Frequently Asked Questions

The application cycle for the 2027 entering class begins in May 2026. All applications must be submitted through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

You can update all permanent and preferred contact information directly through the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR), which is published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The information included in the MSAR is updated on an annual basis.

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.

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

"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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

Important Notice: The letters of recommendation requirements have been updated for the 2027–2028 application cycle. Applicants should carefully review the requirements corresponding to their intended application cycle.

Beginning with the 2027–2028 application cycle, FIU Medicine will require a minimum of three letters of recommendation. Letters are not required from specific individuals; however, a letter from a physician who has directly observed, supervised, or worked with the applicant in a clinical setting is strongly recommended. If the school has a Health Professions Advisory Committee, the applicant is encouraged to submit a committee letter with all individual letters referenced in the committee letter attached to the advisory committee letter.

Applicants can submit up to three additional letters of recommendation for a total of six. If more than six letters are submitted through AMCAS, only the first six received will be considered. All letters should be from individuals who can assess an applicant's personal and professional 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.

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

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.

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.

All interviews for the 2026-2027 interview cycle, will be conducted virtually.

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.