Vaqueros DPM
Apply Now Print PageCreating Future Physicians of Tomorrow
The Vaqueros DPM Program is for RGV high school students interested in pursuing a future career in medicine. South Texas graduates now have a convenient path to becoming future physicians through admission and completion of the Vaqueros DPM Program.
Vaqueros DPM Program selects a limited number of high-achieving South Texas students who begin their undergraduate career and receive conditional admission to the entering class at UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine upon graduation.
Ready to Apply?
The online application for the 2025 cohort opens October 1, 2024!
Tk20 Application Instructions
About Us
The UTRGV School of Podiatric Medicine uses innovative, competency-based medical education to train the next generation of physicians who are committed to improving the lives and well-being of their communities through innovative research and compassionate, patient-centered care.
Questions?
For more information and/or questions about Vaqueros DPM, email VaquerosDPM@utrgv.edu
Application Review & Decision Timeline
Below you will find a timeline of the review and decision process after you submit your completed application:
| October | October 1, 2024 application period opens |
| May | May 31, 2025, at 11:59 pm application period closes |
| March – May | Applications will be reviewed by a committee and top candidates will be selected for an interview |
| June | Applicants will be notified of admission decision |
| August | Vaqueros DPM 2025 cohort announced |
Additionally, the admissions committee has set a new requirement that applicants must score in the 90th percentile or higher on either the SAT or ACT. This requirement will be taken into consideration during the application review process.
Eligibility Criteria
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Future Vaqueros DPM scholars must meet the following criteria: |
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Webb, Zapata, Starr, Hidalgo, Cameron, Willacy, Kenedy, Brooks, Jim Hogg, Kleberg, San Patricio, Aransas, and Nueces.
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Enter UTRGV as incoming first-year students. |
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Are accepted and officially enrolled in Vaqueros DPM within any major. |
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Submit letters of recommendation from high school teachers, counselors or administrators. |
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Complete interviews with UTRGV and SOPM faculty and staff. |
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Demonstrate maturity, motivation, and other attributes reflecting exceptional leadership, character, and achievement through recommendation letters from school counselors, a personal written statement, a video essay, and interviews. |
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Have scored at the 90th percentile or above in one sitting on the SAT (math & critical reading) or the ACT. |
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Rank in the top 10% of their high school graduating class and possess a minimum 3.75 GPA on a 4.0 scale and a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA in science courses. |
Vaqueros DPM SOPM Matriculation Requirement
Qualifying metrics and requirements are as follows:
- Applications via TMDSAS start on May 1st.
- MCAT minimum score at or above the 30th percentile (495+).
- *Students who score less than the required minimum MCAT score (495) on first test will have a deadline set by the Committee to retake the MCAT and accomplish the required minimum score.
*NOTE – Two MCAT scores considered; additional score will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- *Students who score less than the required minimum MCAT score (495) on first test will have a deadline set by the Committee to retake the MCAT and accomplish the required minimum score.
- GPA overall minimum 3.2
- GPA science minimum 3.25
- All grades must be at or above “C”
- No felony convictions
- Primary application deadline is August 1st.
- Secondary application deadline is August 15th.
- All supporting documents (transcripts, MCAT scores, evaluation letters) must be received by September 15th.
- Other requirements remain the same as regular applicants (please see requirements section on the website).
*Requirement due dates are updated on a yearly basis.