2011-2012 Florida State University Application Thread

[FSUseminoleEM1]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

Very nice. I just read the following on the FSU website:

Applicants from underrepresented minority groups, applicants from rural and inner city backgrounds, women, and non-traditional applicants are of particular interest.

Do white, traditional applicants get in here? I'm starting to get worried lol.

In state, yes. Depending heavily on your background/family situation though.

 

[Butler]

Very nice. I just read the following on the FSU website:

Applicants from underrepresented minority groups, applicants from rural and inner city backgrounds, women, and non-traditional applicants are of particular interest.

Do white, traditional applicants get in here? I'm starting to get worried lol.

I was a white traditional and I got in. There are plenty of white traditional students in my class. Remember that ALL schools show particular interest in those types of applicants (especially URMs). FSU is just up front about it. Honesty and transparency are a running theme in most of what FSU COM does, which is one of the reasons I love it so much.

Also, in reference to the critical analysis part of the secondary, everyone knows that the secondary is an opportunity to sell yourself, but the essay that will stand out will be the one that is an honest "Critical" analysis. If you have flaws that you've struggled with and learned from, talk about some of them. FSU likes real people, not just numbers and stats. Everyone makes mistakes and has issues they personally struggle with; it is Ok to talk about them along with all the "I am the most amazing person in the world so please please let me in" stuff 🙂.

Again, feel free to PM me with any concerns or questions.

 

[SisterDisco08]

I was a white traditional and I got in. There are plenty of white traditional students in my class. Remember that ALL schools show particular interest in those types of applicants (especially URMs). FSU is just up front about it. Honesty and transparency are a running theme in most of what FSU COM does, which is one of the reasons I love it so much.

What are you now? 😀

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

I was a white traditional and I got in. There are plenty of white traditional students in my class. Remember that ALL schools show particular interest in those types of applicants (especially URMs). FSU is just up front about it. Honesty and transparency are a running theme in most of what FSU COM does, which is one of the reasons I love it so much.

Also, in reference to the critical analysis part of the secondary, everyone knows that the secondary is an opportunity to sell yourself, but the essay that will stand out will be the one that is an honest "Critical" analysis. If you have flaws that you've struggled with and learned from, talk about some of them. FSU likes real people, not just numbers and stats. Everyone makes mistakes and has issues they personally struggle with; it is Ok to talk about them along with all the "I am the most amazing person in the world so please please let me in" stuff 🙂.

Again, feel free to PM me with any concerns or questions.

Thanks for the great answer!

 

[MossPoh]

I'm a white, upper middle class kid who had below average stats and got in. I'm so white that sparks practically shoot off look a fork in the microwave when the sun hits my skin. I also have the dance skills and overall coolness factor (none) to back that up.

So, yes, there are white people roaming the halls.

They look at the whole picture. I know it is cliche, but it is true. Being an URM, from a rural area, etc. are just bonus points that add up in your favor, but it isn't the only thing. They really like interesting and diverse people. There are very few middle-class white bio majors from ritzy suburbs who volunteered in the ER, was an EMT-B and in premed club, but we still have them. We have D1 athletes, ex-pro-wakeboarders, artists, teachers, german/tech major powerlifters (me), and whatever random combination you can think of.

 

[ucladoc]

Damn Moss! You were a powerlifter?

 

[locus000]

Very nice. I just read the following on the FSU website:

Applicants from underrepresented minority groups, applicants from rural and inner city backgrounds, women, and non-traditional applicants are of particular interest.

Do white, traditional applicants get in here? I'm starting to get worried lol.

What school doesnt want people from that list above?

Check out the profile of each class and you will see there are plenty of white, "traditional" students on there

http://med.fsu.edu/index.cfm?page=currentstudents.studentprofiles&usemenu=currentStudents

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

What school doesnt want people from that list above?

Check out the profile of each class and you will see there are plenty of white, "traditional" students on there

http://med.fsu.edu/index.cfm?page=currentstudents.studentprofiles&usemenu=currentStudents

Thank you!

Obviously, I knew that white, traditional students were accepted, but I think I was a little taken aback by how forward the school seemed about URMs, women, and financially disadvantaged students. I agree, every school is looking to have a strong diversity in their matriculants.

When you want something this bad, it's easy to be flustered by something that could potentially hurt your own chances.

 

[SisterDisco08]

Thank you!

Obviously, I knew that white, traditional students were accepted, but I think I was a little taken aback by how forward the school seemed about URMs, women, and financially disadvantaged students. I agree, every school is looking to have a strong diversity in their matriculants.

When you want something this bad, it's easy to be flustered by something that could potentially hurt your own chances.

Get flustered in the two weeks after your interview before you get a decision 😛 not worth it to get flustered before then!

 

[robertch8]

Yeah, I think FSU just wants a mix of everything, which based on what MossPoh has mentioned seems to be the case.

I'm just hoping that submitting my application in July rather than October will be the key difference this year plus doing well in my SMP early on to give the AdCom belief I can handle med school....in-state here with thousands of hours of community service in low-income medical settings and feeling like this is the school whose mission statement absolutely fits who I am.

 

[SisterDisco08]

Yeah, I think FSU just wants a mix of everything, which based on what MossPoh has mentioned seems to be the case.

I'm just hoping that submitting my application in July rather than October will be the key difference this year plus doing well in my SMP early on to give the AdCom belief I can handle med school....in-state here with thousands of hours of community service in low-income medical settings and feeling like this is the school whose mission statement absolutely fits who I am.

I think fsu is definitely a school that gives reapplicants some love 🙂

 

[MossPoh]

I haven't seen any real indicator or gender preference. The two classes below me are a pretty big illustration of that. My class has slightly more females, but the national average is around 52-54% female classes now (I think)

 

[GatorBait17]

I wont be applying until next summer so i know this may be jumping the gun a bit. But I did my freshman year at FSU then transferred to UF for sophomore-senior years. This was mostly out of personal preference. Does anyone have any thoughts on how this might affect my application? if at all?

 

[SisterDisco08]

probably won't. in state is in state. from what I've heard, it's a pretty even distribution of FSU/UF matriculants.

 

[Butler]

I wont be applying until next summer so i know this may be jumping the gun a bit. But I did my freshman year at FSU then transferred to UF for sophomore-senior years. This was mostly out of personal preference. Does anyone have any thoughts on how this might affect my application? if at all?

Only thing I would caution against is saying you transferred because you hated Tallahassee; should you be asked about it. 🙂

 

[NoleDr2015]

Yeah, I think FSU just wants a mix of everything, which based on what MossPoh has mentioned seems to be the case.

I'm just hoping that submitting my application in July rather than October will be the key difference this year plus doing well in my SMP early on to give the AdCom belief I can handle med school....in-state here with thousands of hours of community service in low-income medical settings and feeling like this is the school whose mission statement absolutely fits who I am.

Applying earlier definitely helped make the difference for me! I would suggest people apply early or save your money until next year! I think it's really that important, seeing how folks in Admissions sort through thousands of apps each year. Better to be one of the first thousand, than the last... Unless you are an absolutely stellar applicant.

 

[SunKissedG8tr]

Applying earlier definitely helped make the difference for me! I would suggest people apply early or save your money until next year! I think it's really that important, seeing how folks in Admissions sort through thousands of apps each year. Better to be one of the first thousand, than the last... Unless you are an absolutely stellar applicant.

Thanks for the advice. I'm taking my MCAT next Friday, but I submitted my primary about 4 weeks ago to be validated in the mean time. Do you think this is putting me at a huge disadvantage? I am IS and have a 3.7 science GPA.

 

[robertch8]

Applying earlier definitely helped make the difference for me! I would suggest people apply early or save your money until next year! I think it's really that important, seeing how folks in Admissions sort through thousands of apps each year. Better to be one of the first thousand, than the last... Unless you are an absolutely stellar applicant.

Thanks for the good wishes! I'm already writing them an update letter since I applied so early that I didn't know my plans for sure when I applied. Were you a reapp NoleDr when you applied?

 

[NoleDr2015]

Thanks for the advice. I'm taking my MCAT next Friday, but I submitted my primary about 4 weeks ago to be validated in the mean time. Do you think this is putting me at a huge disadvantage? I am IS and have a 3.7 science GPA.

No, having your primary in 4 weeks ago was pretty good timing. Fill out your secondaries and send them back as soon as possible after receiving them. No lolly-gagging if you know what I mean?! I would go ahead and write your responses whenever you have free time because the list of questions was posted previously in this thread and it's the same each year. With your GPA, you should at least stand out based on raw numbers. Good luck on MCAT!

 

[NoleDr2015]

Thanks for the good wishes! I'm already writing them an update letter since I applied so early that I didn't know my plans for sure when I applied. Were you a reapp NoleDr when you applied?

It was my second application cycle when I got accepted to FSUCOM. But I hadn't applied to them during my first application cycle. I had only applied to what I thought were "pie in the sky" schools. I use that term loosely since I soon realized that FSUCOM is a real gem and definitely what I NOW consider a "pie in the sky" school! Good luck with this cycle! I'm sure I'll see some of you as you're coming through for interviews in the Fall and Spring!

 

[SunKissedG8tr]

No, having your primary in 4 weeks ago was pretty good timing. Fill out your secondaries and send them back as soon as possible after receiving them. No lolly-gagging if you know what I mean?! I would go ahead and write your responses whenever you have free time because the list of questions was posted previously in this thread and it's the same each year. With your GPA, you should at least stand out based on raw numbers. Good luck on MCAT!

Thanks for the help! I am not the best standardized test taker, so I'm sort of starting to worry about my MCAT on Friday. Hopefully it goes well enough to get into FSUCOM though because FSU is at the top of my list 🙂 I'm worried that this single test could ruin my chances here. I'm trying to stay positive!

 

[NoleDr2015]

Thanks for the help! I am not the best standardized test taker, so I'm sort of starting to worry about my MCAT on Friday. Hopefully it goes well enough to get into FSUCOM though because FSU is at the top of my list 🙂 I'm worried that this single test could ruin my chances here. I'm trying to stay positive!

Yep, time to put those worries aside! Worrying never got me a higher grade... Stay positive so you'll have uplifting thoughts streaming through your head on test day! MCAT is always brutal. Just hang in there and make it through! 🙂 Easier said than done, I know!

 

[libraryismyhome]

hey guys, I have a question.

I am copying this from my app status.
No Status6/17/2011 Secondary Application Requested 6/29/2011


What is this "No Status" means? 6.17 is the date I submitted my primary. 😕

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

hey guys, I have a question.

I am copying this from my app status.
No Status6/17/2011 Secondary Application Requested 6/29/2011


What is this "No Status" means? 6.17 is the date I submitted my primary. 😕

I interpreted it as the time in between when they received your app and when they sent out your secondary.

On a side note, how long did it take most of you to get your LORs received? I sent mine in on 7/24, and still no word. Do they give a complete e-mail?

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

NVM, literally just got the complete e-mail lol

 

[MossPoh]

I saw a girl reading this post the other day in the bookstore I was at. I looked up and saw my avatar.

So, hi girl I talked to at the bookstore the other day. I know you're lurking here.

 

[FSUseminoleEM1]

I saw a girl reading this post the other day in the bookstore I was at. I looked up and saw my avatar.

So, hi girl I talked to at the bookstore the other day. I know you're lurking here.

hahaha. Creepin on the creepers.

 

[SisterDisco08]

Moss is a PI as his day job.

 

[captainflorida]

anyone has any ideas on how much traveling experience that we should put down? everything?

 

[FSUseminoleEM1]

anyone has any ideas on how much traveling experience that we should put down? everything?

I mean - explain everything you can within reason. I didn't post every itinerary or anything like that..Plus, you want to leave some interview talking points.

 

[captainflorida]

I mean - explain everything you can within reason. I didn't post every itinerary or anything like that..Plus, you want to leave some interview talking points.

haha yea I thought so too.. thanks for your advice friend..

 

[pirsquared]

anyone has any ideas on how much traveling experience that we should put down? everything?

I told them I lacked travel experience; just one sentence.

Also, I'll try to answer questions along with the others on here should anyone have any.

 

[SunKissedG8tr]

Does anyone know if FSU is screening before sending secondary invites? I looked on their web site but didn't see anything about it. Thanks in advance 🙂

 

[pirsquared]

Does anyone know if FSU is screening before sending secondary invites? I looked on their web site but didn't see anything about it. Thanks in advance 🙂

Last year the email confirming AMCAS receipt included a link to the secondary. I do not know if it has changed this year.

 

[SunKissedG8tr]

Last year the email confirming AMCAS receipt included a link to the secondary. I do not know if it has changed this year.

Okay thanks. I just got the email from AMCAS saying my primary has been processed, but then got an email from AMCAS saying I need to assign my letters. I thought I could do this when I do my secondaries. Do I need them sent in order to receive secondaries or does it not matter until you complete your secondary? Thanks for all the help!

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

Okay thanks. I just got the email from AMCAS saying my primary has been processed, but then got an email from AMCAS saying I need to assign my letters. I thought I could do this when I do my secondaries. Do I need them sent in order to receive secondaries or does it not matter until you complete your secondary? Thanks for all the help!

Yeah, I got that annoying e-mail too, several times. You can assign your letters whenever you feel like it, but I assigned mine as soon as I submitted the secondary. The secondaries will keep on rolling in regardless of you assign your letters or not.

 

[SunKissedG8tr]

Yeah, I got that annoying e-mail too, several times. You can assign your letters whenever you feel like it, but I assigned mine as soon as I submitted the secondary. The secondaries will keep on rolling in regardless of you assign your letters or not.

Thanks! I was confused because I didn't think I needed to submit them just yet, but AMCAS seemed to be insisting on it. Hah...I take my MCAT tomorrow...can't wait to get this over with and move on to secondaires

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

Thanks! I was confused because I didn't think I needed to submit them just yet, but AMCAS seemed to be insisting on it. Hah...I take my MCAT tomorrow...can't wait to get this over with and move on to secondaires

Oh, I hope it goes well! Try and control your nerves, that's half the battle 🙂.

More fun times await you, secondaries are great haha.

 

[captainflorida]

what picture did you guys send in for secondary?

 

[SunKissedG8tr]

Oh, I hope it goes well! Try and control your nerves, that's half the battle 🙂.

More fun times await you, secondaries are great haha.

Haha thanks! I'm going to guess you're a UF alum? I am as well...2010 UF grad 🙂 I actually just got the FSU secondary invite, which seeing as I dont even have MCAT scores, they must send it to everyone. Anyway, I am glad I got it so I can finish it in the meantime 🙂
Also, the secondary email said to complete it on a PC...has anyone done theirs on a Mac? I only have Macs.

 

[captainflorida]

Haha thanks! I'm going to guess you're a UF alum? I am as well...2010 UF grad 🙂 I actually just got the FSU secondary invite, which seeing as I dont even have MCAT scores, they must send it to everyone. Anyway, I am glad I got it so I can finish it in the meantime 🙂
Also, the secondary email said to complete it on a PC...has anyone done theirs on a Mac? I only have Macs.

they say the only problem is when you submit your application at the end. there will be a pop-up and they say sometimes only internet explorer will show not even firefox.. i use a mac as well.. i guess when submit the whole thing i will use a PC in the library or something..

 

[FSUseminoleEM1]

what picture did you guys send in for secondary?

This one.

 

[SunKissedG8tr]

If I assign a couple of letters to FSU now, can I send additional ones later? I have all but one letter.

 

[Ignatius M.D.]

This one.

That picture sums up FSU undergrad.

 

[MossPoh]

That picture sums up FSU undergrad.

Naw, she needs to bleach her hair blonde and have a few more guys in kakhi shorts and deck shoes in the background.

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

Naw, she needs to bleach her hair blonde and have a few more guys in kakhi shorts and deck shoes in the background.

👍

That's UF undergrad too.

 

[Ignatius M.D.]

Naw, she needs to bleach her hair blonde and have a few more guys in kakhi shorts and deck shoes in the background.

Haha, very true.

I hope invites go out soon. I know that they are still doing the EDP people though...

 

[FSUseminoleEM1]

Haha, very true.

I hope invites go out soon. I know that they are still doing the EDP people though...

Me too. EDP & getting anxious!

 

[SunKissedG8tr]

So I know someone was wondering about the Self-Critical Essay before, so I apologize for posting a similar thing, but I was under the impression that we would be discussing our weaknesses and perhaps explaining how we have overcome particular obstacles. But it says " Write a critical analysis of your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine and the realization of your professional ambitions."
So did you all pretty much repeat what was in your personal statement? Because this seems like it's just going to be a PS repeat for me.

Oh and if I assign a couple of letters to FSU now, can I send additional ones later? I have all but one letter.

 

[SeminoleVesicle]

So I know someone was wondering about the Self-Critical Essay before, so I apologize for posting a similar thing, but I was under the impression that we would be discussing our weaknesses and perhaps explaining how we have overcome particular obstacles. But it says " Write a critical analysis of your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine and the realization of your professional ambitions."
So did you all pretty much repeat what was in your personal statement? Because this seems like it's just going to be a PS repeat for me.

Oh and if I assign a couple of letters to FSU now, can I send additional ones later? I have all but one letter.

Honestly, I made mine similar to my PS. To me, it wasn't as much about my weaknesses, and more about my qualifications. The only real weakness I highlighted was my lack of research