Frequently Asked Questions

Can you send me a catalog?
In an effort to "Go Green," we have no published catalog. All of the most current information on the FSU COM is posted on our website
I am still an undergraduate and am considering applying to medical school. Is there an advisor I may talk to prior to completing my application?
Admissions Officers and Staff do not make a practice of providing individualized advice to prospective applicants, nor do we schedule individual meetings with applicants. The best source of information is a pre-health advisor on your institution's campus. You may schedule an appointment with the FSU health professions advisors by calling 850-644-7678 or 850-644-1843.
I am a current applicant to your College of Medicine. Can I speak to someone in the Admissions Office regarding my application?
Given our very small staff size and more than 7,000 applications each year, in an effort to be as fair as possible to all applicants, we do not offer individualized advice regarding aspects of the application. If you have specific questions regarding the admissions process, please e-mail  .
I read you are an Early Start Program. When do classes begin?
Mandatory Orientation begins May 28, 2024 for the Class of 2028. Classes begin May 30, 2024.
Is there an application fee? If so, what is it?
The FSU COM charges a $30 secondary application fee. All applicants who take part in the Fee Assistance Program through AMCAS at the time of submission of their Primary application will have their secondary application fee automatically waived
Can I apply directly to the Bridge to Clinical Medicine major of the Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences, better known as the Bridge Program?
No. Students will be selected for the Bridge Program from the regular FSU COM admissions cycle. If you receive a rejection letter, it has been decided we are unable to offer you a position in either the regular class or our Bridge Program.
What is the minimum GPA and MCAT score I need to apply to your school?
The Florida State University College of Medicine does not--except under special circumstances--consider applicants for admission to the regular M.D. program who do not have an MCAT score of at least 498 and an undergraduate GPA of 3.3. Special circumstances include students who come from medically, financially, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.
I am a non-traditional student. My undergraduate faculty members don't remember me, so what letters can I substitute instead?
You should request letters from people you have worked with and who know you well. Choose those people who you think will write the most informative and helpful letters about your suitability to enter medical school.
Can I send my letters of recommendation to your school before my AMCAS application has been sent?
No. Because the FSU COM participates in the AMCAS Letter Service program, all letters must be submitted electronically through AMCAS. The Office of Admissions DOES NOT accept letters of recommendation via mail or email.
How do I know if I have completed the Biochemistry requirement?
Generally, if a biochemistry course at your school is designed as a pre-health course and taken by pre-health students it will be acceptable. Some schools present biochemistry as one three-credit-hour course. If a lab is offered as an option, it is recommended that you take the lab. If you are in doubt, you may email your question to , and attach the course syllabus, with the course name and name of your school for evaluation.
Does it make any difference where I take the pre-requisite courses? Can I take them by distance learning?
We prefer applicants to take pre-requisite courses in a traditional classroom setting at a four-year college. However, we recognize that this is not always possible, especially for non-traditional applicants, so course credit from a US-accredited institution is acceptable in most cases.
What should I include in my essay?
The goal in writing your essay is to express your values and convey your most important qualities, emphasizing the points that justify your suitability for medical school. Convey your perspectives precisely and proficiently while emphasizing your distinct attributes. Keep in mind that the essay should reflect your personality and your skills in writing.
May I use my essays from last year?
Yes, but we highly suggest that you revisit the essay. Re-writing your essay may be a better alternative, particularly if there have been significant changes in your experiences or accomplishments.
How can I check on the status of my application?
We will contact you by email to acknowledge the completion of your application, that is, when all secondary materials have been received. At that time, your application will be under review by our office. Applicants are responsible for ensuring all required documentation is received by the College of Medicine in order to complete the application for review. Applicants will NOT be notified of missing documents, and for privacy reasons, status updates will NOT be provided via telephone.
When will I hear a decision regarding my application to the FSU COM?
Due to the nature of our holistic admissions review process, decisions are made based on the strength of the application, not the date in which the application is received. Applicants will receive email updates upon application submission, fee payment request, and application completion. 
How do you view out of state applicants?
In keeping with our mission, strong preference for admission is given to Florida residents. For this reason, the FSU COM accepts very few out-of-state applicants (usually fewer than 10 per class). Except under rare circumstances, out-of-state applicants are considered for admission only if their county of residence is geographically contiguous with the State of Florida, or if they demonstrate significant ties to the State of Florida. Examples of significant ties include (but are not limited to): attending college within Florida, being a former resident of Florida, having close relatives who are residents of Florida. Out-of-state applicants are encouraged to describe their significant ties to Florida in the Self Critical Analysis section of the Secondary Application.
Do you accept transfer students?
For information about a transfer, please email the Office of Admissions at MedAdmissions@med.fsu.edu.
I will be in the Tallahassee area can I drop by the College of Medicine for a tour, or to walk in to the Admissions Office?
Tours of the College of Medicine should be scheduled in advance here. As mentioned previously, given our small staff size and more than 7,000 applicants each year, admissions personnel do not meet with applicants in person. It will not make a positive impression for any applicant to drop by the admissions office in an effort to talk to someone.