FAQs

Admissions requirements

General information

• Where can I find detailed admissions information for medical schools?

  The best source is the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR), published by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The MSAR is updated annually to provide the most current information.

• Will distance learning/online courses be accepted?

  We are flexible and will consider online coursework. However, applicants should complete laboratory sections in person whenever possible, unless the option is not available.

• What GPA and MCAT score will I need to be considered for admission?

  All applicants may be considered. However, the average statistics for accepted applicants are: MCAT: 510 (range 500 - 521); Overall GPA: 3.82 (range 3.36 - 4.00); and BCPM GPA: 3.77 (range 3.13 - 4.00). For more details, please refer to the MSAR.

AMCAS Primary Application

• When does the application process begin?

  The application cycle for the 2026 entering class begins in May 2025. All applications must be submitted through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

• What if I need to update my contact information (address, phone, e-mail address) after submitting my AMCAS Primary Application?

  You can update all permanent and preferred contact information directly through your American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

• What should my Personal Statement include?

  Your personal statement is your chance to share your story. Explain why you chose to pursue a career in medicine and how that decision came about. Make it personal—avoid generic statements.

• Will community service and/or volunteer activities make my application more competitive?

  Yes. Community service and/or volunteer activities are essential to being a competitive applicant.

• How important is having experience working with doctors and/or health care professionals?

  "Hands-on" patient contact (e.g. work experience, volunteering, community service, etc.) over a consistent period of time, will enrich your application and is essential to be considered a competitive applicant.

• Is research experience necessary for admission?

  Research is not required but is strongly encouraged and will help to further enhance your application.

Secondary Application

• Is there a required Secondary Application? If so, is there a fee?

  All applicants with a verified AMCAS application will be invited to complete the FIU College of Medicine Secondary Application. The non-refundable secondary application fee is $30. Applicants approved for the AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP) will receive a fee waiver.

Prerequisite Courses

• What specific coursework do I need for admission?

  A bachelor’s degree is required for all students entering FIU Medicine. All coursework must be completed in a satisfactory manner at an educational institution in the United States or Canada that is approved by a recognized regional accrediting body and listed in the Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs.

  FIU Medicine has established minimum academic requirements, including a list of required prerequisite courses and recommended coursework for applicants. Learn more about our Academic Requirements.

• Can prerequisite lower division courses be taken at community colleges?

  Yes. However, additional upper-level science courses are encouraged in preparation for the MCAT and success in medical school.

• Will AP, IB, AICE, and/or CLEP credits be accepted?

  AP and IB credits may fulfill course requirements. However, it is highly recommended that additional coursework be taken in these areas. AICE and CLEP credits are not accepted.

MCAT Exam

• Will I need to take the MCAT exam?

  Yes, the MCAT is required to complete your AMCAS application.

• What if I took the MCAT exam a few years ago?

  For admission to the 2026 entering class, only MCAT scores from 2023 or later will be accepted.

Letters of recommendation

• How many letters of recommendation will I need to submit?

  FIU Medicine requires a minimum of three letters of recommendation: two from science faculty (biology, chemistry, physics, and math) and one from any other faculty member who has taught the applicant. If the school has a Health Professions Advisory Committee, the applicant must submit a letter of recommendation from that committee with the three faculty letters described above attached to the advisory committee letter.

  Applicants can additionally submit up to three supplemental letters from physicians, researchers, mentors, employers, etc. Letters of recommendation from friends or relatives are not considered. All letters should be recent, from individuals who know the student well, and who can assess an applicant’s personal qualities. Letters must be written on official letterhead stationery and signed.

  The deadline to submit the letters of recommendation is January 15 of the application year but candidates are encouraged to submit all materials as soon as possible, as interviews are scheduled only if the application is complete.

Graduate and/or professional degrees

• I am currently pursuing a Graduate/Professional Degree. Do I have to complete the degree before I matriculate at the medical school?

  If currently enrolled in a Graduate/Professional program, you should complete all requirements for your degree before matriculating at FIU Medicine.

Housing Options

• Will housing be available for medical students?

  On-campus housing is not available for medical students. However, we’ve collaborated with Very Apt to create a medical student housing guide based on student reviews and advice. Incoming medical students can log into the Very Apt Housing Portal and explore options. Additionally, our Admissions team can connect prospective and incoming medical students with current students who can provide further resources and recommendations.

Interviews

• How can I prepare for the interview?

  Be yourself—but also come prepared. Take time to research the school and understand its values and programs. Many websites for medical school applicants offer valuable interview preparation resources, including sample questions and tips for virtual interviews.

• How will interviews be conducted for M.D. applicants?

  All interviews for the 2025-2026 interview cycle, will be conducted virtually.

Residency Classification

• How do I qualify for Florida Resident for Tuition Purposes?

  To qualify, you must have established and maintained Florida domicile for at least 12 months before the first day of Freshman Onboarding. Applicants claiming Florida residency should review the residency guidelines provided by FIU OneStop.

Other

• If I am accepted to FIU Medicine, may I defer my enrollment?

  Yes, FIU Medicine may allow accepted students to defer their enrollment, but only under special circumstances. Deferral requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

• What if I have other questions?

  We are happy to help! Please email our Admissions and Recruitment team.