​

Background

For many years, the bus trip has served as a signature experience of MPO, giving students the chance to explore medical schools firsthand. However, the tradition was put on hold after 2018 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2025, the trip was proudly revived thanks to the dedication of the 2024–2025 officer team—especially the 2024-2025 MPO President, Sophia Borrego, and Vice President, Donna Pilego, who worked tirelessly to bring this experience back for our members.

​

We look forward to continuing this tradition each spring, ensuring that future students can benefit from this invaluable opportunity to explore programs, connect with faculty, and envision their path to medical school.

​

Why It’s Important

Visiting medical schools is one of the most eye-opening experiences for pre-health students. While websites, brochures, and statistics provide useful information, being on campus allows you to truly see if a school is the right fit for you.

Through the MPO Bus Trip, you will:

​

• Strengthen Your Application – Many schools allow you to mention in your application that you visited as a prospective student. Making connections and showing demonstrated interest can leave a lasting impression—sometimes admissions staff may even remember you when you apply.

• Learn Directly from Faculty and Students – Hear firsthand how each school functions, what they value in applicants, and what opportunities they provide. This includes insights you won’t find online, like program culture and daily student life.

• Evaluate if a School is Right for You – Visiting in person lets you envision your future, experience the environment, and determine if the school’s mission and community align with your goals.

• Gain Valuable Tips and Realistic Expectations – Students and faculty often share advice, study tips, and strategies that can help you succeed in your future application and medical education journey.

• Save on Costs – Traveling individually to multiple medical schools can be extremely expensive. The MPO Bus Trip makes this experience far more affordable, giving you access to numerous schools in one trip.

• Build Networks and Opportunities – Meeting admissions representatives and medical students face-to-face helps you ask the questions that matter most, get authentic feedback, and establish relationships that may benefit you later on.

 

In short, this trip gives you an invaluable perspective on medical education. It allows you to educate yourself about what lies ahead and to approach your application process with realistic expectations—something all medical schools look for in competitive applicants.

​

​

Schools We Visit

Over the years, MPO has visited nearly every medical school in Texas, including both public and private institutions. Past and recent trips have included:

• University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) – Galveston

• UT Southwestern Medical Center – Dallas

• McGovern Medical School at UTHealth – Houston

• UT Long School of Medicine – San Antonio

• Dell Medical School – Austin

• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – Lubbock

• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center – El Paso

• University of North Texas Health Science Center – Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM)

• Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine

• Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM / SIW)

• UT Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (UTRGV SOM)

• Paul L. Foster School of Medicine – El Paso

• Baylor College of Medicine – Houston

• TCU Burnett School of Medicine – Fort Worth

​

​

Trip Details

• Dates, prices, and itinerary for the next bus trip will be announced early in the spring semester.

• Space is limited—sign-ups fill quickly, so be ready once registration opens.

• Information will be shared during general meetings, via email, on GroupMe, and through MineTracker.

• For any additional questions about the bus trip, feel free to contact our board!

​

Beyond the Schools

The MPO Bus Trip isn’t only about visiting medical campuses—it’s also about exploring the cities where these schools are located. In select stops, we enjoy local food, landmarks, and culture, giving you a feel for the environment and community you might one day call home. These moments make the trip not only valuable for your future but also fun and memorable with your fellow members.

​

A Life-Changing Experience

The MPO Bus Trip is more than just a tour—it is an investment in your future. It inspires you, educates you, and connects you directly with the people who may one day review your application or work beside you as colleagues. For many students, this trip is a turning point, solidifying their passion for medicine and guiding them toward the school and program that best fits their goals.