Texas Law Changes Medical School Grades and Admissions

HB 288 is a new Texas law that changes how medical schools operate. It affects three main areas: how students are graded, how students are admitted, and how medical staff are hired. First, the law requires all medical schools in Texas to use letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) instead of pass/fail grades for required coursework. This means students will receive specific grades that show exactly how well they did in each class, not just whether they passed or failed. Second, the law changes admissions rules. Medical schools must consider a student's score on standardized tests that measure science knowledge and thinking skills. However, test scores alone cannot decide whether a student gets in. Medical schools must also look at other factors. The law also says medical schools cannot give preference to applicants based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin when deciding who to admit or hire. These new admissions rules start in fall 2026. Third, the law requires medical schools to notify the state legislature and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board before changing their academic standards. Schools must explain why they want to change standards and when those changes would take effect. These changes apply to all medical schools in Texas. Students and families interested in medical education should know about these new grading and admissions requirements as they plan for the future.