Code of Professionalism for Applicants

All submitted materials must reflect the applicant’s own experiences, perspectives, and work. Misrepresentation of credentials, achievements, or essays is a serious breach of professionalism.

The Texas A&M University School of Engineering Medicine believes in the power of personal conversation in the admissions process. At the same time, we acknowledge that approaches to admissions processes change as technologies evolve. We seek to find a responsible middle ground, specifically related to generative AI (GenAI), to help candidates navigate these changes while focusing on our vision of engineering a new era of healthcare.  

As with all other sources, you should not copy and paste content you did not create directly into your application. Instead, if you choose to utilize GenAI assistance while working on your application for the Texas A&M University School of Engineering Medicine, we encourage you to take the same approach you would when collaborating with colleagues; use GenAI to brainstorm, edit, and refine your ideas – not to substitute as your own work.  

Our Approach to GenAI  

As innovators, we believe GenAI can be a helpful collaborator. The following statement is a guideline regarding the role of GenAI in the admissions process for the Texas A&M University School of Engineering Medicine. It is designed to help applicants understand how we approach the use of GenAI.  

• Human Conversation First: The dialogue between candidate and interviewer remains foundational to our approach. This human-to-human interaction (based on principles of collaborative interaction) is irreplaceable in developing a holistic approach to the admissions process.  
• Measured Integration: We take a measured approach to GenAI use; candidates should use GenAI selectively and purposefully to augment—never replace— personal expression in the application process. 
• Responsible Use: Candidates should understand the difference between using GenAI as a thinking partner versus substituting it for their own intellectual work. 
• Transparency: We encourage open conversations about if, and how, GenAI tools have been used in the application process. Candidates should acknowledge or cite GenAI use (specifically where accessibility challenges exist).  
• Accessibility: The development and deployment of AI helps prioritize accessibility, addressing access and ensuring equitable outcomes for distinct communities. 

By taking this measured approach to generative AI technologies, we aim to remain focused on our core mission: To train and equip physicianeers, a distinct class of medical professionals with expertise in both medicine and engineering who are

Applicants must respond promptly and professionally to inquiries from admissions staff. Ignoring communications from admissions staff is unprofessional. Applicants are responsible for checking their email frequently and ensuring important messages are not lost in spam or junk folders. Applicants should provide a professional email address, ensure their email signature (including those sent from a mobile device) is appropriate, and confirm that their voicemail greeting is suitable for formal communications.

Applicants are responsible for attending scheduled interviews. Short notice or no notice of cancellation is considered unprofessional and hinders other prospective applicants from receiving an interview.

Applicants who decide to no longer pursue admission to a program must promptly withdraw their application, ensuring fairness for all candidates.

Professionalism must be demonstrated in all interactions with faculty, staff, and fellow applicants. This includes in-person, virtual, electronic messages, and phone communications.

While applicants may discuss general experiences, sharing confidential admissions procedures, interview questions, or internal processes is prohibited and may lead to serious consequences.

Applicants must be mindful of their online presence, avoiding unprofessional posts, inappropriate discussions about the admissions process, or any behavior that could compromise their professional image.

Applicants are under evaluation throughout the entire interview day, including breaks between interviews or sessions. Professional conduct is always expected.

Applicants should avoid unnecessary use of cell phones during interview events. Devices should be silenced or put away to demonstrate attentiveness and respect for the process.

While family support is important, applicants are expected to attend interviews alone, without others present or nearby during the interview session.

Applicants must respect the integrity of the admissions process by not sharing, soliciting, or disseminating restricted information about interview formats, questions, or internal evaluation criteria.

Plagiarism, data falsification, or any form of dishonesty in coursework, research, or application materials is unacceptable and will result in severe consequences.

Applicants are expected to take ownership for their decisions, meet deadlines, and proactively address any issues that may impact their application.

Professionalism includes treating all individuals involved in the admissions process—including fellow applicants, admissions staff, students, and faculty—with courtesy and respect.

Applicants should actively work to improve their professional skills, seek feedback, and hold themselves to the ethical and behavioral standards expected of future healthcare professionals.