2010-2011 Florida State University Application Thread

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If anything, they will be more apprehensive after last year's fiasco. They did reach their limit a lot faster than expected last year. They had a few spots locked off, but many more people were waitlisted the second half of the year. When I talked to one of the admissions people during the open house I was told they were pretty surprised how many people took the acceptance.

Nearly all schools overaccept, but they do so based on the historical data. They have a pretty solid average for what percentage of people will take the offer versus those going elsewhere. The random outlier year can throw a wrench in that calculation though.

Hopefully this bodes well for me. If they learned that from last year, I might have a good chance. I really enjoyed the school and facilities today during my interview. The people, even the security guards at the front desk, were so friendly. My interview today was more laid back than I expected, and I felt like I got a good vibe from my interviewers. I guess I can't really tell for two weeks, but I hope I am given a chance to join Florida State College of Medicine. 🙂
 
Hey current FSU MDs-to-be,

I am super excited about my interview on Friday, but the logistics are evading me a bit since I am not from the area.

I am taking the Red Coach to Tally. The bus stop/ office is located at W. Tennessee & Woodward Avenue.

I booked my stay at the Doubletree.

But now I am confused because Red Coach says they are right next to FSU, and Doubletree is apparently right across from FSU, but they are approximately 1 mile apart according to Mapquest.

Can anyone tell me relationally where these are because I will be arriving at midnight and want to make sure that the Double tree is close enough to walk to FSU.

Thanks to anyone who responds 🙂
 
They are really not close enough to walk, especially at midnight. It seems they are dropping you off at the north part of campus but the doubletree (which is a good hotel) is east of campus downtown. Maybe you want to take a cab or something. I mean you could walk it realistically, but I wouldn't do it. If I had to I would walk on campus rather than down tennessee st. and then up college avenue (probably a mile uphill)...


Hey current FSU MDs-to-be,

I am super excited about my interview on Friday, but the logistics are evading me a bit since I am not from the area.

I am taking the Red Coach to Tally. The bus stop/ office is located at W. Tennessee & Woodward Avenue.

I booked my stay at the Doubletree.

But now I am confused because Red Coach says they are right next to FSU, and Doubletree is apparently right across from FSU, but they are approximately 1 mile apart according to Mapquest.

Can anyone tell me relationally where these are because I will be arriving at midnight and want to make sure that the Double tree is close enough to walk to FSU.

Thanks to anyone who responds 🙂
 
It isn't THAT far, but it is far enough that I wouldn't want to wander around in the dark in a new town looking for it. It is also up a hill a bit, which could be a minor pain depending on what kind of bag you bring.

They usually have cabs at the bus station. It'd be much easier to throw down a couple of bucks and do that. The double tree is a very nice hotel and does have some nice places to eat around there if you stay another day. It is also completely opposite side of campus from the med school.
 
Hopefully this bodes well for me. If they learned that from last year, I might have a good chance. I really enjoyed the school and facilities today during my interview. The people, even the security guards at the front desk, were so friendly. My interview today was more laid back than I expected, and I felt like I got a good vibe from my interviewers. I guess I can't really tell for two weeks, but I hope I am given a chance to join Florida State College of Medicine. 🙂

The security guards are awesome.

You'll be fine. It is done, so all you can do is distract yourself with other things and see what happens. I'm glad you had a good experience. I felt somewhat sorry for anyone that interviewed last Friday with all of the stressed out, angry MS2s wandering around during test time.
 
To anyone who recently interviewed, did FSU mention how many spots are still unfilled for the Fall? I submitted back in mid-September and have yet to hear back about an interview. Dunno if it matters that im a OOS. :bang:
 
To anyone who recently interviewed, did FSU mention how many spots are still unfilled for the Fall? I submitted back in mid-September and have yet to hear back about an interview. Dunno if it matters that im a OOS. :bang:

Nobody REALLY knows how many spots are available. That usually isn't something they go around telling people either. It does matter a bit from an admission standpoint that you are OOS, but I know nothing about you to know how much.
 
I interviewed on 1/28. I know they said two weeks for a decision but does anyone know if it is exactly two weeks or not? Thanks ahead of time!
 
Hey, guys. Quick question.

To those of us who were accepted and received the email today regarding accessing the Financial Aid ToolKit via Blackboard...anyone having a hard time accessing the site. They give you two options on how to log-in as prospective students...none work for me (for example, I get an error message when I request an FSU Financial Aid Confirmation Number via email).

Thanks! If anything, I'll try calling tomorrow and let you guys know.
 
Few years ago Fl. state law passed a law into place saying that Fl. public schools could allow OOSers to come into their schools but to a smaller percentage then in staters that were qualified. For instance, at the school I interviewed at they have 3-5 interview per group of 14. that was at ucf. At FAU med they will accept 10 for the class of 64. USF, UF, FSU, and FIU are no different in that they will take a lesser percent but some percent of out of staters.

That being said, it is quite costly for you as an out of stater so you'd have to think it through carefully.

It used to be that after they started letting out of staters enter Fl. MD schools they'd change them to instate status from years 2-4 but keep them out of state first year. More recent laws now changed it to being out of state status all 4 years. This means roughly 80k with cost of living and school expenses combined per year. 50-55k for tuition and remainder for living. This is 30k more then the average fl. resident would pay. So it would be in your best interest to consider all your options wisely if no scholarship offered.

They've been accepting OOS for a while but the cost has always been high for them. It is easy to get state residency but you gotta have it before starting. I actually think most of that is determined by the school. FSU gets more state funding than the others. I have a book with 2004 data that had the 50ish thousand a year tuition for all 4 years as well.

That being said, first hand talk with one of our admissions/prof people said their reasoning goes somewhere along these lines with applicants. They sit around and look at each applicant and give points for things like being the first in your family to go to college, being from a rural/underserved area, being a URM, grades/mcat, volunteer and community development, etc. Being the kid of a doctor, upper middle class, from an urban area and all of that are supposed to kind of count against you.

Of course, I'm an upper-middle class white kid with a doctor parent and a lower mcat/gpa than the averages and I got in. The only thing I had going for me was growing up in a rural area.

They do accept OOS. I know a few people that are OOS. Odds are you would have to pay at least 1 year of full tuition and then if you did well, you might end up with a bunch of grants and scholarships going into your second year. That is what happened with some of the people I know. It still cost more, but it won't put them in 250,000 dollars debt now.
 
I just interviewed this Friday and I had a lot of fun. The interview with Dr. Alston and Dr. Laurie was very chilled out and conversational. I, for some reason, was expecting a far more tense environment.

Also, I didn't realize how many UF graduates go to FSU! Speaking of which, some of the students selected this institution over UF and UM! It was great hearing that they don't regret their decision and love the non-competitive environment/ student-friendly faculty.

I hope I get accepted, but I think everyone coming out of an interview thinks they did great. Overall, I was very impressedand hope to be back for second look weekend in April.
 
I was accepted here this past thursday. As of now its between FSU and USF for me. It's going to be a really hard decision and I would appreciate anyones advice or comments about either institution. Thank you!
 
Mcapmed,

if you are in-state, USF's tuition is 30k/year vs FSU's 15k/year...........That would definitely factor into my decision.......b/c if you choose USF you better have good reasons for wanting to pay twice the price to go there
 
I'm not going to say one is better then the other as both are very different. I'm just going to give my input on the differences I see in the school.

Starting with location:
Location:
FSU's in the state's capital but its in an area that is far closer to the true southern america feel with more rural communities that are quite small for the first couple of years, compared to USF's Tampa location which is more urban. Of course being at FSU and being in tally if health policyis ur thing you could potentially be involved in getting to be more up to date on things being in the state capital. But FSU's location is a more true university town too in my opinion from my visit there back in 2004. On the other hand, USF is more a real city though no NYC, Boston, Chi, LA, London feel it is far less rural. its not really ur university town feel either because USF used to be a commuter school before the past decade or so. So the atmosphere surrounding the two schools is very different.

Clinical Sites:
At USF you'd know where all your clinical sites are and except for a few in St. Pete due to the children's hospital being out there the majority are in Tampa (TGH, VA, Moffitt, etc.). This is not hte case at FSU. FSU you will not be guaranteed that you get your first location. Could be my home town Sarasota, Florida and Sarasota Memorial more specifically, could be Ft. Pierce or rural pensacola. Or it could be ORMC/Fl. Hospital system of Orlando now also used by UCF med or one of their other locations. I think I missed a few in there. So clinically you will get sufficient clinical experience but if u are not ready to move for 3rd and 4th year then USF is a better bet. If you are excited by the prospect of moving after 2 years for the change in scenery then perhaps FSU is a better bet.

One advantage though that FSU has over USF is that at most of FSU's clinical sites except for ORMC/Fl. Hospital system, the hospitals were not traditionally teaching hospitals with residency programs. Sarasota Memorial used to be teaching only in terms of nursing schools in sarasota area like the technical schools that had LPN programs or MCC now State college of Florida's RN program or USF Sarasota's RN and MSN nursing programs.

The advantage of this in a way is that you get to be more hands on as a medical student because there is not that hierarchy of first chief resident below resident then the other residents, then the interns, and then medical students. There is only the medical students and those who work there. Some see this as a disadvantage because it means they may not be big on teaching, but some see this as an advantage because it means you get to get in there and learn to do more. I tend to think the latter is true. While I've been a big fan of USF for years, I think if there's one thing I've learned in the last year it is that not having a lot of other hands to teach means you really get to get in there and do more and see more.

I'll give you an analogy. I've been a lab research assistant and grad student doing thesis the last year. My lab PI and supervisor of that division has 5 projects going on and only now has 1 ugrad studenta and a PhD who is aiding on a couple of those projects. At the time I joined, I was the only lab assistant in the lab and no other students were there but the two of us. One of the other 2 labs had a full time lab assistant with years of paid research experience and the other had tons of ugrads, grad students, etc. So the ugrad that came to my lab and myself both have learned a lot under my PI because we were able to get in there cuz she needed what other helping hands she could get to get help to get all the work done. On the other hand, when the ugrad was in the other highly staffedlab she was learning stuff and doing stuff and seeing stuff but she didn't learn it to the point she could remember it and explain it to someone else without ounce of doubt in her mind. We've both learned a lot because our PI let us get in there. If we were in the lab where there was a hierarchy of people (PhD students, ugrads with years of experience, etc. we'd prob. get to do a lot less because there are already a lot of highly skilled people who get to do more). This is the same phenomenon here. You get to do more by being in a hospital where there's less people to help like no interns, no residents, no chief resident. Just u med students and the attending. And other then ORMC/Fl. hospital system, a lot of FSU's other teaching facilities are not residency program affiliated teaching hospitals so you will get to do a lot more.

The downside is that being hospitals not affiliated with residency programs, you may not get to build connections with those in the teaching hospitals in 3rd year. But in any case, that can be taken care of by away rotations at your true first choice places in 4th year electives which is what most people do even at USF and elsewhere.

The one downside I see for FSU is that they do focus heavily on primary care. So even if they have matched people into rads and other specialty fields, my guess is these kids were having to be independent and innovative in finding their own means to building connections on their own to get there. But for the strongly ambitious med student there's always a way if there is a will to do it. And most people in medicine are not short in the area of ambition.

In terms of facilities:
I've seen USF and FSU medical school before. One thing that really impressed me at FSU is their learning communities. they are like all out 1 bedroom apartments in the school. Full kitchen, full bathroom, conference room, etc. etc. USF, however, while renovating now has had some pretty run down conference rooms except for the library ones. USF's newer lounges are ok but the old ones are kinda shabby. USF is redoing a lot of things though. They are one of the few schools that has always been up to date in renovating the student teaching and learning facilities and lounges and stuff compared to even BUSM which has worlds more money then then. Only now is BUSM catching up on such. To that extent I was impressed with USF. The library is the one area of USF I think that needs massive renovation. I think its small, there's less resources, some of its ceiling looks like there were spots on it from leaks in the past, etc. But most med students barely use it from what I saw except in 3rd and 4th year. Mostly it was sadly ugrad or grad students using the med library. I do have to say I'm impressed by the gym at USF med though. I've heard FSU is trying to build a new gym for med students too though on this thread.

One thing I've heard about FSU is, and mosspoh or sammich will have to confirm, but it is that they have mandatory attendance. I think this ties into their community learning and stuff they do with the group learning and stuff. at least this is how it was in the past. I do not know if there have been changes since that time when I heard this. USF, however, for the most part does not have such mandatory attendance. A lot of people after a while find themselves more effective watching lectures at home again later on and studying on their own schedule works better. I used to not be a big fan of FSU but I've heard some great things in the last year from the students on this thread so I've slowly changed my tune a bit but if it were me because I am not a rural loving person and prefer a proper city I'd still prob. choose usf.

But if I ended up at FSU I don't think I'd be miserable either.

Think about the curriculum, the location, the cost, the people and atmosphere.

You will find that every school in Fl. has its own flavor and one will fit you. UCF is different from USF which is different from UF which is different from Umiami which is different from FIU which is different from FSU which is different from FAU. some will fit ur goals and visions and some will not. So find what is right for you. Good luck to you.

Thank you so much for the detailed response. I do share a lot of your opinions except that I am a rural person. I liked the location/atmosphere/tuition FSU offers but I am a USF undergrad. So I feel attached to both schools for different reasons. This is going to be tough. But, thanks again!
 
I just interviewed this Friday and I had a lot of fun. The interview with Dr. Alston and Dr. Laurie was very chilled out and conversational. I, for some reason, was expecting a far more tense environment.

Also, I didn't realize how many UF graduates go to FSU! Speaking of which, some of the students selected this institution over UF and UM! It was great hearing that they don't regret their decision and love the non-competitive environment/ student-friendly faculty.

I hope I get accepted, but I think everyone coming out of an interview thinks they did great. Overall, I was very impressedand hope to be back for second look weekend in April.


Hey if you don't mind me asking when were you complete?
I have been complete since Mid September and this is my top choice but i still haven't heard anything so I am getting worried!
Thanks
 
Hey if you don't mind me asking when were you complete?
I have been complete since Mid September and this is my top choice but i still haven't heard anything so I am getting worried!
Thanks
Hey MD786,

I was complete August 17th and was also getting very worried until I got the invitation on Feb. 1st.

FSU interviews eight people every Friday and Monday, and one of the students said they even created an interview date just for him in May. So, definitely don't lose hope!
 
Thank you so much for the detailed response. I do share a lot of your opinions except that I am a rural person. I liked the location/atmosphere/tuition FSU offers but I am a USF undergrad. So I feel attached to both schools for different reasons. This is going to be tough. But, thanks again!

gujuDoc pretty much nailed it in the head. I've looked at FSU and USF and I really do like both programs. Regarding the caliber of clinical experience, based on my firsthand experience with FSU-COM clerkship faculty, I can say that FSU probably tops USF.

I work at a hospital that FSU uses in one of the satellite locations and have shadowed two FSU professors for several years during my undergrad. Under them, I've scrubbed into and first assisted in surgery, documented a TON of H&P's, done scutwork, and have seen pretty much everything there is to see.

At the same time, I've shadowed alongside both medical students & residents at that hospital and have seen what they get to do. FSU med students are doing basically what residents are doing (chest tubes, intubations, LPs, PICCs), minus the horrible call schedule (Haha, I guess IM residents have it tougher than FSU med students).

That won the decision over for me. I'm not sure to what level of procedures USF's med students get into, but if they are anything like what FSU lets their students do, the state of Florida is going to have some damn good doctors (but I doubt that is the case...on the procedures, I mean).
 
Does anyone know roughly how many (if any) people are rejected post interview? I'm getting the feeling that everyone who doesn't get immediately accepted is put on hold. I'd love to hear from anyone on this topic. Thanks in advance.

I suppose I'm a little anxious about not hearing anything at this point and am not sure what to do other than continue to shadow, volunteer and finish my research. I contacted Dana and she said that the hold list is not ranked which would lead me to believe that there are many people on this list.
 
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I am so excited. Mrs. Urrutia just sent me my letter of acceptance. I am definitely coming to FSU next year!!!
 
Congrats, MrDavi. Might I ask when you interviewed?
 
After much thought and with great reluctance I have passed up my interview invite to FSU. I hope that one of you gets it, FSU is an amazing place!
 
Does anyone know roughly how many (if any) people are rejected post interview? I'm getting the feeling that everyone who doesn't get immediately accepted is put on hold. I'd love to hear from anyone on this topic. Thanks in advance.

I suppose I'm a little anxious about not hearing anything at this point and am not sure what to do other than continue to shadow, volunteer and finish my research. I contacted Dana and she said that the hold list is not ranked which would lead me to believe that there are many people on this list.


FSU does not reject ANYBODY post-interview. If you interview, you will either be accepted or placed on "Hold" status (a.k.a. the Waitlist). On Hold, you could be accepted or denied at any point up to May 15th. Hope this helps.
 
Hey guys,
For those of you attend FSU, where do you live? I want to live somewhere quiet probably by myself. Any reccomendations. I have to start thinking about getting an aparment in Tally now!
 
I have been reading this thread for months waiting for my interview. Interviewed on 2-7-10 and got my acceptance last Wednesday! So excited! I had to say thanks for all the advice people post on here and hello to my future classmates! I am looking forward to meeting you in a few months!
 
I have been reading this thread for months waiting for my interview. Interviewed on 2-7-10 and got my acceptance last Wednesday! So excited! I had to say thanks for all the advice people post on here and hello to my future classmates! I am looking forward to meeting you in a few months!

I interviewed on 2-7-11 also and was accepted on Wednesday. What is your name? I know we have met. My name is Zach.
 
Hey guys,
For those of you attend FSU, where do you live? I want to live somewhere quiet probably by myself. Any reccomendations. I have to start thinking about getting an aparment in Tally now!

Same here. Do any current med students think that Victoria Gardens is worth the price? It looks pretty legit.
 
While we're on the subject of housing, how often do students sublease for the first summer vs. sign a lease starting in May? I'm asking because I don't know how many apartments near the medical school building offer leases starting in May.
 
Is anyone having problems trying to go thru the financial aid stuff. I filled out my FAFSA back in January, but I can't log onto FSU's finaid site b/c I don't have a password. Does anyone else have one or is there another way around this?
 
Is anyone having problems trying to go thru the financial aid stuff. I filled out my FAFSA back in January, but I can't log onto FSU's finaid site b/c I don't have a password. Does anyone else have one or is there another way around this?

I had the exact same problem. Even when I tried requesting a confirmation number, it would give me an error message. Email Ms. Patrena Perry, explain the situation, and ask her if she can give you your confirmation number.

She emailed me back with it, and I was able to log in using the second option under "Prospective Students."

Hope this helps and let me know if it worked.
 
Invited for an interview today. I've been complete since early August. I interviewed last year around the same time.

I'm not hopeful because it's so late in the game, but FSU is a fantastic school and I am thrilled to get the opportunity.

Oh yeah, stats: In-state, 3.5 uGrad, 3.8 Grad, 34Q
 
I know this topic has been discussed ad nauseam within different SnD threads but, what kind of grades to the Ad COMs at FSU expect from accepted applicants in their final semester? As a side note, I am not planning on failing anything, but this 4000 level Genetics course is whooping my butt and I am not really willing to spend 5 hours in the library everyday to pull a B+ or A.

The Enrollment requirement says this: "The Dean reserves the right to withdraw our offer for any reason which raises serious questions regarding your capability to perform as a medical student or as a physician. This includes academic as well as behavioral conduct."

I understand the necessity for a bit of ambiguity in discussing this matter, but is that because they don't care all that much or because they will give you the boot for almost anything?

I definitely could just call up the admissions secretary (wonderful lady) and ask, but I was hoping someone would already be informed on this matter (Maybe medical students attending there now? 😍 :xf:)

Thanks guys. I look forward to meeting you guys at 2nd Look or Orientation!
 
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I know this topic has been discussed ad nauseam within different SnD threads but, what kind of grades to the Ad COMs at FSU expect from accepted applicants in their final semester? As a side note, I am not planning on failing anything, but this 4000 level Genetics course is whooping my butt and I am not really willing to spend 5 hours in the library everyday to pull a B+ or A.

The Enrollment requirement says this: "The Dean reserves the right to withdraw our offer for any reason which raises serious questions regarding your capability to perform as a medical student or as a physician. This includes academic as well as behavioral conduct."

I understand the necessity for a bit of ambiguity in discussing this matter, but is that because they don't care all that much or because they will give you the boot for almost anything?

I definitely could just call up the admissions secretary (wonderful lady) and ask, but I was hoping someone would already informed on this matter (Maybe medical students attending there now? 😍 :xf:)

Thanks guys. I look forward to meeting you guys at 2nd Look or Orientation!

I think MossPoh talked about this a while ago and I believe it's okay to maintain "C's" after acceptance as all they are asking for are "satisfactory" grades. I'm in the same position as you and I don't really know for sure so don't quote me on this.
 
ACCEPTED!!! After so many months of uncertainty about my future, it feels so good to get this acceptance. ...just Awsome!
 
ACCEPTED!!! After so many months of uncertainty about my future, it feels so good to get this acceptance. ...just Awsome!

Congratulations! Did you interview recently?
 
I interviewed 2/11. I was also notified today of my hold/waitlist status. Sigh....months of uncertainty to continue 🙁

On a positive note though, I am a huge believer in everything happens for a reason, so I am definitely not losing hope and I am going to continue strengthening my application.

Congrats to all those accepted. You deserve it!!!!!
 

I was one of the medical students who gave the tour that day...

Congratulations. Now I'm just curious who you are. I remember reporting back to others that your group seemed like a really good group.

And aarsdam, I was the LAST person to interview at FSU in 2009. Now I'm a second year student here. So there is always a chance. Clearly they like you because you've been invited back, which means you definitely have a shot.
 
While we're on the subject of housing, how often do students sublease for the first summer vs. sign a lease starting in May? I'm asking because I don't know how many apartments near the medical school building offer leases starting in May.

A lot of people sublease so it shouldn't be too hard to find one. Most places in Tallahassee don't offer leases until August, so a sublease should give you enough time to find a place to live. Most first year med students won't be around, so check the Facebook group for Class of 2015, people will be advertising subleases willy-nilly.
 
I think MossPoh talked about this a while ago and I believe it's okay to maintain "C's" after acceptance as all they are asking for are "satisfactory" grades. I'm in the same position as you and I don't really know for sure so don't quote me on this.

Yea, if you get a single C or something then I wouldn't worry too much. I'd want the personal goal of a 3.0+ maintained for the semester. Other than that, have some fun unless you are gunning to maintain a 4.0 gpa or honors.
 
A lot of people sublease so it shouldn't be too hard to find one. Most places in Tallahassee don't offer leases until August, so a sublease should give you enough time to find a place to live. Most first year med students won't be around, so check the Facebook group for Class of 2015, people will be advertising subleases willy-nilly.

Anybody got a link for the Facebook page for class of 2015?
 
Since I've been waitlisted at FSU, I really think alot because I didn't have a LOT of shadowing experience. I was a full time athlete and student undergrad so I do SOME shadowing but not alot and now I'm a high school teacher and coach which makes it even harder to shadow unless I find someone who works weekends. Do you think I should go ahead and shadow weekends and send an update letter to FSU.
 
Since I've been waitlisted at FSU, I really think alot because I didn't have a LOT of shadowing experience. I was a full time athlete and student undergrad so I do SOME shadowing but not alot and now I'm a high school teacher and coach which makes it even harder to shadow unless I find someone who works weekends. Do you think I should go ahead and shadow weekends and send an update letter to FSU.

If you feel that will help, then go ahead and do it. That being said, it is rarely a single thing that gets one waitlisted. I know plenty of people that didn't have a lot of shadowing experience. In fact, I was probably on the upper levels of most of my classmates. The only exception to the single problem is MCAT. They've been known to interview and then waitlist until that new score comes back and is above their magic number.

We have more than a couple of people who were athletes in college. There FSU and UF football, cross country, lacrosse, swimming, gymnastics, baseball and probably a few others I can't think of off the top of my head. That leads me to believe they are aware of the difficulties involved with being a collegiate athlete.

Shadow, teach, express your continued interest in the program and strive to make your a community a better place. If you do that, your odds are most likely improved a great deal over others who won't update a thing.
 
Has anyone heard anything lately from admissions for the last month of interviewing?

My application was completed late (first week of October) and I am curious if they will even get to my application at this rate. I haven't seen anyone post on here about an interview with an application submitted later than August so I am beginning to think I should write them off.

When I called to speak to them about this they didn't have any new information to give me other than they will be interview through April.
 
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