Florida State University College of Medicine: Letters of Recommendation Requirements - A Comprehensive Guide

Applying to medical school is a competitive and multifaceted process. The Florida State University (FSU) College of Medicine (COM) is a public medical school located in Tallahassee, Florida. FSU College of Medicine offers a 4-year MD program with a unique community-based educational model that sets it apart from traditional medical schools. This guide provides a detailed overview of the requirements for letters of recommendation (LORs) for prospective applicants to the FSU COM.

Overview of FSU College of Medicine

The Florida State University College of Medicine (FSU College of Medicine or FSU COM) is committed to educating and developing exemplary physicians who practice patient-centered health care, advance knowledge, and are responsive to community needs, particularly in underserved populations. The mission-driven approach influences every aspect of the program, from student selection to curriculum design.

Key Dates for Application

It is important to adhere to the application deadlines. Here are some key dates for the application process:

Latest date for applications for 2026-2027: 10/6/2025
Interview period 2026-2027: 11/3/2025 - 12/12/2025
Earliest date for applications for 2027-2028: 9/14/2026
Latest date for applications for 2027-2028: 10/16/2026
Interview period 2027-2028: 11/2/2026 - 12/11/2026

Program Information

GME requirement: No previous GME required.
Preliminary positions: No offers for preliminary positions.
NRMP Main Match: Yes, participates in the Main Match of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP), Code: 1826400C0.
NRMP Advanced or Fellowship Match: No participation in the Advanced or Fellowship Match of the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).
San Francisco match: No participation.
Other matching programs: No participation.
Applicant Interview Format: Virtual (e.g. using Zoom, Teams, WebEx).
Interviews conducted last year for first year positions: 55
Ratio of interviews to first year positions: 13.8 to 1

General Admission Requirements

Admission to the Florida State University College of Medicine (FSU COM) is a highly competitive process with over 6,500 applications reviewed to select the students admitted. A number of academic and personal factors are considered by the Admissions Office and the Admissions Committee when admitting students to medical school.

Holistic Review

The FSU College of Medicine employs a holistic approach during the admissions process. Regarding admission to the regular M.D. program, the following are evaluated:

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Course “load” and undergraduate rigor.
Post baccalaureate course work.
Service and volunteer record.
Shadowing and knowledge of the medical field.
Research activities.
Likelihood of practicing within the State of Florida.
Undergraduate grade point average.
MCAT score.
Degree of “fit” with respect to the college’s unique mission statement.

While a truly holistic approach to admissions makes it difficult to establish minimum academic standards, the Florida State University College of Medicine does not - except in special circumstances - consider applicants for admission to the regular M.D. program who do not have an MCAT score of at least 498 and an undergraduate grade point average of 3.3. Special circumstances include students who come from medically, financially, or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds.

Finally, the Florida State University College of Medicine does not, except under rare circumstances, consider applicants who are not legal residents of the State of Florida, unless such applicants can demonstrate significant ties to Florida. Those applying as a Permanent Resident must have a green card at the time of application.

Academic Prerequisites

Listed below is the pre-requisite coursework required for all matriculants to the FSU COM. Advanced Placement, CLEP, and dual enrollment credits fulfill the course requirements. However, courses taken in a traditional classroom at a four-year institution are considered to be more academically competitive.

All pre-requisite coursework completed with a letter grade must be completed with a letter grade of C or better. If prerequisites are taken Pass/Fail, they will be interpreted in the context of the full application. In addition, one credit hour of biochemistry laboratory is preferred but not required.

Application Process

To apply to the College of Medicine at Florida State University, an applicant will complete a primary application through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), submit an official Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) score that is no more than five (5) years old at the time of application, submit at least three (3), but no more than six (6) letters of recommendation, complete the FSU Secondary Application and pay the $30 non-refundable application fee.

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All applicants who are US Citizens or Permanent Residents in possession of a green card, who submit a complete, verified primary application through AMCAS, will receive an invitation to complete the secondary application.

A bachelor's degree is required by the time of admission to medical school. If an applicant is currently enrolled in a degree program, the program must be completed and transcripts provided to the College of Medicine admissions office prior to the beginning of classes in late May/early June. All required prerequisite coursework must be completed prior to matriculating to the FSU College of Medicine.

Letters of Recommendation: Requirements and Guidelines

Letters of recommendation are a critical component of your application to FSU COM. They provide the admissions committee with insights into your character, skills, and potential as a medical student from the perspective of those who know you well.

Number of Letters Required

The FSU COM Admissions Committee requires a minimum of 3, but no more than 6, letters of recommendation.

Submission Method

All letters must be submitted through AMCAS Letter Service. The deadline for submitting formal application materials, including letters of recommendation, is January 15th at 11:59 EDT for Regular MD and all Combined degree applicants. No application materials will be accepted after this date and there are no extensions of the deadline. Incomplete files will be canceled from further consideration.

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Committee Letter vs. Individual Letters

A Committee Letter of Recommendation or a Letter Packet from your undergraduate institution will fulfill the requirement; however, our Admissions Committee prefers to see the individual letters of recommendation.

Choosing Your Recommenders

Each applicant may choose whom to solicit letters of support from. However, the strongest letters typically come from those who:

Taught the applicant in college classes (preferably science/biomedical classes).
Can speak to the applicant’s experiences/interactions with patients in a clinical setting (i.e. letters from medical providers).
Can mention traits the applicant possesses that will make them successful in medical school.

Ultimately, letters should be solicited from people who have worked with and/or know the applicant well. People who will write the most informative and helpful letters about an applicant's suitability to enter medical school should be chosen.

Qualities to Highlight

When selecting recommenders, consider individuals who can speak to the following qualities:

Intellectual ability.
Academic skills.
Experiences/interactions with patients in a clinical setting.
Traits the applicant possesses that will make them successful in medical school.
Rank as compared with FSU and non-FSU students, this year and/or previous years.
Follow through on assignments, rigor of the academic program.
Depth of involvement and achievement in work, lab, volunteer, and extracurricular activities.
Ability to communicate both in person and in writing.
Maturity, emotional stability, concern for people, problem-solving skills, tenacity in reaching goals curiosity, creativity, capacity for leadership, self-discipline, and integrity.
Response to criticism, ability to relate to others, capacity for collaborative work with others, attitudes towards supervision.
Motivation and potential for success in career.

What Makes a Strong Letter of Recommendation?

According to the College of Medicine, the strongest letters typically come from those who taught the applicant in college classes (preferably science/biomedical classes), can speak to the applicant’s experiences/interactions with patients in a clinical setting (i.e. letters from medical providers), can mention traits the applicant possesses that will make them successful in medical school.

Additional Tips for Applicants

Give Recommenders Ample Time: Provide your recommenders with sufficient time to write a thoughtful and comprehensive letter.
Provide Context: Share your resume, personal statement, and any relevant information about your experiences and goals with your recommenders.
Remind Recommenders of Specific Interactions: Remind them of specific incidents or discussions that highlight your skills and qualities.
Thank Your Recommenders: Express your gratitude to your recommenders for their time and effort.

Early Application

Students submit their application for admission through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) beginning in late May. The application should be submitted early in the cycle, but the deadline for AMCAS is December 1st at 11:59 EDT for Regular MD and all Combined degree applicants.

MCAT Score

The deadline for the FSU COM to receive an initial MCAT score is August 22nd for Early Decision Applicants and December 10th for Regular Admission Applicants. The Scores from the January 2026 MCAT exam can be considered for an update; there must already be a score on file for an application to be completed and processed. Scores from MCAT exams will only be considered if the score is no more than five years old at the time of matriculation. MCAT Scores from 2021 are the oldest scores that will be considered.

Secondary Application

Upon receiving a verified AMCAS prior to October 15 (and, after October 15, a verified MCAT score of 500 as well) our office will send an invitation to submit secondary application materials. The deadline for submitting formal application materials, including letters of recommendation, is January 15th at 11:59 EDT for Regular MD and all Combined degree applicants. No application materials will be accepted after this date and there are no extensions of the deadline. Incomplete files will be canceled from further consideration.

Additional Programs at FSU College of Medicine

The Florida State University College of Medicine offers various programs in addition to the traditional MD program:

Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences Program

The Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences Program is designed to prepare the next generation of health scientists for medical research and teaching in an era of increasing coordination and integration of traditional disciplines. Undergraduate majors in biology, biochemistry, chemistry, microbiology, or other life sciences are suitable for graduate studies in biomedical sciences. Research rotations during the first year allow students to make an informed choice of the research area and major professor with whom they will conduct their Doctor of Philosophy work. To be considered for graduation from the FSU College of Medicine with the Doctor of Philosophy in Biomedical Sciences, the student must successfully complete all course requirements within five calendar years from the time the student gains admittance to candidacy by passing the preliminary exam.

Physician Assistant Practice (PA) Program

The Florida State University Physician Assistant Practice (PA) program comprises a seven-semester (27 months), 111-credit-hour program designed to train students to practice medicine as physician assistants as part of the Physician-PA Team. Upon completion, our graduates will receive the Master of Science in Physician Assistant Practice degree. The PA Program at FSU is extremely challenging with a strong emphasis in the biomedical sciences, simulation, and procedural skills. Although challenging, students will find a welcoming environment and an unrivaled network of support provided by an inter-professional team that is committed to students' academic and professional success.

Biomedical Sciences BS Degree Program

The Biomedical Sciences BS degree program is designed to provide a broad background to develop scientific and psychosocial knowledge and an understanding of the healthcare team and the healthcare system. So that students may pursue their specialized and professional interests, three (3) interdisciplinary majors are offered: Clinical Professions; Community Patient Care; and Health Management, Policy, and Information. The program includes three to four one-credit-hour experiential seminar courses that engage students with the challenges of healthcare in community, clinical, political, and research venues.

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