2011-2012 Florida State University Application Thread

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Originally Posted by Kiro90

I know this is probably too early to think about, but is it realistic to seek a neurosurgery residency while at FSU COM? Will the school's focus of primary care and rural health hinder me - either directly or indirectly - from matching into neurosurgical residency?

Given that my major motivation for a career in medicine was my mother's diagnosis with a brain tumor, I would like to make sure that FSU can get me as high as I can. I have also done research on neuroscience as an undergrad, and would love to continue on this research field clinically as a medical student. Browsing through the school' match lists, however, I couldn't find anyone who matched into this field. I am also not sure if I can do clinical research related to neurosurgery at FSU.

Also, with everything else being equal (like Step 1, grades, LOR's, EC's), will going to UCF better my chances of landing a neurosurgery residency. I have also been accepted there, and I am still having a really hard time making a decision. My family (mother and younger brother) lives here in Tallahassee, and I am quite hesitant to leave them.

Do not pick a school based on your, no offense meant of course, uneducated goal of pursuing a certain specialty. You will most likely change your mind several times (75-80% of students do from the last study I read). As you will find out, the perceived expectations and idealizations about a specialty are almost always different from the nitty-gritty reality. Even if you have shadowed neurosurgeons extensively, you cannot know what it is truly like until you step into their shoes and the OR come 3rd year. Maybe you will love it (I hope you do, god knows we need good neurosurgeons), but you might also hate it.

FSU has never graduated a neurosurgeon. To my knowledge, this is not due to not matching an applicant into neurosurgery, but no one has had interest in pursuing the career (although I hear a current 3rd year might, have to ask someone else than me though). As far as research goes, we have a biomedical science building with a lot of prominent neuroscience PhDs (some of which are the instructors for our 15 week neuroanatomy course), that do extensive bench and translation research in the realm of neuroscience.We also have Dr. Maitland, neurologist-opthamologist extraordinaire that pursues clinical research in all things neurology. Needless to say. you will not be limited if neuro is the sort of research you wish to pursue.

As far as UCF goes...I have mixed feelings. Fact of the matter is, they have not graduated a class yet. We don't know how their match will go, although I think we will find out in March if I'm not mistaken. Keep an eye out for that.

Just to reiterate, pick a school that you think will make you a good "doctor" not a good "neurosurgeon" or "dermatologist" or "etc", you get the point. Look at the curriculum, the administration and the location, make your decision based on that.

On reflection I realized I didn't really answer your question. School choice has very little to do with where or what you match (in). On national program director (PDs) surveys in multiple specialties, ranking of the student's school is low on the list. Under almost all of the applicants academic stats. Translation: ability and scores of the applicant are what matter to residency programs, not what school you come from. The only exception is prestigious medical schools typically have prestigious, well-known faculty working for them that can write letters and make phone calls to PD for applicants. That is really the primary advantage. As a matter of note, I don't know if I would consider UCF or FSU "prestigious" in the aforementioned sense of the word, even if they are both good schools. Just some food for thought.

Originally Posted by DrShazam

I have not interviewed at UF, but can compare USF and FSU. USF has more research opportunities than FSU, and the anatomy lab is more technologically-advanced at USF. Also, FSU has satellite campuses, while USF does not (this is a positive or negative depending on how you feel about the concept). Aside from the scholarly concentrations that students can do at USF, I see no other major differences. Both student bodies seemed equally friendly. Hope this helps.

USF is more competitive.. ie quite a few gunners there. I know because a good friend is a M2 there, I know others who are M3, M4.
FSU there are less of the gunners (depends on the class) and we are in groups more so we all know each other very well by the end of M2. This helps with the friendliness factor

Originally Posted by Kiro90

I know this is probably too early to think about, but is it realistic to seek a neurosurgery residency while at FSU COM? Will the school's focus of primary care and rural health hinder me - either directly or indirectly - from matching into neurosurgical residency?

Given that my major motivation for a career in medicine was my mother's diagnosis with a brain tumor, I would like to make sure that FSU can get me as high as I can. I have also done research on neuroscience as an undergrad, and would love to continue on this research field clinically as a medical student. Browsing through the school' match lists, however, I couldn't find anyone who matched into this field. I am also not sure if I can do clinical research related to neurosurgery at FSU.

Also, with everything else being equal (like Step 1, grades, LOR's, EC's), will going to UCF better my chances of landing a neurosurgery residency? I have also been accepted there, and I am still having a really hard time making a decision. My family (mother and younger brother) lives here in Tallahassee, and I am quite hesitant to leave them.

Not being a homer for my COM but FSU does have a great neurological staff. We have very well respected DRs in the field of neurology working here, Dr. Ouimet, Dr. Maitland, Dr. Valenstein. While I dont know much about neurosurgery (nor do I have interest in it) I KNOW for a fact that you will get PLENTY of Neuroscience research your first 2 years. If you just ask the doctors meantion above ( I know a few in my class that did summer research with them).
Plus the DRs are very well connected to UF Shands neurology residency so there is more of a connection.
FSU is about primary care but like one of the doctor said. He "would rather take a Surgeon working in a rural setting, than a primary care doctor working in the suburb of Orlando"

So there are not pushing you to any field beside working in underserved or rural population

Thank you for this information! I am interested in pursuing neuro and would love to learn more about clinical research opportunities. Does FSU have an on/off campus physicians group?

Originally Posted by locus000

Not being a homer for my COM but FSU does have a great neurological staff. We have very well respected DRs in the field of neurology working here, Dr. Ouimet, Dr. Maitland, Dr. Valenstein. While I dont know much about neurosurgery (nor do I have interest in it) I KNOW for a fact that you will get PLENTY of Neuroscience research your first 2 years. If you just ask the doctors meantion above ( I know a few in my class that did summer research with them).
Plus the DRs are very well connected to UF Shands neurology residency so there is more of a connection.
FSU is about primary care but like one of the doctor said. He "would rather take a Surgeon working in a rural setting, than a primary care doctor working in the suburb of Orlando"

So there are not pushing you to any field beside working in underserved or rural population

I interviewed with Dr. Maitland. He's intense.

Originally Posted by SisterDisco08

I interviewed with Dr. Maitland. He's intense.

Dr. Maitland can definitely be intimidating, but if he likes you, say hello to an acceptance heh. He is a wonderful teacher both in the clinic and in the classroom. He's an extremely talented diagnostician and has a wealth of knowledge from personal experience to share with his students. He's one of my favorite clinical faculty members that work at the COM (Dr. Watson and Dr. Valenstein are equally amazing; all three of them are neurologists).

At first, I thought Maitland was a jerk. After doing research with him and getting to know him, I realized how awesome he is.

Research is something that is always mentioned and worried about, but is rarely important. There is plenty of bench science research to be found since it is a major university. Clinical research can be a little skimpier unless you seek it out.

It is great to have an interest going in, but like has been said before, you will most likely change your mind. This is especially true with something like brain cancer where treatment spans across multiple specialties. Radiation oncology, radiology/interventional radiology, heme/onc, neurology, pathology and even PM&R can and do contribute to the care of those patients. I think one of the big things that changes as you progress is the shift from focusing on the one major thing you like about a specialty to a broader perspective of each one. The vast majority of what neurosurgeons do is not brain cancer. The bread and butter is usually spine work, trauma and stroke type stuff. Some of the docs even ditch intracranial privileges as the hospital because it is just so much extra work. Don't get me wrong, it is a very cool field but also very stressful and thrives on strong personalities who love to brag on how much they work. They are all very intense, which comes with the line of work.

FWIW, I'm going into radiology and do have an interest in neuro interventional stuff. I have the scores to do neurosurgery if that means anything. If you are driven, the school doesn't matter. FSU just tends to attract and recruit more primary care oriented people. Now, you may not be at the most prestigious program but those are difficult to get with the inbreeding at the top anyway.

Originally Posted by AnthroMD

Thank you for this information! I am interested in pursuing neuro and would love to learn more about clinical research opportunities. Does FSU have an on/off campus physicians group?

I say look up Dr.Ouimet, maybe Dr. Valenstein email on the FSUCOM directory and contact them about clinical research opp and do mention that you are accepted into c/o 2016, they may response back. Dr. Maitland does not response to his email address (unfortunately). He was my preceptor in the Fall so I learned a lot from him

FSU does produce quite a few Family Med doctors, A LOT more then some of the other FL schools. BUT FSU also produce quite A LOT of General Surgery residents as well (looking at C/O 2011 placement) FM #1, Gen Surgery #2

Originally Posted by Butler

Dr. Maitland can definitely be intimidating, but if he likes you, say hello to an acceptance heh. He is a wonderful teacher both in the clinic and in the classroom. He's an extremely talented diagnostician and has a wealth of knowledge from personal experience to share with his students. He's one of my favorite clinical faculty members that work at the COM (Dr. Watson and Dr. Valenstein are equally amazing; all three of them are neurologists).

guess he liked me.

FSU seems to be the most interesting of the Florida Schools considering that they have regional campus's. Are their any current first years that would not mind elaborating on their reasoning behind choosing fsu over any of the other schools they interviewed at?

Thank you

Originally Posted by jaguarx240

FSU seems to be the most interesting of the Florida Schools considering that they have regional campus's. Are their any current first years that would not mind elaborating on their reasoning behind choosing fsu over any of the other schools they interviewed at?

Thank you

Take a look at some of my posts on this page and on page 12. I have commented on some of the differences between the schools, my experiences and some of the reasoning for making my choice. If you are interested in other FL schools than UF, UCF or USF compared to FSU feel free to PM me. I can't write a full review for every FL school though, so choose wisely .

Interviewed on 2/3, (anxiously) waiting for decision today! So in love with FSU COM

Does FSU make the phone call for interview invites? Or do they send an e-mail. Received two phone calls from Tallahassee this morning within an hour and I missed both of them.

Originally Posted by Gharrison321

Does FSU make the phone call for interview invites? Or do they send an e-mail. Received two phone calls from Tallahassee this morning within an hour and I missed both of them.

If I remember correctly they send emails for both the interview invite and the acceptance. No phone calls....

Yes interview invites this year are done via email. Hang in there! I interviewed on the 2/3 like i said and Dean Patrick told us that there was still room in the class. he said something along the lines of we are more than half full but there are still spots so don't feel like you need to be competing with other interviewees. And there were 4 of us there...I'll post something when i hear back! Best wishes to you all

So if there are any other interviewees from the Friday 2/3 or the Monday 2/6, I have an update for you.

Called Dana today, and she said that the Admissions Selection Committee didn't meet this past Tuesday (2/14) because of some kind of fair they hosted, so interviewees from the 2/3 and 2/6 will be reviewed next Tuesday and we will hear back on Wednesday or Thursday (the 22nd or 23rd). Just for anyone who might be among the group...time for another week of waiting

Does FSU offer a "second look" for accepted students?

They have an open house in the spring, but nothing is really holding you from going there and wandering around anyway.

Originally Posted by Kiro90

Does FSU offer a "second look" for accepted students?

Last open house, there were quite a few accepted students there taking a second look. But you are NOT required to come if you don't want. I didnt go to my open house. Most come to check out apt and settle the living situation

Looks like the date will be 4/14/12. <<< That is unofficial date, they always have it on the weekend of FSU spring game and 4/14 is the date of the game this year.

Good Luck to all of you applying this cycle.

Originally Posted by Kiro90

Does FSU offer a "second look" for accepted students?

I definitely suggest attending the Open House! I did this past year and met a ton of my 2015 classmates. A couple of which I are my closest friends in the class! They also hand out information about current students looking to sublease apartment for the Summer semester and whatnot!

It was just nice to come back and see the amazing spaces and smiling faces within FSU COM!

Does anyone know if any interviewed applicants who were placed on hold have been accepted yet? If not, when do they start accepting off the hold list?

Hey guys. I've been at "Application Under Review by the Office of Admissions" since 10/28, is it pointless to still hope for an II?

Hey guys, I am an applicant this year. My MCAT was a 25Q, GPA was 3.6 and I was interviewed and placed on the HOLD list in October. I was talking to some people from admissions and they said that since I was from a rural area, admissions may be looking into putting me into the Bridge Program instead. Can anyone give me better info on this program than what's on the FSU website. For instance, when do you find out if you were selected for this program?

Thanks!

Originally Posted by DaMobolin

Hey guys. I've been at "Application Under Review by the Office of Admissions" since 10/28, is it pointless to still hope for an II?

I dunno man, I applied as soon as they sent me the secondary, was interviewed at the end of Sept, and was told I was on the hold list on Oct 15...there's still some hope I would think. Don't give up! What were your stats?

Originally Posted by mvb2

I dunno man, I applied as soon as they sent me the secondary, was interviewed at the end of Sept, and was told I was on the hold list on Oct 15...there's still some hope I would think. Don't give up! What were your stats?

A chain of crap happened so I wasn't complete until late october. For stats check my MDApps.

Originally Posted by DaMobolin

Hey guys. I've been at "Application Under Review by the Office of Admissions" since 10/28, is it pointless to still hope for an II?

Last year I was complete around the beginning of November. Didn't hear anything. Then sent an update letter on April 1st and received an interview invite a couple weeks later. So you still have time. FSU interviews till late!

Good luck to anyone expecting decisions today!

Originally Posted by DaMobolin

A chain of crap happened so I wasn't complete until late october. For stats check my MDApps.

Soooo, I'm just going to say, that was a huge pain in the butt for me to look up your stats on MDApp since I had absolutely no idea what I was doing... I understand you probably didn't want to post them here because you were trying to be modest.

HOWEVER, looks like you're kind of a stud when it comes to the raw numbers, so maybe FSU is just giving you an opportunity to reapply (MUCH MUCH EARLIER NEXT YEAR) to schools like Harvard, Stanford, and Hopkins...

I would say that each school likes to spend their time interviewing candidates that are most likely to attend their program, FSU included. They may be aware you are still waiting to here back from that little-known school in New Haven, CT. But, that's not to say you wouldn't be high on the list to receive an II toward the end of the app cycle once you hear back from the others. *All complete speculation of course because I am just a lowly 1st year that should definitely be studying for this Friday's exam right now!!*

Why was it hard to click a link under the name?

Originally Posted by DaMobolin

A chain of crap happened so I wasn't complete until late october. For stats check my MDApps.

Hey mate,

It is unfortunate you weren't able to get your applications in at the beginning of the cycle. That has probably hurt your overall chances. But, lets focus on the present and not the past! FSU COM has a very specific mission. If your application does not showcase the experiences and viewpoints you have that coincide with this mission, they might not give your application its due diligence. FSU is not just looking for big numbers, they really want well rounded applicants that fit with their overall direction and mission for medical education. If you truly feel desire to attend FSU and your experiences show you fit this mission, send them an update/letter of intent. I know I had similar problems during my own app year. I had good stats and a well rounded application, but it didn't "scream" a fit to FSU. I had heard amazing things about the school and badly wanted to interview there, so I sent an update/intent letter, which pointed out parts of my app that may have been overlooked at first glance that dovetailed nicely with the school's mission. I received an interview invite a week later.

Good luck in the app cycle. Feel free to PM me with any specific questions you may have about my own app cycle or FSU.

No love from the alma mater.... I sent in an update letter last month.... should I go ahead and send another one soon or might that be too much? lol

Originally Posted by Butler

Hey mate,

It is unfortunate you weren't able to get your applications in at the beginning of the cycle. That has probably hurt your overall chances. But, lets focus on the present and not the past! FSU COM has a very specific mission. If your application does not showcase the experiences and viewpoints you have that coincide with this mission, they might not give your application its due diligence. FSU is not just looking for big numbers, they really want well rounded applicants that fit with their overall direction and mission for medical education. If you truly feel desire to attend FSU and your experiences show you fit this mission, send them an update/letter of intent. I know I had similar problems during my own app year. I had good stats and a well rounded application, but it didn't "scream" a fit to FSU. I had heard amazing things about the school and badly wanted to interview there, so I sent an update/intent letter, which pointed out parts of my app that may have been overlooked at first glance that dovetailed nicely with the school's mission. I received an interview invite a week later.

Good luck in the app cycle. Feel free to PM me with any specific questions you may have about my own app cycle or FSU.

Thanks. I submitted an update like that a couple weeks ago, keeping my fingers crossed.

Interviewed 2/3 received an email today at 1:33PM that I am on the hold list and should expect a final decision of acceptance/rejection by the end of May.
Best of luck to you all!

^Sorry to hear that. Best of luck to you onwards.

Dear FSU,

I know I submitted my secondary in late december... but PLEASE INTERVIEW MEEEEE

love,

generator.

Originally Posted by MossPoh

Why was it hard to click a link under the name?

Ha! Guess I didn't see that there... Where were you when I needed you MossPoh?

Originally Posted by Maefers

Interviewed 2/3 received an email today at 1:33PM that I am on the hold list and should expect a final decision of acceptance/rejection by the end of May.
Best of luck to you all!

Yikes, extremely limited time there for locating apartments should you be accepted. Good luck!

Originally Posted by generator

Dear FSU,

I know I submitted my secondary in late december... but PLEASE INTERVIEW MEEEEE

love,

generator.

Although you submitted in late December your application most likely did not go for review until late January.
It takes three or weeks to secure your LOR's.
So how Meh are your stats. We too are waiting to hear Good News from FSU
Someone on here said they interview until April. I hope you get some good news.

Originally Posted by NoleDr2015

Ha! Guess I didn't see that there... Where were you when I needed you MossPoh?

I barely know where I am most of the time. Probably studying for shelf exam. It's ok, we all have those moments.

Originally Posted by FSUseminoleEM1

Yikes, extremely limited time there for locating apartments should you be accepted. Good luck!

Quick tips for those that will get a late acceptance and can't come up with living arrangement

You can find a temp place in the graduate dorm (Rogers hall comes to mind), they do a monthly lease, summer months go by pretty fast when you are having "fun" down in the lab. Then one can get a regular apartment for the fall.

It is not the nicest looking place but it is walking distance (2 persons in my class did that for the whole year)

Plus plenty us will be subleasing Apt!!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/256045957763845/

Originally Posted by Chezza Belle

No love from the alma mater.... I sent in an update letter last month.... should I go ahead and send another one soon or might that be too much? lol

I know its hard to do but you have to wait it out!. Just have to hang in there!

Originally Posted by mvb2

Hey guys, I am an applicant this year. My MCAT was a 25Q, GPA was 3.6 and I was interviewed and placed on the HOLD list in October. I was talking to some people from admissions and they said that since I was from a rural area, admissions may be looking into putting me into the Bridge Program instead. Can anyone give me better info on this program than what's on the FSU website. For instance, when do you find out if you were selected for this program?

Thanks!

Bridge program is really good, you take a few classes with the first year (anatomy and microanatomy) and you do a research project in the spring. the people that done bridge are more prepared for Anatomy. Plus quite a few become class/organization leaders (president, vp, etc...)
I think they will contact you about the program.

Hoping to hear back today or tomorrow! My interviewers were awesome and this school blew me away. Whoever said this school was a gem was spot on.

Accepted and most likely matriculating! So excited and blessed!

Originally Posted by Tebow

Accepted and most likely matriculating! So excited and blessed!

After hearing the news did you immediately "tebow?" if so and as an fsu alum, the irony is killing me.

Originally Posted by Tebow

Accepted and most likely matriculating! So excited and blessed!

congrats!!

Originally Posted by Echoed

After hearing the news did you immediately "tebow?" if so and as an fsu alum, the irony is killing me.

Not quite haha! That would have been dangerous considering I was in the car. It was just a huge sigh of relief and an overwhelming feeling of thankfulness to everyone who helped me out along the way. I wasn't born in Florida so my allegiance isn't with the Gators and I don't really care about the whole rivalry.

Open House 2012!! Sign up!!

http://med.fsu.edu/index.cfm?page=st...airs.openhouse