Admission and Recruitment
https://www.utrgv.edu/school-of-podiatric-medicine/admissions/
Harlingen Medical Education Building
Phone: (956) 882-1914
Email: dpmadmissions@utrgv.edu
Role of the Admissions Office
The Office of Admission is responsible for the recruitment of prospective candidates forthe Doctor of Podiatric Medicine program. As the first point of contact for prospective applicants, the Office of Admission provides an all-around guidance to the admission process and if selected, up to the point of matriculation. Prospective applicants undergo a holistic approach involving initial screening, open/blind interviews and a presentation of a final review for the suitable candidates to the SOPM Admissions Committee. The Office of Admission works synonymously with the SOPM Financial Aid Office, SOPM Registrars Office and the SOPM Student Services Department to provide the best service and options to our prospective and matriculated applicants.
To Apply
UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine applicants are required to submit their application to the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Applications Service (TMDSAS) in accordance with TMDSAS procedures. You may only apply to the UTRGV SOPM for any new applications. Detailed information about the application process may be found on the TMDSAS website www.TMDSAS.com. Each applicant will be required to complete a secondary application designed to evaluate their interest in podiatric medicine.
Requirements
Education Requirements
The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine welcomes candidates from all academic disciplines or undergraduate majors, provided they completed at least three years of undergraduate study at an accredited college or university. According to the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine, 97% of students entering podiatric medical school hold a bachelor’s degree, with many having completed graduate-level coursework.
- All prerequisite courses must be taken at an accredited U.S. college or university.
- A minimum of 3.00 GPA (last 60 credit hours towards the degree) is recommended
- A minimum of 3.2 GPA on all prerequisite science courses (biology, chemistry, and physics) is recommended
- All candidates must have taken the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) by the application year. An exam taken more than three years prior to the beginning of the application cycle will not be accepted.
- Applicants must be a US citizen or permanent resident of the U.S.
Applicants must have completed a minimum of 90 semester credit hours or 135 quarter hours, including the following required credits:
- Biology: 8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours
- General/Inorganic Chemistry: 8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours
- Organic Chemistry: 8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours
- Physics: 8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours
- English/Communications: 6 to 8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours
Optional Requirements:
- Statistics(optional): A minimum of 3 semester hours (or 5 quarter hours)
- Optional content includes basic descriptive statistics, methods of data analysis, and probability concepts, ideally focused on applications in science.
- The course should be taught in a math or statistics department. (Note: Calculus does not meet this requirement.)
Additional Considerations:
- The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is an accepted exam for admission, and applicants who submit DAT scores will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. However, preference is given to the MCAT exam.
- Completion of a two-semester Chemistry series is acceptable, provided the credits meet the course requirements of the previous institution.
- Biochemistry may substitute for missing General/Inorganic or Organic Chemistry credits.
- DACA students will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The SOPM Admissions Committee uses a holistic review process to ensure fair evaluation of prospective students. Admission decisions are based on a comprehensive assessment of each applicant’s profile. Applicants who do not meet the recommended minimum GPA (for the last 60 credit hours toward their degree) or the suggested undergraduate science GPA will be evaluated individually by the Admissions Selection Committee.
This process allows us to consider each applicant’s unique academic journey and any factors affecting their performance. The committee evaluates their primary and secondary applications, including academic performance, clinical and research experience, leadership skills, extracurricular activities, community involvement, shadowing experience, letters of recommendation, and interview performance.
Recommendation Letters (LORs)
Two letters of recommendation addressing the candidate’s aptitude for professional training: one from a professional reference and one from a prior academic instructor. Evidence of personal integrity, maturity, motivation, communication skills, interpersonal skills, critical thinking skills, writing ability, dedication, and ability to work with others are factors strongly considered. These qualities will be evaluated by additional criteria aside from the letters of reference, including the scope and nature of extracurricular activities (work and volunteer experience), and through the face-to-face interview process.
Shadowing Experience
Completion of a minimum of 25 contact hours of shadowing experience in podiatric medical outpatient and/or inpatient clinical settings and verified by different podiatric physicians licensed in the United States.
OTHER
Residency Placement
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Podiatric Medicine (SOPM) admits well-qualified students with professional promise, expecting them to succeed. While SOPM anticipates that all graduates will secure a residency, it cannot guarantee that a residency position will be available for every graduate.
Admitted Students:
UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine applicants are required to submit their application to the Texas Medical & Dental Schools Applications Service (TMDSAS) in accordance with TMDSAS procedures. The deadline for Entry Year 2025 is March 28, 2025. Detailed information about the application process may be found on the TMDSAS website www.TMDSAS.com. Each applicant will be required to complete a secondary application designed to evaluate their interest in podiatric medicine.
The UTRGV SOPM conducts criminal background and other reference checks on candidates selected for admission. This process may include online research, including a review of social media accounts. For questions, please contact us at DPMAdmissions@utrgv.edu.
Completed application checklist
The following are the requirements for a complete application to the UTRGV SOPM:
- TMDSAS application and fee
- UTRGV SOPM secondary application
- MCAT score(s)
- Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended
- Two (2) letters of recommendation (See requirements)
Requirements for Matriculation:
Newly admitted students should plan ahead to complete and submit all required pre-matriculation requirements to the UTRGV School of Medicine in a timely manner. Failure to complete all requirements may result in a rescinding offer of admissions.
UTRGV
Attn: SOPM Registrar Services
2102 Treasure Hills Blvd.
Harlingen, TX 78550