2018-2019 Florida State University

Discover Your Odds of Getting into Medical School
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
popealope said:
Current student happy to answer questions.
Click to expand...
I was wondering how quick you perceived them to be at taking actions on applications? :)
Members don't see this ad.
 
richiexrich said:
I was wondering how quick you perceived them to be at taking actions on applications? :)
Click to expand...
I think on the front end of applications, everything seems really slow as far as interview invites go. They don't really start asking people to come until fall. But when I had questions or updates, I think things moved fairly quickly.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
popealope said:
I think on the front end of applications, everything seems really slow as far as interview invites go. They don't really start asking people to come until fall. But when I had questions or updates, I think things moved fairly quickly.
Click to expand...
I appreciate this!
 
Members don't see this ad :)
4th year FSU COM here. Happy to put share my perspective and help.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Are you all reaching this 500 word limit? Reaching about half of that for the main ones, not sure if I should keep adding
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
hard time answering the questions :(
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
Some general pieces of advice/information that I've learned over the years here and some general pieces of advice not specific to FSU but that may be helpful:

1. This school is very mission oriented. I've seen people with killer scores and dynamite GPA with get rejected because they don't fit the mold that FSU wants. FSU produces over 50 percent primary care physicians, so you should take that into account. I'm not saying that FSU doesn't produce specialists, but your career aspirations should have some connection to the mission statement. The MCAT is not be all end all. I've known people with what is now equivalent to a 496 get into FSU because they aligned with the mission statement and I've known colleagues who have performed well. Scores aren't everything.

2. Don't try to BS/stretch on your application. These admission committee members have been doing this for a while. If it looks like you're trying to make a dollar out of two pennies, they will know. If your goals don't align with FSU, don't try to make them to get into this specific medical school, or any medical school for any specific medical school's mission statement. It wont help you and it won't help them.

3. FSU has a high affinity for Florida residents and Florida undergraduate schools. In my year that description encompassed I think close to 98 percent of my class. That being said, it is possible if you are from another state or from a college outside of Florida, in my year we had at least one UNC student. But, be realistic. It goes back to the mission statement. They want physicians that practice in Florida, and if you have ties here or went to undergrad here I think it is helpful.

4. Im sure some of you have heard about the bridge program: a program that allows people from underprivileged areas or special circumstances get a year of curriculum which includes FSU COM classes that the first years take, allowing entry into the subsequent class. It isn't a separate application process, but I believe there are separate interviews. Every bridge program matriculate that I knew had some sort of special circumstances or environmental factors that aligned with the bridge/mission statement, which is a good thing. What I'm saying is don't bank on the bridge program, but know that it is out there.

5. There is no timeline for II's or acceptances/waitlist: just a window. And the window is large: even early decision interviews I don't think are offered until late August/early September. And interviews/acceptances aren't based off of the time of submission of the app; I had a colleague of mine who applied earlier than me and didn't get an interview until a couple of months after. Try to stop obsessing over when you get the II or the email of acceptance, and I say that full well that it is much easier said than done, but you need to try. Acceptances can be offered up to the time of matriculation, so don't count yourself out in March necessarily.

6. The interview is important. When people on the threads get closer to interview time I will offer more advice.

Just a general note: I've been here for a while, and even though its been extremely tough and has had unexpected turns, I've enjoyed my time here and can't wait to be a doctor in 9 months.

Saxappeal1
 
  • Like
Reactions: 8 users
Hey guys I’m OOS with no ties to FL. My MCAT and gpa are in line with the schools averages. Is it worth applying here?
 
FutureDocSW said:
Hey guys I’m OOS with no ties to FL. My MCAT and gpa are in line with the schools averages. Is it worth applying here?
Click to expand...
Bruh, check MSAR or the post above yours (bullet point #3), your app fee would be a donation to the school. Do not apply. 2 out of 3000 out of state applicants matriculated here, 4 were interviewed and my guess was these students had ties to FL or align well with mission statement.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4 users
Has anyone received a confirmation email on completion? I submitted 7/26 but I haven't gotten a status update. When I check my portal, the "Release to FSU" button is still there but it also said secondary application received under my status. Just want to make sure I'm not missing a step
 
confusedandlostsos said:
Has anyone received a confirmation email on completion? I submitted 7/26 but I haven't gotten a status update. When I check my portal, the "Release to FSU" button is still there but it also said secondary application received under my status. Just want to make sure I'm not missing a step
Click to expand...
I got a complete email the next day, but if your LORs aren't in yet I don't think you get an email about just the secondary being submitted. Mine looked the same way though if I am remembering right
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
Is it okay to reference your primary briefly in the essays? I talked about a travel experience that significantly affected me, can I be like "as I referenced in my primary" in order to talk about other stuff
 
Members don't see this ad :)
FutureDocSW said:
Hey guys I’m OOS with no ties to FL. My MCAT and gpa are in line with the schools averages. Is it worth applying here?
Click to expand...
Read point #3 in the post above yours. I think that will answer your question.
 
super excited about this school, does anyone have a clear idea of when the first IIs get sent out? i know some people said in the fall but have any been sent out yet that anyone knows of?
 
beexoxo said:
super excited about this school, does anyone have a clear idea of when the first IIs get sent out? i know some people said in the fall but have any been sent out yet that anyone knows of?
Click to expand...
Based on previous years, early decision interviews usually go out late August to end of September. Regular decision interviews start after (around October).
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
Lawper said:
Prompts:

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

Travel
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.

Parents
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
Siblings
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.
Click to expand...


Is the last essay 500 limit? or longer?
 
For the critical essay "Write a critical analysis of your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine and the realization of your professional ambitions" should I write more about things like difficulties I have experienced, i.e. low grades, or personal challenges, and explain how that shaped me or more about my qualifications? I wrote my essay once and felt like all I did was describe why I am qualified for medical school.
 
southflts said:
For the critical essay "Write a critical analysis of your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine and the realization of your professional ambitions" should I write more about things like difficulties I have experienced, i.e. low grades, or personal challenges, and explain how that shaped me or more about my qualifications? I wrote my essay once and felt like all I did was describe why I am qualified for medical school.
Click to expand...
I think you want your essay to be positive in the end. You shouldn't ignore your difficulties and weaknesses, but you can definitely mention them, briefly describe them, and ultimately turn them into something positive.
 
docsoc534 said:
I think you want your essay to be positive in the end. You shouldn't ignore your difficulties and weaknesses, but you can definitely mention them, briefly describe them, and ultimately turn them into something positive.
Click to expand...
Ok good, thats what I did, started with some difficulties but ended positive, and changed it from just qualifications to a more "critical analysis"
 
Second year here. Happy to answer any questions/share my experience.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user
OOS, Early Decision, just got an II
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 users
901_Shelby_Drive said:
why fsu?
Click to expand...

Great question. Several reasons "why FSU", but I'll list the major 2.

First off, our class is very tight. Closer than most medical schools class based on what I've observed. I think this is due in large part to the Learning Communities set up at the COM. Basically, the first day of first year, the class gets split up into four groups of 30 something students and grouped into these learning communities that consist of living space, study rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and showers. These are people that you quickly will get to know first and see a lot during the summer months and through second year. We are one of those unusual early start schools that starts first week of June. The first year summer is all anatomy and you are required to be at the COM practically all the time. By the end of the summer, you've gotten to know practically your entire class, while some med schools haven't even started yet. It's a true pass fail curriculum w/o ranking, making it a very friendly environment and, in my opinion, fosters learning by creating an atmosphere of competition with yourself rather than against your classmates. This obviously promotes relationships within the class, especially when everyone freely shares resources.

Second, FSU is probably the most unique school in the state of Florida in the sense that our rotations are split up by regional campus for 3rd and 4th year. Essentially, there are 6 regional campus sites - Tallahassee/Marianna, Sarasota, Pensacola, Daytona Beach, Fort Pierce, and Orlando. The class is ~120 students, so each campus gets around 20 students. While we don't have the massive/state-of-the-art hospital system like some schools in Florida, most of these sites offer a much different experience than a traditional 3rd year student rotating in a regional hospital system would receive. By this I mean, most of these places aren't filled with residents, fellows, etc. For the most part it's student with physician directly. This reduces a lot of the barriers you may encounter at other schools where you might be learning from a fellow/resident for the most part. It also allows you to be much more involved in the care of patients earlier on. This unique experience has also begun to show in our residency match. While our school may be primary care focused, it has matched better and better every year in other non-primary care/surgical specialties and at great sites. Residency programs tend to focus on applicants from schools that have previously given them exceptional residents. It's not always just about the fancy school name (exceptions being the Ivy leagues). Many programs have raved about our students and how well they are prepared when they enter their respective residency programs, so it makes sense that our students continue to match into these programs. I'm sure @Saxappeal1 could comment more on this.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 users
AGatorForever said:
Great question. Several reasons "why FSU", but I'll list the major 2.

First off, our class is very tight. Closer than most medical schools class based on what I've observed. I think this is due in large part to the Learning Communities set up at the COM. Basically, the first day of first year, the class gets split up into four groups of 30 something students and grouped into these learning communities that consist of living space, study rooms, kitchen, bathrooms, and showers. These are people that you quickly will get to know first and see a lot during the summer months and through second year. We are one of those unusual early start schools that starts first week of June. The first year summer is all anatomy and you are required to be at the COM practically all the time. By the end of the summer, you've gotten to know practically your entire class, while some med schools haven't even started yet. It's a true pass fail curriculum w/o ranking, making it a very friendly environment and, in my opinion, fosters learning by creating an atmosphere of competition with yourself rather than against your classmates. This obviously promotes relationships within the class, especially when everyone freely shares resources.

Second, FSU is probably the most unique school in the state of Florida in the sense that our rotations are split up by regional campus for 3rd and 4th year. Essentially, there are 6 regional campus sites - Tallahassee/Marianna, Sarasota, Pensacola, Daytona Beach, Fort Pierce, and Orlando. The class is ~120 students, so each campus gets around 20 students. While we don't have the massive/state-of-the-art hospital system like some schools in Florida, most of these sites offer a much different experience than a traditional 3rd year student rotating in a regional hospital system would receive. By this I mean, most of these places aren't filled with residents, fellows, etc. For the most part it's student with physician directly. This reduces a lot of the barriers you may encounter at other schools where you might be learning from a fellow/resident for the most part. It also allows you to be much more involved in the care of patients earlier on. This unique experience has also begun to show in our residency match. While our school may be primary care focused, it has matched better and better every year in other non-primary care/surgical specialties and at great sites. Residency programs tend to focus on applicants from schools that have previously given them exceptional residents. It's not always just about the fancy school name (exceptions being the Ivy leagues). Many programs have raved about our students and how well they are prepared when they enter their respective residency programs, so it makes sense that our students continue to match into these programs. I'm sure @Saxappeal1 could comment more on this.
Click to expand...

How was the interview in your experience? Their website and SDN says its pretty laid-back, but I'm still pretty nervous.
 
Kiki63 said:
How was the interview in your experience? Their website and SDN says its pretty laid-back, but I'm still pretty nervous.
Click to expand...

Extremely laid-back. 2 faculty interviews (sometimes a 4th year student), each 50 minutes long. Know the mission like the back of your hand and understand the school is primary care/community focused. Be able to relate your experiences to this. It's much more of a conversation rather than interview from my experiences. Just be yourself, know your cheat sheet (resume), and relax. The school is extremely selective with who they interview, so you're already amongst a select few.
 
That's great to hear! Thank you so much for your help. Now to wait for them to confirm my date selection and book a flight!
 
@AGatorForever my learned colleague is correct about the weight that this school is starting to carry, especially in the southeast. Since we work mostly 1 on 1 with the attendings in 3rd year we are first assist in most surgeries, we are first in line for procedures, oral presentations, etc. It immensely sharpens our practical skills and medical diagnostics since we have to basically act like residents in that we are connected directly to the physician and it places a much larger responsibility on us... but the harder we work the more we reap the benefits.

To address the "why FSU" comment I actually have several reasons I'd like to list.

1. Aligning with what AGatorForever said, our classes are extremely tight-knit. When someone in our class has a crisis, we all pitch in. Someone in our class was robbed at gunpoint in our 2nd year and they lost almost everything to their name but survived the experience. All of us pitched in our extra funds and emotional support to him. In the first 2 years, large groups of us go downtown to have fun, and even the professors sometimes join us. It really is a warm environment.

2. The support staff is extremely compassionate and kind. Each year has a medical student support coordinator (I don't know the exact title but its more like the class mom or dad.) They help us whenever we are feeling down and celebrate with us when we do something right. I still drop by each time I'm in Tallahassee to see them specifically since they are such a big part of our experience.

3. Mental health support resources: The school psychologist and psychiatrist are very helpful if you are proactive about your mental health. Dr. Painter/Porter and the school issued psychiatrist are both knowledgeable and supportive.

4. Pass-fail: while this may seem like a drag to those of the people in the top quartile or 10th percentile of the class, it still ends up benefiting you guys. The standardized tests in 2nd-4th year are still ranked nationally, yet it helps the people who may not be the best at standardized tests (myself.)

5. Clinical experience: Literally from your first week you are getting hands on experience with patients down in the CLC. You have 10 weeks of clinical experience before almost every other medical school even starts. The CLC in the first 2 years was such a helpful experience and really allows you to polish your strengths and strengthen your weaknesses in a simulated environment. Plus the head of the CLC is one of the most helpful clinical professionals and she is like, the nicest human being on the planet. Honestly if it wasn't for her I don't know that I would have passed my Step 2 CS. That's another thing-- we get 2 years of prep for CS- it is basically a 9 hour CLC session. I know all schools aren't like that, but it really helped to put me at ease. The 3rd year regional campus system helped me feel immensely prepared for my 4th year subI and a lot better about upcoming intern year in less than a year.

6. Early start: While the summer of first year is one of the hardest parts of medical school (simply because there is nothing like it in undergrad or anywhere else and it is extremely concentrated and no one is truly prepared) it was very nice to not have anatomy throughout first year. Also, when you get your white coat, you EARN it, you survived anatomy, CLC and ethics-- it is extremely rewarding.

As I think of others I can post them later. But you guys get the point. PM me for any questions as always.
Saxappeal1
 
  • Like
Reactions: 3 users
Current M1 here. @Saxappeal1 and @AGatorForever are on the nose. Our class is extremely collaborative and inclusive. We have the very new addition of PA students to our LC's and everyone is doing their best to make them feel welcome in the spirit of the COM. The faculty are becoming more aware of how important STEP is to us and has leaned to primarily NMBE tests and more STEP-prep resource discounts (Boards and Beyond, USMLE-Rx, Pathoma, etc).
And, if you have a field you're interested in, there are folks who are more than delighted to point you in the right direction.
 
Just got a II here, early decision. IS LizzyM 67
If anyone would have any tips, that would be appreciated!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 5 users
Has anyone regular decision instate received an interview yet?
 
So I had a mock interview today with a doc who has been on adcoms at other schools. Here is his advice:

1. Be honest. Don't try to come up with a pivotal, deciding moment for when you decided medicine. If you don't have that, say so, but say what has drawn you to it and reinforced why it's the right choice for you.

2. Organize your responses. Think of it as a presentation: give your points and then explain them.

3. Be enthusiastic. These interviewers aren't out to get you. You are trying to show them you're a good fit for the school, they aren't trying to get you about grades. They already know you can do it, they want to make sure you fit their mission.

4. Don't sound rehearsed. Making some mistakes is normal and natural. Practice some responses, but try to let your answers flow naturally.

5. Don't be afraid to show inexperience. If you knew everything, you would already be a doctor. For example, if they ask if you would prefer to work in an academic or private setting, don't be afraid to say you don't have much experience with one or the other.

6. Don't be afraid if they challenge you. They only want to see you can take a firm stance on something and not be wishy-washy.

I thought that may be helpful in the coming weeks for everyone!
 
  • Like
Reactions: 4 users
Kiki63 said:
So I had a mock interview today with a doc who has been on adcoms at other schools. Here is his advice:

1. Be honest. Don't try to come up with a pivotal, deciding moment for when you decided medicine. If you don't have that, say so, but say what has drawn you to it and reinforced why it's the right choice for you.

2. Organize your responses. Think of it as a presentation: give your points and then explain them.

3. Be enthusiastic. These interviewers aren't out to get you. You are trying to show them you're a good fit for the school, they aren't trying to get you about grades. They already know you can do it, they want to make sure you fit their mission.

4. Don't sound rehearsed. Making some mistakes is normal and natural. Practice some responses, but try to let your answers flow naturally.

5. Don't be afraid to show inexperience. If you knew everything, you would already be a doctor. For example, if they ask if you would prefer to work in an academic or private setting, don't be afraid to say you don't have much experience with one or the other.

6. Don't be afraid if they challenge you. They only want to see you can take a firm stance on something and not be wishy-washy.

I thought that may be helpful in the coming weeks for everyone!
Click to expand...
Kiki do you love me
 
  • Like
Reactions: 2 users
I submitted my secondary on 8/31, but it still allows me to edit. Is that normal? I clicked the "release to FSU" button and it says that my secondary was submitted under the review status. Also are my LORs supposed to appear on this page too? Thank you for anyone who can help!
 
jamaicangal99 said:
I submitted my secondary on 8/31, but it still allows me to edit. Is that normal? I clicked the "release to FSU" button and it says that my secondary was submitted under the review status. Also are my LORs supposed to appear on this page too? Thank you for anyone who can help!
Click to expand...
Yeah it always looks like that. As long as you get the complete email you're all set. It will say on your status page if they've gotten your LOCs.

What are their post-interview acceptance rates like? I can't seem to find any information on it.
 
Kiki63 said:
Yeah it always looks like that. As long as you get the complete email you're all set. It will say on your status page if they've gotten your LOCs.

What are their post-interview acceptance rates like? I can't seem to find any information on it.
Click to expand...

Class of 2022: 7178 Applications. 280 Interview invites. 169 post-interview acceptance offers for 120 spots.

Extremely selective with interview offers but chances are great after that.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
Wow, how do they manage to drop the
AGatorForever said:
Class of 2022: 7178 Applications. 280 Interview invites. 169 post-interview acceptance offers for 120 spots.

Extremely selective with interview offers but chances are great after that.
Click to expand...
Wow, how do you think they manage to drop the acceptance number to the actual class size? Or does it normally resolve itself as students go to other schools?
 
Kiki63 said:
Yeah it always looks like that. As long as you get the complete email you're all set. It will say on your status page if they've gotten your LOCs.

What are their post-interview acceptance rates like? I can't seem to find any information on it.
Click to expand...
I didn't get a complete email :oops: I emailed them though so hopefully that should clear things up. Thank you!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Next unread thread

Similar threads

chilly_md
2023-2024 Florida State
4 5 6 7 8
Replies
350
Views
82K
Doctazmic
Doctazmic
wysdoc
2023-2024 University of South Florida (Morsani)
15 16 17 18 19
Replies
904
Views
188K
spiderpunk!
spiderpunk!
wysdoc
2023-2024 University of Central Florida
2 3 4 5
Replies
223
Views
55K
Sandman23
S
wysdoc
2022-2023 Florida State
2 3 4 5 6
Replies
278
Views
69K
ConradHawkins
C
wysdoc
2023-2024 Florida
2 3 4 5
Replies
209
Views
60K
finnster
F
Top