Hey guys sorry for not pertaining to the application process but I have a few questions.
I am currently a freshman at FAMU's biology program and I plan to apply to FSU COM as my top choice.
1. What are some things that I should do during the summer to increase my chances of acceptance?
2. Do FAMU students get accepted as much as other students?( because after viewing the student profile, few students were from FAMU.)
3. What are some things I should be planning ahead for if I plan to attend FSU COM?
Thanks a lot!
Born and raised in tally. Hopefully I can continue in FSU COM!
Disclaimer: I have not been accepted to FSU COM, but I can relay info that they've told me and other things that I've learned through the application process as a whole.
1. Shadow!!! But don't do the whole trying to watch surgeries and junk. Yes, it's cool...but not the type of shadowing they want to see. Shadow family docs, geriatricians, pediatricians, etc. More of the general docs that are in short supply. These are consistent with their mission statement (to provide Florida with more docs that can work in rural and underserved populations). Also, make these shadowings meaningful. That means to do some long-term shadowing...get to the point that the doctor allows you to be active in the process (for instance, get to the point where the doctor allows you to do a mock patient work-up with some of the patients or take some vitals). What admissions committees are looking for is that you really got involved in the patient aspect of shadowing--that you actually like to work with people.
Also, volunteer!! Pick something that will help build upon the shadowing experiences...like hospice, assisted living, nursing homes, etc. They are always needing volunteers for changing bedpans, patient transport and interaction, etc. Again, showing that you enjoy being with and communicating with patients in more than just a strictly clinical setting. And, like with shadowing, do long-term volunteering....don't hop around a bit. Show commitment.
2. From what I've heard from current students, FSU doesn't discriminate based on your undergrad college (however they do accept a lot of FSU alum). But they do like to accept those from rural areas and those from the panhandle because that's ultimately where they want to see the doctors that they train go back to. So play that up in your app.
3. Keep that science GPA at around 3.5+! Try to avoid withdrawals and retakes (because you can't withdraw from classes or retake classes in med school). On your MCAT (you'll have to take the new version), try to get 9+'s in all categories (to be competitive in general). Regardless of what anyone says about admissions being based upon a holistic approach, it still is important that you are above the curve on GPA and MCAT. Also, take biochemistry and biostatistics (epidemiology or statistics) because they will be moving to the required list of courses in the near future. Best to just go ahead and get those out of the way. Also, the new MCAT will be testing you on some basic psychology, social sciences, humanities...so take like an intro to psych, and some sociology so you are well prepared.
Side note, if you have to work while going to school...it doesn't have to be a healthcare related job (although that is awesome if you can swing it). Go for jobs that reflect customer service--waiting, hostess, retail...because even if you are having a bad day, you still have to treat that customer with utmost respect and kindness.
Conclusion, admissions wants to see that you 1) like people and like to work/serve them...even if you aren't getting paid to do so, 2) willing to do the crappy/menial tasks in the medical field just so you can be around it (dedication and love of the field of medicine), 3) and that you are studious. Sure extracurriculars in undergrad are fun and can set apart your application...but the above are necessary to your application. And lastly, don't give up! This is a long and difficult process. I've been working on it for a good 3 years and had to do a one-year master's program to beef up my app because I didn't really do what I'm advising you to do. Learn from my mistakes! Hang in there and you will do fine come time to apply!! GOOD LUCK!!!