Bilingual ability

Race/ethnicity

Educational attainment of the applicant’s family

Hometown or county of residence that has been designated a medically under-served and/or health professions shortage area, especially South Texas

Employment history, especially as it occurred simultane­ously with undergraduate academic preparation

Socio-economic history (educationally and/or eco­nomically disadvantaged)

Positions of leadership held

Public/community service or “volunteer” related activities

“Volunteer” activities in health care related areas

Prior experience in providing health care related services

Extra-curricular activities

Success in overcoming adverse personal, family, or “life” conditions/experiences

Communication skills – as demonstrated in the essay and personal interview

Commitment/desire to serve in a medically under-served region of the state following graduation

Reference letters or recommendations

Research accomplishments

Applicant’s future goals

Knowledge of, and preparation to enter, the profession of respiratory care gained through observing or volunteer­ing in a hospital setting or other patient care setting

Texas resident status, or permanent Texas resident alien