Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you send me a catalog?
We have no published catalog. All of the most current
information on the FSU College of Medicine is posted at
our website. Please check it
regularly; updates are posted frequently.
- Do you accept international students?
No. You must be a US citizen or Permanent Resident Alien in
possession of your "green card".
- Do you accept transfer students?
The FSU College of Medicine does not accept transfer
students at this time.
- Do you make any exceptions to the legal residency
requirement for out of state residents?
We now accept Out of State applications; however, Florida
residents will be given preference.
- I am still an undergraduate and am considering applying
to medical school. Is there an advisor I may talk to prior to
completing my application?
Before speaking to the Admissions Office, you need to speak to a
pre-health advisor on your campus, or you may contact the FSU health
professions advisor by emailing
MedInformation@med.fsu.edu.
- I read you are an Early Start Program. When do classes
begin?
Orientation
begins May 26, 2009 for the Class of 2013.
Classes begin June 1, 2009.
- Is there an application fee? If so, what is it?
The College of Medicine does not charge an application fee.
If you are offered acceptance
to our program however, you will be charged a $30
non-refundable fee with your application for admission to
Florida State University.
- What is the minimum GPA and MCAT score I need to apply to
your school?
We have no minimum requirements for these scores. The average
GPA for the 2008 entering class was 3.7 and the average MCAT
score was 28. Our Admissions Committee prefers to look at the
entire application rather than just test scores.
- Can I submit a committee letter instead of the four
required letters of recommendation?
If your school prepares a committee letter of recommendation,
you may submit that letter in support of your application.
However, the FSU College of Medicine Admissions Committee
prefers to see letters of recommendation written by individual
faculty members who have taught you.
- I am a non-traditional student. My undergraduate faculty
members don't remember me, so what letters can I substitute
instead?
You should request letters from people you have worked with and
who know you well. Choose those people who you think will write
the most informative and helpful letters about your suitability
to enter medical school.
- Can I send my letters of recommendation to your school
before my AMCAS application has been sent?
Yes, you may have your letters sent as soon as you wish; they
will be filed with your official AMCAS application as soon as it
is received. Make sure your name and
AMCAS ID number are clearly indicated on the letter. Letters may
be submitted electronically through VirtualEvals
or Interfolio,
or may be mailed to: Florida State University, College of
Medicine, Admissions Office, 1115 West Call Street, Tallahassee
FL 32306-4300.
- How do I know if I have completed the Biochemistry
requirement?
Generally, if a biochemistry course at your school is designed
as a pre-med course and taken by pre-med students it will be
acceptable. Some schools present biochemistry as one
three-credit-hour course. If a lab is offered as an option,
it is recommended that you take the lab. If you are in doubt, you may email your question to
, and attach the course syllabus,
with the course name and name of your school for evaluation.
- Does it make any difference where I take the
pre-requisite courses? Can I take them by distance learning?
We prefer applicants to take pre-requisite courses in a
traditional classroom setting at a four-year college. However,
we recognize that this is not always possible, especially for
non-traditional applicants, so course credit from a
US-accredited institution is acceptable in most cases.
- Do AP, CLEP and dual enrollment credits fulfill course
requirements?
Yes, AP, CLEP and dual enrollment credits fulfill the course
requirements. However, courses taken in a traditional classroom at a
four-year institution are considered to be more academically
competitive.
- What should I include in my essay?
The goal in writing your essay is to express your values and
convey your most important qualities, emphasizing the points
that justify your suitability for medical school. Convey your perspectives
precisely and proficiently while emphasizing your
distinct attributes. Keep in mind that the essay should reflect
your personality and your skills in writing.
- Why do you require a photo with my application?
The photos are requested, not required. The photos are added to your AMCAS application and shared with
the Admissions Committee. These photos assist the Admissions
Committee in remembering each applicant. With so many
applicants, it makes it simpler to associate a face with the
application.
- How can I check on the status of my application?
We will contact you by email as follows: (1) to acknowledge
receipt and initial review of your AMCAS application, (2) to
invite you to submit a secondary online application, and (3)
when your application is complete (that is, when the secondary
application, and letters of recommendation have been received). You may check the status of your application
online anytime.
- May I use my essays from last year?
Yes, but we highly suggest that you revisit the essay.
Re-writing your essay may be a better alternative, particularly
if there have been significant changes in your experiences or
accomplishments.
- When will I hear a decision regarding my application to
the FSU College of Medicine?
All applicants who have been interviewed and have not received
earlier notification will receive notification towards the end
of the admissions cycle. Applicants under consideration may not
hear a final decision until after classes have begun, because
those applicants on hold are still being considered for
admission until the class has matriculated. Applicants who have
not been invited for an interview will receive notification
prior to the beginning of classes.
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