fsu medical school secondary essays

Florida State University: FSU Secondary Application Questions and Tips

• Cracking Med School Admissions

The Florida State University College of Medicine wants to make sure that you are academically prepared for the rigors of medical school, which is why many FSU secondary application questions focus on your academic readiness. Read our Cracking Med School Admissions FSU secondary application tips below. 

The FSU secondary application is notorious because the it is one of the longest secondary applications. There are several FSU secondary application questions. However, the FSU secondaries don’t change year over year. We strongly suggest premeds to pre-write their FSU secondaries. Definitely don’t wait until close to the application deadline to submit your application!

The FSU Med School Admissions committee gets an intimate look into each applicant. Because our Cracking Med School Admissions team has no character or word limits when it comes to our secondary essay editing , it is one of the most common secondary applications that we read each year. We can help you with this tough and long secondary application. Contact us if you have any questions about the FSU Medical School secondary application or other Florida medical school secondaries. 

• Personally Tailored Essays
• Edits by Stanford & Harvard-trained Doctors
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FSU Secondary Application Questions: 2023 – 2024

• (Optional) Please provide a description of your family. (9,999 characters max)
• (Optional) Please provide a description of where you grew up (i.e. rural area, large city, etc.) (9,999 characters max)
• (Optional) Indicate what you do for fun and diversion (hobbies, special interests, etc.). (9,999 characters max)
• (Optional) What is a unique trait, experience, or interest that we would not normally learn about you? (9,999 characters max)
• (Optional) If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity, not addressed elsewhere in the application, that you are comfortable voluntarily sharing with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Many applicants will not need to answer this question. Examples might include significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, identification with a minority culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Briefly explain how such factors have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine. (9,999 characters max)
• Completed with a “C” or better
• In Progress
• (Optional) Please enter your ACT and or SAT scores if you have taken these exams. (100 characters max)
• (Optional) Have you previously attended FSU or applied for admission? (Not to the College of Medicine) (Yes or No)
• Why are you choosing to apply to the FSU College of Medicine? Please be specific describing what is particularly attractive about FSU COM. (9,999 characters max)
• (Optional) What do you feel are your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine? (9,999 characters max)
• (Optional) How do you feel you will contribute to the success of the FSU College of Medicine and our unique mission? (9,999 characters max)
• (Optional) If you have previously interviewed or applied to the College of Medicine, what steps have you taken to improve your application? (9,999 characters max)
• In what field/specialty of medicine do you envision yourself working ten years from now? Please list no more than three (3) specialties. (500 characters max)
• Write a short statement describing how you envision using the specialty/ies you listed above to advance our mission. (9,999 characters max)
• (Optional) COVID-19: The Admissions Committee understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted applicants in various ways. If you wish to inform the committee as to how these events have affected you and have not already done so elsewhere in your application, please use this space to do so. (9,999 characters max)
• N/A-Answered “yes” to previous question
• (Optional) If “yes”, please briefly explain. (200 characters max)
• (Optional) If you have never been a Florida resident or are not currently residing in Florida (answered “no” to both questions above), please briefly describe any significant ties that you have to the State of Florida (Examples of significant ties include- but are not limited to- attending college within Florida; having strong family ties to Florida, owning property in Florida, etc.) (200 characters max)
• (Optional) Have you ever been charged with a violation of the law which resulted in, or is still pending could result in, probation, community service, a jail sentence, or the revocation or suspension of your driver’s license (including traffic violations which resulted in a fine of $200 or more)? If “yes”, please explain.  (500 characters max)
• Have you ever been or are you now under investigation for any academic or legal/conduct problems at any undergraduate or graduate institution? If “yes”, please explain.  (500 characters max)

Tips to Answer FSU Secondaries

  FSU Secondary Application Tip #1: Do not treat the optional questions on the FSU Medical School secondary application as optional. We encourage all our students to answer as many of the essays as possible. It is extremely important to talk about your background and how it contributes to why you want to be an excellent physician. 

For the COVID-19 question, you can discuss what you learned from the pandemic. Candidates for admission can discuss broader healthcare issues that they witnessed during COVID. We also suggest candidates to speak directly about healthcare disparities and healthcare issues that affected Florida, since Florida State University states in its secondary application that it strongly favors in-state applicants.

• Read our top 10 healthcare current events  blog post, which highlights healthcare disparities and COVID-19 issues. 

FSU Secondary Application Tip #2: Based on the Florida State University College of Medicine website, the mission and vision of the school for its medical students is the following:

“The Florida State University College of Medicine will educate and develop exemplary physicians who practice patient-centered health care, discover and advance knowledge, and are responsive to community needs, especially through service to elder, rural, minority, and underserved populations.

The FSU College of Medicine will lead the nation in preparing compassionate physicians to deliver the highest quality 21st Century patient-centered medicine to communities of greatest need.”

Therefore, it’s important to incorporate elements of the school’s mission to your application:

• Instances where you have worked and helped underserved populations
• Experiences with rural medicine
• Patient stories with elderly patients
• Ideas to improve healthcare

FSU Secondary Application Tip #3: Incorporate Why Florida State University College of Medicine throughout your FSU secondary materials. 

• Read our tips and examples on how to answer “ Why This Medical School “

FSU Secondary Application Tip #4:  If you are a re-applicant, you must answer the Florida State University College of Medicine secondary application question, “If you have previously interviewed or applied to the College of Medicine, what steps have you taken to improve your application?” As a re-applicant to FSU, you need to discuss how your application has changed from the first time you applied to this current time you are applying. First, identify weaknesses in your previous application. Make sure to discuss how you have improved on those weaknesses. Then, if you have other significant extra-curricular activities or new work experiences, you should mention them. 

FSU Secondary Application Tip #5:  We  strongly advise our students to incorporate stories that  show their character and previous community experiences, particularly stories that reinforces our students’ commitments to FSU’s mission.

The FSU secondary application questions in which students can easily incorporate stories are the following:

• Please provide a description of your family. 
• Please provide a description of where you grew up.
• Indicate what you do for fun and diversion.
• What is a unique trait, experience, or interest that we would not normally learn about you? 
• If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity, not addressed elsewhere in the application, that you are comfortable voluntarily sharing with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Many applicants will not need to answer this question. Examples might include significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, identification with a minority culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Briefly explain how such factors have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine. 
• What do you feel are your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine? 
• If you have previously interviewed or applied to the College of Medicine, what steps have you taken to improve your application? 
• COVID-19: The Admissions Committee understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted applicants in various ways. If you wish to inform the committee as to how these events have affected you and have not already done so elsewhere in your application, please use this space to do so. 

FSU Secondary Application Tip #6: Get our help to edit your FSU secondaries. We can help you through our secondary essay packages . Have questions about how you can stand out? Contact us below.

FSU Secondary Application Tip #7: Our Cracking Med School Admissions team typically does not recommend out-of-state applicants for admission to apply to Florida State University College of Medicine because the admissions committee strongly favors in-state candidates.

FSU Secondary Application Tip #8: For the FSU secondary application essay prompt, “H ow do you feel you will contribute to the success of the FSU college of medicine and our unique mission,”  make sure that you convey how you want to improve the healthcare of Florida residents.

[ Read more secondary essay tips: Florida Atlantic University (FAU) ,  University of Central Florida (UCF) , East Tennessee State University Medical School (Quillen),   Edward Via College – VCOM ]

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FSU Secondary Application Questions: 2022 – 2023

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FSU Secondary Application Questions: 2021 – 2022

Fsu secondary application questions: 2020 - 2021.

• (Optional) Travel: Indicate your significant travel experiences and include the circumstances. (500 words max)
• (Optional) Fun and Diversion: Indicate what you do for fun and diversion (hobbies, special interests, etc.) (500 words max)
• (Optional) Miscellaneous: Identify any other traits, habits, experiences, interests, etc., that a professor advisor would not normally learn about you. (500 words max)
• (Optional) Parents: Please provide a brief description of your parents. (500 words max)
• (Optional) Siblings: Please provide a brief description of your siblings. (500 words max)
• (Optional) Practice Vision: In what field of medicine do you envision yourself working ten years from now? (500 words max)
• (Optional) ACT/SAT Scores (if any): Please enter your ACT and SAT scores if you have taken these exams. (500 words max)
• Write a critical analysis of your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine, the realization of your professional ambitions, and why you are choosing to apply to the FSU COM. (500 words max)

FSU Secondary Application Questions: 2019 – 2020

Fsu secondary application questions: 2018 – 2019.

• Travel: Indicate your significant travel experiences and include the circumstances. (500 words max)
• Fun And Diversion: Indicate what you do for fun and diversion (hobbies, special interests, etc.) (500 words max)
• Miscellaneous: Identify any other traits, habits, experiences, interests, etc., that a professor or advisor would not normally learn about you. (500 words max)
• Where they were raised
• 4-5 traits that would describe him/her to a stranger
• Traits you get from him/her
• Your rapport with him/her
• His/her hobbies or interests
• Siblings: Give names, ages and a few brief comments about your brothers and sisters. (500 words max)
• Practice Vision: In what field of medicine do you envision yourself working ten years from now? (500 words max)
• ACT/SAT Scores (if any): Please enter your ACT and SAT scores if you have taken these tests. (500 words max)
• Self-Critical Essay: Write a critical analysis of your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine and the realization of your professional ambitions. 

FSU Secondary Application Questions: 2017 – 2018

Fsu secondary application questions: 2016 – 2017, fsu secondary application questions: 2015 – 2016, fsu secondary application questions: 2014 – 2015, contact us with questions, we'll answer any and all your questions about medical school we typically respond within 1 business day..

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2022-2023 Florida State

• Thread starter wysdoc
• Start date Apr 24, 2022

Plain-spoken Texan

• Apr 24, 2022

xxxyyyzzzaaabbbccc

Full member.

• Jul 14, 2022

IS secondary received @wysdoc 500 words for all Please provide a description of your family. (Optional) Please provide a description of where you grew up (i.e. rural area, large city, etc.) (Optional) Indicate what you do for fun and diversion (hobbies, special interests, etc.). (Optional) What is a unique trait, experience, or interest that we would not normally learn about you? (Optional) If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity, not addressed elsewhere in the application, that you are comfortable voluntarily sharing with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Many applicants will not need to answer this question. Examples might include significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, identification with a minority culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Briefly explain how such factors have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine. (Optional) Why are you choosing to apply to the FSU College of Medicine? Please be specific describing what is particularly attractive about FSU COM. What do you feel are your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine? (Optional) How do you feel you will contribute to the success of the FSU College of Medicine and our unique mission? (Optional) If you have previously interviewed or applied to the College of Medicine, what steps have you taken to improve your application? (Optional) In what field/specialty of medicine do you envision yourself working ten years from now? Please list no more than three (3) specialties. Write a short statement describing how you envision using the specialty/ies you listed above to advance our mission. COVID-19: The Admissions Committee understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted applicants in various ways. If you wish to inform the committee as to how these events have affected you and have not already done so elsewhere in your application, please use this space to do so. (Optional) If FL has previously been your state of residence but it is not your current state of residence, explain (Optional) If you were never a FL resident, explain ties to FL (Optional) Criminal/academic discipline question (Optional)  

FiletFrenzy

xxxyyyzzzaaabbbccc said: IS secondary received @wysdoc 500 words for all Please provide a description of your family. (Optional) Please provide a description of where you grew up (i.e. rural area, large city, etc.) (Optional) Indicate what you do for fun and diversion (hobbies, special interests, etc.). (Optional) What is a unique trait, experience, or interest that we would not normally learn about you? (Optional) If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity, not addressed elsewhere in the application, that you are comfortable voluntarily sharing with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Many applicants will not need to answer this question. Examples might include significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, identification with a minority culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity. Briefly explain how such factors have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine. (Optional) Why are you choosing to apply to the FSU College of Medicine? Please be specific describing what is particularly attractive about FSU COM. What do you feel are your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine? (Optional) How do you feel you will contribute to the success of the FSU College of Medicine and our unique mission? (Optional) If you have previously interviewed or applied to the College of Medicine, what steps have you taken to improve your application? (Optional) In what field/specialty of medicine do you envision yourself working ten years from now? Please list no more than three (3) specialties. Write a short statement describing how you envision using the specialty/ies you listed above to advance our mission. COVID-19: The Admissions Committee understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted applicants in various ways. If you wish to inform the committee as to how these events have affected you and have not already done so elsewhere in your application, please use this space to do so. (Optional) If FL has previously been your state of residence but it is not your current state of residence, explain (Optional) If you were never a FL resident, explain ties to FL (Optional) Criminal/academic discipline question (Optional) Click to expand...

Determinedtoachieve

IS i have not received it yet  

• Jul 20, 2022

Secondary received  

Did anyone get the payment email yet?  

I got one saying fee waiver was applied basically  

• Jul 21, 2022

Bill2y said: I got one saying fee waiver was applied basically Click to expand...

Step Doc said: ach this is one of my last priority schools. out here dying waiting for that payment email Click to expand...

Bill2y said: It took five days after submitting my secondary so maybe you will get it soon? Click to expand...

PreMD_Activists

Step Doc said: oof it has been more than 5 days. Im gonna call them Click to expand...

PreMD_Activists said: I would give them 7 days minimum before calling them. I think they even said that in their email regarding how long they anticipate sending out a payment notification email or fee waiver email (if you apply to the fee assistant thing). Click to expand...

Step Doc said: Did anyone get the payment email yet? Click to expand...

• Jul 22, 2022

xxxyyyzzzaaabbbccc said: Just received payment email. Secondary was marked complete 7/19 Click to expand...

dum_spiro_spero

• Jul 26, 2022

Early Decision Here... Received Secondary and Received Confirmation Email yesterday...  

• Jul 28, 2022

IS RD Submitted secondary 7/15 and got complete/ review email today 7/28.  

• Jul 29, 2022

ED IS: Received Complete Yesterday  

• Aug 2, 2022

Anyone get an email from FSU about licensing today? I'm assuming it's a mistake...  

orgosad said: Anyone get an email from FSU about licensing today? I'm assuming it's a mistake... Click to expand...

I got that last week or two weeks ago, it must be an email to let people know about the various changes medical schools are experiencing or at least to address the issues lately with a few schools having probation or whatnot.  

PreMD_Activists said: I got that last week or two weeks ago, it must be an email to let people know about the various changes medical schools are experiencing or at least to address the issues lately with a few schools having probation or whatnot. Click to expand...

orgosad said: What is the issue with FSU tho? Are they having licensing issues? Click to expand...

• Aug 11, 2022
• Aug 16, 2022

m22499 said: Can you please share the email? Click to expand...

Godismyonlysource

Does anyone know how OOS friendly FSU is?  

coolcoolcool17

Itunuoluwa Mary Ale said: Does anyone know how OOS friendly FSU is? Click to expand...

• Aug 17, 2022

Godismyonlysource said: Does anyone know how OOS friendly FSU is? Click to expand...

coolcoolcool17 said: Like not at all. Unless you have very strong ties to Florida, it’s not looking good I’m afraid. Click to expand...

Have ED II even gone out yet?  

• Aug 18, 2022

coolcoolcool17 said: Have ED II even gone out yet? Click to expand...

FarmerMed14

FarmerMed14 said: You should have received an email for invitation to complete the secondary if you're ED and all of your primary material is submitted. I received a secondary email the same day as my MCAT score uploaded into AMCAS. Double check all of your emails Click to expand...

PreMD_Activists said: He was talking about an II = interview invite. Click to expand...

I imagine II’s will come out following the ED deadline Monday. ED II’s will come out Probably the end of next week fingers crossed. Anyone else here ED? (Early Decision)  

• Aug 20, 2022

dum_spiro_spero said: I imagine II’s will come out following the ED deadline Monday. ED II’s will come out Probably the end of next week fingers crossed. Anyone else here ED? (Early Decision) Click to expand...

• Aug 22, 2022

FarmerMed14 said: I wonder how many applied ED last cycle. I know a MS2 at FSU COM and he said it was something in the 20s. Seemed low Click to expand...

coffeelover.0

coffeelover.0 said: ED, in-state. Anyone else nervous about still waiting for application payment today on the ED deadline date? Click to expand...

• Aug 23, 2022

FarmerMed14 said: Wouldn't be nervous, their website specifically says August 22 11:59 pm is "Deadline for Early Decision applicants to submit all secondary materials". Not for payment. As long as you have the confirmation email from the COM that your secondary has been received you should be good. I'm still waiting on the payment email, but I'm not worried Click to expand...

monkeyjoe said: Im nervous too because I just saw the email sent out last week that the deadline includes having the payment made by August 22 11:59 pm. Click to expand...

“Good morning FSU College of Medicine Early Decision Applicants, We understand that many of you are still awaiting the necessary information to complete the payment. This email serves as your official notification of the deadline extension or "grace period" for the $30 application fee. You have until midnight on Sunday, August, 28th to complete the payment and still be considered for Early Decision. If you participate in the FAP, your waiver will automatically be applied; this notification will also come in an email. Please remember to check your spam folder in the next couple of days for the email. We will reach out again with any appropriate updates. Sincerely, Office of Admissions FSU College of Medicine” Got this at 9:40. Good thing lol  

FarmerMed14 said: “Good morning FSU College of Medicine Early Decision Applicants, We understand that many of you are still awaiting the necessary information to complete the payment. This email serves as your official notification of the deadline extension or "grace period" for the $30 application fee. You have until midnight on Sunday, August, 28th to complete the payment and still be considered for Early Decision. If you participate in the FAP, your waiver will automatically be applied; this notification will also come in an email. Please remember to check your spam folder in the next couple of days for the email. We will reach out again with any appropriate updates. Sincerely, Office of Admissions FSU College of Medicine” Got this at 9:40. Good thing lol Click to expand...

Just received payment email. Hope the same for the rest of the pending ED applicants  

Hamber_Gorl

Is FSU not requiring/ asking for a photo with secondary submission? My laptop was being glitchy when I submitted, just wanted to make sure I didn't miss it.  

• Aug 24, 2022

Hamber_Gorl said: Is FSU not requiring/ asking for a photo with secondary submission? My laptop was being glitchy when I submitted, just wanted to make sure I didn't miss it. Click to expand...

When I submitted, there was no place to insert a photo. I was marked as complete a while ago.  

• Aug 25, 2022

Did anyone else still not get the email to pay?  

dum_spiro_spero said: When I submitted, there was no place to insert a photo. I was marked as complete a while ago. Click to expand...

• Aug 29, 2022

Anybody receive ED II yet?  

fsunoles4ever

FarmerMed14 said: Anybody receive ED II yet? Click to expand...

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Medical School Secondary Essay Prompts Database

Updating for 2023-2024 as Secondaries Come in!

ProspectiveDoctor has compiled a database of past and current medical school secondary essay prompts from past years to help you get a head start on your secondary applications. Select a school to discover their essay prompts.

Related posts:

• Baylor College of Medicine Secondary Questions
• East Tennessee State James H. Quillen College of Medicine Secondary Questions
• Florida International University College of Medicine Secondary Questions
• Wake Forest School of Medicine Secondary Questions

Medical School Secondary Application Prompts

Secondary Essays by School/Program

The Med School Insiders Secondary Application Database is updated for the 2023 application cycle! Medical schools are sorted alphabetically below. 

Each school’s prompts are accompanied by expert tips and strategies to help you craft a more effective secondary application. To take your secondary applications to the next level, take a look at our secondary application packages !

A B C D E F G H I J   L M N O P   R S T U V W   Y

Albany Medical College (Albany, NY)

Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University (Bronx, NY)

Baylor College of Medicine (Houston, TX)

Boston University School of Medicine (Boston, MA)

Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University (Greenville, NC)

Brown University Warren Alpert Medical School (Providence, RI)

California Northstate University College of Medicine (Elk Grove, CA)

California University of Science and Medicine (Colton, CA)

Carle Illinois College of Medicine (Urbana, IL)

Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (Cleveland, OH)

Central Michigan University College of Medicine (Mount Pleasant, MI)

Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science (Los Angeles, CA)

Chicago Medical School – Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science (North Chicago, IL)

Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine (Cleveland, OH)

Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons (New York, NY)

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (Camden, NJ)

Creighton University School of Medicine (Omaha, NE )

CUNY School of Medicine (New York, NY )

Dartmouth Medical School (Hanover, NH)

Drexel University College of Medicine (Philadelphia, PA)

Duke University School of Medicine (Durham, NC)

East Tennessee State University – James H. Quillen College of Medicine (Johnson City, TN)

Eastern Virginia Medical School (Norfolk, VA)

Emory University School of Medicine (Atlanta, GA)

Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine (Boca Raton, FL)

Florida International University College of Medicine (Miami, FL)

Florida State University College of Medicine (Tallahassee, FL)

Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine – Quinnipiac University (North Haven, CT)

Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (Scranton, PA)

George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (Washington, DC)

Georgetown University School of Medicine (Washington, DC )

Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (Nutley, NJ)

Harvard Medical School (Boston, MA)

Hofstra University Zucker School of Medicine (Hempstead, NY)

Howard University College of Medicine (Washington, DC )

Indiana University School of Medicine (Indianapolis, IN)

Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD)

Loma Linda University School of Medicine (Loma Linda, CA)

Louisiana State University HSC – School of Medicine at New Orleans (New Orleans, LA)

Louisiana State University HSC – School of Medicine in Shreveport (Shreveport, LA)

Loyola University Chicago – Stritch School of Medicine (Maywood, IL)

Marshall University – Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine – Minnesota (Rochester, MN)

Mayo Clinic School of Medicine – Arizona (Scottsdale, AZ)

Medical College of Georgia – School of Medicine (Augusta, GA)

Medical College of Wisconsin (Milwaukee, WI)

Medical University of South Carolina – College of Medicine (Charleston, SC)

Meharry Medical College (Nashville, TN)

Mercer University School of Medicine (Macon, GA)

Michigan State University College of Human Medicine (East Lansing, MI)

Morehouse School of Medicine (Atlanta, GA)

Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine (New York, NY)

New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine (Old Westbury, NY)

New York Medical College School of Medicine (Valhalla, NY)

New York University School of Medicine (New York, NY)

Northeastern Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) (Rootstown, OH)

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Chicago, IL)

Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine (Rochester, MI)

Ohio State University College of Medicine (Columbus, OH)

Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine (Portland, OR)

Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine (Hershey, PA)

Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) (Ponce, Puerto Rico)

Rush Medical College of Rush University Medical Center (Chicago, IL)

Rutgers University New Jersey Medical School (Newark, NJ)

Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (Piscataway, NJ)

Saint Louis University School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO)

San Juan Bautista School of Medicine (Caguas, Puerto Rico)

Sanford School of Medicine of the University of South Dakota (Sioux Falls, SD)

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine (Springfield, IL)

Stony Brook School of Medicine at University Medical Center (Stony Brook, NY)

Stanford University School of Medicine (Stanford, CA)

SUNY Downstate Medical Center – College of Medicine (Brooklyn, NY)

SUNY Upstate Medical University – College of Medicine (Syracuse, NY)

Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine (Philadelphia, PA)

Texas A & M Health Science Center – College of Medicine (College Station, TX)

Texas Tech University HSC – Paul L. Foster School of Medicine (El Paso, TX)

Texas Tech University HSC School of Medicine (Lubbock, TX)

Thomas Jefferson University — Sidney Kimmel Medical College (Philadelphia, PA)

Tufts University School of Medicine (Boston, MA)

Tulane University School of Medicine (New Orleans, LA)

Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences – F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine (Bethesda, MD)

Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine (Bayamon, Puerto Rico)

University at Buffalo – School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (Buffalo, NY)

University of Alabama School of Medicine (Birmingham, AL)

University of Arizona College of Medicine (Phoenix, AZ)

University of Arizona College of Medicine (Tucson, AZ)

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences – College of Medicine (Little Rock, AR)

University of California Davis School of Medicine (Sacramento, CA)

University of California Irvine School of Medicine (Irvine, CA)

University of California Los Angeles (UCLA David Geffen) (Los Angeles, CA)

University of California Riverside School of Medicine (Riverside, CA)

University of California San Diego School of Medicine (San Diego, CA)

University of California San Francisco School of Medicine (San Francisco, CA)

University of Central Florida College of Medicine (Orlando, FL)

University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine (Chicago, IL)

University of Cincinnati College of Medicine (Cincinnati, OH)

University of Colorado School of Medicine (Denver, CO)

University of Connecticut School of Medicine (Farmington, CT)

University of Florida College of Medicine (Gainesville, FL)

University of Hawaii at Manoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (Honolulu, HI)

University of Illinois College of Medicine (Chicago, IL)

University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine (Iowa City, IA)

University of Kansas School of Medicine (Kansas City, KS)

University of Kentucky College of Medicine (Lexington, KY)

University of Louisville School of Medicine (Louisville, KY)

University of Maryland School of Medicine (Baltimore, MD)

University of Massachusetts School of Medicine (Worcester, MA)

University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine (Miami, FL)

University of Michigan Medical School (Ann Arbor, MI)

University of Minnesota Medical School – Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN)

University of Minnesota Medical School – Duluth (Duluth, MN)

University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine (Jackson, MS)

University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine (Kansas City, MO)

University of Missouri–Columbia School of Medicine (Columbia, MO)

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine (Omaha, NE)

University of Nevada–Reno School of Medicine (Reno, NV)

University of Nevada–Las Vegas School of Medicine (Las Vegas, NV)

University of New Mexico School of Medicine (Albuquerque, NM)

University of North Carolina (UNC) Chapel Hill School of Medicine (Chapel Hill, NC)

University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences (Grand Forks, ND)

University of Oklahoma College of Medicine (Oklahoma City, OK)

University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine (Philadelphia, PA)

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (Pittsburgh, PA)

University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine (San Juan, Puerto Rico)

University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (Rochester, NY)

University of South Alabama College of Medicine (Mobile, AL)

University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine (Tampa, FL)

University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine (Los Angeles, CA)

University of Tennessee HSC College of Medicine (Memphis, TN)

University of Texas Austin Dell Medical School (Austin, TX)

University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) School of Medicine (Galveston, TX)

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine (Edinburg, TX)

University of Texas Houston McGovern Medical School (Houston, TX)

University of Texas San Antonio School of Medicine (San Antonio, TX)

University of Texas Southwestern (UTSW) Medical School (Dallas, TX)

University of Toledo College of Medicine (Toledo, OH)

University of Utah School of Medicine (Salt Lake City, UT)

University of Virginia School of Medicine (Charlottesville, VA)

University of Vermont College of Medicine (Burlington, VT)

University of Washington School of Medicine (Seattle, WA)

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (Madison, WI)

Vanderbilt University School of Medicine (Nashville, TN)

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine (Richmond, VA)

Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine (Roanoke, VA)

Wake Forest University School of Medicine – Bowman Gray Campus (Winston-Salem, NC)

Washington State University Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine (Spokane, WA)

Washington University in St. Louis – School of Medicine (St. Louis, MO)

Wayne State University School of Medicine (Detroit, MI)

Weill Cornell Medicine Medical College (Manhattan, NY)

West Virginia University School of Medicine (Morgantown, WV)

Western Michigan University School of Medicine (Kalamazoo, MI)

Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine (Dayton, OH)

Yale University School of Medicine (New Haven, CT)

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Florida State University College of Medicine Secondary Essay Prompts

Below are the secondary prompts Florida State University College of Medicine.   Want to maximize your chances for an interview invite Work with our expert medical school admission consultants to put your best foot forward through our secondary application editing services.

‍ Please limit your answers to 500 words per question. 7 records updated!

‍ Indicate your significant travel experiences and include the circumstances.

‍ Fun And Diversion

‍ Indicate what you do for fun and diversion (hobbies, special interests, etc.)

‍ Miscellaneous

‍ Identify any other traits, habits, experiences, interests, etc., that a professor or advisor would not normally learn about you.

‍ For both mother and father, give the following:

‍ Where they were raised

‍ 4-5 traits that would describe him/her to a stranger

‍ Traits you get from him/her

‍ Your rapport with him/her

‍ His/her hobbies or interests

‍ Give names, ages and a few brief comments about your brothers and sisters.

‍ Practice Vision

‍ In what field of medicine do you envision yourself working ten years from now?

‍ ACT/SAT Scores (if any)

‍ Please enter your ACT and SAT scores if you have taken these tests.

‍ Please limit your answers to 500 words per question.

‍ Write a critical analysis of your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine and the realization of your professional ambitions.

Florida State University College of Medicine

QUICK LINKS

Gaining admission to Florida State University College of Medicine is Moderately Competitive. Applicants typically have an average GPA of 3.8 and an average MCAT score of 507.

📊 STATISTICS

To summarize, listed below are the most important academic statistics for Florida State University College of Medicine applicants:

Affording medical school can be tough, often requiring students to take on significant loans. Information about the yearly tuition for Florida State University College of Medicine is below.

For more information about tuition at Florida State University College of Medicine, visit the following link: https://med.fsu.edu/financialaid/tuition-and-fees

😀 FRIENDLINESS

Some schools prefer in-state candidates, while others are more receptive to out-of-state or international applicants. View our school "friendliness" scores for Florida State University College of Medicine below:

🚗 OUT-OF-STATE

✈️ INTERNATIONAL

⭐️ MISSION STATEMENT

It is always important to read and understand a medical school's mission statement before applying. Often, you will find out what the medical school stands for, and if you fit in with the general "vibe" of the medical school. However, being honest, most medical schools have the same run-of-the-mill mission statement as everybody else. Anyways, you can be the judge. Below you can find the mission statement for Florida State University College of Medicine:

Florida State University College of Medicine Mission Statement:

For more information on the mission statement for Florida State University College of Medicine, visit the following link: https://med.fsu.edu/comaboutus/mission-vision

🤷‍♂️ SITUATIONAL JUDGEMENT TESTS

Florida State University College of Medicine does not require the completion of either the CASPer® nor the AAMC PREview™ examinations.

CASPer® Question Bank

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AAMC PREview™ Question Bank

Excel on the AAMC PREview™ exam with 500+ questions & answers.

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Score Yourself & Review Answers

📅 DATES, DEADLINES, AND FEES

Throughout your application cycle, there are many dates to be cognizant of in order to ensure the successful completion of your application.

Below are some other helpful dates:

Medical School Interview Question Bank

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100+ Questions & Answers

Interview Simulation Platform

MMI & Traditional Style

📚 PREREQUISITE COURSES

Most schools have a list of prerequisite courses that you need to have completed before matriculating. View information provided for Florida State University College of Medicine below:

Semester Hours:

Not Required

🧪 CHEMISTRY

GenChem = General Chemistry

OChem = Organic Chemistry

Biochem = Biochemistry

GenChem Semester Hours:

GenChem Lab?

OChem Semester Hours:

Biochem Semester Hours:

Biochem Lab?

GenBio = General Biology

HL Bio = Higher Level Biology

GenBio Semester Hours:

GenBio Lab?

HL Bio Semester Hours:

HL Bio Lab?

Microbiology required.

🔍 HUMANITIES & BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES

General Psychology Required.

✍️ ENGLISH/WRITING

English Composition or other writing intensive coursework.

📈 MATHEMATICS/STATISTICS

Mathematics Semester Hours:

Statistics Semester Hours:

OTHER REQUIRED COURSES

Medical Terminology, Genetics, Human Anatomy w/ lab, Human Physiology w/ lab

OTHER RECOMMENDED COURSES

SOURCE: https://med.fsu.edu/pa/prerequisite

🎓 SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Many schools have dual-degree programs for motivated applicants. View the ones offered at Florida State University College of Medicine below:

MD+PhD (MSTP - Medical Scientist Training Program):

MD+MPH (Public Health):

MD+MBA (Business, Healthcare Administration):

MD+JD (Law):

MD+MA (Master of Arts):

MD+MS (Master of Science):

📲 CONTACT INFORMATION

View contact information (phone and email) available to contact Florida State University College of Medicine below:

[email protected]

📝 SECONDARY APPLICATION ESSAY PROMPTS

Below are the past secondary (supplemental) application essay prompts for Florida State University College of Medicine.

🙋‍♀️ INTERVIEW QUESTIONS

Below are common interview questions that you might encounter on your important day for Florida State University College of Medicine.

The Bright Doctor and its products are not affiliated with or endorsed by Florida State University College of Medicine, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), nor any other company, university, professional association, or academic institution.

The Bright Doctor and its products are not associated with nor endorsed by any particular academic institution, nor are they associated with or endorsed by any student-led or faculty-led organizations within any academic institution.

Get Expert Help With Your Secondary Essays!

Rhode Island Medical Schools

• Alpert Medical School of Brown University

South Carolina Medical Schools

• Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine-Carolina Campus Secondary Application
• Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine Secondary Application
• University of South Carolina-Columbia School of Medicine Secondary Application
• University of South Carolina-Greenville School of Medicine Secondary Application

South Dakota Medical Schools

• Sanford School of Medicine at University of South Dakota Secondary Application

Tennessee Medical Schools

• East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine Secondary Application
• Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine Secondary Application
• Meharry Medical College School of Medicine Secondary Application
• University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine Secondary Application
• Vanderbilt University School of Medicine Secondary Application

Texas Medical Schools

• Baylor College of Medicine Secondary Application
• Long School of Medicine at University of Texas Health Science Center-San Antonio Secondary Application
• McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Secondary Application
• TCU and UNTHSC School of Medicine Secondary Application
• Texas A&M University Health Sciences Center College of Medicine Secondary Application
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine Secondary Application
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine Secondary Application
• The University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School Secondary Application
• The University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine Secondary Application
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine Secondary Application
• University of North Texas Health Science Center Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine Secondary Application
• University of Texas Southwestern Medical School Secondary Application
• University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine Secondary Application

Utah Medical Schools

• Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine Southern Utah Campus Secondary Application
• University of Utah School of Medicine Secondary Application

Vermont Medical Schools

• Larner College of Medicine at The University of Vermont Secondary Application

Virginia Medical Schools

• Eastern Virginia Medical School Secondary Application
• Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine- Virginia Campus Secondary Application
• Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine Secondary Application
• University of Virginia School of Medicine Secondary Application
• Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Secondary Application
• Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine Secondary Application

Washington Medical Schools

• Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University Secondary Application
• Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine Secondary Application
• University of Washington School of Medicine Secondary Application

West Virginia Medical Schools

• Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine Secondary Application
• West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine Secondary Application
• West Virginia University School of Medicine Secondary Application

Wisconsin Medical Schools

• Medical College of Wisconsin Secondary Application
• University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health Secondary Application

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What does the med school application timeline look like, how to start brainstorming your personal statement draft, secondary essay common mistakes and how to avoid them, 5 biggest medical school personal statement mistakes, 9 med school application tips that will give you an edge.

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• Medical School Application

Medical School Secondary Essay Examples from Accepted Applicants!

Plus tips for answering the 5 most common med school secondary essay prompts.

Before we jump into medical school secondary essay examples, you need to know that the main purpose of the secondary medical school application is to determine whether you are a good “fit” with the mission and values of the school you are applying to. Medical schools send out secondary essays to further assess the unique characteristics of each applicant that have not been addressed in the  AMCAS Work and Activities  section or your medical school personal statement . This post will go over medical school secondary essay examples from students who were accepted, and tips for writing strong essays that application committees will love. 

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

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Article Contents 16 min read

Medical school secondary essays: "why our school" prompt.

The most important component of answering this prompt is doing your research. Do you have a thorough understanding of the school's mission statement and values? What population or populations are they most interested in serving? How do they describe their student body? What curriculum-enriching activities are available to their students? Do they have a strong research program? Is their curriculum a good fit for your learning style? Are all of these things in line with your own values, career goals, and learning needs?

Being informed will demonstrate an interest in the program, allowing you to write a response showing that you will be a genuinely good fit for the school.

“Questions like these are an opportunity for you to shine and show the faculty what sets you apart from the other candidates … In your response, it is important to highlight things that are relevant to the institution’s mission and values while also explaining qualities that would make you a great asset to the program … it is important to always tailor your response to the school and program you are applying to, including for this question.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD

Would you like us to help you with your medical school secondary essays ","buttontext":"free strategy call","buttoncolor":"#ffffff","addtrustpilot":"false","bannerundertext":" ","belowbuttontext1":null,"belowbuttontext2":null,"trustpilot":false}" :url=""https:\/\/bemoacademicconsulting.com\/contact-schedule-free-strategy-call"" code="banner1" background-color="#000066" button-color="#ffffff" banner-image> to answer this prompt, it can be useful to think about how to choose a medical school and what you’re looking for. “my main priority [in choosing a med school] was location. since i knew i was going to spend four years there, i wanted it to be in a location that i could see myself having support and enjoying. beyond that i looked at opportunities for research support, patient population diversity, and locations where students matched. i also thought about where rotations occur during third year as i wanted to focus on hospitals where rotations were not scattered and centralized to a main hospital center.” – dr. monica taneja, md, university of maryland school of medicine..

What are you most excited about when you think of attending this school? Research? Global health? Community outreach? "}]" code="timeline1">

Medical School Secondary Essay Example: Why Our School?

Write a critical analysis of your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine, the realization of your professional ambitions, and why you are choosing to apply to our school.

When I was in kindergarten, I was playing tag with my friends when I noticed a kid sitting on the bench. He seemed visibly anxious and left out of the fun so I felt compelled to invite him to play with us. This sense of compassion lay the foundation for my desire to study medicine. As I grew older, I became more inquisitive about the natural world and wanted to know how everything worked and fit together. I started to become passionate about chemistry, mathematics and biology, finding that those subjects gave me the tools to understand my surroundings. I felt empowered with every new concept I would learn; however I never quite felt as though I knew enough. It was only when my friend asked for help with her mental illness that I realized just how much I did not know and how unequipped I was to help someone in this situation. The clash between my sense of compassion and my lack of knowledge and ability to help drove me to want to study medicine.

As I ventured into college, my knowledge-seeking tendencies manifested in an interest in biomedical engineering. I chose this degree for its ability to teach me about the design and manufacturing of groundbreaking medical technologies such as skin-grafts, medical imaging devices, and prostheses. I dreamt of pushing clinical innovations and finding the next technology to revolutionize patient care. Aside from educating myself in medical technology, my college years gave me a lasting perspective and understanding of the Hispanic community’s struggles. I once accompanied my friends to volunteer in a mobile clinic. It was early in the morning when a nurse told me to put up a sign that read: “We do not check IDs.” At first, I was confused, but after careful consideration, I realized that it was to not deter illegal immigrants from seeking medical aid. As the day went on and patients came in, I noticed that most did not have the means to afford regular health and dental care. Most of them prayed that their illnesses would go away on their own because they did not have the means to get professional help. This experience really opened my eyes to the plight of underserved communities and reinforced my decision to pursue medicine so that I could help serve those who were unable to help themselves.

I applied to X University for its opportunities to allow me to work with underserved communities and develop the technical and interpersonal skills to provide patients from these communities the best care. I hope to combine my experience within medicine and engineering to push clinical technologies and advancements further to provide cheap and effective alternatives to current medications and treatments to drive down the cost of healthcare so that it can become available to more people.  

Questions surrounding cultural competency delve into your ability to interact with people whose culture, beliefs, or values are different from your own. Are you able to help people in a way that is in line with their values and belief system, even if these values and beliefs are not in line with your own? It is also important to realize the vital role that effective communication plays in bridging cultural differences.

Similar to the TMDSAS personal characteristics essay, your essay should focus on the barriers you encountered, the communication strategies you employed to overcome these barriers, how you helped the person in a way that respected their beliefs, and how you will apply this lesson in the future.

Great ideas for narratives that could address the diversity secondary essay prompt include:

• A time when you used your problem-solving skills to help someone from a socio-cultural background different from your own.
• A time you advocated for someone from a different socio-cultural background from your own.
• How you used your communication skills to overcome a language barrier and help someone.
• A reflection on what you learned from working with people with a different background from your own.
• A reflection on communicating with people with a different background from your own.
• A reflection on learning about and accepting the difference in beliefs of people with a different background from your own.
• A reflection on an interaction with an individual whose values were different from your own.

Medical School Secondary Essay Example: Diversity Essays

A. Describe how you relate to someone who is very different from you. Examples of differences may be cultural, racial, religious, economic, gender/sexual orientation, lifestyle.

The world is so diverse and it can be easy to resign to only care for and be informed of one’s own personal interests. To connect with someone else is to choose to forgo ignorance and aim to understand other people and their backgrounds. This is a choice that is made every day when we decide how to interact in society.

In my first year of university, I roomed with a person who immigrated from Colombia. I saw how difficult it was for her to transition to a new country and to overcome cultural barriers. Instead of accepting the fact that our cultures rendered us incompatible, I decided to educate myself on her culture. I started to read of the political unrest in Colombia, I found Latin music we could listen to, and I utilized my basic Spanish to try to make her feel at home. Five years later, we still live together and are the best of friends. It's clear that a little effort trying to understand the life and journey of someone else can go a long way to building connections and trust.

Would you rather watch a video? Here are the most common medical school secondary essay prompts:

B. Please discuss the diversity that you would bring to our school of medicine and the profession of medicine.

The challenges I faced as a first-generation immigrant has taught me several valuable lessons, which have influenced my pursuit of medicine. Here in the States, I am granted liberties that are otherwise unattainable in Vietnam- specifically access to quality healthcare and opportunities for growth and enrichment. My first exposure to medicine did not transpire in a hospital but instead took place in a small tent affiliated with a roaming clinic.

The significant gap in healthcare accessibility, advancement, and quality between the States and the developing countries were increasingly apparent when I returned to Vietnam to visit my family. In time, I also realized that these similar circumstances and situations exist in my local community as well. This has inspired me to advocate for the underserved population because I, myself, can identify with their struggles. During our financial crisis, my family received overwhelming support and generosity from several neighborhood communities. I wish to return the kindness. Now more than ever, in a time where immigrants are restricted access, I must fight to give them a voice.

I also bring with me the traditions and culture of a Vietnamese American. I have developed my own understanding of the diverse facets of the Asian American identity and the ripple effect it has on the community. Through lion dancing and partnering with the Vietnamese and Chinese communities, I grasped the important role that communities play in providing resources. To become one of the few Vietnamese doctors in the area would allow me to address the needs of the community and give me a platform to collaborate with other communities of color. One of my goals is to break down the language barriers and stigmas surrounding the older Asian community and help them achieve their health goals.

I bring a steadfast mindset of advocating for the underserved in my community and as an immigrant Vietnamese American, I aim to use my position to influence decisions that will benefit the entire community.

Medical School Secondary Essays: "Overcoming Challenges" Prompt

This prompt is looking at what medical schools typically refer to as “resilience”. The reality is that you will be faced with a wide variety of challenges during your medical training. Medical schools are looking for candidates who are equipped with mature coping strategies, enabling them to proficiently navigate whatever life, or medical school, decides to throw at them.

You can use any example from your own life to address this prompt. Ideas include:

• A time when things did not go according to plan.
• Overcoming a setback.
• Overcoming an illness or injury.
• Dealing with the illness of a loved one.

The important thing to remember with this prompt is to keep it positive. Focus on the strategies you used to overcome the hurdle that presented itself to you, and what you learned from the situation. Review some adversity essays for medical school for inspiration.

“It is not only important to highlight the situation in detail but to also reflect on your actions. Drawing upon lessons from this experience and how you used what you learned to make changes the next time around is key to demonstrating a growth mindset.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD.

Describe a challenging situation you faced and what you did to address it.

My sister was diagnosed with epilepsy at 3 months old, and it has been a continual learning experience. She never qualified for an autism diagnosis, but her behaviors resembled an autistic or neurodivergent individual. As an 8-year-old, I did not notice public reactions to my sister’s behaviors.

But, as we both grew older, I became embarrassed when people would stare at her, or notice her behavioral differences. Behavioral incidents continued to occur throughout my time in high school and college. However, I have grown into a more empathetic person who better understands the difficulties my sister faces. I won’t deny that sometimes it is still embarrassing, but I remind myself that she struggles to control her behaviors and it is not her fault.

The best way I can help her as a sister is to be there for her and try to help her through the emotions she may not be able to express all the time. Understanding my sister has made me into a stronger, more confident and empathetic woman.

Medical School Secondary Essays: "Future Goals" Prompt

It’s okay not to know exactly what kind of doctor you want to be or what medical specialty you want to pursue. For this prompt, reflect on the experiences that cemented your decision to pursue medicine.

• What was it specifically about these experiences that made you want to become a doctor?
• What fascinated you the most? Why?
• What patient population did you enjoy working with the most? Why?

You can then go on to say what kind of doctor you would like to be, or, if you haven't decided, suggest more generally which direction you would like to see your career take (i.e. mention a patient population you think you would like to work with). Many students change their minds once having been in medical school a couple of years, so it’s reasonable to say that you will keep your eyes open and continue to explore every opportunity!

Medical School Secondary Essay Example: Your Future Goals

Professionalism and the ability to gain respect in the community in which you live is of utmost importance as you embark upon a career as a physician. What three professional qualities do you feel a Student Doctor must be able to demonstrate as he/or she makes the transition into the study and practice of medicine? How will you demonstrate those qualities as a medical student at RowanSOM?

There are many valuable attributes a student doctor must possess, but the three of which I consider the most valuable are self-discipline/reflection, open-mindedness/sensitivity, and teamwork skills.

Possessing self-discipline and self-reflection skills are key for any student doctor planning on tackling the arduous medical courses that will come their way. Through my undergraduate career, I have constantly improved upon my academic study strategies to adapt to the rigors of upper-level biological courses. I realize that when one way does not work it is crucial to consult peers, advisors, and professors to improve my approach. Such changes included recording my lectures, attending more office hours, and even seeking resources outside of my lecture material to supplement my knowledge. I use this principle in my personal health goals as well. For example, my favorite hobby that I use to keep me grounded is going to the gym, where I attempt to break my fitness plateaus by researching and consulting peers. It is this drive to constantly improve myself that will allow me to overcome the many obstacles that will come my way during my medical pursuit.

In addition, it is important for student doctors to be open-minded and sensitive when understanding patients from diverse backgrounds. My research experience at the Center for Addiction, Personality, and Emotion Research enriched my understanding of the socioeconomic and environmental factors that are involved in developing addiction disorders. Learning about the neurobehavioral and psychological processes that underlie addictive behavior reinforced my awareness of the health disparities that arise from environmental and social systems in my local community. It is imperative to understand the patient outside of their symptoms in order to realize the other factors involved in their diagnosis. I aim to one day use this knowledge to inform my future patients of preventative measures and how to overcome their environmental strains.

Lastly, it is crucial for student doctors to develop teamwork skills when entering the field of medicine. Physicians have to be prepared to engage and work within different teamwork structures or environments with other specialists to provide high-quality care for their patients. My experiences as an EMT taught me firsthand how critical it is to build long-lasting relationships based on trust with your team. I have spent countless hours getting to know my EMS crew to ensure that we built a sense of camaraderie that would allow us to work well together during calls. I remember one occasion when my partner was flustered during a stressful call and could not remember the next step in delivering a treatment protocol to a patient. I noticed he was frustrated and subtly reminded him of the next step. Based on our relationship and trust, he acted on my advice and later thanked me for the assistance. Knowing that we always had each other’s back gave us the reassurance and confidence we needed to handle the many unpredictable calls that came our way. I hope to strengthen this same sense of teamwork as a future physician.

If you have an academic lapse or took a break that you wish to explain to the admissions committee, you may want to prepare this prompt in advance. The most important things to focus on are:

• Clearly, yet briefly, explain the situation that led to the break or lapse.
• Outlining how you moved past the situation.
• Outlining what you learned from the situation, and how you will manage similar situations going forward.

“The best way to address red flags is to be open and honest … and provide open reflection on how you grew from the experience.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD.

“what i would do in these situations is talk about the red flag/gap in an open and honest way without sounding closed off or confrontational about it … essentially, you are taking something that would normally be considered a negative and spinning into a positive.” – dr. jaime cazes, md, university of toronto temerty faculty of medicine., medical school secondary essay example: academic lapses or breaks.

If you have taken a gap year(s), please explain what you have been, or will be, doing since graduating from your undergrad institution. 

I threw myself into the medical school application process during my final year of my undergrad degree. Realizing that my application was lacking, I have spent the time since graduation gaining volunteer and leadership experience, improving my MCAT score, and taking science prerequisite courses.

Taking post-baccalaureate classes proved advantageous. I was thrilled when my MCAT score improved significantly, going from 505 to 517. My score was a testament to the hard work and dedication I put into my organic chemistry and molecular biology courses, and to the time management, accountability, and work ethic I refined in studying for the MCAT.

While pursuing post-baccalaureate science courses improved my academics, volunteering at a seniors’ care center has opened my eyes to the issues facing seniors and those who care for them. Once, upon entering the facility, I heard a patient calling for help; he had fallen and could not get back into his wheelchair. Per volunteer protocol, I cannot physically assist the residents into their chairs. However, after determining that he was not physically hurt, I calmly reassured him that I was getting help and informed the nurses of his situation. This incident and other experiences at the center allowed me to develop and practice skills such as enforcing appropriate boundaries, working with others, and handling unexpected and stressful circumstances with poise.

From my various experiences, I have developed and refined my belief system and skill set. I've developed a greater sensitivity to those facing physical or mental limitations, and a dedication to serving my community in overcoming such challenges. I’ve learned the value of being empathetic and showing compassion in the process. I've developed the critical traits and values that I am certain this school would be proud of, whether as a student or as a physician.

Pre-writing your secondaries for med school is key! Here's how:

Medical School Secondary Essays: Tips from Our Experts and Students

1. submit your essays as soon as you can.

Submitting your essays early means you can take advantage of medical schools’ rolling admissions process. As soon as medical school secondary essays are received, decisions about interview invites are made. Submitting early means a better chance of securing an interview, and therefore an acceptance letter. Being delayed with your secondaries can cost you both! One of our students, Rishi, had to reapply after submitting his secondaries too late and receiving zero interview invites.

“[One of] the things that really I think prevented me from getting in the first time around is I was just very delayed with my secondaries … I didn't even get any interviews that first cycle because I was so late on my secondaries.” – Rishi, former BeMo student.

Planning your secondaries well ahead of time also ensures you’re not rushing to write, proof, rewrite and finalize your essays.

“It is advisable to start preparing for secondaries as early as possible so that you have enough time to revise and go through multiple iterations of edits prior to submitting. Also, getting a fresh pair of eyes to have a look is never a bad idea.” – Dr. Neel Mistry, MD.

2. pre-write your med school secondary essays.

Some of you may be realizing at this point that you’ve applied to 10-20 schools and that each will likely send somewhere between 2-10 prompts. That’s a lot of essay writing! To get on top of this, we recommend pre-writing your secondary essays.

“Secondaries were a lot of work especially after completing all of the primary application materials. I tried to pre-write secondaries starting in mid-June as there aren’t many changes year to year in prompts, which are easily found online. For each school I read their mission statement and tailored my answers to their priorities. Since many essays also overlap between schools, I was able to morph different essays based on length to reduce overall writing. Pre-writing allowed me to have [less than] 1 week turn around on all of my secondary application returns.” – Dr. Monica Taneja, MD.

If you check out our comprehensive list of medical school secondary essay prompts , you can pull out common themes for the schools you are most interested in applying to. You should then create an essay outline or rough essay that addresses each of these themes.

“A lot of these prompts, they might be worded a little bit different … but there's some broad [question] types. If you compare a couple of schools, there will be some overlap and that's helpful because you can write what are these common skeletons that will allow you to be more efficient.” – Rishi, BeMo student.

Though schools may change their prompts from year to year, pre-planning at least some of your essays will make you much more efficient with your writing, allowing you to create consistently well-thought-out essays. 

Just like with your medical school personal statement, your personal stories will help your secondary essays stand out and be more memorable to the admissions committee.

“These application readers are reading a large volume of essays and sometimes they're not spending as much time as you might think. They are kind of glancing over every word so you have to think like what they are going to remember from this when they read it.” – Rishi, BeMo student.

As part of your pre-writing plan, start brainstorming personal experiences or influences you can talk about in your secondaries to make your points and keep your readers’ attention.

Medical school secondary essays are meant to provide medical school with more specific information about your candidacy and fit for their programs. The questions are geared towards the missions, requirements, and goals of each program. They are usually sent out once primary applications have been submitted.

Some schools will list a deadline (UCLA secondary essays are due after fifteen days). If the school does not specify a deadline, you should aim to submit your secondaries no later than 2 weeks after receiving the invites to complete them.

Some of the most common med school secondary prompts include "Why our school?", "Cultural Competency", "Overcoming Challenges", and "Future Goals". Pay attention to the wording of the prompts, as they may not include this direct terminology, but you should approach them with specific strategies to answer them.

Each medical school will have its own secondaries requirements. Some may ask for 1 or 2 essays, while others may require 10. Check the requirements of your schools of choice to make sure.

Yes, there are some medical schools without secondary essays , but these are rare. Check with the programs of your choice to make sure.

Many med schools recycle their secondary prompts from year to year. Plus, there are some common themes that all secondaries explore. Check out the old prompts from your schools of choice to start planning general outlines for your essays.

Most likely, you will be eliminated from the applicant selection pool right away. Med schools will want to see your dedicated and commitment to their school, which secondaries demonstrate. If you are late or do not submit them at all, you will no longer be considered for a position in their medical school.

If you applied to many med schools, there is a chance you will have trouble completing all the secondaries on time. If this is your position, you should certainly try to complete all of them on time and of good quality. Focus on the schools you want to attend and where you have the highest chance of acceptance and complete their secondaries first.

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Have a question ask our admissions experts below and we'll answer your questions.

Wynne Milhouse

Hello! Would it be okay to write about how not getting into medical school the first time was a time of adversity, even if it was on a secondary for a school I didn't apply to last time (or if it was)? I feel as if this prompt may show up for schools that I did and did not apply to two years ago, but not getting into medical school the first time WAS a big hurdle, and I have made significant changes to combat this. Is it okay to talk about that, or will that reflect poorly on me? Thanks! Best, Wynne Milhouse

BeMo Academic Consulting

Hello Wynne! Thank you very much for your question. Absolutely, you should write about not getting into med school the first time even if you are writing secondaries for a school you did not apply to last time. You can even mention that you are now applying to this school because you improved your research and found that this would be a more suitable choice for you. Let us know if you have any other questions!

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5 Tips for Writing Your Medical School Secondary Essays

The following piece was written by Linda Abraham. Linda has been featured in our Admissions Expert series and is the President and Founder of Accepted.com

Your AMCAS applications are done, but the app writing party is far from over. Pretty soon, you hope to be swamped with secondary essays and the writing will need to be picked up again. Each med school will ask you for different information – some will just want a check; some will want short answers; some will want essays. And some will want a combo.

The following 5 tips will help you get through all of them: 1. Timing is everything. You should complete each secondary application within two weeks of receiving it. That being said, please do not rush ! Two weeks should be enough time to write persuasive, well-written essays.

2. Prioritize to hit important deadlines. If you have too many secondaries and too little time, then you should prioritize by first completing the secondary applications from your top choice med programs – that is, those schools that you are most interested in attending and/or those that will most likely offer you an interview invite. Why bother spending precious time on a school that you don’t care much about if it’ll detract from time spent on one of your top choices? Next, prioritize by the closest deadlines.

3. Research each school.   Since you will be writing different essays for each secondary application , you’ll need to make sure that each of your essays speaks directly to the approach of each individual med school. You’ll have an easier time catering each application to each school by knowing as much as possible about the program. Review the school’s website and familiarize yourself with the curriculum and mission statement. Then try to incorporate some of that school-specific info into your essays. Why is this so important? The admissions readers are looking to admit students whom the school can help succeed in achieving their goals. They also want applicants who have the skills and motivation to contribute to their program. Write essays to illustrate that match, and you’ll do a better job of persuading the admissions readers that you’re exactly what they’re looking for.

4. State motivations in state school essays.   When explaining why you want to attend a particular state school, try and stress reasons that focus on mission, teaching style, goals, etc., rather than just on the school’s proximity to home and its cost (though those are also valid reasons). Remember, you want to show why you’re a good match – you’re up against lots of applicants who also want to attend a school close to home with in-state tuition.

5. Share new information about yourself.   Your secondary application is an extension of your personal statement – even more space for you to introduce your spectacular qualities, talents, and interests to the admissions reader. If you have important information that you couldn’t incorporate into your AMCAS application, try and find a way to work it into your secondaries. And don’t just repeat what’s in the AMCAS. You can update, you can go deeper, and you can add to the AMCAS, but don’t paraphrase it.

And now…let the secondary application writing party begin!

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The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

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How to Get Into FSU College of Medicine: The Definitive Guide (2024)

by internationalmedicalaid

If you’ve found this website because you’re pursuing a career in the medical field as a doctor, physician assistant, or biomedical researcher, you’ve likely done a lot of research and searched “best medical schools near me,” or perhaps “ PA schools in Florida .” FSU Medical School has no doubt popped up as one of the best medical schools in Florida .

Somewhat young, Florida State Medical School was founded in June 2000 with the goal of bringing quality healthcare to the people of Florida, whether they reside in more populated or rural regions. The first graduating class in 2005 had 30 students, and the volume of students increased year by year until it became one of the more popular medical schools amongst aspiring physicians.

The original design of the school was as a community-based medical institution. Various regional campuses were planted in Orlando, Tallahassee, and Pensacola in 2003. Later, campuses opened in Sarasota, Daytona Beach, and Fort Pierce.

The goal of the FSU School of Medicine is to train doctors to be lifelong learners, so they will constantly be evolving, developing their skills, staying on top of the latest research and development in the medical community, and always being open to ways of sharpening their skills. The world is ever-changing, and physicians must be willing to evolve as well. While the basic educational component of the Florida State Medical School program takes place in a college environment, the hands-on clinical experience will happen in the trenches of the medical world, working with a variety of patients from every walk of life, background, socio-economic status, etc.

Be an Informed Applicant

Getting into medical school, no matter which school it is, can be extremely challenging and stressful. There is no way to be completely prepared, but you can help yourself immensely by being as prepared as possible. Part of this preparation comes from doing research, like you’re doing here by reading this guide.

This medical guide has been written to help you prepare yourself for applying to FSU College of Medicine and to give you the best possible chance of matriculating to the school you’ve chosen. Take plenty of time to read through this guide in its entirety, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions. We are here to help. Our medical school guides can be incredibly helpful during the process of applying to medical schools.

If there is more than one school on your application list, be aware that we offer these medical school guides for many other medical programs as well . If you’re wanting to apply to a medical school close to home, try searching “medical schools near me,” and then come back here to see if we have a guide for that particular school you’ve identified.

This guide was developed specifically for FSU Medical School and should not be considered a guide for any other medical college.

Topics covered in this guide include:

• Why the Florida State Medical School?

Medical Programs at Florida State Medical School

Facilities, student organizations, and more, selection factors: what fsu medical school looks for in an applicant, admissions requirements for fsu medical school, fsu medical school acceptance rate & admissions statistics.

• FSU Medical School School Tuition & Cost of Attendance

AMCAS Primary Application & FSU Medical School Secondary Application

Fsu medical school secondary application: essay prompts, sample answers, and advice, fsu medical school interview process, medical school admissions consulting, voluntary healthcare internships abroad, personalized help.

One-to-one, personalized assistance through the medical school application program is absolutely the best way to prepare for applying to Florida State Medical School, or any school for that matter. Our medical school admissions consulting program was developed to take the burden off your shoulders and provide you with the support you need. If you’re looking for professional assistance, our experts will be there to support you every step of the way, helping you with your applications, providing advice about your essay responses, and preparing you for your interview, including running you through mock interviews. Contact us here if you have any questions.

Why Florida State Medical School?

According to their Strategic Plan , the mission of the Florida State Medical School is to “educate and develop exemplary physicians who practice patient-centered health care, discover and advance knowledge, and are responsive to community needs, especially through service to elder, rural, minority, and underserved populations.”

The FSU College of Medicine is committed to the idea of compassionate care and stresses this vision to its students throughout their time there. Being aware of the way the world is changing is important in the medical community so that doctors can stay relevant, provide appropriate care, and meet all their patients’ needs without exception. Everyone deserves quality healthcare and compassion from their providers, and this is a concept the Florida State Medical School faculty reinforce over and over throughout the program.

These are the values of the FSU College of Medicine:

• Collaboration with our Colleagues and Communities
•  Respect and Open Communication
• Emphasis on our Students and Patients
• A Constant Commitment to Innovation and Continuous Improvement
• Teamwork and Motivation to Work with Others to Achieve Results
• Excellence in All We Do

The ways in which the FSU Medical School achieves these goals and values are through:

• Teaching Excellence
• Research Excellence
• Clinical Care and Service Excellence
• Diversity/Equity/Inclusion Excellence

One of the things that makes FSU College of Medicine so successful and popular is the quality of the faculty and staff they have on-board. The Assistant Dean of Student Affairs & Diversity, Cheryl Porter, PhD, is one of these special individuals. The work she does in FSU Medical School’s diversity and inclusion programs is astounding.

Another important individual is Susan Epstein, MSLS, AHIP, who is the Head of Library Access Systems at Charlotte Edwards Maguire Medical Library. This library is one of the keys to the school’s success.

When it comes to biomedical research, Jeffrey Joyce, PhD is the man to speak to. He is the Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs, as well as a Professor of Biomedical Sciences. He keeps these programs running smoothly.

One of FSU’s most highly recognized faculty members is Charles G Maitland, MD, who is Professor of Neurology and a highly experienced and knowledgeable individual. Students learn so much from Dr. Maitland.

FSU Medical School is dedicated to diversity in the student body as well as a compassionate and tolerant attitude towards social equity in the medical workplace. The Council on Diversity and Inclusion at Florida State Medical School is responsible for ensuring that diversity and inclusiveness are core aspects of the school’s personality and foundation. They consistently work towards increasing awareness and openness, as well as making sure the student body is full of unique individuals with varying backgrounds. Some of the initiatives they currently have going on include:

• Providing a safe space for people to receive nonjudgmental mentoring and a listening ear,
• Sponsoring annual Grand Rounds events,
• Providing orientation sessions for new FSU College of Medicine students, faculty, and staff that focus on diversity and inclusion,
• Selecting and featuring resources that promote diversity and inclusion,
• Developing diversity and inclusion training and education opportunities on campus,
• Partnering with stakeholders to make it more accessible for students to confidentially report any concerns or negative incidents.

There are many reasons applicants find FSU College of Medicine to be their best choice among the Florida medical schools. The FSU Internal Medicine Residency Program alone is worth enrolling in. There is so much this school has to offer students.

Florida State Medical School Medicine Ranking

US News and World Report states that FSU College of Medicine ranked:

• #18 in Most Diverse Medical Schools (tie)
• #45 in Most Graduates Practicing in Medically Underserved Areas
• #50 in Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care Fields
• #71 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care (tie)
• #98 in Best Medical Schools: Research (tie)
• #123 in Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas (tie)

Medical Doctor (MD)

The four-year Medical Doctor (MD) program at FSU College of Medicine went through a curriculum redesign and restructure process. This preclerkship curriculum has gone from being a traditional program to one that is a fully integrated biopsychosocial model based on modern research about what is proving effective in medical training. This new curriculum plan is continuing to evolve, develop, and grow.

The primary focus of the curriculum is to see the human being as the framework for everything, as well as to train new physicians to be lifelong learners, able to think on their own, reason, research, and grow to adapt to a changing world. Students will gain knowledge and experience from the perspective of accessing, believing, and understanding the patient in every aspect.

• Highlights of the MD program include:
• Activities to Develop Professional Behavior, Wellness, and Medicine in Society
• Early Clinical Experiences with Simulated and Real Patients
• Reduced Lecture Time Replaced by Interactive Small and Large Group Sessions
• Customized NBME Assessments
• 6 Weeks Study Time for USMLE Step 1
• Preclerkship “Boot Camp”

According to their website , candidates for the MD degree at FSU College of Medicine must meet the following requirements to graduate:

• Be able to fully perform the essential functions in each of the following categories: Observation, Communication, Motor, Intellectual, and Behavioral/Social Attributes as described in the College’s Technical Standards for the admission and education processes;
• Successfully complete all required and elective courses and clerkships, Years One through Four;
• Pass the USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS;
• Complete all requirements listed in the procedure’s log, including CME Conference attendance, all listed procedures, ACLS, and BLS;
• Complete all required surveys;
• Be a “student in good standing” in the Spring Semester of the Fourth Year.

Physician Assistant (PA)

FSU PA School is known as one of the best PA schools in Florida . This is a 27-month program, broken up into 7 semesters with 111 credit hours. It was developed with the goal of preparing graduates to practice medicine in partnership with a physician. Graduates of this program receive a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice degree and are ready to start serving in the medical community.

FSU PA School is a challenging program that focuses in-depth on biomedical sciences, simulation work, and learning procedural skills necessary to provide care to patients. While the classes are challenging and the coursework difficult, the atmosphere in the classrooms and during clinical work is friendly, encouraging, and inspiring. It is considered by many to be one of the finest Florida PA schools open today.

Biomedical Sciences PhD Program

Florida State Medical School has an exciting PhD Program in Biomedical Sciences that endeavors to train students to research for the answers to medicine’s most challenging questions and problems. The goal is to continue learning more and more about the inner workings of the human body, the functional use of treatments to attack illness and cancer, and to develop new methods of caring for patients.

One of the most exciting parts of the program is the diversity of research questions and technical methods. There is such a wide variety of health and disease-focused research topics for students to select from that repetition is rare. Students in the program study everything from individual molecules to complex organisms and what makes them all work together.

Masters MS Bridge Program

Many students are finding great success through the Bridge to Clinical Medicine major of the MS Program in Biomedical Sciences. This program was designed in a way to draw in applicants from medically underserved and rural areas of Florida, making it an incredibly diverse and inclusive program by nature.

Students take part in a 12-month program that takes them through the foundational medical knowledge needed as well as hands-on experiences in clinical practice opportunities. This special program makes a way for disadvantaged students from every region of Florida to access medical training and walk the bridge to post-graduate medical school. It also prepares them for what will be expected of them in medical school, which is incredibly helpful.

Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences (IMS) BS Degree Program

The point of this program at Florida State Medical School is to train students who are aspiring to pursue a career in the medical realm. This degree does put students through challenging science courses, as well as providing individualized counseling, hands-on learning, and the design of seminar and capstone course sequencing that helps students figure out what their true academic potential is, what career in medicine would best suit them, and how to determine what the right direction or route should be taken to get there.

The program provides health care exploration through a wonderful program called the “IMS Experiential Service Learning Seminars.” Students can choose from three major options for their study program in order to prepare them for entry. The following are their options:

• Clinical Professions Major
• Community Patient Care Major
• Health Management, Policy, and Information Major

FSU is one of the Florida medical schools with the most beautiful and modern campus. Florida State Medical College is made up of many regional campuses. The Regional Medical School Campus in each of the cities below provides an environment for students to rotate through various specialties such as: family medicine, pediatrics, surgery, internal medicine, psychiatry, obstetrics / gynecology, geriatrics, and emergency medicine. This opens a lot of possibilities for the students in the program.

The FSU Primary Health Building is where students go to care for their own healthcare needs. This can be incredibly useful.

FSU Medical School campuses are: 

• Daytona Beach
• Fort Pierce
• Tallahassee
• Marianna Rural Program
• Immokalee Health Education Site
• Thomasville Program

Hospital Affiliations

Here are a few of the hospitals that the FSU College of Medicine partners up with to give students the most comprehensive, thorough training possible.

Sarasota Memorial

The Sarasota Memorial Health Care System is a regional medical center with 819 beds. It’s one of the largest systems of its kind in the state of Florida and is one of the largest employers in the entire county. Founded in 1925, Sarasota Memorial is a full-service health system that provides quality care to the public through a variety of programs.

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare

The Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare system strives to meet the needs of the entire region, with 772 beds serving 17 counties throughout North Florida as well as parts of Georgia. It is one of the only Trauma Centers designated by the state of Florida.

M.T. Mustian Center

The M.T. Mustian Center is a multi-story surgical hospital with 28 updated operating rooms. With family zones, real-time patient tracking, and many support services provided, this hospital is a great place for students to practice and learn.

Winter Haven Hospital

The Winter Haven Hospital has 468 beds and provides high-quality medical care to all students. The facilities and equipment are state-of-the-art. Winter Haven Hospital has great services in cardiology, psychiatry, emergency care services, oncology, and orthopedics. Students also do clinical work at the Winter Haven Women’s Hospital nearby.

Student Organizations

• American Medical Association / FL Medical Association
• American Medical Student Association (AMSA)
• American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA)
• Anesthesiology Interest Group (AIG)
• Biomedical Science Graduate Student Association
• Business and Medicine (BAM)
• Cardiology Interest Group (CIG)
• Christian Medical Association (CMA)
• Dermatology Interest Group (DIG)
• Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)
• Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG)
• Family Medicine Scholars
• Florida Rural Health Association (FRHA) – Medical Student Chapter
• Geriatrics Interest Group (GIG)
• Humanities and Medicine (HAM)
• Interprofessional Allies (IPA)
• Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG)
• Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)
• Medicine Interest Group (MIG)
• Medical Respect for Life Organization (MERLO)
• Medical Student Council (MSC)
• Military and Veteran Medicine Interest Group (MVMIG)
• Multicultural Association of Pre-Med Students (MAPS)
• Nutrition, Exercise, and Wellness Organization (NEW)
• Obstetrics and Gynecology Interest Group (OGIG)
• Ophthalmology Interest Group (OIG)
• Pediatrics Interest Group (PIG)
• PRIDE in Healthcare (Promoting Recognition of Identity, Dignity, & Equality)
• Psychiatry Student Interest Group (PSIG)
• Radiology Interest Group (RIG)
• Research Interest Group
• Student Academy of the American Academy of Physician Assistants (SAAAPA)
• Students Interested in Global Health (SIGH)
• Student Interest Group in Neurology (SIGN)
• Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
• Surgery and Anesthesiology Interest Group (SAIG)
• Wilderness Medical Society (WMS)

The admissions committee at FSU College of Medicine is looking for applicants who are unique, diverse, passionate about medicine, compassionate towards others, and committed to their studies. They are looking for game-changers who will lead the way in medical advancements and bring quality healthcare to the underserved regions of Florida, as well as around the country.

Getting into Florida State Medical School is a competitive goal. The number of applications each year is high and the acceptance rate is low, so it’s important to be as prepared as possible and to be diligent throughout the process. There are several personal and academic achievements that the committee will be looking for, and there are also red flags. Overall, test scores are important, but there is much more the admissions committee looks for than just high MCAT scores and GPAs.

There are going to be some basic qualifications that will filter applicants out right from the start. To be seriously considered for an interview, you must:

• Passing Prerequisite Courses
• Have Maintained a 3.3 GPA or Higher
• Have taken the MCAT and Scored 498 or Higher
• Possess Knowledge of the Medical Field
• Be Committed to Diversity
• Display Professionalism
• Submit Letters of Recommendation

Feel free to direct questions to the admissions committee at [email protected] .

To be considered for admittance into FSU College of Medicine, an applicant must have completed a degree program and be able to produce transcripts proving that they have completed all prerequisite coursework and showing their GPA. Applicants must have earned a Bachelor’s Degree before enrollment date.

There are going to be some basic qualifications that will filter applicants out right from the start. To be seriously considered for an interview you must:

• US Citizen or Valid Permanent Resident
• Completed all Prerequisites at a University or College with a Passing Score
• Taken the MCAT

For applicants to be considered eligible, they must show that they possess the physical and emotional capabilities of one day doing this trying job. One must have certain capabilities that will be needed to do the job of a doctor. These are the five varieties of skills that an eligible candidate must possess:

• Observation
• Communication
• Integrated and Quantitative

Minimum GPA and MCAT Requirements for the FSU College of Medicine

Applicants should have a MCAT score of 498 or higher to be considered for an interview.

Applicants with less than a 3.3 GPA are not considered competitive candidates.

Volunteer Service and Clinical Experience

While there is nothing in writing to indicate a minimum requirement of volunteer and clinical service, the admissions committee will see any clinical experience as a major advantage. If you’re doing your research ahead of time, you should take this as an encouragement to seek out as many opportunities as possible to volunteer in medical settings.

There are plenty of ways you can gain clinical experience. No experience is too small or insignificant. Volunteer hours in underserved and rural regions of Florida will look fabulous on your application, so don’t forget to list them. Working at a clinic, shadowing a physician, volunteering at a vaccine site – these are all great opportunities.

One option that looks fabulous on your application is participation in a pre-med shadowing study abroad program where you gain clinical experience hours and are dropped into some really culturally diverse circumstances with mentors right there by your side. IMA runs such a program, and you can learn more about our pre-med shadowing study abroad program here .

The FSU College of Medicine Letters of Recommendation

The Admissions Committee at FSU Medical School requires a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 letters of recommendation. If your educational institution provides letter packets, this can meet the entire requirement. When it comes to individual letters of recommendation, the best letters with the most influence on the committee will be written by a faculty member who has taught the applicant and/or experienced their work, especially in the science department.

All letters of recommendation should be submitted through AMCAS online. Letters sent by mail or email will not be considered or counted.

Required & Recommended Coursework at FSU Medical School

The following prerequisite coursework is required :

• College English or Writing Intensive (6 semester hours)
• College Mathematics, Statistics Recommended (6 semester hours)
• Biology with Laboratory (8 semester hours)
• Organic Chemistry with Laboratory (4 semester hours)
• Physics with Laboratory (8 semester hours)
• Biochemistry (3 semester hours)

Recommended Coursework

• Sociology (3 semester hours)
• Psychology (3 semester hours)
• Genetics (3 semester hours)
• Spanish (6 semester hours)

Does FSU Medical School Require the CASPer Exam?

The FSU College of Medicine does require applicants to take the CASPer exam. It is conducted online. Applicants must sign up for a time slot to take the exam.

Florida State Medical School received 1,726 applicants for the 2022 entering class. Out of those applications, 84 were accepted, and 60 matriculated. This means they have a 7% acceptance rate, and they also boast a 93% graduation rate. 88% of new students were residents of the state of Florida.

*The acceptance rate is based on the percentage of applicants who enroll. There are other factors that affect rates.

FSU College of Medicine 2023 Class Profile

The following are some statistics regarding the class of 2023:

• Average MCAT: 506
• Average GPA: 3.45
• Florida Residents: 88%
• New Class Size: 60

FSU Medical School Tuition & Cost of Attendance

These tuition and fees are based on the FSU College of Medicine’s 2022-2023 academic year. FSU College of Medicine is known as one of the cheapest medical schools in the US if you are from In-state. Fees are subject to change.

• Tuition: $19,696 IS/$45,733 OOS
• Living Expenses: $16,000
• Books and Supplies: $2,100
• Transportation: $4,100
• Personal: $4,800

 Total: $46,696 IS/$72,733 OOS

• Tuition: $29,798 IS/$69,160 OOS
• Books and Supplies: $2,600
• USMLE Step 1: $645

Total: $57,943 IS/$97,305 OOS

• Tuition: $19,656 IS/$46,272 OOS
• Books and Supplies: $3,000
• Transportation: $5,100
• OSMLE Step 2 (CK): $1,945

Total: $50,501 IS/$77,117 OOS

• Books and Supplies: $1,600

Total: $47,156 IS/$73,772 OOS

Learning about the inner workings of the financial aspect of medical school is important, as is taking advantage of financial aid support when needed. For more information on the costs of attending medical school in the United States, check out our Medical School Database , where we provide guidance and helpful information.

FSU College of Medicine partners with the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for primary applications and letters of recommendation submissions. This centralized service makes it easy for schools to sort through the thousands of applications that come flooding in every year to find those applicants who meet the base qualifications for consideration. Feel free to check out their website for more information.

AMCAS will forward qualifying applications to the FSU Medical School admissions committee for further evaluation, and those applicants will be invited to fill out the secondary application developed specifically for the FSU College of Medicine. They do not charge an additional fee for the secondary, supplemental application.

Those who successfully make it past the second round will be invited to the interview series. Getting to this stage in the process is an accomplishment in itself and a large part of what determines who will be offered a spot in the incoming class.

Below are FSU College of Medicine secondary essay questions for the 2022-2023 application cycle. All prompts have a 500-word limit.

Essay #1. Why are you choosing to apply to the FSU College of Medicine? Please be specific in describing what is particularly attractive about FSU College of Medicine.

This is a good place to show off all the research you’ve done at the FSU College of Medicine. Prove to the Admissions Committee that you know what you love about the school and what’s drawing you there.

Essay #2. In what field/specialty of medicine do you envision yourself working ten years from now? Please list no more than three specialties.

You may not know exactly what field of medicine you want to go into yet, and that’s perfectly fine. Are there a few you’re leaning towards or find more interesting? Go ahead and write about them. What you write about here isn’t written in stone, but what’s most important is that you show your passion for medicine and commitment.

Essay #3. Write a short statement describing how you envision using the specialty/ies you listed above to advance our mission.

In order to answer this question, you must know the mission of the FSU College of Medicine. Once you have a firm grasp on the mission, you can share how the specialties you’re interested in will make positive change that lines up with the school’s mission. Be very thoughtful in your response.

Essay #4. Please provide a description of your family.

The Admissions Committee loves to get to know applicants as unique individuals with their own stories. Share as much as you’re comfortable with.

Essay #5. Please provide a description of where you grew up (i.e. rural area, large city, etc.).

Be honest and open about your background. Don’t try to anticipate what the Committee wants to hear.

Essay #6. Indicate what you do for fun and diversion (hobbies, special interests, etc.).

Let the Admissions Committee see you as a real person and not just a name on an application. If there’s a unique hobby or interest you have, share it. It’ll help you stand out among the crowds.

Essay #7. What is a unique trait, experience, or interest that we would not normally learn about you?

Again, this is just a way of getting to know you. Share as much as you’re comfortable sharing.

Sample Answer:

When I was eight years old, my parents moved my family to Scotland for three years because my father was going to pastor a church there. Living in another country was a major culture-shock for all of us, but I found the change quite interesting. It ended up being a big opportunity for personal growth.

Living in another country meant using their healthcare system at times. With socialized medicine, it was almost eerie to be able to go in to see a doctor or go to their version of the emergency room at the hospital and never have a dime to pay. Healthcare is truly available to all in the United Kingdom. However, it was not always good healthcare, so we found there were positives and negatives to socialized medicine.

I recall a time when my mother went to the doctor because she was struggling to conceive a third child. After my brother and I were born, my mother and father tried for another baby for years without success. She went to the doctor, and the doctor ordered some tests. Unfortunately, the hospital was so backed up that they couldn’t fit her in for the results for 6-7 months. Then she had to wait several months to see the doctor again. The tests were inconclusive, so another round of imaging was ordered. This took another 6 months to schedule. This is how the pattern went, and my mother found that she was three years into the process of trying to figure out the source of her infertility with no answers.

While the benefits of having “free” healthcare for all seemed really great in the beginning, the shine wore off when we experienced very slow healthcare and limited options. What I believe is that all people deserve quality healthcare. They don’t just deserve healthcare; they deserve good, high-quality care in a timely manner. There has to be a way to accomplish both at the same time.

My experiences living in the UK and receiving healthcare in a foreign country were enriching and educational. I’ll never forget all that I learned there and witnessed firsthand. It is part of the reason I first felt drawn to go into medicine.

Essay #8. If there is an important aspect of your personal background or identity, not addressed elsewhere in the application, that you are comfortable voluntarily sharing with the Committee, we invite you to do so here. Many applicants will not need to answer this question. Examples might include significant challenges in access to education, unusual socioeconomic factors, identification with a minority culture, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Briefly explain how such factors have influenced your motivation for a career in medicine.

This is a great question because it gives the Admissions Committee a way to see how you might bring diversity to the student body at FSU College of Medicine. The school is highly committed to diversity, so share with them anything about yourself that highlights your diverse background.

Essay #9. What do you feel are your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine?

What about you as a person makes you a good fit for the college of medicine program? You might share about your good study habits, ability to memorize anatomical systems, commitment to social justice and equity in healthcare, etc.

Essay #10. How do you feel you will contribute to the success of the FSU College of Medicine and our unique mission?

First of all, make sure you have a solid grasp on the school’s mission. Next, talk about how your positive traits, skills, and passion will help you contribute to the actualization of that mission. This is an important question, so be thoughtful before answering.

Essay #11. If you have previously interviewed or applied to the College of Medicine, what steps have you taken to improve your application?

Only answer this question if you have interviewed or applied to the College of Medicine before. If so, make sure to give a few examples of what you’ve done to improve yourself as a candidate for the program. Have you done some clinical volunteer work? A pre-med shadowing study abroad program? These are all ways you can improve your chances.

Essay #12. COVID-19: The Admissions Committee understands that the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted applicants in various ways. If you wish to inform the committee as to how these events have affected you and have not already done so elsewhere in your application, please use this space to do so.

Take this opportunity to share if COVID-19 has caused you any setbacks in your education or in your personal life. Did your grades drop with the many changes and stresses of the pandemic? Did it put you behind in terms of your classes? How did you persevere?

Essay #13. If FL has previously been your state of residence but it is not your current state of residence, explain.

This one’s pretty self-explanatory. Why did you leave FL and why would you like to come back?

Essay #14. If you were never a FL resident, explain ties to FL.

Any ties or connections with FL? Do you have any family in FL or work opportunities? Any fond memories?

Essay #15. Criminal/academic discipline question.

Interviews at FSU Medical School will continue to be held virtually via Zoom. In preparation for your interview, you should take time to learn as much as you can about Florida State Medical School. You can research by studying this guide and by exploring the school’s website.

On Interview Day, applicants will be able to mingle with faculty and other students so that they can ask questions and get to know each other. The interview is considered informal, though you should dress appropriately. Applicants will go through two interviews with members of the Admissions Committee, and each of these interviews should last around 50 minutes.

Be sure to bring plenty of questions with you to show how eager and excited you are. Be early and be prepared to open yourself up with the committee about who you really area. They love to get to know you personally, so be prepared to share.

There are certain characteristics that every admissions committee is looking for as they interview applicants. Here are a few things they will be looking for:

• Solid Interpersonal Ability
• Good at Following Directions
• A Great Listener
• Ability to Communicate Well.
• Self Confidence
• Compassionate
• Aware of Social Issues
• A Passion for Medicine
• Longing to Help Others

Preparing for an interview can be stressful and overwhelming, no matter how confident you are in your interviewing abilities. Applicants find it useful to have personalized coaching and even a mock interview with our medical school admissions consulting team. We are here to help!

Researching, applying, and interviewing for medical schools is challenging and requires a lot of hard work and dedication. Here at International Medical Aid (IMA), our vision has always been to develop a program that would aid the next generation of medical students as they matriculate to the medical schools of their choosing. Our goal is to help you succeed, because that means more qualified doctors in Florida communities.

If you think you could benefit from one-on-one coaching through the application, essay, and interviewing steps in the application process, our experts are ready to help you. You’ll be shocked how good it feels to have someone working alongside you who has a deep understanding of how the process works and what admissions committees are looking for in a candidate.

Take a moment to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts here.

Former participants will testify that there are few experiences more educational, enlightening, and life-altering than shadowing skilled physicians in foreign settings, spending time with real patients in environments that are unfamiliar and new, and getting an idea of what it’s like to work in a hospital or clinic in a foreign country. If shadowing a physician abroad is something you’d like to learn more about, we would love to provide you with more information.

Our pre-med shadowing study abroad program was designed specifically for pre-medical and gap year students with the vision of preparing them more than ever before for their future as a humanistic, global citizen physician. There is nothing in the world like participating in one of those pre-medicine internships in Peru or Africa.

Please take a few minutes to explore the benefits of our program on our website and reach out if you have any questions.

Best of Luck!

As you take your first step towards matriculating at FSU College of Medicine, we wish you the best of luck and hope that this guide has helped you along your journey. If you find yourself having questions, or struggling with your application, you can reach out to our experts anytime.

Spend some time exploring our medical school admissions consulting program, and please feel free to contact us, and we will get you the support you need to feel confident. Feel free to contact us if you have questions about the application process, our medical guides, our pre-med shadowing study abroad program, or our Medical School Admissions Consulting services.

Whether you looked for medical schools in a different state or searched for medical schools near me, Florida State Medical School is a wonderful choice. We hope our guide helps you achieve your goal of attending this fine institution.

• Morehouse School of Medicine
• Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
• Mercer University School of Medicine (MUSM)
• Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine (CUSOM)
• ECU Brody School of  Medicine
• Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM)
• University of South Carolina Medical School
• Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC)
• Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
• Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) 
• Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSOM)
• Penn State Medical School
• CUNY School of Medicine
• SUNY Downstate Medical School
• NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine
• NYU Long Island School of Medicine
• TOURO College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Albany Medical College
• Norton College of Medicine at Upstate Medical University
• Jacobs School of Medicine at the University at Buffalo
• Hofstra Zucker School of Medicine
• Weill Medical College of Cornell University 
• University of Rochester Medical School
• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
• Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University
• Albert Einstein College of Medicine
• Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)
• University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 
• University of Toledo College of Medicine
• Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine
• Ohio State University College of Medicine
• Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
• Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSOM )
• Rutgers New Jersey Medical School (NJMS) 
• Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
• Cooper Medical School of Rowan University (CMSRU)
• A.T. Still University Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
• Saint Louis University School of Medicine
• University of Missouri Medical School
• Kansas City University (KCU)
• UMKC School of Medicine
• New York Medical College
• University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
• University of Wisconsin Medical School
• VCU School of Medicine
• University of Maryland School of Medicine
• Case Western Medical School
• University of North Carolina Medical School
• University of Florida Medical School
• Emory University School of Medicine
• Boston University College of Medicine
• California University of Science and Medicine
• UC San Diego Medical School
• California Northstate University College of Medicine
• Touro University of California
• CHSU College of Osteopathic Medicine
• UC Davis School of Medicine
• Harvard Medical School
• UC Riverside School of Medicine
• USC Keck School of Medicine
• UT Southwestern Medical School
• Long School of Medicine at UT Health San Antonio
• University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine
• UT Austin’s Dell Medical School
• UTMB School of Medicine
• McGovern Medical School at UT Health
• Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
• The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
• UNT Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
• University of Houston College of Medicine
• Texas A&M College of Medicine
• Johns Hopkins Medical School
• Baylor College of Medicine
• George Washington University School of Medicine
• Vanderbilt University School of Medicine
• St. George’s University School of Medicine
• Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (in Pennsylvania)
• Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
• Wake Forest University School of Medicine
• Western University of Health Sciences (in California)
• Drexel University College of Medicine
• Stritch School of Medicine at Loyola University Chicago
• Georgetown University School of Medicine
• Yale School of Medicine
• Perelman School of Medicine
• UCLA Medical School
• NYU Medical School
• Washington University School of Medicine
• Brown Medical School

International Medical Aid provides  global internship opportunities  for students and clinicians who are looking to broaden their horizons and experience healthcare on an international level. These program participants have the unique opportunity to shadow healthcare providers as they treat individuals who live in remote and underserved areas and who don’t have easy access to medical attention. International Medical Aid also provides  medical school admissions consulting  to individuals applying to medical school and PA school programs. We review primary and secondary applications, offer guidance for personal statements and essays, and conduct mock interviews to prepare you for the admissions committees that will interview you before accepting you into their programs. IMA is here to provide the tools you need to help further your career and expand your opportunities in healthcare.

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