sopm students presentation

Requirements

To apply to The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine, prospective students may choose to apply through either the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) or the American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS).

Applicants using TMDSAS are also required to complete a secondary podiatry application, which is necessary for consideration. Applying via AACPMAS does not require a secondary application.

Students are encouraged to select the application service that best suits their needs.

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.

Education Requirements:

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. 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.

  • 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), Dental Admissions Test (DAT), or Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) 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 (Lecture & Lab)
  • General/Inorganic Chemistry: 8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours (Lecture & Lab)
  • Organic Chemistry: 8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours (Lecture & Lab)
  • Physics: 8 semester hours or 12 quarter hours (Lecture & Lab)
  • 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) and Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) are accepted exams for admission. Applicants who submit DAT or OAT 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. 

Recommendation Letters (LORs):

Your application is not complete without two letters of recommendation: one from a professional reference and one from a prior academic instructor. These letters are more than a requirement—they are an essential part of your application, providing a window into the qualities that define you as a future doctor.

Through these letters, your integrity, maturity, motivation, communication, interpersonal strengths, critical thinking, dedication, and collaboration can shine. While these traits may also be reflected in your application, extracurricular involvement, and interview process, the recommendation letters offer a powerful affirmation of your readiness to meet the high standards of the podiatric medical profession.

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.

 *To be considered for EY2026, we encourage interested applicants to submit their application by March 27, 2026 via TMDSAS or June 30, 2026 via AACPMAS.

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