FAQs     

Q: What is MedCamp? When is it? 

A: MedCamp is an optional three week pre-matriculation program that typically occurs in June. 

This program provides you an opportunity to develop strategies for academic success, trial note-taking & study techniques, as well as experience lectures, labs, and exams just as you will when you start classes in July. 

MedCamp provides housing, food, and social opportunities to get to know fellow students, faculty, and administrators. 

Q: When do we apply & hear back? 

A:  We are still waiting on official dates for EY '25. However, last year applications were due April 14, decisions were made by April 23(ish). 

Q: Do previous students recommend it?

A: Yes! MedCamp is a wonderful opportunity to get the gears going, especially for those who are returning to school after some time off. 

Getting to create friendships & mentorships with such a small group makes starting with everyone in July considerably less daunting. 

Many students that have attended are still very close with the friends made during those three weeks. 

(Plus, it's free, and it's fun!)

Q: How many students get to go? 

A: Historically ~25.

Q: How should we pick our campus?

A: While this is a very personal choice, our general advice is to go where your support network is the strongest! Medical school is rewarding, but difficult. There will be hard days that you will be thankful to have your support network to lean on. When deciding which students will end up on what campus, they are very cognizant of family, significant others, or social ties to specific locations.

Q: Is one campus better than the others?
A: In general no! You will get effectively the same education at any location, but there are some differences across the campuses. The biggest difference amongst the campuses is the AIM Program at the BCS campus but check out the campus selection tab for more information!

Q: Where do you recommend living?

A:  Housing recommendations and roommate matching spread sheet coming soon!

Q: When should I move to BCS?

A: As long as you're here by the first day of class, you can move whenever you'd like. 

(Keep in mind there is the M1 retreat the weekend before the first week of class and Medcamp in late June.)

Q: Does everyone live with a roommate/alone? 

A: This is very person dependent! Many of us live with roommates, many live alone, and some live with family. You won't be alone in whatever you choose - choose what is best for you and your learning/living environment.

Q: Where/which specialty do most people tend to match into? Is there a history of TAMU med students matching into certain hospitals/institutions?

A: We have students match in all specialties. This year (2023) we have students that matched in 24 different states. As to specifics, those are discussed when you meet with advisors at the end of 3rd year/beginning of 4th year before ERAS applications.

Q: What types of research opportunities are there at TAMU for med students? Is it easy to find a PI/research mentor?

A: A&M has a research office (TAMU SOM Research Office), as well as research coordinators at the various campus locations that will guide you to joining research projects during your time at TAMU SOM.  However, most students have luck finding research by reaching out to PIs & physicians on their own. The link above includes the research being conducted at TAMHSC currently and you are encouraged to email professors that you are interested in their research to see if they are willing to take on a medical student at this time. 

Q: Do we have access to any third party prep materials for Step 1 prep? i.e. Sketchy, First Aid, UWorld, Boards and Beyond, Bootcamp etc.

A: The TAMU COM offers you an allowance to be used towards purchasing third party step 1 materials. Advisors will arrange for discounts on multiple resources and you will be notified when it is time to choose which materials you want to use for your Step 1 prep. 

Q: Do I have to apply now if I'm debating doing the Master's between my 3rd and 4th year? 

A:  No! You can wait and apply later if you'd prefer.

 (Although it is easier for the school to plan ahead; if you're set on doing it, go ahead an apply.) 

Q: I'm scared about returning to clinical rotations after a year away!

A: There is a whole support system designed to support you both during your time away, and on your return to medical school.

The school will make sure you are refreshed & prepared to go back to clincal rotations your 4th year.

Q: How do I contact the financial aid office? 

A: You can email (hscfinancialaid@tamu.edu) or call (979-458-5348) our Health Science Center specific financial aid team. 

Q: Are there any extra fees on top of tuition? 

A: Other than a parking pass, no! There are no extra lab fees, review fees, etc. 

Q: How much can I expect to have per year?  

A: Most people qualify for ~$45,000. There are of course exceptions, but this is a pretty consistent number. 

Tuition is ~$22,000/yr, and after disbursement fees, you are left with ~$25,000/yr. 

Q: So... when/how do I get the money?  

A: The money is first sent to A&M, who take out tuition & a small fee. They they send you the rest (called disbursement). 

Disbursement happens twice a year, in mid-July and mid-January.

*Note - you will have supplies to purchase, apartment security deposits, first rent, etc. before you get your first disbursement.*

Q: How much extra should I take out?  

A: This very much depends on if you have savings, how well you budget, etc. But most students will recommend you ask for a little bit more than you think you'll need. Life (& emergencies!) happen in school and you want to make sure you're prepared if that happens. 

Also - up until ~3 weeks before the end of the semester you can ask for a "loan reduction", meaning you essentially give the money back and don't have to pay the interest it accrued. 

Studying is very personal. Please take all advice you get regarding studying techniques with a grain of salt. 

You know you best! Everyone studies differently. Be open to new tools, techniques, and ideas, but don't feel pressured that you have to you a tool or technique if it doesn't work for you.

Q: What if I get to school and start struggling?

A: A&M has a fantastic Academic Support team! They are more than happy to meet with you and discuss academic performance, study strategies, test-taking strategies, etc. Don't be afraid to ask for help!

Q: How many hours a day do you study outside of class? 

A: This is very dependent to the person! We have some students that (including lectures) do schoolwork 6-8 hours a day, and some that work 10 hours minimum per day. 

YOU will figure out what works best for YOU.

Q: Are there Anki decks? 

A: Yes! The upperclassman pass down Anki decks for the in-house lectures. These are highly recommended for your first semester classes.

There are also third party ones that are available online, although these will be more useful when you get to organ blocks. 

NEW!: The classes of '27 and '28 have been working to tag the Anking Step 1 deck by in-house lecture. More information will be provided about how to subscribe to the tag for those who are interested.

Q: What third party should I use? 

A: There is no set answer to this (sorry!). First semester you likely won't use many, other than maybe for FoM II. 

Second semester is when more people started using Sketchy, Anking, BnB, etc. 

These will all be discussed with you later in first semester when you choose what to spend your allowance on.

Unless you find yourself needing a supplemental learning tool for FoM I/MGA, don't worry too much about them for now. 

Q: Where can I study on-campus?

A: There are study rooms with white boards that are first come-first serve on Level 1 and Lower Level in Health Professionals Education Building (HPEB). There are tables dispersed in the Medical Research & Education Building (MREB) on all floors. You also have access to the library 24/7 with your ID. 

Q: Are there student-run resources and study groups for med students to utilize/join? 

A:  There are upperclassmen led exam reviews that are provided for almost every exam. Upperclassmen who excelled in a certain exam material choose to host a zoom review over the concepts they believe are high yield and how this concept is tested. They are usually about 2 hours and include practice questions. Typically, they’re reflective over the material that will be tested on that exam. There aren’t study groups for you to join, but a lot of students form study groups on their own or reach out to the groupme when they would like to form a study group.

Q: Do I need supplies for anatomy lab? 

A: You need to purchase a lab coat (I'd recommend two), long pants that you can get rid of (i.e. cheap/old/pen stained scrub pants), and a pair of closed toed shoes (also old, cheap, and disposable!). Many people wear scrub tops as well, but you don't have to.

Gloves & masks are provided during mandatory sessions, but you will need to provide your own if you come in outside of lab hours and for reviews (which you should, hint hint). 

Pro-tip: I also personally recommend compression socks since you will be standing for quite some time. Keep some snack in your locker - formaldehyde munchies are real! (Aka formaldehungries)

Q: If I didn't use a tablet in undergrad, do you think I'd benefit from one in medical school?

A: It's definitely a personal decision, but a vast majority of M1s rely on digital tablets to be able to take good notes. You can do without, but it does make things A LOT easier. We work with a lot of digital notes, documents, books, etc. 

Q: Do I really need an ethernet cord?

A: YES. Our WiFi is notoriously horrible, and an ethernet cord is required for testing now. Be aware that some computers (especially Macs) require an adapter for ethernet cords that you may also need to purchase ahead of time!

Q: Do I really need an opthalmoscope/otoscope?

A: The PoM faculty has made it mandatory to have an opthalmoscope/otoscope. You don't necessarily have to purchase an expensive one (there are  $40 sets on amazon), and you can also share supplies amongst groups of people.

Q: What textbooks should I buy? 

A: Unless you would like your own physical copy of a book, you are not required to purchase any books. 

You will have digital access to all required books. The library also has physical copies of each you can reference.

Q: What technology do I need?

A: It's worth investing in a reliable computer and/or tablet for school. Most of our materials, instruction, etc. are online. 

Most students highly recommend an iPad or other tablet (Surface, etc.). We have a lot of images, diagrams, etc. that are hard to replicate on paper. 

There are no requirements regarding Windows, Mac, etc. 

Q: Do I need a printer?

A: You have access to free printing on campus so do not need a printer, unless you'd specifically like one at home.

Q: Is anatomy (cadaver) lab as scary as it sounds?

A: It's definitely an adjustment, but the school does an excellent job in helping you with the transition. Please don't be afraid to reach out to your tankmates, upperclassman & staff/faculty for support - we're all here for you!

Q: Where can I buy a t-shirt??

A: Aggie Ambassadors will be sending out a merch order (hopefully) this spring. Otherwise, a couple of organizations will do them in the Fall. 

If you're itching for a shirt, there are some great Etsy small shops you can design your own with!

Q: What mental health resources does TAMU Med provide? 

A: Students have access to 6 therapy sessions paid for by the school each semester (this number may go up). 

Additionally, every class elects Student Advocates (1 female, 1 male) that you can reach out to for questions, concerns, or additional resources.

Check out the current student resources tab to learn more about the resources A&M provides. 

Q: Are there other leadership opportunities within the medical space at A&M?

A:  All of our student organizations offer the opportunity for you to run for a leadership position within the organization. You will receive an email from these organizations when applications are open. You also have the opportunity to start an organization of your own and develop a leadership team.

Q: Do we have an advisor throughout medical school to make sure we are on track and help us prepare for residency?

A:  Yes we do! We have a great advisor team that you can set up meetings with 1-on-1 at any point during the year to ensure you are on track. They will often have presentations for us to discuss what they think we should be doing during different times of the year.