USF POLICIES AND APPLICATION PROCESS
Can you send me a catalog?
The most up-to-date information about our program is found on the various
What kind of student is your school looking for?
USF COM values diversity relative to all aspects in potential students. To learn more, please go to:
http://www.hsc.usf.edu/medicine/mdadmissions/applicant_requirements.htm
I am an undergraduate student and haven’t applied to medical school yet, can I talk to someone in your office?
Yes. Please contact the USF COM - Office of Admissions (813)-974-2229 - option 1, to schedule an appointment.
Can I get an application by writing directly to the
No. You must initiate the application process by filling out and submitting an AMCAS (American Medical College Application Service) application on line. Click here to go to the AMCAS web site. http://www.aamc.org/
Do you have an Early Decision Program?
Yes. Please see: http://www.hsc.usf.edu/medicine/mdadmissions/early_decision.htm
What is the best source of information about applying to medical schools?
The Medical School Admissions Requirements book (MSAR) published by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges). To order a copy on line, please go to: http://www.aamc.org/ You may find this book in your university bookstore or at a commercial bookseller such as Barnes and Nobles or Borders. The MSAR is the only guide fully authorized by all medical schools and contains the most accurate up-to-date information of any book about medical schools. It contains information about every accredited allopathic medical school in the
If I am accepted can I defer matriculation?
Though deferments are not recommended, they may be granted only if found to be justified after a thorough review of the circumstances.
I wasn’t accepted by USF COM. Can I find out how to strengthen my application?
Once you have received notification of your rejection and you can contact the Office of Admissions for an appointment to discuss future application at 813-974-2229 - option 1.
How will I receive notification of my application status with USF COM?
All correspondence regarding application status is sent via e-mail using the email address you provided on your AMCAS application. For the best results, be sure not use a SPAM blocker or firewall.
Does USF College of Medicine accept transfer students?
As you may know, most medical schools accept few, if any, transfer students. At the USF College of Medicine, we only consider transfer students who are between the second and third year, who have passed STEP 1 of the USMLE examination, and who are transferring from an LCME- accredited school. For candidates who meet these criteria, the next hurdle is one of space availability in our program. It is typically not until early January of each year that we are in a position to evaluate such availability.
Does USF COM accept credit from undergraduate work in a foreign country?
No. The only credits earned at foreign institutions that we accept are those earned while the applicant was studying abroad under the auspices of an accredited college or University located in
Please contact the ECFMG (Educational Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates) at:
2624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2685 (215) 386-5900 www.ecfmg.org
AMCAS Application Questions
When is the deadline for applying through AMCAS to
The deadline for submitting your AMCAS application to AMCAS in
Can I get a deadline extension?
No. Deadline extensions are not granted.
Should I send a printed copy of my AMCAS application directly to the Office of Admissions to speed up the process?
No. We will begin the application process and make decisions only on electronically-transmitted, verified files sent to us from AMCAS. Stay in touch with AMCAS and make sure your file is verified in a timely fashion. Most delays are caused by schools not sending your transcripts to AMCAS so check with the registrar at your school to ensure your transcripts have been sent.
How do I send updated information regarding my address and phone number after I submitted my AMCAS application?
Applicants must make all changes in contact information through AMCAS – not USF COM Admissions Office. AMCAS will then relay your changes to all the schools to which you have applied. You also should inform AMCAS when you change email accounts. This is extremely important because more and more schools are relying on email almost exclusively to communicate with applicants.
What should my essay be about?
Each essay should be considered an opportunity to tell the schools you are applying to something about yourself. You should write in a style that is comfortable for you, despite the rumor that there is a special essay style we want to see. The essay expresses who you are and why you want to be a doctor. It is also your opportunity to explain something in your record or on the AMCAS application that may be questionable to us.
GPA
Can I be considered with a GPA lower than the average?
To be competitive, the committee requests that an applicant’s MCAT and GPA are similar to our averages (3.70 GPA/30 MCAT). However, in some cases the applicant has array of activities and experiences that may show the committee that there were time constraints that created challenges.
What constitutes academic stability?
Consistent high level academic achievement proves academic stability. However, just displaying a high GPA in the sciences is not enough. For example, the applicant may have sporadic semesters with which he or she has done poorly and still meets the average. In this case, an applicant may have a poor sophomore semester and a poor junior semester.
What if my GPA is not comparable to the average?
In some circumstances the applicant may have proven that they can overcome adversity. This is displayed when there is an upward trend or major increase in his or her GPA after the applicant has performed poorly.
What kind of GPA do I need?
A 3.5 or better may be considered strong.
Science Requirements
Does USF accept/recognize AP/IB credit in place of taking the required science classes required for admission to medical school?
While USF does “accept/recognize” AP/IB credits, applicants who have taken the courses in a traditional classroom at a four-year institution are considered more academically competitive. We encourage students who earn college credit through AP/CLEP/dual enrollment to earn them in non-prerequisite subjects. If not, students may find themselves retaking the courses once enrolled in an undergraduate institution in an effort to create a stronger academic record.
How much work do I need in the sciences?
Two or three full-time semesters of sciences (12 hours full-time) from an institution that has a history of placing individuals in US LCME accredited medical schools will suffice.
What are your requirements and why do I need to fulfill them?
Basic Science Requirements are necessary in order to gauge your academic stamina and stability. The minimum basic science admission requirements include introductory courses and laboratories in the following: 2 Semesters - 3 Quarters in each subject
English
Biological Science including laboratory
General Chemistry including laboratory
Organic Chemistry including laboratory
Mathematics
Physics including laboratory
College courses recommended, but not required, include physical chemistry or biological chemistry, microbiology, biochemistry, embryology, cell biology comparative anatomy, genetics, histology, and statistics. Course work in communication arts, humanities, and natural sciences is encouraged. No specific requirement is set in the area of mathematics since, at most colleges; some mathematics is prerequisite to physics and chemistry. College level work in calculus is strongly recommended, additionally, familiarity with the principles of statistics and their application to the analysis of data are important assets for any medical student. Consideration should be given by the student to participation in honors courses, independent study, and scientific research. These activities present opportunities for unstructured learning experiences.
Curriculum and GPA Questions
Can I take all of my premed courses at a junior college near my home?
In order to create the most academically competitive application you should take all prerequisite courses at the most competitive bachelor degree granting institution where you can gain entrance. You should take your pre-requisite courses from your degree granting institution.
Will you accept those credits that were earned more than 10 years ago?
Yes. We will accept them. However, the admissions committee is going to look at very carefully at this situation when making a decision. Ask yourself these questions: 1) will those 10-year old courses give the necessary foundation in the sciences that I will need in medical school, and 2) am I going to be prepared to take the MCAT with knowledge that is 10 years old.
Can I take the prerequisite courses through distance learning or through the internet?
Prerequisite courses must be taken in a traditional classroom environment.
Do the prerequisite courses have to be taken before I apply?
You can apply without taking the prerequisite courses; however, you will be considerably less academically competitive than those applicants who have completed the coursework.
My freshman GPA was low because I had a sub-human roommate. After that, my GPA steadily improved. Does the Committee look at trends in GPAs?
Yes. The USF committee does look at all the factors. Be prepared to discuss any poor academic performance in your secondary application or in an interview.
My GPA is good and my MCAT score is competitive, but I am 45 years old. How does that affect my admissibility?
It is illegal to base admissions decisions on age. Being a more mature (some people say non-traditional) applicant usually works to your advantage because admissions committees generally consider older applicants as having had more life experiences and more mature.
I have perfect grades and a great MCAT. How important is getting health-care experience really?
You need as much hands-on patient care experience as you can get. This experience should be consistent and over a long period of time. Also, community service (not health-care related) working with the underserved is a big plus.
My GPA and MCAT scores are on the low side but I have been very active in community activities and volunteering. Will these offset my numbers?
Community service and volunteer experiences, particularly patient contact experiences, can only strengthen your application but they generally do not offset basic numerical credentials. Applicants should look at community activities and volunteer experiences as a means of demonstrating to an admissions committee the type of person they are and their motivation to study and practice medicine. These are things that admissions committees look at right after they look at GPAs and MCAT scores. Perhaps looking into pipeline programs to assist you in preparation for medical school should be considered. http://hsc.usf.edu/medicine/educationalaffairs/special_programs.html#ims
When do I know if I need Post-Bac work?
Post-bac work is needed if a student has not proved academic stability or is trying to increase his or her GPA in the sciences to be comparable to our average (3.70 GPA). Additionally, Post-Bac work is needed if your degree is not from a
MCAT Questions
Do I have to take the MCAT exam?
Yes. You must take the MCAT exam and have your scores released to USF COM. An MCAT score is required to make your application complete. Therefore, you must take the exam no later than the January 2009 test date(s) if you are applying for entry in 2009.
Will taking the MCAT in August hurt my chances of getting accepted to medical school?
No. Scores from the August test usually reach medical schools within 30 days from AMCAS. Most schools are just beginning the interview process at that time. If you are going to take the MCAT in August, the best thing to do is to send in everything else needed to complete your application before August. That way, when your MCAT score arrives in September, your application will become complete instantly.
What if I am taking the MCAT in January?
January 2009 MCAT test scores will be considered for the August 2009 incoming class. These scores will only be considered if they are re-takes. Our program has made an institutional decision to include the January MCAT exam score in our decision making process for those who desire to start the MD Program that same August with the following stipulations:
-
Application completions are met (Dec 1/AMCAS; Jan 15/Secondary)
-
The previous MCAT exam score is less than 3 years old
-
The applicant has not yet been invited for an interview
Please note, the January exam score will not be used to change the status of any applicant who has already been interviewed and that has had an Admissions Committee decision rendered.
Be sure to contact the office of MD Admissions to ensure your new score is reviewed.
I took the MCAT in 1993. Is that OK?
No. USF will only accept MCAT scores that are 3 or less years old.
What is the most important part of the MCAT? Does anybody look at my writing sample?
All parts of the MCAT are important. Committees look particularly carefully at the verbal reasoning score because that is something that is not taught in medical school and medical school involves a lot of reading and fast comprehension. The admissions committee at USF looks at your score on the writing sample as only a tertiary factor in the admissions decision.
I have taken the MCAT three times. Do you see all of my scores?
Yes. The AMCAS application will show your testing history and include the date of every MCAT you have taken since 1991.
I re-took the MCAT and my scores went down. How is that going to affect my application?
It all depends on the size of the decrease and the nature of extenuating circumstances, if any, associated with the second test. Be prepared to discuss why your score went down, either in your personal statement or in an interview.
How do I receive a secondary application?
Once we receive your initial application through AMCAS, we will release the link to the secondary application provided you meet our minimum (MCAT 24) and GPA (3.0) requirements.
Is there an application fee?
Yes, it is $30. The application fee is non-refundable and is charged to all applicants who complete a secondary application. This fee (or the fee waiver form) must be received by USF COM in order to consider your file complete.
Will I be informed if anything is missing from my file?
Yes, but the responsibility to ensure your file is complete lies with you. Make sure your email address is correct in AMCAS and that you check your SPAM mail periodically.
Is there a deadline for submitting my secondary application?
Yes. The deadline for all secondary application materials are August 15 for the Early Decision Program and January 15th for the regular MD program. All candidates are encouraged to complete their files as soon as possible as this will allow for earlier review of the file. The sooner we review your file, the sooner we can assess your competitiveness for an on-campus interview.
Are all applicants interviewed if they complete the secondary application and submit the necessary supporting documents?
No. Receiving an invitation for an interview is a competitive process in which the admissions committee ranks the strength of each completed application and invites those applicants who are most competitive.
What do I put in the “
Only submit answers that are different or in addition to your primary application through AMCAS. If there is no further information, then you can leave this section blank. This is your opportunity to add new information. We do not encourage submission of blank secondary applications!
Does a B- grade on my transcripts need to be explained on the Secondary Application?
Yes. Any grade under a B (including a grade of B-) must be explained. You have 2,000 characters per section in which to explain the reason for the grade.
Can my picture that accompanies the Secondary application be printed off my home computer and mailed into USF COM?
If you have received a secondary application, you are to submit your photo electronically to the email address provided secondary application page. Please send a minimum sized photograph.
I applied last year; can I use my essays from the last application?
Yes, but this is not encouraged. View this as an opportunity to share something new or different about yourself.
I had to work two jobs while I was in school and I did not have a chance to volunteer in the community or at the local hospital. Is that going to hurt my application?
Be sure to explain your situation clearly in your essay or Secondary Application. Committees realize that some applicants have to work. Also, there are many attributes an applicant acquires from having a job such as being punctual, resourceful, dependable, and the ability to get along with co-workers.
I have heard that it is necessary to do research of some kind to get into medical school. Is that true?
It all depends on the program and the school to which you are applying. At USF it is not essential unless you are applying to the MD-PhD program. In that case, one of the selection factors is the extent, value, and productivity of your research experiences.
Why haven’t I heard a decision regarding my application from USF COM, I’ve already heard from all of the other programs I’ve applied to this year?
More than likely that is because USF COM only reviews verified AMCAS applications. Some schools review preliminary or unverified applications, we do not. If it has been more than six weeks since you filed your AMCAS application and you have not been notified that your application information is verified, you should contact AMCAS. Typically an application’s verification is delayed is due to AMCAS not receiving all post secondary transcripts.
Letters of Recommendation Questions
What type of letters do I need for my application?
Our committee requires three Faculty Letters (2 science 1 non-science) and two personal/character letters. The Faculty letters must be from professors who have instructed you in a formal course. Two personal/character letters can be from your family physician, employer, close friend, neighbor, alumni, or any person who can attest to your interest in medicine. Please do not submit letters from family members, relatives or faculty who have taught you in a course.
You can also provide a composite evaluation from your school’s premed advisory committee in lieu of the three faculty letters. Admissions committees greatly prefer composite letters because they are arrived at by consensus and are often more thorough and insightful. However, i
Also, if you are enrolled in or have completed a graduate or other professional program, you must submit two letters from faculty who have taught you along with a letter of support from your major professor or Dean. Any additional information you would like sent to the Committee will be added to your file (Please do not send manuscripts.)
What type of information should be included in letters of recommendation?
The best letters are from faculty members who know you well enough to comment in some depth, not only on your academic performance, but also on your personal qualities for a career in medicine. Both attributes are equally important. They should mention how long they have known you and in what capacity, and how well they know you. They should also put their remarks about you into some kind of comparative context with others for whom they have written letters.
Do I need new letters as a re-applicant?
Yes. You should add few new letters in addition to your original letters if possible.
I have been out of school for five years and I can not get letters from my old professors. Are there any substitutes for these required letters?
Contact each medical school to which you are applying. Military commanders (for military personnel) and immediate supervisors (for applicants with lengthy employment histories) may be good people to write such letters.
When should I have my letters of recommendation sent to USF?
Letters are to be submitted electronically through AMCAS. Therefore, you can submit your letters at any time. Please be sure to follow the specifice directions provided through AMCAS on how to submit your letters. Do not mail letters directly to USF. Doing so will slow down the review of your application.
Interview Questions
Who will interview me and what is the interview format?
Each candidate will participate in two 30-minute interviews conducted by USF faculty. On occassion, 4th year medical students will conduct interviews. The interviews are closed file which means that the interviewers have not seen the application before the interview.
What kind of things are they trying to assess in an interview?
They are trying to determine what kind of person you are, what you know about medicine and how motivated you are to pursue this career path.
How do I prepare for a medical school interview?
Some sources will tell you that you can not prepare and that you should just be yourself. There are some common sense things you can do to make a better presentation. First, do your homework about the school you are visiting. You can earn points with your interviewer if you know something about the school. Second, there are a lot of books in the library on interviews. Check one out and read it. Third, some students find that mock interviews are helpful. Sometimes mock interviews are far tougher than the real thing. Finally, there are many web sites for medical school applicants that are full of information about interviews, including sample questions you might be asked at a particular school. Please refer to www.studentdoctor.net for additional helpful information.
Residency
What are your residency policies?
A Florida "resident for tuition purposes" is a person (or a dependent person whose parent or legal guardian) has established and maintained legal residence in Florida for at least 12 months. Other persons not meeting the 12-month residence requirement may be classified as Florida residents for tuition purposes in Florida only if they fall within one of the limited special categories authorized by the Florida Legislature and Florida Board of Education. All other persons are ineligible for classification as a Florida "resident for tuition purposes."
What is the definition of a
The definition of a
Does the
No. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents of the
My application for citizenship has been approved but my immigration lawyer has informed me that I will not get my green card for several months. Can I still apply?
Yes. But, you must have your green card in your possession by the time classes begin.
Why do you give preference to residents of the State of
We give preference to
What types of documents are necessary to support my claim to
In general, you need a paper trail covering at least the 12 months immediate prior to the start of medical school. Federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, lease agreements, rent receipts, homestead exemptions and fee statements from
So what happens if I get accepted as a
In that case, you will be assessed a non-resident tuition for each of the years of medical school in which you are enrolled. Currently, the non-resident tuition is about $35,000 more than the resident tuition. Remember, your best chance of getting into medical school is in the state in which you are a resident.
I think I am a resident of two states. Can I apply as a resident of
No. Because this issue has caused problems and misunderstandings before, we require that applicants list
I have a medical degree from a country outside of the
You will have to follow regular admissions policy: citizenship or permanent resident, a Bachelor’s degree from a