Petiton Information

Our committee understands that the totality of an applicant is not determined by these metrics alone and for that reason the Committee will make exceptions in certain circumstances. An individual who falls short of these requirements for a Committee Interview and Letter but has an application that is otherwise compelling may petition for an exception.

If you do not meet one or more of the minimum requirements for committee but believe you have a strong application, you can petition to receive the Committee Letter Packet Interview.

You must meet the minimum requirements for an Advisor Letter Packet to be eligible to petition for a Committee Letter Packet. We do not accept petitions for the Advisor Letter Packet. 

Please review our Committee Petition Guidelines 2025.pdf

• Letters of Recommendation Requirements

  Most professional programs require three letters of recommendation from faculty members that have taught you in a 3+ credit course. Most programs also limit students to a maximum of 6 letters of recommendation of which the remaining letters can come from physicians, research mentors, volunteering coordinators, etc. However, these requirements differ between programs* and some might additionally require a letter of recommendation from a professional in the field you are applying to (i.e. a physician, a dentist, etc.).

  Student submitting petitions should submit the following: 

  • Pre-Medical: 
    • Two letters from science faculty who taught you in a 3 or more credit course 
    • One letter from any faculty that taught you in any 3 or more credit course (science or nonscience)
    • [Optional] A letter from a research mentor 
    • [Optional] A letter from a professional in your chosen field. Some programs require this letter.
  • Pre-Dental:
    • Two letters from science faculty who taught you in a 3 or more credit course 
    • We encourage you to get a letter from a dentist you have shadowed to show your commitment. If you can’t, consider another faculty or supervisor.
    • [Optional] A letter from a research mentor.

  Any NEW of UPDATED  letters of recommendation for your letter packet should be submitted through Interfolio, for more details review our OPHA Canvas course. 

• Supporting Documentation & Application Prep

  Students should be working on the required documents as early as possible. By working on your file early, you can build on experiences and finish all requirements in the year you apply to professional programs. 

  Students must also submit the following documents via our OPHA Canvas Course:

  • OPHA Personal History Questionnaire (tip: use this to record your activities and log hours of your experiences)
  • Personal Statement 
  • All Transcripts (unofficial) 
  • OPHA GPA Calculator Spreadsheet
    • Science GPA includes courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics. For more information about which specific courses are included, please use the Course Classification Guide.
  • Official Test Scores 
  • List of Schools for Application 
  • Completed Primary Application
  • Pre-Heath Waiver Form & Fee or Fee Assistance Program Confirmation 
  • The deadline to submit all documents is August 31 of your application year. 
• OPHA Canvas Course
  Need to open a new FIU OPHA Canvas Course account? 

  Self-Enroll Here

  Already enrolled? 

  Existing accounts

   Important Notes:

  • This is NOT the same Canvas platform as your FIU classes use.  
    • Username and password are created by the student. Please keep track of this information in your records. 
    • This allows you to store all documentation and Letters of Recommendation until you are ready to apply to your professional program of choice. 
    • Both current students and Alumni have access to this Canvas Platform. 
    • We are unable to provide a refund for paid files. If you think you will qualify for the FAP, please wait to open your file until you receive approval from your corresponding application servicer.  
  • For students previously using the Sharepoint platform, you will need to re-submit your documents to the new Canvas platform. 
    • All Letters of Recommendation will continue to be on file. 
    • All Letters should be submitted to Interfolio.