TCU SOM Interview Prep Guide (2025-2026)

The Texas Christian University (TCU) and University of North Texas Health Science Center (UNTHSC) School of Medicine – now known as the Burnett School of Medicine at TCU – is a newer medical program with a distinct mission and innovative approach. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to help applicants prepare for interviews at the school. It covers the unique interview format (a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) conducted virtually) studentdoctor.net, the institution’s mission emphasizing the training of “Empathetic Scholars” and core values grounded in compassion and collaboration mdschool.tcu.edu, and key program features such as its cutting-edge curriculum and community partnerships. The guide also delves into relevant healthcare policy topics in Texas and nationally, outlines the non-academic criteria and competencies the school prioritizes in applicants, highlights common themes from past interview questions, and summarizes important application timelines for the 2025-2026 cycle. Together, these sections synthesize crucial information that will help candidates align their preparation with what TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine seeks in future physicians.

Interviews at the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine are conducted in a Multiple Mini-Interview (MMI) format. Instead of a single traditional interview, applicants rotate through a series of short, structured stations. At each station, they engage one-on-one with an interviewer (or sometimes an actor) in a scenario or question prompt studentdoctor.net. The school has typically around eight to ten MMI stations, each designed to assess different attributes. Because it’s an MMI, the style is more scenario-based and dynamic rather than an open-ended conversation – though applicants should still be prepared to converse and think on their feet within each mini-interview.

Notably, the interview is closed-file, meaning interviewers do not have access to the applicant’s academic metrics or personal statement during the interviews studentdoctor.net. This approach puts everyone on more equal footing and ensures that your performance in the scenarios is evaluated on its own merits. The school has emphasized a holistic assessment, so the MMI scenarios are used to gauge qualities like ethical reasoning, communication, empathy, and problem-solving in real time.

In recent application cycles, TCU’s interviews have been conducted virtually (often referred to as vMMI) studentdoctor.net. Candidates log in remotely for their “Applicant Visit Day,” and proceed through MMI stations via an online platform. Many applicants appreciate that the virtual format saves travel, though it requires adjusting to conveying interpersonal skills on camera. Despite the remote setting and multiple stations, students have described the experience as relatively low to moderate in stress, and the admissions team strives to make the day welcoming. In fact, past interviewees rated their experience as positive overall and only moderately stressful studentdoctor.net.

Post-interview acceptance rate: Gaining an interview at TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine is a significant accomplishment given the school’s selectivity. Overall acceptance is extremely competitive – one report noted an overall acceptance rate around 2.4% of applicants forum.killerfrogs.com, among the lowest nationally. However, once you reach the interview stage, your chances improve. While official post-interview admission statistics aren’t publicly released, it’s estimated that roughly one in three to one in four interviewees might receive an acceptance offer. (For example, if ~300 candidates are interviewed for ~60 seats, around 60-90 offers might be extended, recognizing some will choose other schools.) This still means the interview is crucial: performance on interview day is a major factor in final admissions decisions. Knowing this, applicants should approach the MMI prepared and focused – albeit with the confidence that they’ve already impressed on paper to get this far.

Understanding the school’s mission and values is key to effective interview preparation. TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine’s mission is “to transform health care by inspiring Empathetic Scholars®” mdschool.tcu.edu. This concept of the Empathetic Scholar is central to the school’s identity – they aim to produce physicians who excel not only in medical knowledge but also in empathy, compassion, and communication. In interviews, you may not be asked to recite the mission, but demonstrating that you share and appreciate these values can subtly strengthen your responses.

The school’s vision and values further illuminate what qualities they prize. TCU’s vision statement describes a focus on a constellation of elements: Character, Content, Context, Creativity, Collaboration, Community, and Communication mdschool.tcu.edu. In practice, this means they value integrity and humanism (character), strong medical knowledge and innovation (content and creativity), patient-centered and culturally sensitive care (context) mdschool.tcu.edu, teamwork (collaboration), service and community engagement, and excellent communication skills mdschool.tcu.edu. These aren’t just buzzwords – they actively shape the curriculum and student experiences.

The institutional motto is “Learn, Apply, Serve,” reflecting a cycle of learning knowledge, applying it in practice, and serving the community mdschool.tcu.edu. The core values that the Burnett School of Medicine espouses include Integrity, Empathy, Collaboration, Servant Leadership, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement mdschool.tcu.edu. The school also identifies foundational pillars: Education, Patient & Family-Centered Care, Research, and Community mdschool.tcu.edu. All of these ideals speak to a culture that is student-focused and service-oriented. For interview prep, the takeaway is that TCU seeks students who resonate with these values. You can reflect on ways you have demonstrated empathy, teamwork, leadership, and innovation in your own experiences, as subtle examples to weave into your interview answers.

• Mission: “Transform health care by inspiring Empathetic Scholars®.” This succinctly captures the school’s goal of training doctors who are both scientifically excellent and emotionally attuned mdschool.tcu.edu.
• Vision Focus Areas: The school concentrates on seven core areas – Character (integrity, empathy, humanism, professionalism), Content (medical knowledge, technology, innovation, integration), Context (patient-centered care models, cultural sensitivity, health systems, preventive care) mdschool.tcu.edu, Creativity (inquiry and innovation), Collaboration (team-based care, partnerships with patients/families), Community (servant leadership, public health engagement), and Communication (exceptional listening and speaking skills).
• Motto: “Learn, Apply, Serve.” Students are encouraged to continually learn, put knowledge into practice, and give back through service mdschool.tcu.edu.
• Core Values: Integrity, Empathy, Collaboration, Servant Leadership, Innovation, and Continuous Improvement mdschool.tcu.edu. These guide the conduct expected of students and faculty. For example, empathy and servant leadership underscore the importance of compassionate patient care and community service.
• Pillars: The program builds around Education, Patient- & Family-Centered Care, Research, and Community mdschool.tcu.edu. This means a TCU medical education emphasizes teaching excellence, prioritizing the patient’s and family’s experience in care, encouraging scholarly research, and engaging with the community’s needs.

The TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine is a relatively new allopathic medical school in Fort Worth, Texas. The partnership between TCU (a private university) and UNTHSC (a health science center) to create this medical school was announced in 2015 mdschool.tcu.edu, and the first class matriculated in 2019. In recent years, after securing a major endowment, the school was renamed the Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine at TCU – often shortened to Burnett School of Medicine. This evolution reflects the school’s transition to being fully operated by TCU, though it maintains collaborative ties in the Fort Worth medical community. As of the mid-2020s, class sizes remain intentionally small (around 60 students per class), fostering a close-knit learning environment. The school is private and non-profit, with a faith-based heritage via TCU (though students of all backgrounds are welcome; the “faith-based” aspect mainly manifests in a commitment to values like service and ethics studentdoctor.net).

Several aspects of the program stand out and can serve as talking points in your interview. The curriculum is designed to be innovative and student-centered. For example, TCU uses a modern flipped classroom model for its basic science instruction mdschool.tcu.edu. Instead of traditional lectures, students prepare with materials in advance and spend class time actively engaging in discussions and problem-solving. Anatomy is taught through a combination of traditional cadaver labs and cutting-edge technology like augmented reality (using Microsoft HoloLens) mdschool.tcu.edu, illustrating the school’s embrace of technology. In fact, there’s a course called Future Accelerators of Medicine and Beyond (FAB) that exposes students to emerging fields such as design thinking, artificial intelligence, genomics, and bioengineering mdschool.tcu.edu. This indicates that the school wants graduates who are prepared for the future landscape of medicine. If you’re excited by technology or novel teaching methods, this is a great facet to discuss or ask about.

Another hallmark of the program is its emphasis on research and inquiry. All students are required to complete a four-year Scholarly Pursuit and Thesis project as part of the curriculum mdschool.tcu.edu. This means from Day 1, you’ll be working on a research question or a scholarly project, with mentorship from faculty, culminating in a thesis by graduation. It’s a distinctive feature (only a handful of U.S. med schools require a student thesis). Interviewers may not ask directly about this, but an applicant could weave in their appreciation for research opportunities, or come prepared to ask how mentorship for these projects works. Similarly, the school integrates a longitudinal emphasis on compassion and communication through a course series called The Compassionate Practice® mdschool.tcu.edu. This involves training in communication skills, narrative medicine exercises, and learning to connect empathetically with patients. Given the school’s mission, don’t be surprised if the interview day (or even some MMI stations) touches on communication challenges or empathy in practice.

Clinical education at TCU is also structured in an innovative way. Instead of the traditional third-year block rotations, TCU utilizes a Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship (LIC) model mdschool.tcu.edu. Throughout the clinical years, students simultaneously follow patients across multiple disciplines (like one mentor in surgery, one in pediatrics, etc., all during the same period) rather than doing rotations in isolation. According to the school, each student has one primary community preceptor in each core specialty and cares for a small panel of patients over time mdschool.tcu.edu. This continuity is meant to “inspire empathy” and give deeper patient relationships. It also means students stay in the Fort Worth area for clerkships, working closely with local hospitals and clinics. In fact, the school has partnerships with major health systems, such as Texas Health Resources in Fort Worth, to provide clinical training sites mdschool.tcu.edu. The affiliation with Texas Health has expanded residency (GME) positions in the region and underscores the school’s commitment to serving North Texas. For an interviewee, awareness of the LIC and the community-based approach can signal to interviewers that you’ve done your homework on what makes TCU’s program special.

Some additional facts to be aware of: The TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine is not part of the Texas state medical school system (thus it uses AMCAS, not TMDSAS, for admissions). It attracts a national pool of applicants – recent classes include a mix of Texans and out-of-state students, reflecting the school’s private status. Tuition is on the higher side (as expected for a private institution), but the school has been investing in scholarships, especially for early cohorts. The facilities are new and modern; a brand-new medical campus in Fort Worth is being developed for the school’s future home. The culture is often described as very supportive and “family-like,” with an emphasis on student wellness and mentorship. During interview day, they will likely share many of these facts with you through information sessions or student panels. Taking notes or remembering a few specific details (like the required thesis or the Compassionate Practice course) can help you ask informed questions when given the chance.

Potential Questions to Ask at the Interview

• How are students supported in completing the required four-year Scholarly Pursuit & Thesis? (For instance, you might ask about the process of choosing a research project and the mentorship available to guide it.)
• What does the Longitudinal Integrated Clerkship look like in practice at TCU? (This question could invite discussion on how you’ll engage with patients over time and how faculty assign clinical mentors – showing you’re interested in their innovative approach to clinical training.)
• How does the school integrate its focus on empathy and communication into the day-to-day student experience? (You could reference The Compassionate Practice® and ask for examples of how it’s taught or how students apply these skills during rotations.)
• What opportunities do students have to serve the Fort Worth community or address local health needs during medical school? (Since community engagement is a pillar of the program, this is a thoughtful question that aligns with the school’s values and shows your service-oriented mindset.)
• The curriculum includes the Future Accelerators of Medicine and Beyond course – could you share an example of a project or topic from that course? (This demonstrates your awareness of their innovative curriculum and your interest in future-oriented medicine.)

Because the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine emphasizes context and community in healthcare, being conversant with current medical policy issues can be helpful. Interview questions at TCU may not explicitly become policy debates, but you could encounter scenarios or conversations where understanding the broader healthcare environment is advantageous. Here we outline a few policy or healthcare topics relevant at the school level, the Texas/regional level, and nationally. Awareness of these can help you provide well-informed answers or ask intelligent questions if such subjects arise.

• Local/Regional Healthcare Needs: North Texas (including Fort Worth) faces physician workforce challenges – for example, fast population growth and areas of physician shortage. The school itself was founded in part to help address a projected doctor shortage in the region. An expanded partnership with Texas Health Resources is already increasing residency positions to keep more physicians in the area mdschool.tcu.edu. Additionally, Texas has a high rate of people without health insurance, which impacts local healthcare delivery. State policy choices, such as Texas’s decision not to expand Medicaid, mean many Texans lack coverage, straining emergency care and charity clinics. Being mindful of these facts can provide context in an interview scenario about healthcare access or when discussing why you want to train in Fort Worth. It shows you understand the community you aim to serve.
• Patient-Centered Care & Diversity: Given the school’s values, expect that issues of health equity and cultural competence are important. Texas is a diverse state (Fort Worth, for instance, has large Hispanic and other minority populations), so topics like overcoming language barriers in medicine or addressing healthcare disparities are relevant. The curriculum’s vision explicitly highlights cultural sensitivity and patient-centered models mdschool.tcu.edu. A savvy interviewee might be ready to discuss how they would approach treating patients from different backgrounds or how social determinants of health affect outcomes. Also, recent policy discussions in Texas around women’s health (such as reproductive health legislation) and public health (responses to the COVID-19 pandemic) could come into play. While you should avoid overt political stances in an interview, demonstrating awareness of how such policies affect patients can underline your understanding of a physician’s role in the broader system.
• National Health Policy Topics: On a broader scale, many current issues in U.S. healthcare tie in with TCU’s curriculum and could be fair game for discussion. For example, healthcare reform and financing (like the future of the Affordable Care Act or value-based care models) connects with the school’s inclusion of health systems and finance topics in training mdschool.tcu.edu. The school also teaches health policy and advocacy as part of its Preparation for Practice course mdschool.tcu.edu, signaling they want students to be informed about policy-making and advocacy. Other national topics include the push for greater patient safety and quality improvement, addressing the opioid crisis, and emphasizing preventive care to manage chronic diseases – all of which align with training compassionate, systems-aware physicians. Furthermore, TCU’s focus on innovation means things like telemedicine regulation or ethical implications of AI in healthcare are very pertinent. In an interview, you might not be quizzed on policy details, but referencing these trends (where relevant) can show that you are a future-oriented thinker. It assures the interviewers that you’re not only focused on medical school admission but also on the evolving landscape of medicine that you will enter.

TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine takes a holistic approach to admissions. In fact, beyond MCAT scores and GPAs, the school explicitly requires demonstration of several non-academic competencies and experiences. A distinctive policy at this program is the expectation that applicants have substantial involvement in four key areas: Service, Leadership, Physician/Patient Interaction, and Personal Excellence. The admissions committee has set a guideline of roughly 150 hours (minimum) in each of these categories for an applicant to be competitive mdschool.tcu.edu. While this is not a strict cutoff, it signals how much they value well-rounded experiences. In interviews, you should be ready to discuss your activities in these domains. Even if interviewers don’t ask for hours, they will likely try to gauge your depth of involvement and growth from these experiences.

Below are the four categories of non-academic criteria the school emphasizes, with examples of experiences that fall into each (as provided by the admissions office). You can use this as a checklist to ensure you have talking points from your own background for each category:

• Service: Volunteer or community service activities that demonstrate compassion and a desire to help others. Examples: working at a food pantry or homeless shelter, tutoring or mentoring underserved youth, participating in Habitat for Humanity builds, hotline counseling (e.g., suicide prevention line), or even extensive service abroad like Peace Corps mdschool.tcu.edu. In an interview, be prepared to share what you learned from your service and how it shaped your desire to be a physician.
• Leadership: Experiences where you took on a leadership role or significant responsibility. Examples: holding office in student government, leading a student organization or fraternity/sorority, serving as a team captain or a shift manager at a job, being an editor of a school publication, or organizing a community initiative mdschool.tcu.edu. TCU’s value of Servant Leadership means they look for leaders who uplift others. When discussing leadership, you might emphasize teamwork and the ability to guide by example.
• Physician/Patient Interaction: Hands-on clinical exposure that shows you understand patient care environments. Examples: working as an EMT or paramedic, being a medical scribe in a hospital or clinic, serving as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or medical assistant, volunteering in a hospice, or shadowing physicians extensively mdschool.tcu.edu. These experiences are crucial to demonstrate that you have tested your commitment to medicine and developed empathy for patients. Interviewers often love to hear a specific anecdote from these experiences that influenced you – just ensure it’s a thoughtful reflection, not a graphic medical story.
• Personal Excellence: This is a broader category capturing personal achievements or experiences that show dedication, resilience, or unique skills mdschool.tcu.edu. Examples include significant research experience (e.g., publications or conference presentations), competitive collegiate-level athletics, military service, or substantial work experience in another field. Essentially, anything that highlights your work ethic and ability to excel in a rigorous environment fits here. If you were, say, a college athlete or military veteran, you likely have great stories of discipline and teamwork – those can be woven into interview answers to underscore your personal strengths.

Meeting or exceeding 150 hours in each area indicates to TCU that you’ve not only “checked the box” but truly committed time and effort to developing yourself across these competencies mdschool.tcu.edu mdschool.tcu.edu. It’s worth noting that successful applicants often far surpass those minimums mdschool.tcu.edu. In the interview, rather than focusing on the numbers, emphasize insights gained or impacts made. For example, instead of saying “I have 200 hours of volunteering,” you’d highlight a meaningful interaction with a community member that deepened your understanding of service. Aligning your discussion with these non-academic criteria will show the interviewers that you embody the qualities of an “Empathetic Scholar” they seek.

Medical schools often reference official competency frameworks to shape both their admissions process and curriculum, and TCU is no exception. The AAMC Core Competencies for Entering Medical Students is a key framework nationally, and TCU’s admissions website explicitly mentions that applicants will be evaluated on core competencies – both the general ones expected of all medical students, and those specific to TCU’s mission mdschool.tcu.edu. In 2023, the AAMC updated its pre-med competencies, which fall into several domains: Professional (e.g., ethics, reliability, accountability), Intrapersonal (resilience, adaptability), Interpersonal (communication, teamwork, cultural awareness), Thinking and Reasoning (critical thinking, quantitative reasoning), and Science (foundational scientific knowledge) students-residents.aamc.org. It’s a good idea for any applicant to be familiar with these categories. Not because you’ll be quizzed on them directly, but because they encapsulate the attributes you want to demonstrate through your answers and demeanor.

For TCU specifically, certain competencies receive special emphasis. The school’s focus on character and communication means competencies like ethical responsibility, service orientation, and oral communication are extremely important. Their focus on context and community relates to cultural competence and teamwork in diverse settings. In line with being future innovators, they also value inquisitiveness and the ability to self-direct one’s learning (you might think of this as part of commitment to learning and growth, one of the updated AAMC professional competencies students-residents.aamc.org). In fact, TCU mentions looking for students who will thrive as “self-directed adult learners in the unique curriculum” mdschool.tcu.edu, highlighting independence and motivation as traits they seek. Additionally, the school’s branding around the Empathetic Scholar suggests an elevated importance on empathy (which ties into the interpersonal competency of social skills and communication) and on professionalism/humanism.

From an interview prep standpoint, it’s useful to frame your experiences and qualities in terms of competencies. For example, if asked about a challenge or failure, you could demonstrate resilience and capacity for improvement (an intrapersonal competency). If discussing why you chose medicine, you might emphasize service orientation and communication skills gleaned from working with patients. Because TCU’s interview is MMI-based, each station may target different attributes. One station might indirectly test your ethical reasoning (professionalism), another your teamwork ability, and another your cultural awareness. Having the competencies in mind can help you identify what an MMI scenario is aiming to uncover about you. Remember, the goal is to show you have both the academic ability to handle medical training and the personal qualities to align with TCU’s values.

While the specifics of TCU’s interview questions are confidential (interviewees must sign a non-disclosure agreement) studentdoctor.net, we can infer likely themes based on the MMI format and the school’s priorities. Multiple Mini-Interviews are commonly designed to evaluate a range of personal and ethical qualities. In general, MMI stations may involve role-play scenarios, ethical dilemmas, policy or teamwork challenges, and personal reflections. A quote from one admissions director encapsulates this: the MMI places applicants in a succession of scenarios to test things like resilience, emotional intelligence, and teamwork that traditional interviews might miss studylib.net. With TCU specifically branding its students as Empathetic Scholars, you can expect scenarios that require empathetic communication, ethical decision-making, and collaboration.

Some likely themes or station types that have shown up at TCU (or similarly aligned schools) include:

• Ethical dilemmas: You might face a scenario presenting a moral conflict – for example, a case where a patient wants something that conflicts with guidelines, or a situation about honesty (like finding a classmate cheating). You’ll need to discuss what you would do and why. The key is often to demonstrate integrity, empathy, and reasoned judgment rather than to find a “right” answer.
• Communication challenges: Given the emphasis on compassionate communication, one station could involve explaining a medical situation to a patient or family member (perhaps in layperson terms), or responding to an actor portraying an upset or anxious patient. They want to see if you can listen actively and convey understanding – essentially testing your bedside manner. Another variant is conflict resolution: you might have to navigate a disagreement with a colleague diplomatically.
• Teamwork/Collaboration: Some MMIs include a partner exercise or hypothetical team scenario. For instance, you could be asked how you’d handle a scenario working with a difficult team member, or even do a brief task with the interviewer or another interviewee. TCU explicitly values teamwork and servant leadership, so showing that you can lead and cooperate is important. In these situations, being respectful, patient, and solution-oriented is key.
• Personal insight/Behavioral questions: Occasionally, even in an MMI, one station might resemble a traditional question (e.g., “Tell me about a time you failed” or “Why do you want to attend our school?”). This gives you a chance to draw from your experiences. While you won’t know exactly what they’ll ask, reflecting on common questions beforehand will help. Be ready with a few succinct stories that highlight your resilience, leadership, compassion, or growth – essentially, moments that tie back to the qualities in TCU’s mission.
• Healthcare and policy scenarios: An MMI station could present a current healthcare issue or policy question and ask for your thoughts. For example, you might be asked how to allocate a single ICU bed during a shortage, or discuss the ethics of vaccination mandates, or how to approach a public health problem in the community. These assess your ability to think critically about systems-level problems and see multiple viewpoints. TCU’s curriculum covers health policy and social determinants, so demonstrating awareness of these broader issues – and yet remaining humble about what you don’t know – can leave a good impression.

It’s worth reiterating that, due to the NDA, successful past interviewees haven’t published “question lists” for TCU. But on forums, many have noted that they felt the MMI was fair and even enjoyable once they got over initial nerves. Themes like ethics, communication, and teamwork are almost certainly represented. One wise strategy is to practice answering MMI-style prompts with a friend or mentor. This helps you get comfortable thinking aloud and structuring a response under time pressure (typically MMIs give you 6-8 minutes per station). Also, because TCU is looking for empathetic future physicians, practice conveying empathy even in hypothetical situations. If an actor says something emotional, for instance, a brief acknowledgment (“I’m sorry you’re going through that”) can be appropriate. In sum, expect a variety of questions – no single station will make or break you, but each is a chance to showcase a different facet of your suitability for the school.

Staying on top of timelines is crucial in the medical school application process, especially since many schools (including TCU) operate on rolling admissions. Below is a timeline for the 2025-2026 application cycle specific to TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine. This assumes a plan to matriculate in July 2026 (as part of the Class of 2030). Note that as a private Texas med school, TCU uses AMCAS exclusively (not the Texas state application TMDSAS) mdschool.tcu.edu.

• May 2025: AMCAS primary application opens. (Exact date TBD by AAMC, often in the first week of May.) This is when you can start entering your information and personal statement. Though you cannot submit yet, you should use May to get everything in order.
• Late May – Early June 2025: AMCAS submission begins. Submitting early (in June) is advantageous because TCU SOM, like most schools, admits students on a rolling basis. Even though TCU’s final deadline is in the fall, an early application means an earlier review. Aim to submit the primary application as soon as you’re ready and ideally before end of June.
• June – July 2025: Secondary Application phase. Once your AMCAS is verified and if you meet the initial screening criteria, TCU will send you a secondary (supplemental) application. (In past cycles, TCU has screened applications before inviting secondaries – they mention not reviewing files with very low MCATs or other extreme deficiencies, but generally many applicants receive the secondary.) The secondary will likely include essay prompts specific to TCU’s mission. Turn this around efficiently; a good rule is within ~2 weeks. Secondary deadline: TCU sets a final deadline of December 15, 2025 for all supplemental materials, including at least one letter of recommendation mdschool.tcu.edu, but it’s far better to complete it well before that date.
• August 2025 – January/February 2026: Interview invites and interview season. TCU tends to start interviewing relatively early in the cycle (possibly as early as August) and may continue interviews into the winter months. In recent past, applicants on SDN noted TCU began sending out interview invitations in late summer and continued rolling them out for several months forums.studentdoctor.net. Interviews are conducted on specific Applicant Visit Days – expect a handful of dates each month. If invited, you’ll schedule one of these virtual interview days. Prepare for about a half-day of activities: the MMI interviews themselves, plus info sessions or tours (virtual). The bulk of interviews often happen by January, though some may extend into February. Keep in mind: the earlier you interview, the sooner you could hear back, but TCU does not finish filling the class until all interviews are done.
• Mid-October 2025: First possible acceptance notices. As per AAMC rules, October 15 is the first date US medical schools (that use AMCAS) can begin issuing acceptances. TCU is likely to send out some initial acceptances around this time to a subset of early interviewees. If you interview early (Aug/Sept), you might get good news in October. However, TCU may also put some early interviewees on hold for later review – so no news in October doesn’t mean you’re out.
• October 2025 – March 2026: Rolling admissions decisions continue. After each batch of interviews, the admissions committee meets and determines outcomes. TCU uses a rolling process, so acceptances can go out periodically (often in waves) through the fall and into spring. They may also notify alternates or waitlist candidates. By March or early April, the class is usually close to filled. (Texas public schools do a match in February, but TCU as a private school follows the typical rolling model.) If you’re waitlisted, there could be movement as late as April or May 2026, but ideally you’ll know your status by early spring.
• April 2026: Second Look Weekend. TCU SOM typically invites accepted students to a Second Look event in the spring (commonly in April). This is a chance to visit the campus in Fort Worth, meet current students and potential future classmates, and get a deeper feel for the school before you make your final decision. It’s not mandatory, but it’s very informative and fun if you’re deciding between schools.
• Late July 2026: Matriculation and Orientation. TCU’s academic year for first-year med students usually starts in late July. Orientation activities and the White Coat Ceremony will occur around this time to welcome the Class of 2030. By this point, all prerequisites must be completed and final transcripts submitted (the school’s requirement is that all courses are done by June 1 and official transcripts in by June 8, 2026) mdschool.tcu.edu. Then your medical school journey begins!

Keep an eye on TCU’s admissions website and any emails they send for specific dates or changes to the timeline. The above timeline is based on typical cycles and the information TCU has published (for instance, their AMCAS primary application deadline of Nov 15, 2025 and secondary deadline of Dec 15, 2025 mdschool.tcu.edu). Remember that applying early and preparing thoroughly for each stage – including secondary essays and interviews – can significantly improve your chances. By understanding the timeline, you can avoid last-minute scrambles and ensure each part of your application (and decision-making process) is handled smoothly.

In conclusion, preparing for an interview at the TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine means doing your homework on multiple fronts. You’ll want to be comfortable with the MMI format, knowing it’s a closed-file, scenario-based series of mini interviews that will probe your problem-solving and interpersonal skills. You should also internalize the school’s mission and values – showing that you appreciate their focus on empathy, communication, and community can set you apart as a “fit.” We reviewed how the program’s unique features (from the required thesis to the longitudinal clerkship) might come up either in conversation or as points for you to ask thoughtful questions about. Staying informed on healthcare issues relevant to Texas and the nation will help you tackle any policy or ethics discussions with insight. Additionally, we highlighted the non-academic criteria (service, leadership, etc.) and core competencies that TCU looks for, so you can reflect on which of your experiences best exemplify those traits. By understanding these elements and keeping the admissions timeline in mind, you put yourself in a strong position to excel. This guide synthesized key information to help you align your preparation with what TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine values – now it’s up to you to practice articulating your story and enthusiasm. With genuine understanding of the school and mindful readiness for the MMI, you can approach interview day with confidence. Good luck!