Pre-Medical Timeline

This timeline serves as a general guide for the Pre‑Med track at Florida State University. Individual pathways may differ based on factors like transfer or accelerated credits, course availability, study abroad, or a gap year. For tailored guidance, meet regularly with your FSU Pre‑health Advisor and your major academic advisor via Campus Connect.

 
 

Year 1

Courses: General Biology I & II (BSC 2010/2011), General Chemistry I (CHM1045 + lab), English, Math, General Psychology or Sociology (for MCAT prep).

  • Resources:

    • Join FSU Pre-Med and pre-health clubs via NoleCentral (e.g., AED, AMSA).

    • Schedule a Pre-health Advising appointment via myFSU Campus Connect to discuss academic plans and prerequisites.

  • Experience:

    • Begin shadowing physicians and logging clinical and non-clinical hours.

    • Get involved in service and volunteer opportunities in Tallahassee.

SUMMER 1 – CLINICAL EXPOSURE

  • Gain direct clinical or community health experience (e.g., scribe, hospital volunteer, EMT, CNA, CCMA).

  • Attend FSU Pre-health workshops (e.g., Pre-health 101) and explore summer programs or internships.

 

Year 2

Courses: Organic Chemistry I & II (CHM2210/2211 + labs), Physics I (PHY 2053C or 2048C), Statistics, Sociology (if not taken Year 1).

  • Continue shadowing and clinical experience.

  • Get involved in leadership roles and/or undergraduate research.

  • Schedule an advising appointment to confirm you are on track for the pre-med curriculum.

SUMMER 2 – TEST PREP & EXPERIENCE

  • Continue working or volunteering in clinical/research settings.

  • Begin preparing for the MCAT (plan to take by late spring of Year 3).

 

Year 3

Courses: Biochemistry (BCH 4053), Physics II (PHY 2054C or 2049C), upper-level science electives (e.g., genetics, physiology, immunology).

  • Take the MCAT by spring or early summer.

  • Start drafting your personal statement and gathering letters of recommendation (ideally 3–5, including at least one science faculty and one physician).

  • Attend FSU’s application workshops and review AMCAS process.

SUMMER 3 – SUBMIT APPLICATION

  • Submit your AMCAS application (opens early May; submit by June for best results).

  • Continue clinical and professional development.

  • Begin prepping for secondary applications and interviews.

 

Year 4

Finish major and elective requirements, strengthen GPA.

  • Complete secondary applications and attend medical school interviews.

  • Continue volunteering and research.

  • Meet with your Pre-health Advisor to prepare for decisions and possible gap year plans.

  • Graduate!

GAP YEAR (OPTIONAL)

  • If needed, use this year to strengthen academics, gain more clinical/research experience, or reapply.

  • Meet with both your major advisor and Pre-health Advisor to plan accordingly.