University Of South Florida Medical School

Last Updated on July 30, 2023

At the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM), we believe that academic medicine drives better learning outcomes, accelerates collaborative discoveries, and makes life better for the patients, families, and communities we serve in Tampa Bay and beyond. Our faculty, staff, students and alumni make our college of medicine a place where the power of academic medicine thrives.

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Medical Education

What is it like to be a USF Health Medical Student?

MD Admissions

The University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine is more than a medical school program. We promise aspiring, passionate students an open culture of accessibility to faculty, patients, and technology through a challenging curriculum with diverse educational experiences. We foster an environment where students realize their own creativity and innovation to make a difference in the lives of patients and their community.

We are transforming medical education and will boldly create leaders who will transform the DNA of health care, one person at a time.

Academic Requirements

Undergraduate Education 

Students applying for admission to the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) M.D. program must complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited U.S. university or college by the time of matriculation. In addition, all prerequisites must be completed from a U.S. regionally accredited institution by the time of matriculation into the MCOM. Required coursework may not be taken as Pass/Fail.  Exceptions to the coursework requirement may be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants who are currently pursuing a graduate or professional degree are obligated to complete all degree requirements prior to matriculation into the M.D. program. 

Basic Science Requirements

Below are the following course requirements and recommendations:

Biological Science with laboratory: At least two semesters with lab at the college or university level. This must include core concepts of the biological sciences. If a student has taken basic biological sciences through high school dual enrollment or AP courses, then they will be expected to obtain two semesters of other biological sciences at the college or university level.

Strong consideration will be given to students who enroll and complete molecular biology, genetics, and/or microbiology. 

Chemistry with laboratory: At least two semesters at the college or university level. This must include core concepts of the chemical sciences. If a student has taken basic chemistry through high school dual enrollment or AP courses, then they will be expected to obtain two semesters of other chemical sciences at the college or university level.

Organic Chemistry with laboratory:At least one semester at the college or university level.  Organic Chemistry II may be taken in lieu of Biochemistry.

Biochemistry Principles:  At least one semester at the college or university level.

Physics with laboratory: At least two semesters of basic principles of physics, with at least one semester at the college or university level. If a student has taken physics with laboratory through high school dual enrollment or AP courses, then they will be expected to obtain one semester at the college or university level. 

Mathematics: At least two semesters of mathematics, with at least one semester at the college or university level. If a student has taken mathematics through high school dual enrollment or AP courses, then they will be expected to obtain one semester at the college or university level. Courses in statistics and /or calculus are recommended. 

English or Expository Writing: Writing skills are very important to the work of the physician. At least two semesters of English courses, or one course of English and one course that has as its basis a substantial experience in expository writing are required. Both semesters must be taken at the college or university level. 

Other Recommendations: In recognition of the increasing importance of a broad education that includes the humanities and behavioral sciences, students should have evidence of having mastered general principles in the fields of psychology, sociology, the arts and humanities, and ethics. While many college courses will fulfill these general educational requirements, we recommend no less than 15 semester hours of general coursework in these areas. Using our holistic approach to determining suitability for admission to medical school a broad undergraduate education, research, and independent scholarly activity are strongly encouraged.

Electives

Students should select subjects that broaden their educational experiences and help meet their educational goals.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities and employment, both during the undergraduate academic year and the summers, are important contributions to an individual’s development. Experience in medical and paramedical areas can contribute to an understanding of health care delivery systems and help solidify the student’s motivation to study medicine. Volunteering and community service provide insight to the humanistic nature of an applicant.

Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

The MCAT is required for admission and must be taken within the three years PRIOR to entry to the MD Programs. MCAT scores older than three years may be considered for admission to the USF Health MD Programs, on a case-by-case basis. 

The latest MCAT test that is accepted for the 2021-2022 admissions application cycle is September 11, 2021. Exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis.

For Admitted Students

Background Checks

In association with an AAMC background check pilot program, the University of South Florida will be requiring background checks of all students who reach conditional admissions status with the University. Once the University of South Florida updates your record in AMCAS stating that you are conditionally admitted for the University, Certiphi Screening, Inc. (a Vertical Screen® Company) will email you. This email will request that you follow a link to a website where you will authorize them to perform a criminal background check on you. Within five days of your authorization you should then receive a second email from Certiphi with the results of your background check and directions on how to contest your results if you find that necessary. If you feel the need to contest your report you will be given ten (10) days to initiate the process. If this is not necessary you will be able to authorize Certiphi to send your report to us immediately. Certiphi will automatically forward your background check report to us within ten (10) days if they receive no correspondence from you.

Technical Standards required for Admission, Progression and Graduation

Introduction

Students are expected to develop a robust medical knowledge base and the requisite clinical skills, with the ability to appropriately apply their knowledge and skills, effectively interpret information, and contribute to patient-centered decisions across a broad spectrum of medical situations and settings. 

The technical standards presented in this document are prerequisite, non-academic requirements for admission, progression, and graduation from the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine MD program. Delineation of technical standards is required for the accreditation of U.S. medical schools by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) in Element 10.5.

10.5   Technical Standards 

A medical school develops and publishes technical standards for the admission, retention, and graduation of applicants or medical students in accordance with legal requirements.

All required courses in the curriculum are designed to develop the essential skills necessary to become a competent physician. 

Historically, undergraduate medical education in the U.S. has been structured as a broad general training, which is intended to produce “undifferentiated physicians.” Graduates of medical school must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad range of clinical situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care. The Morsani College of Medicine intends for its students and graduates to become competent and compassionate physicians through an undifferentiated medical degree and who can enter residency training (graduate medical education) while meeting all requirements for medical licensure.The Florida Board of Medicine defines the “practice of medicine” as the diagnosis, treatment, operation, or prescription for any human disease, pain, injury, deformity, or other physical or mental condition. Therefore, USF Morsani College of Medicine continues to educate “undifferentiated physicians” to meet state licensure requirements. 

Criminal background checks and urine drug screens will be conducted as part of the process of admission, participation, promotion, and/or graduation. 

For purposes of this document and unless otherwise defined, the term “candidate” means candidates for admission to the MD program as well as enrolled medical students who are candidates for promotion and graduation.

Equal Access to the Morsani College of Medicine’s Educational Program

The University of South Florida is committed to the principles of equitable and accessible education and to providing reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities. The University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations for otherwise qualified individuals with disabilities who apply for admission and are enrolled as medical students. 

Candidates with disabilities are encouraged to contact the office of MD Admissions early in the application process who can further direct the candidate on the USF accommodation process. 

It is the responsibility of a candidate with a disability, or a candidate who develops a disability, who may require accommodations to meet these technical standards, to self-disclose to Student Accessibility Services and request accommodations once admitted. Steps on how to apply for accommodations can be found here. 

Should, despite reasonable accommodation (whether the candidate chooses to use the accommodation or not), a candidate’s existing or acquired disability(ies) interfere with patient or peer safety, or otherwise impede their ability to complete USF MCOM’s educational program and advance to graduation, residency training, or licensure, the candidate may be denied admission or may be separated or dismissed from the program. 

Candidates will be responsible for providing or arranging transportation between their residence and locations for assigned clerkships and courses.

Technical Standards

A candidate for the MD degree must have abilities and skills in five domains: 1) observation; 2) communication; 3) clinical skills; 4) intellectual-conceptual, integrative, and cognitive skills; and 5) behavioral attributes, social skills, and professional expectations. The candidate must continue to meet these technical standards throughout their enrollment.

Fulfillment of the technical standards for graduation from medical school does not guarantee that a graduate will be able to fulfill the technical requirements of any specific residency program. 

Technological compensation can be made for some disabilities in these domains, but a candidate must be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner. The use of a trained intermediary would mean that a candidate’s judgment must be mediated by someone else’s power of selection and observation. Therefore, a trained intermediary cannot be used to assist candidates in accomplishing curricular requirements in the five domains specified above.

Observation

Candidates must be able to acquire information from demonstrations and participate in experiments of science, including but not limited to such things as dissection of cadavers; examination of specimens in anatomy, pathology, and neuroanatomy laboratories; and microscopic study of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states. Candidates must be able to obtain and interpret information through a comprehensive assessment of patients, correctly interpret diagnostic representations of patients’ physiologic data, and accurately evaluate patients’ conditions and responses. They must be able to perform a complete physical examination to integrate findings based on this information and to develop an appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan. These skills require the use of vision, hearing, and touch or the functional equivalent. 

Examples 

Representative examples of materials/occasions requiring observational / perceptual abilities beginning in years 1 and 2 include, but are not limited to: books, diagrams, discussions, physiologic and pharmacological demonstrations, microbiologic cultures, gross and microscopic studies of organisms and tissues, chemical reactions and representations, photographs, x-rays, cadaver dissections, live human case presentations, and patient interviews.

Examples from year 3 and 4 include but are not limited to: physical exams; rectal and pelvic exams; examinations with a stethoscope, otoscope, fundoscope, sphygmomanometer, and reflex hammer; verbal communication and non-verbal cues (as in taking a patient’s history or working with a medical team); live and televised surgical procedures; childbirth; x-rays, MRIs, and other diagnostic findings; online computer searches and virtual clinical cases.

Communication 

Candidates must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with patients, their families, health care personnel, colleagues, faculty, staff, and all other individuals with whom they come in contact. Candidates must be able to obtain a medical history in a timely fashion, interpret non-verbal aspects of communication, and establish therapeutic relationships with patients. Candidates must be able to record information accurately and clearly; and communicate effectively and efficiently in English with other health care professionals in a variety of patient settings.

Behavioral Attributes, Social Skills, and Professional Expectations

Candidates must demonstrate the maturity and emotional stability required for full use of their intellectual abilities. They must accept responsibility for learning, exercising good judgment, and promptly complete all responsibilities attendant to their curriculum and to the diagnosis and care of patients. Candidates must display characteristics of integrity, honesty, attendance and conscientiousness, empathy, a sense of altruism, and a spirit of cooperation and teamwork. They must understand and demonstrate understanding of the legal and ethical aspects of the practice of medicine and function within both the law and ethical standards of the medical profession. Candidates must be able to interact with patients and their families, health care personnel, colleagues, faculty, staff, and all other individuals with whom they come in contact in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner. The candidate for the MD degree must accept responsibility for learning, and exercise good judgment. Candidates must be able to contribute to collaborative, constructive learning environments; accept constructive feedback from others; and take personal responsibility for making appropriate positive changes. Candidates must have the physical and emotional stamina and resilience to tolerate physically taxing workloads and function in a competent and professional manner under highly stressful situations, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and manage the uncertainty inherent in the care of patients and the health care system. Candidates must abide by all state, federal, and local laws, as well as all University of South Florida codes of conduct. Candidates must maintain sobriety in all academic and clinical environments, and refrain from the illegal use of substances at all times.

Examples

Examples of professional behavior beginning in years 1 and 2 include, but are not limited to: showing up for required experiences on time and prepared; handing in assignments on time; refraining from plagiarizing or cheating; treating faculty, staff, and other students with respect; making an effort to understand prejudices and preconceptions that might affect patient interactions or collegial relationships (especially in the areas of race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, disability, age, and religious difference); developing successful working relationships with preceptors, staff, and peers by accepting constructive feedback.Examples of professional behavior in years 3 and 4 include, but are not limited to: maintaining a professional demeanor on service (e.g., white coat, name tag, appropriate attire, neat appearance, respectful speech, sobriety); representing oneself accurately; appreciating and preserving patient confidentiality; responding sensitively to patients’ social and psychological issues; understanding social biases and stigmas, and not reinforcing them; developing empathic listening skills; advocating for patients when appropriate; using hospital/clinic resources responsibly; showing up prepared and on time for rounds, lectures, conferences, and procedures; getting advice when handling ethical dilemmas; taking constructive feedback from attending physicians and residents with open-mindedness and the intention to improve; contributing to the effectiveness, efficiency, and collegiality of healthcare teams. Candidates must accept responsibility for learning, exercising good judgment, and promptly completing all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients. They must be able to work effectively, respectfully, and professionally as part of the healthcare team, and to interact with patients, their families, and health care personnel in a courteous, professional, and respectful manner.

Ethical and Legal Standards

Candidates for admission

Candidates for admission must meet all legal requirements to be licensed to practice medicine in the State of Florida.  As such, candidates for admission must disclose any conviction or plea of guilty, nolo contendere, or no contest to, a misdemeanor or felony in any jurisdiction (other than minor traffic offenses).  All misdemeanors and felonies must be disclosed, even if adjudication was withheld. Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) are not minor traffic offenses for purposes of this disclosure. 

Enrolled students (candidates for the MD degree)

Enrolled students are required to disclose any misdemeanor or felony charge or conviction in any jurisdiction (other than minor traffic offenses) to the Associate Dean for Student Affairs within 48 hours of the occurrence. Driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while impaired (DWI) are not minor traffic offenses for purposes of this disclosure. Failure to disclose occurrences as set forth above can lead to corrective or disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the Morsani College of Medicine.

Plan to Enroll/Commit to Enroll Deadline
Accepted students have until April 30th to hold multiple acceptances. By this date, students must notify our office of their decision to “plan to enroll” or withdraw their acceptance. You may do this by using the AAMC Choose Your Medical School tool.  

The deadline for “Commit to Enroll” is July 5th. However, the sooner an applicant chooses to “Commit to Enroll”, the better. We understand this is a very big decision for students to make and realize many accepted students may still want to remain on waitlists for other institutions.     

Application Process

STEP ONE: Complete an AMCAS Application

The USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Core and SELECT applicants must apply through AMCAS.

The AMCAS Application deadline is December 1.

STEP TWO: Submit a Secondary Application and Letters of Recommendation

Upon receipt of a verified AMCAS application, the applicant will be sent an invitation via email to complete the USF Health MCOM Secondary Application.

The Secondary Application deadline is January 5. All materials must be received before this date. 

A fully completed Secondary Application will consist of:

  • Electronically submitted Secondary Application indicating program choice (Core, SELECT, both)
  • Non-refundable $30 application fee payment
  • Completed residency form and supporting documentation (can be scanned and uploaded electronically)
  • A pre-professional committee evaluation or two science faculty letters of recommendation. Science faculty letters are letters from instructors who have taught you in a formal course.

* NOTE: USF participates in an AMCAS program for the electronic submission of reference letters. Please refer to the AMCAS guidelines on how to properly execute your letters. Do not have letters mailed directly to USF Health MCOM.

Invitation to Interview

Interview invitations for all applicants are at the discretion of the Medical Student Selection Committee. An invitation to interview means that our initial evaluation is sufficient to warrant further consideration by the committee. The earliest notifications regarding an interview will begin in August and continue through March. Please keep your contact information updated through AMCAS in order to properly contact you to schedule an interview.

Admissions Decisions

Acceptances are offered on a “rolling” basis from mid-October to May. All admissions decisions are made by the Medical Student Selection Committee and are final. Candidates not offered an outright acceptance are placed on a wait list except during Early Decision Process (EDP). Once accepted, please submit transcripts from all secondary institutions (Bachelors, Masters, Ph.D., Post-Baccalaureate, etc.). Please ensure that the transcripts are official and final and have your degree conferral date posted. 

Please send official transcripts to: 

University of South Florida
Office of MD Admissions
560 Channelside Drive, MDD 3
Tampa, FL 33602

Acceptance Deferral Requests

Deferral requests are viewed on a case-by-case basis. To submit a deferral request, please contact us at [email protected] .

Communication with the Office of MD Admissions

Invitations to complete the Secondary Application will be sent by e-mail. If selected for interview, an applicant may be contacted via email or phone call. Please update your preferred address or contact information through the AMCAS web site, not through the Office of MD Admissions.

Applicant Updates

The Office of MD Admissions will only accept application updates AFTER an applicant has been invited to interview. Interview decisions are made based on information provided in the AMCAS application, Secondary Application, and letters of recommendation. If applicable, additional information can then be submitted on the day of your interview and after. When submitting additional information, please indicate that you are an applicant invited to interview so updates are included with your file. Acceptable updates include any significant developments in scholarly endeavors or projects or letters of recommendation.

Please do not send additional coursework or transcripts unless we have specifically requested such information. Also, updates will not be accepted if you are placed on the waitlist.

Selection Criteria for Core and SELECT

The Morsani College of Medicine is committed to the principle of a diverse classroom. There are many ways our students exemplify diversity through their different educational backgrounds, amazing life experiences, and personal histories.

Holistic Review Process of Applications Applicants will be evaluated on the basis of:

  • Personal attributes and achievements 
  • Academic record 
  • Performance on the MCAT 
  • Letters of recommendation 
  • Interviews 
  • Demonstrated motivation for medicine and helping others 

Residency Requirements Applicants must be either a:

  • U.S. Citizen 
  • Permanent Resident of the U.S. 

A permanent residency/green card must be in your possession when completing the AMCAS application. Documentation will be required and failure to provide such documentation may result in delayed opportunity.

Florida residency requires:

  • Proof of permanent residency in Florida for 12 months preceding registration to USF Health MCOM 

Interview Day with USF Health Morsani College of Medicine

Applicants will be notified and scheduled for the MD interview. Interviews can be in person or remotely/online via Microsoft Teams. Feel free to browse our website for more information about the educational programs we offer.

Early Decision for Core 

Only applicants with full intention to attend if accepted may apply to USF Health MCOM as Early Decision. Notification of acceptance or rejection will be made no later than October 1. An offer of acceptance means a firm commitment that the applicant will attend the University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine.
Applicants who are not considered for an Early Decision interview may be given consideration for an interview during the regular admission cycle. At that point, the applicant is also eligible to apply to other medical colleges of their choice.

Applicants who desire to be considered under this program should apply as an “Early Decision” applicant through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).

The Early Decision guidelines are as follows:

  • Qualified Early Decision applicants will be evaluated holistically, consistent with the mission of the Morsani College of Medicine. Qualified applicants will have an academic record to indicate an ability to succeed in medical education with the science and non-science GPA demonstrating continuous and sustained academic excellence. 
  • The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) must be taken prior to the Early Decision application deadline. An Early Decision applicant must have an MCAT score of at least a 515 (126 minimum in each section). 
  • Students applying for the Early Decision Program must complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited US university or college by the time of matriculation. In addition, applicants must complete all prerequisites before August of the year they are to enter medical school. Please view the Academic Requirements page for more details. 
  • The Early Decision deadline for the AMCAS application and all transcripts is August 31 of the year of application. Please view the Admissions Timeline page for more details. 

Any application that does not meet the above guidelines, will be moved to the general decision application pool and will no longer be considered for Early Decision.

Admissions with Advanced Standing

A person may seek a transfer to the Morsani College of Medicine from a United States or Canadian medical school accredited by the Liaison Committee for Medical Education (LCME).  

A person may be admitted to the Morsani College of Medicine with advanced standing status within the context of the following guidelines:

  1. A vacancy in the Morsani College of Medicine exists for the admission of a person to advanced standing status.

  2. Must be between Year 2 and Year 3 and have passed the USMLE Step 1 Exam. (Year 3 begins in early May for USF Health MCOM.)

  3. An applicant must wish to transfer due to some unusual circumstances or hardship.

  4. Previous professional or graduate education is judged adequate in quantity, quality, and time frame to have been competitive for admission as a first-year student at this college and to permit entry into the curriculum at a level beyond the first year.

  5. An applicant who is, for any reason, on probation or not in good academic standing at the school from which transfer is sought will not be accepted for transfer to our college.

  6. Applicants currently pursuing graduate level work toward a Ph.D. degree or other professional degrees are required to complete all degree requirements prior to application for admission to the Morsani College of Medicine for study toward the M.D. degree.

Initial consideration of an applicant for advanced standing will be undertaken only when the applicant furnishes the following information upon request:

  1. A signed narrative written by the applicant expressing the circumstances that prompted the request to transfer at an advanced standing status.

  2. A letter of recommendation from the dean of the professional or graduate school in which the applicant either was enrolled or is presently enrolled. This letter must also state that the applicant is free of behavioral, attitudinal, or emotional problems.

  3. Official transcripts of all post-high school academic course work.

  4. Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) official scores and a properly executed information form furnished by the Morsani College of Medicine Office of Admissions.

  5. Must be a United States citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) and a resident of the state of Florida unless there are other mitigating circumstances.

  6. An applicant judged to be qualified on the basis of the furnished information may be extended an interview. Applications for admission with advanced standing will not be processed unless a vacancy exists in the respective class for which the application is made.

Letters of Recommendation for Core and SELECT

How are letters of recommendation submitted?

  • All letters of recommendation MUST be submitted through AMCAS. AMCAS has several ways to allow for successful integration of letters of reference into your application. If you have not completed the “Letters of Evaluation” section of your AMCAS application, please contact AMCAS to determine the best way to upload letters.
  • Do NOT have your letters mailed directly to USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, they will not be accepted. 
  • Be sure you have completed all the steps in AMCAS to release your letters to USF Health MCOM. 
  • Often times students do not check off the appropriate boxes to submit their AMCAS application and therefore letters do not populate correctly to their application. If your letters do not populate to your application, your application cannot be considered.

How many letters of recommendation are required?

USF Health MCOM requires applicants submit two (2) letters of recommendation.

  • While five (5) letters of recommendation are recommended, it is REQUIRED that a minimum of two (2) letters come from science faculty* who have taught you in a formal course: *TA (Teaching Assistant) is not considered faculty.
    • Letters can originate from basic science faculty. Science faculty includes but is not limited to: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
  • Additional letters of recommendation can be non-science faculty letters or character letters from individuals who can speak of your abilities and attributes outside of an academic setting. Character letters should not be from a family member, peer or a relative. Character letters should corroborate your experiences in AMCAS. They should include but are not limited to: Physicians you’ve shadowed, Research Mentors, Volunteer Coordinators/Supervisors, etc.
    • Non-science faculty includes but is not limited to: Math, Psychology, English, Humanities, Anthropology, History, etc.

PLEASE NOTE: If you submit one (1) letter of recommendation, your application will not be complete and cannot be considered. Please check the status of your application to ensure you have completed the USF Health MCOM Secondary Application Requirements.

What about a Committee letter packet?

Some schools will offer a Committee Evaluation letter or a Letter Packet to compile your individual letters. See Option 1 or 2 below for more information on this process. However, some schools will not offer Committee letter packets, and in that case the applicant is expected to seek out a minimum of two (2) science faculty letters.

The applicant will have these two (2) separate letters sent to AMCAS from the recommenders.

Options to fulfill the Letters of Recommendation Requirement

Option 1: If your school has a Letter Packet that includes the letters

  • Submit the pre-professional Letter Packet from your undergraduate institution directly to AMCAS
    • No further Letters of Recommendation are needed

Option 2: If your school has a Committee Evaluation Letter

  • Submit the pre-professional Committee Evaluation Letter from your undergraduate institution directly to AMCAS
    • No further Letters of Recommendation are needed

Option 3: If you submit individual letters

  • Submit a minimum of two (2) science faculty letters of recommendation (see criteria above)

For Non-Traditional Applicants

If you have been out of school for more than two years, and can no longer get letters from a science undergraduate professor or faculty, you may submit letters from a lab supervisor or an employment supervisor. You still must submit at least 2 letters of recommendation.

usf medical school requirements gpa

Undergraduate Education 

Students applying for admission to the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine (MCOM) M.D. program must complete the requirements for a bachelor’s degree at a regionally accredited U.S. university or college by the time of matriculation. In addition, all prerequisites must be completed from a U.S. regionally accredited institution by the time of matriculation into the MCOM. Required coursework may not be taken as Pass/Fail.  Exceptions to the coursework requirement may be considered on a case by case basis. Applicants who are currently pursuing a graduate or professional degree are obligated to complete all degree requirements prior to matriculation into the M.D. program. 

Basic Science Requirements

Below are the following course requirements and recommendations:

Biological Science with laboratory: At least two semesters with lab at the college or university level. This must include core concepts of the biological sciences. If a student has taken basic biological sciences through high school dual enrollment or AP courses, then they will be expected to obtain two semesters of other biological sciences at the college or university level.

Strong consideration will be given to students who enroll and complete molecular biology, genetics, and/or microbiology. 

Chemistry with laboratory: At least two semesters at the college or university level. This must include core concepts of the chemical sciences. If a student has taken basic chemistry through high school dual enrollment or AP courses, then they will be expected to obtain two semesters of other chemical sciences at the college or university level.

Organic Chemistry with laboratory: At least one semester at the college or university level.  Organic Chemistry II may be taken in lieu of Biochemistry.

Biochemistry Principles:  At least one semester at the college or university level.

Physics with laboratory: At least two semesters of basic principles of physics, with at least one semester at the college or university level. If a student has taken physics with laboratory through high school dual enrollment or AP courses, then they will be expected to obtain one semester at the college or university level. 

Mathematics: At least two semesters of mathematics, with at least one semester at the college or university level. If a student has taken mathematics through high school dual enrollment or AP courses, then they will be expected to obtain one semester at the college or university level. Courses in statistics and /or calculus are recommended. 

English or Expository Writing: Writing skills are very important to the work of the physician. At least two semesters of English courses, or one course of English and one course that has as its basis a substantial experience in expository writing are required. Both semesters must be taken at the college or university level. 

Other Recommendations: In recognition of the increasing importance of a broad education that includes the humanities and behavioral sciences, students should have evidence of having mastered general principles in the fields of psychology, sociology, the arts and humanities, and ethics. While many college courses will fulfill these general educational requirements, we recommend no less than 15 semester hours of general coursework in these areas. Using our holistic approach to determining suitability for admission to medical school a broad undergraduate education, research, and independent scholarly activity are strongly encouraged.

Electives

Students should select subjects that broaden their educational experiences and help meet their educational goals.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities and employment, both during the undergraduate academic year and the summers, are important contributions to an individual’s development. Experience in medical and paramedical areas can contribute to an understanding of health care delivery systems and help solidify the student’s motivation to study medicine. Volunteering and community service provide insight to the humanistic nature of an applicant.

university of south florida medical school tuition

University of South Florida College of Medicine (Medical School at University of South Florida-Main Campus) is located in Tempa, FL, founded in 1971. University of South Florida-Main Campus is Public, 4 or more years school and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs with total enrollment of 50,626.The average tuition & fees of University of South Florida College of Medicine is $33,726 for Florida residents and $54,916 for others for academic year 2020-2021. The acceptance rate is 5.10% and total 175 first-year students enrolled into University of South Florida College of Medicine. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.6 and the average MCAT score is 514.

2021 University of South Florida College of Medicine Tuition & Fees

The 2020-2021 tuition & fees at University of South Florida College of Medicine is $33,726 for Florida residents and $54,916 for others. This cost is different from the costs of other undergraduate and graduate programs. For major programs other than medical school at University of South Florida-Main Campus, the average undergraduate tuition & fees is $6,410 for Florida residents and $17,324 for others. The average graduate program tuition & fees is $10,428 for Florida residents and $21,126 for others.The average living costs including room & board and other living expenses is $16,356 when a student lives on-campus (i.e. dormitory, school owned apartment) and $14,162 when a student lives off-campus. Next table summarizes the tuition & fees, and other college costs at University of South Florida College of Medicine

Florida ResidentsOut-of-State Students
Medical School Tuition$33,726$54,916
General College Costs
Undergraduate Program (non-medical school)$6,410$17,324
Graduate Program (non-medical school)$10,428$21,126
On-Campus Room & Board$12,256
On-Campus Living Expense$4,100
Off-Campus Room & Board$10,062
Off-Campus Living Expense$4,100

Is it hard to get into USF

Competition for space in the freshman class is rigorous. High school GPAs for the middle 50 percent of freshman admitted in Fall 2021 were between 4.0- 4.4.

For determining admissibility to USF, we will recalculate your high school GPA based on grades earned in high school only in core academic subject areas, as well as specified AP and IB fine and performing arts courses. USF will add the quality points outlined below for approved AP, IB, AICE, Honors and Dual Enrollment courses provided you earn a “C” or better. 

Course TypeQuality Point
Advanced Placement1.0
International Baccalaureate1.0
Dual Enrollment1.0
AICE1.0
Honors0.5

Taking weighted courses can have a positive impact on your recalculated GPA as long as you are reasonably successful in these advanced-level courses.

TEST SCORE REQUIREMENTS

USF requires freshman applicants to submit official results of at least one college entrance exam (SAT or ACT). USF does not currently require or consider the optional Essay section of the SAT or the ACT for the admission or scholarship review processes. Likewise, SAT Subject Tests are not considered for admission or placement. USF’s code for SAT is 5828 and for ACT is 0761.

In Fall 2021, mid-range SAT and ACT scores for admitted freshman were:

SAT: 1230-1370
ACT: 26-31

In Summer 2021, mid-range SAT and ACT scores for admitted freshman were:

SAT: 1090-1160
ACT: 22-25

ACT Important Update: Currently, USF’s system does not support receiving ACT superscored results. While we work to resolve this issue, we advise that applicants send their official individual scores from ACT to USF. We will superscore the results upon receipt.

Superscoring

USF considers your highest submitted section scores across all SAT and ACT test dates. Final admission decisions will be made using only your highest cumulative scores. Each time you submit test scores to USF, we will update your record with any new high scores. We strongly encourage you to submit your scores each time you take the SAT or ACT. Sending your scores each time you take the SAT or ACT can benefit you by allowing us to consider you for all available enrollment-related opportunities.

TESTING RECOMMENDATIONS

Because the SAT and ACT measure college readiness through different means and formats, we strongly encourage you to take each exam once during the spring of your junior year in high school. You are likely to prefer (and even to perform better) on one test over the other, which would allow you to focus on that test during the fall of your senior year. Except in rare cases, you should not take either test more than three times, as significant improvements on performance are unlikely at that point.

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