Last updated on January 9th, 2026 at 06:30 am

Program Overview & Institution Identity

Official Program Identity

The Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is located in El Paso, Texas, serving as a public medical school situated on the US-Mexico border. The school operates as part of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center system but maintains its unique identity as Texas Tech Health El Paso.

Program Duration and Structure

The Paul L. Foster School of Medicine offers a traditional 4-year MD program that leads to the Doctor of Medicine degree. The curriculum features an innovative, integrated approach that combines basic sciences with clinical presentations from the onset of instruction.

Unique Features:

• Integrated, organ-system-based curriculum
• Clinical presentation-based learning approach
• Bilingual healthcare focus with Spanish medical terminology integration
• Combined degree options including MD/MBA and MD/MPH

Location and Campus Details

Campus Location: El Paso, Texas — Urban campus setting

• Located on the US-Mexico border, providing unique cultural and linguistic diversity
• Strategic location offers exposure to border health issues and Hispanic healthcare needs
• Modern medical facilities integrated with clinical training sites
• Campus includes state-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation laboratories

Accreditation Status

The Paul L. Foster School of Medicine is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME), ensuring graduates are eligible for residency training programs and medical licensure. LCME accreditation validates that the program meets rigorous national standards for medical education quality and graduate competency.

Rankings and Recognition

As a relatively newer medical school (established in 2007), the Paul L. Foster School of Medicine has quickly established itself as a significant contributor to healthcare in the Southwest. The school is recognized for:

• High-quality medical education with innovative curriculum design
• Strong focus on serving underserved border communities
• Commitment to training physicians for West Texas and the Southwest region
• Excellence in bilingual healthcare education

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Admission Requirements

Academic Prerequisites

Minimum Degree Requirements

Applicants must complete 90 semester hours at a regionally accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university, with a bachelor’s degree preferred. All prerequisite courses must be completed with grades of C or better.

Required Prerequisite Courses

Course	Credit Hours
Biology	12
Biology laboratories	2
Biochemistry	3
General chemistry with laboratories	8
Organic chemistry with laboratories	8
Physics with laboratories	8
Statistics	3
English	6

Total Required Prerequisites: 42 semester hours

Additional Recommended Courses:

• Humanities, social sciences, or behavioral sciences: 12 semester hours
• Immunology, genetics, and cellular/molecular biology (strongly encouraged)
• Spanish language proficiency (advantageous for Southwest practice)

GPA Requirements

Current Statistics (Entry Year 2025):

• Median Overall GPA: 3.94
• Average Overall GPA (Matriculants): 3.84
• Average Science GPA (BCPM): 3.81
• Average Overall GPA (Interviewees): 3.94
• Average Science GPA (Interviewees): 3.87

Successful applicants typically maintain GPAs well above 3.8, with competitive candidates demonstrating consistent academic excellence throughout their undergraduate studies.

Standardized Testing

MCAT Requirements

Current MCAT Statistics (Entry Year 2025):

• Median MCAT Score: 513
• Average MCAT (Matriculants): 509
• Average MCAT (Interviewees): 513
• Average MCAT (All Applicants): 506

The MCAT is required for admission, with scores typically valid for 3 years. Most successful applicants score in the 85th percentile or higher (510+), though the school considers applications holistically.

CASPer Testing

All applicants must complete CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics), an online assessment measuring personal and professional characteristics.

• Required for all applicants
• Must be completed before interview consideration
• Scores must be specifically released to Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso
• Assesses critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and interpersonal skills

Extracurricular Activities & Experience Requirements

The Paul L. Foster School of Medicine employs a holistic evaluation approach that considers:

• Clinical exposure: Direct patient care experience preferred
• Research experience: Basic science, clinical, or public health research
• Community service: Volunteer work, particularly in underserved communities
• Leadership experience: Demonstrated leadership in academic or community settings
• Cultural competency: Experience working with diverse populations

Texas Residency Preference: Strong preference for Texas residents (approximately 91% of matriculants are Texas residents).

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Application Process & Timeline

Application Systems

Primary Application: TMDSAS (Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service) — not AMCAS.
Secondary Application: Required school-specific application with $60 fee.

Key Application Deadlines and Timeline

Date	Milestone
May 1	TMDSAS and secondary applications open
July	Interview period begins
October 15	Pre-match offer period begins
November 1	TMDSAS application deadline
December 15	Secondary application deadline (5 p.m. MST)
December 31	Pre-match offer period ends for Texas residents
January 31	Match preference deadline (5 p.m. CT)
February 14	Match results announced
May 15	Deposit deadline to hold seat

Required Documents

• TMDSAS application with all transcripts
• Secondary application ($60 fee)
• Letters of recommendation (specific requirements through TMDSAS)
• Personal statement
• MCAT scores
• CASPer results

Interview Process

Interview Format: Structured interviews, with recent adaptations including virtual options.

Interview Statistics (Entry Year 2025):

• Total Applicants: 4,814
• Candidates Interviewed: 656
• Interview Dates: 29
• Average Interviewed per Day: 23

Interviews are typically 20 minutes long and assess both academic preparation and personal characteristics essential for medical practice.

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Admission Statistics & Success Rates

Overall Competitiveness

• Acceptance Rate: Approximately 13.6% (656 interviewed out of 4,814 applicants, with 124 matriculating)

Application Volume Trends:

• Total Applicants (EY2025): 4,814
• Texas Residents: 4,085 (85%)
• Non-Residents: 729 (15%)
• Class Size: 124 (increased from historical 120)

Demographics of Admitted Students

Gender Distribution (Matriculants):

• Male: 73 students (59%)
• Female: 57 students (46%)

Residency Status:

• Texas Residents: 119 students (91%)
• Non-Residents: 11 students (9%)
• International Students: Accepted (limited numbers)

Academic Statistics Summary

Statistic	Matriculants	Interviewees	All Applicants
Average Overall GPA	3.84	3.94	3.83
Average Science GPA	3.81	3.87	3.60
Average MCAT	509	513	506

Waitlist Information

A waitlist is maintained for qualified candidates who are not initially accepted. Waitlisted students may be offered admission if spaces become available after the match process concludes.

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Tuition & Financial Information

Current Tuition Rates (Academic Year 2025–2026)

Texas Residents

• Tuition: $17,903 per year
• Fees: $5,693 per year
• Total Tuition and Fees: $23,596 per year

Non-Texas Residents

• Tuition: $33,024 per year
• Fees: $5,693 per year
• Total Tuition and Fees: $38,717 per year

Complete Cost of Attendance Analysis

4-Year Program Costs (Texas Residents):

Year	MS1	MS2	MS3	MS4	Total
Tuition & Fees	$23,628	$23,628	$23,628	$23,728	$94,612
Living Expenses	$42,240	$31,700	$46,560	$54,513	$175,013
Total	$65,868	$55,328	$70,188	$78,241	$269,625

4-Year Program Costs (Non-Texas Residents):

• Total Estimated Cost: $331,661 (approximately $62,000 more than residents)

Additional Fees Include

• Clinical Simulation Fee: $1,681
• Educational Technology Fee: $470
• NBME Testing Program Support Fee: $410
• Student Health Insurance (required, unless waived)
• USMLE examination fees
• Externship costs (MS4 year)

Financial Aid Options

• Federal financial aid programs
• State-based aid for Texas residents
• Need-based grants and scholarships
• Merit-based scholarships, including:
  • Foster Scholar Program
  • Judy and Kirk Robison Medical Student Scholarship
  • Aguilar Family Medical Student Scholarship
• Military scholarship programs (Army, Navy)
• Work-study opportunities
• External scholarship opportunities

Living Expenses in El Paso

El Paso offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to other major Texas cities, with estimated annual living expenses ranging from $25,000–$35,000 including housing, food, transportation, and personal expenses.

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Curriculum & Program Structure

Program Duration and Structure

A 4-year MD program with an innovative, integrated curriculum design that distinguishes it from traditional medical schools.

Educational Philosophy and Teaching Methods

Core Educational Approach:

• Integrated, organ-system-based curriculum replacing traditional discipline-based teaching
• Clinical presentation-focused learning where students encounter real patient scenarios from day one
• “One-pass” learning system preventing content redundancy
• Problem-based and case-based learning methodologies

Pre-Clinical Years (Years 1–2)

Core Curriculum Structure — Required Courses

1. Scientific Principles of Medicine (SPM) — Centerpiece course organized around 77 clinical presentations
2. Medical Skills — History-taking and physical examination training
3. Society, Community, and the Individual — Public health and community medicine integration
4. Masters’ Colloquium — Professional development and ethics

Phase 1 Curriculum Blocks

• Clinically Oriented Anatomy (10 weeks) — Cadaver-based team dissection with clinical applications
• General Principles — Foundational medical concepts
• Organ Systems 1–5 — Integrated basic science and clinical learning
• Introduction to Clinical Medicine (ICM) — Patient communication and clinical skills
• Patients, Physicians, and Populations (P3) — Interprofessional education
• Spanish Medical Terminology — Online course preparing students for Hispanic patient interactions

Unique Features

• State-of-the-art clinical skills and simulation laboratory
• Standardized patient programs
• High-fidelity human body simulators
• Bilingual healthcare training components

Clinical Training (Years 3–4)

Core Clinical Rotations

• Internal Medicine
• Surgery
• Pediatrics
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Psychiatry
• Family Medicine
• Emergency Medicine

Clinical Training Sites

• University Medical Center of El Paso (Level 1 Trauma Center)
• El Paso Children’s Hospital
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso clinics
• Community-based healthcare facilities
• Border health clinics

Special Programs and Opportunities

Combined Degree Programs

• MD/MBA
• MD/MPH
• MD/PhD (available through partnership)
• MD/JD

Longitudinal Programs

• Scholarly Activity and Research Program (SARP) — Required research component throughout all four years
• Border health initiatives
• Community service learning
• International rotation opportunities

Research Opportunities

• Summer research programs
• Faculty-mentored research projects
• Basic science research opportunities
• Clinical research participation
• Public health and border health research
• Publication and presentation opportunities

Assessment Methods

• Competency-based evaluation system
• Pass/fail grading in pre-clinical years (selected courses)
• Clinical performance evaluations
• OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examinations)
• NBME subject examinations

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Pre-Medical Preparation

Undergraduate Program Recommendations

Optimal Academic Preparation

Major Selection: Open to all academic backgrounds. While science majors provide strong preparation, non-science majors are encouraged to apply and are advised to take additional science coursework beyond prerequisites.

Recommended Academic Strategy:

• Maintain high GPA (target 3.8+ overall, 3.8+ science)
• Excel in prerequisite courses (minimum C grades required)
• Pursue advanced science coursework in genetics, immunology, and cellular/molecular biology
• Develop Spanish language proficiency (significant advantage for Southwest practice)

Course Sequencing Strategy

Freshman Year

• General biology with lab (2 semesters)
• General chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
• English composition
• Mathematics/statistics preparation

Sophomore Year

• Organic chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
• Physics with lab (2 semesters)
• Biochemistry
• Statistics
• Advanced biology electives

Junior/Senior Year

• Complete remaining prerequisites
• Advanced science coursework
• Research opportunities
• MCAT preparation and testing
• Clinical experience

Clinical Experience Requirements

Types of Clinical Exposure Valued — Direct Patient Care

• Hospital volunteering
• Clinical shadowing
• Emergency medical services
• Medical missions
• Healthcare facility employment

Quality vs. Quantity: Meaningful, sustained clinical experiences are preferred over numerous short-term exposures. Demonstrate genuine commitment to healthcare service.

Border Health Experience: Experience with underserved or Hispanic populations is particularly valuable.

Research Experience Planning

Research Opportunities

Types of Research Valued:

• Basic science research
• Clinical research
• Public health research
• Border health research
• Healthcare disparities research

Research Timeline

• Sophomore/Junior year: Begin research involvement
• Junior/Senior year: Develop substantial research project
• Publication goals: Aim for poster presentations and peer-reviewed publications

Extracurricular Planning

Building a Competitive Profile — Essential Elements

• Leadership experience: Student government, organization leadership, team captaincy
• Community service: Long-term commitment to volunteer work
• Cultural competency: Experience with diverse populations
• Professional development: Healthcare-related work or internships

Recommended Activities

• Pre-health student organizations
• Community health fairs
• Medical mission trips
• Tutoring and mentoring
• Healthcare policy advocacy

Standardized Test Preparation

MCAT Preparation Strategy

Optimal Timeline

• Junior year spring: Take MCAT after completing prerequisite courses
• Preparation period: 3–4 months of dedicated study
• Target score: 510+ (competitive range for PLFSOM)