How to Succeed as a University of Florida Premed
/Everything you need to know about University of Florida premed, including premed requirements, the best premed extracurriculars, and the UF premed acceptance rate
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Part 1: Introduction
As a top-5 ranked public college, the University of Florida is known for rigorous coursework, research excellence, and athletics. In addition, they’re also known for an enormous number of their graduates applying for medical school with AAMC noting 1006 attempted to continue on towards a white coat in 2021.
With a 2022 acceptance rate of just 38%, simply getting in for any course of study is no easy task. As a University of Florida pre-health student, you’ll be among a select group of undergraduates who have gained entry to this varied and prestigious institution, meaning you’ll have your work cut out for you.
For medicine, the University of Florida is part of the UF Health system encompassing UF Health Shands Hospital, UF Health Jacksonville and UF Health in the Villages and Leesburg. UF Health Shands itself is ranked in the top 50 hospitals nationally for specialties such as orthopedics, pulmonary and lung surgery, and pediatric cardiology.
With colleges for dentistry, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, public health, and veterinary medicine, as well as connections with clinics and facilities statewide, there’s no shortage of possibilities for academic achievement and experiential learning.
However, thriving in this selective environment will require dedication and hard work. Not only will you be expected to maintain a high GPA within your major, but you’ll have to complete the UF pre-health curriculum requirements, extracurriculars, gain clinical experience and plan for taking the MCAT.
It may seem overwhelming, but with the help we offer in this guide, you’ll be able to fashion a workable plan that can take you from undergrad to successful medical school admission.
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Part 2: University of Florida Premed Requirements
Getting into medical school via any path is not easy and as a Florida premed, you’ll have a variety of options to choose from. UF has a diverse range of programs and schools across many disciplines.
From majors in Anthropology to Wildlife Ecology and Conservation spread across 14 different schools it can be daunting to narrow down your options. The pre-health track is open to students in any major with the determination to study medicine.
No matter what major you choose, you will have to complete certain prerequisites in order to apply to medical school. The specific courses you need will depend on what your ultimate career goals within the medical industry are. In this guide, we are focusing solely on the standard MD/DO medical track.
You can find the prerequisites for a Florida premed here. We’ve also placed them below for ease of access.
| Biology: Two semesters with lab | BSC 2010 and BSC 2010L BSC 2011 and BSC 2011L |
PCB 3063 or AGR 3303 (Genetics) ---- MCB 3020L or MCB 3023L (Microbiology) ---- APK 2100C (Anatomy) ---- APK 2105C (Physiology) |
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| Biochemistry: Two semesters with lab | BCH 4024 OR CHM 3218 |
CHM 4300L (recommended with CHM 3218) | ||||
| Chemistry (General, Organic, Biochemistry): |
"L" denotes a lab One of each of the following sequences: CHM 2045 and CHM 2045L OR CHM 2095 and CHM 2095L CHM 2046 and CHM 2046L OR CHM 2096 and CHM 2096L Sequence 2: CHM 2210 OR CHM 3217 OR CHM 2212 CHM 2211 and CHM 2211L OR CHM 3217 and CHM2211L OR CHM 2213 |
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| Math: At least one semester | MAC 2311 (Calculus) (recommended) |
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| Statistics: At least one semester | STA 2023 (Statistics) | |||||
| Physics: Two semesters with lab | One of each of the following sequences: PHYS 2053 and PHY 2053L OR PHY 2048 and PHY 2048L Sequence 2: PHY 2054 and PHY 2054L OR PHY 2049 and PHY 2049L |
For those concentrating in Engineering:
ENGN 0030 and ENGN 0040 |
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| English: Two semesters | Any two courses in College Composition or English Literature (Recommended) |
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| Psychology: One semester | PSY 2012 | Consider taking 1 Psychology course that addresses the behavioral determinants of health care. Upper Division Psych course is recommended |
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| Sociology: One semester | SYG 2000 | Consider taking 1 Sociology course that addresses the social determinants of health care | ||||
As you can see from the table above, the courseload for a UF premed is heavy on chemistry and biology. If you’re planning to go to med school directly after undergrad, you will want to factor in time to take courses in the summer so that you can complete these requirements before you take the MCAT.
Most students complete the core chemistry and biology courses in their freshman and sophomore years along with other classes that can help them be fully prepared for the MCAT. For example, we can see that Calculus (MAC2311) is listed as “recommended,” but to make sure you’ve got the best application possible for med school, you’ll want to add this to your course list.
You might also notice that courses in psychology (PSY2012) and sociology (SGY2000) are required. This is because the MCAT was changed a few years ago, adding sections to test your critical thinking skills and general knowledge of the humanities.
UF also helpfully supplies a recommended schedule for undergraduates to ensure you tick off the necessary courses within the right amount of time. We’ve included that below.
* Recommended class |
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| Year 1 | • CHM 1025 • MAC 1147 • PSY 2012 • English |
• CHM 2045 • CHM 2045L • MAC 2311 • English |
• CHM 2046 • CHM 2046L • STA 2023 |
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| Year 2 |
• CHM 2210 • BSC 2010 • BSC 2010L • SYG 2000 |
• CHM 2211 • CHM 2211L • BSC 2011 • BSC 2011L |
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| Year 3 | • PHY 2053 • PHY 2053L • BCH 4024 OR CHM 3218 |
• PHY 2054 • PHY 2054L • Genetics* |
• MCAT (May/June) • Apply (June) |
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| Year 4 | • MCB 3020, 3020L* • Science* |
• Science* • Science* MCAT will have gap year |
• Apply (June) Will have gap year | |||
How to Maintain a High GPA as a Florida Premed
A Florida premed is among a select group at a selective school. You’ll be among some of the brightest college students in the country who have chosen UF for the diversity of its offerings and the intellectual precision required in its coursework.
You’ll be tasked with juggling a variety of commitments that other hardworking students may not. From extracurriculars to shadowing a doctor to the demands of a premed program, keeping your GPA near the top can seem like a taxing enterprise.
So, how exactly are you to manage something so important for your chances of being accepted into medical school? Proper planning and a concerted effort will certainly give you an edge. Here are some of our top tips for keeping your GPA up.
Don't take on more than you can handle. With all the demands on your time as a Florida premed, it’s important to be realistic about what you’re able to accomplish. Burnout is commonly cited in explaining falling grades. Be sure not to overcommit yourself to extracurriculars at the expense of your studies.
Make a plan. Consider how you will manage your time over the next four years. You will need to balance premed classes with the requirements for your major. Avoid taking too many demanding classes at once. It’s much better to schedule math or science-heavy classes alongside easier electives rather than to mentally overload yourself. Ultimately, your GPA will thank you!
Taking a gap year? Taking a gap year before medical school can dramatically reduce your time commitments, freeing up time to study. If you’re worried about fitting in extracurriculars while managing a demanding courseload, a gap year can give you time to get clinical or shadowing experience while not interfering with your GPA.
Summer classes. If your heart is set on going straight through to medical school, taking summer classes is an excellent option to get requirements out of the way without taking time away from more important classes. Many students choose to tick off electives during this time.
Take Advantage of any Help Offered. Sometimes, classwork is demanding and difficult but that shouldn’t mean your GPA has to suffer. The University of Florida’s Office of Academic Support has free tutoring services for those hard to grasp topics. Additionally, they offer workshops on academic writing, stress management and financial skills, all aspects of the college experience that can hamper your GPA if not looked after.
What to Major in at UF for Premed
Many premeds agonize over which major to choose, thinking it will have a huge bearing on their chances of getting into medical school. The Academic Advising Center at UF states that unless you’re intending to enter a specific health profession “such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing or pharmacy,” you can choose any major. In fact, the pre-health advising office explicitly states that you should “major in whatever you find interesting and exciting.”
The most popular majors at UF are engineering, business, and biological and biomedical sciences. However, if English or Computer Science is your passion, you should pursue it as an undergrad.
There is a pre-medical “major” at UF within the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering. It is worth mentioning here in case you have come across it. However, this degree focuses on the nuclear sciences rather than medicine directly.
Most premeds assume they need to major in the sciences, such as biology or chemistry in order to do well on the MCAT. However, there are benefits to choosing majors in the humanities or those sciences not directly related to the human body. These subjects tend to bolster critical-thinking skills valued by medical school admissions committees, in real-world clinical settings and on tests such as the MCAT.
Medical school admissions committees look for well-rounded candidates with a breadth of experience. In the end, your GPA and MCAT scores are more important than your major.
Suggested reading: The Best Premed Majors to Get Into Medical School (2022)
When to Take the MCAT
One important aspect of the Florida premed experience is deciding on the most opportune time to take the MCAT. MCAT scores weigh heavily on offers of acceptance by adcoms and as such, many students worry about balancing the needs of studying for the test while maintaining their classwork.
Navigating these issues can be a challenge. If we consider a typical student planning to go straight through to medical school, they will normally aim to take the MCAT during their junior year. We normally advise leaving room for unexpected events or the need for a retake to improve your score. For a student not planning on taking a gap year, they would want to attempt the test in the fall of their junior year.
Preparation for the MCAT is critical and you’ll want to have taken the bulk of your premed courses before sitting the exam. Having your chemistry and biology courses out of the way will certainly assist you in achieving your highest score. You can find more in-depth analysis of the MCAT and our strategies for taking it here.
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Part 3: University of Florida Extracurriculars
In addition to being committed to your studies, being successful as a Florida premed will include a healthy dose of extracurricular activities. When you apply to medical school, adcoms want to see that you’re a person with wide-ranging interests and depth of humanity.
This can be shown by how you choose to spend your time outside the classroom. The University of Florida has many opportunities available in the form of student organizations, research, volunteering, and shadowing allowing you to gain plenty of experience with something that truly interests you.
University of Florida Student Organizations
UF states they have over 900 student organizations to choose from. Whatever your passion, you can find a group allowing you to explore your ideas and express your leadership skills. Options range from a 3D printing club to Young Democratic Socialists of America. You can search student organizations here.
With so many organizations to choose from and your limited schedule, it can be hard to decide. UF provides a helpful quiz to help you narrow down your options. Alternatively, if you’re looking to bolster your leadership credentials, the David and Wanda Brown Center for Leadership and Service offers programs you may be interested in.
University of Florida Research Opportunities
There are many opportunities to get involved in research as a UF premed. The honors program at UF has general advice about conducting research on campus as an undergrad which includes tips on how to approach faculty, how to get academic credit for your research and information about the University Scholars Program, an annual competition offering awards for undergraduate research projects.
For premed-specific opportunities, the academic advising center lists departments around campus where you can make connections and discover positions. This includes the Center for Undergraduate Research, the Undergraduate Research Assistantship Program, as well as research volunteer opportunities. Keep in mind that if you are planning to go down the MD path, having some research experience is required.
Florida Premed Shadowing
Looking for shadowing opportunities as a premed student can be stressful but it’s a necessary part of gaining admission into medical school. Most premed students need to have accumulated 150-200 hours of shadowing experience to have a chance of admission.
At UF, you will have access to the University of Florida Health system which includes hospitals such as UF Health Shands in Gainesville, UF Health Jacksonville and even UF Health in The Villages and Leesburg. Shands is the first place UF premeds look, being close to the university, but it’s worth considering the hour commute to Jacksonville or Leesburg if there’s something of particular interest to you.
Depending on the type of medicine you wish to pursue, you will want to shadow doctors in that field. Luckily, UF has a variety of colleges devoted to particular professions within its purview. For medicine at UF Shands, you will have to submit an application through the college where you wish to gain experience.
For specific shadowing opportunities you can try contacting doctors in the area to see if they would be willing. The Alachua County Physicians Directory is a great place to start. UF has also recently implemented a virtual shadowing program meant to give students a look into the daily life of a medical professional in different disciplines. While this won’t take the place of a true in-person shadowing experience, it’s worth getting involved to broaden your horizons. Upon completion, you will receive up to 40 virtual shadowing hours or a certificate.
The Medi-Gators Mentorship Program is yet another option. This program is intended to connect undergraduates with professional students and healthcare professionals in mentorship groups with similar interests. Each mentorship group completes a professional development project meant to solve “a problem related to any aspect of healthcare.”
Florida Premed Volunteering
Volunteering is also an important part of succeeding as a UF pre-health student. It’s a great way to beef up your extracurricular credentials before you apply to medical school.
There are a wealth of options for volunteering within the Gainesville area. Whether you prefer volunteering in a clinical setting or just within the community, finding a place to give of your time and talents shouldn’t be too difficult if you’re diligent.
The University of Florida provides a list of local opportunities here. Clinical opportunities run the gamut from hospitals to clinics for underserved patients to a hospice. If you’re seeking to improve your involvement with the local community, there’s the Alachua County Crisis Center or even Noah’s Endeavor, a charity helping children with disabilities.
Additionally, UF runs the Equal Access Clinic Network which offers volunteer opportunities to undergraduates within the Health Outreach and Quality Improvement program which allows University of Florida premed students to volunteer with physicians. This is a great way to gain clinical and shadowing experience as well. You must have at least 3 semesters remaining to join the HOQI program.
It is also possible to gain volunteer experience internationally. This is not required as a premed student and it doesn’t make you look like a more worthy candidate to medical schools adcoms, but if you have the time and the desire, UF has resources to point you in that direction. You can find a list of international opportunities here.
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Part 4: Getting into Medical School as a Florida Premed
According to UF, about 45% of their pre-health students that have applied to medical school in the last few years were accepted. This is in line with the national average of 43%, so your chances of getting in with a UF education are quite good.
Many undergraduate students wish to continue to UF College of Medicine (COM) which is an excellent choice, especially if you’re hoping to follow a path involving research as it’s ranked in the top 50 nationally. However, just going through the UF pre-health program won’t ensure entry to UF COM.
UF COM’s acceptance rate currently stands at just 5% and their average GPA and MCAT scores are 3.79 and 514. You will need a minimum of 495 on the MCAT just to be considered for an interview. As you can see, not only is UF selective, but its medical school is even more so.
Whether you’re considering UF COM or applying somewhere else nationally, the resources available to you via the UF pre-health advising office are indispensable.
Final Thoughts
Being among the privileged few to have been offered a place at the University of Florida means you will have a lot on your plate juggling the demands of the UF premed coursework, extracurriculars, volunteering and preparing for the MCAT.
No matter where you ultimately matriculate, you will have the full support of the University of Florida behind you. With the recommendations we’ve discussed in this guide, achieving your dream of wearing a white coat is just a matter of time.
About the Author
Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on medical school admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into medical school using his exclusive approach.
