Florida State University - Secondary Essay Prompts

1 .Please provide a description of your family.

2 .Please describe the geographic, economic, and social environment in which you were raised. How did these aspects of your upbringing shape who you are today or influence your goals?

3 .Tell us what you do for fun and diversion (hobbies, special interests, etc.)

4 .What is a unique trait, experience, or interest that we would not normally learn about you?

5 .Were you employed during your college years? (Yes/No). If yes, describe why employment was necessary, how it impacted your college experience, and approximately how many hours per week you worked.

6 .Is there anything in your academic record that you feel requires further explanation or context for the Admissions Committee? If applicable, please include information about any academic challenges, course withdrawals, or grades lower than a B.

7 .Why are you choosing to apply to the FSU College of Medicine? Please be specific describing what is particularly attractive about FSU COM and why you believe FSU COM is right for you.

8 .What do you feel are your personal and scholastic qualifications for the study of medicine?

9 .How do you feel you will contribute to the success of the FSU College of Medicine and our unique mission?

10 .If you are planning to take a gap year, are currently in a gap year, or have taken time off between college and medical school, please describe how you have spent (or are spending) this time. If you have applied previously, we ask that you describe any specific steps you have taken to strengthen your application.

11 .Medical school requires significant personal commitment, including long hours, emotional challenges, and limited personal time. How have you prepared for these demands, and what strategies will you use to maintain a healthy work-life balance during your training? Please also share how your personal support system—family, friends, mentors, or others—will help you during this journey.

12 .In what field/specialty of medicine do you envision yourself working ten years from now? Please LIST no more than three (3) specialties. Please do not include a narrative; simply list the specialties.

13 .Write a short statement explaining how you envision using the specialty or specialties you listed above to advance the mission of the FSU College of Medicine. Please describe the patient population or community you are most passionate about serving and how your goals align with the College’s commitment to underserved and rural populations.

14 .The FSU College of Medicine has 6 regional campus locations and 2 rural training sites across the state of Florida, serving multifaceted populations. Describe a time when you engaged with people from backgrounds different from your own. What did you learn from that experience, and how has it influenced the way you interact with populations that have differing values, customs, and life histories?

15 .Please describe a community service experience, outside of direct patient care, in which you served an underserved or marginalized population. What drew you to this experience, and how did it contribute to your personal growth and learning? What aspects of your involvement did you find most meaningful or fulfilling?