social sciences, or behavioral sciences: 12 semester hours
- Immunology, genetics, and cellular or molecular biology
Competence in spoken and written English is necessary. Conversational Spanish may
be an advantage for students who intend to remain in the Southwest.
Medical College Admission Test
The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is required for admission. The best score
from the past five years will be evaluated, so a previous score does not need to be
retaken if it falls within that window. Applicants should review MCAT information
and registration requirements through the Association of American Medical Colleges.
CASPer Assessment
Applicants to the Foster School of Medicine are required to complete the CASPer online assessment as part of the selection process. CASPer scores must be received before an applicant can be considered for an interview. Applicants must release their CASPer score to Texas Tech Health El Paso.
CASPer is designed to assess non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics that support success in medical school and the medical profession. Results are valid for one admissions cycle, so applicants who completed CASPer in a previous year must retake it for the current cycle.
Applicants should register for CASPer through takeCASPer.com, reserve an available test date, and direct test-related questions to the CASPer
support team.
Residency and Citizenship Requirement
Texas Tech Health El Paso Foster School of Medicine can review and consider applications
only from applicants who are U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents of the United
States.
Related Admissions Resources
- Review TMDSAS prescribed course listings by university
- Review the FSOM Medical Education Program Policy (PDF)
- Learn how to apply to the Foster School of Medicine
- Review the admissions process
Next Steps
After reviewing the admission requirements, use these resources to prepare your application and learn what to expect during the admissions process.
How to Apply
Review application instructions, required materials, and submission steps for the Foster School of Medicine.
Admissions Process
Learn how applications are reviewed, how interviews are conducted, and how admissions decisions are made.
Dates and Events
Find application deadlines, admissions events, and opportunities to connect with the admissions team.
Contact Admissions
Contact the Office of Admissions with questions about eligibility, requirements, or the application process.