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Frequent Questions

  • Where do I start?

    We know it can seem overwhelming to get involved on campus, in your community, and even globally.  But, all experiences are good experiences! 

    Start here with our Experiences Resources Guide

    Professional programs are reading applications in a holistic way. Meaning, mission-aligned admissions or selection processes that take into consideration applicants' experiences, interests, attributes, professional development, and academics as well as the value an applicant would contribute to the campus mission.  

    It is the responsibility of the student to identify the best way to highlight and gain the required skills. Get creative! 

  • What if I don't know what career I want to pursue?

    Many of our successful pre-professional students begin experiences like shadowing, research, and work to ensure it is the path they want to continue doing. 

    It's ok not to have a solidified plan- this is what gaining experience is for! 

    We do suggest students thinking about narrowing down their intended path by the end of their sophomore year (but even this is flexible!).  This will help ensure students have enough time to complete the required coursework before graduation for the program of their choice. 

    For more information about the required courses, please review the main page. 

     

  • Do schools accept International Students?

    International students have more limited choices when applying to professional schools in the U.S., compared to citizens and permanent residents. That said, if international students have completed their academic preparation at FIU then they can successfully apply to U.S. medical, dental and pharmacy schools. Outstanding academic and personal qualifications are essential for success.

    Because schools' admission requirements vary with respect to international students, you should review the online admission statements for the schools to which you plan to apply and speak directly to admissions offices about their own specific qualifications prior to application. In the state of Florida, state university medical schools do not accept international residents.

Student Organizations

Student organizations are a great way to get involved. Please review the suggestions found in the main page for your related career.  

Review Panther Connect and the FIU Center for Student Engagement for more information. 

Research

Students are encouraged to learn more about the research process.  Most pre-health graduate programs have research requirements built into the curriculum.  

Financial Aid Resources

Hébert Armed Forces Scholarship Program

The F. Edward Hébert Armed Forces Health Professions Scholarship Program is one of the most comprehensive health-care scholarships available today. If you are interested in becoming a physician, dentist, veterinarian, optometrist, clinical or counseling psychologist, Family Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, or Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, you could earn a full-tuition scholarship, plus a monthly stipend of more than $2,000.

Recommendation Letters

Letters of recommendation or reference letters will be required by all pre-health professions (as well as most graduate programs in general).  Students are encouraged to make connections on campus and within their various activities to identify strong recommenders. 

We encourage you to use the Student Guide to asking for letters of recommendation. 

Additional helpful information: 

Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Programs

The Association of American Medical Colleges maintains a post-baccalaureate pre-medical programs search. 

Additionally, FIU's Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine has the Graduate Certificate Program  open to all students. Please contact their program directly for further questions. 

 

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