How to Get into University of Central Florida College of Medicine: The Ultimate Guide for 2024-2025

A rising star among U.S. medical schools, the University of Central Florida College of Medicine (UCF COM) is a dream destination for many aspiring doctors. Established in 2006, it is one of the first U.S. medical schools in decades to be built from the ground up, reflecting a modern approach to medical education and research. In this post, we'll explore everything you need to know to craft a compelling application.

We’ll share:

• An overview of UCF College of Medicine’s curriculum for MD students
• Tuition fees and financial aid options
• Required premed courses, GPA, and MCAT scores
• Current admission rates and class stats
• How to write your UCF COM admission essay
• Letter of recommendation guidelines
• UCF eligibility restrictions
• Application timeline

Without further ado, let’s get started.

An Overview of University of Central Florida College of Medicine’s Curriculum for MD Students

With a strong emphasis on innovation and technology, UCF COM’s curriculum reflects a modern approach to medical education that prepares students to become competent, compassionate, and system-savvy physicians.

The four-year MD program is structured around the integration of three essential domains:

• Basic Sciences
• Clinical Sciences
• Health Systems Sciences
  
  

During the first two years (pre-clerkship phase), students complete a series of integrated, system-based courses. These bring together:

• Normal biological and physiological processes
• Disease mechanisms and pathology
• Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies
• Clinical reasoning and patient communication
• Physical examination techniques, with a focus on cultural sensitivity

Simultaneously, students are introduced to Health Systems Sciences, which are threaded throughout the curriculum. Topics covered include:

• Medical ethics and professionalism
• Patient safety and quality improvement
• Health policy and systems thinking
• Medical informatics and technology integration

In the third and fourth years, students transition into core clerkships, selectives, and electives across various specialties. These are supported by:

• Simulation labs and case-based learning
• Journal clubs and interdisciplinary case conferences
• Continued reinforcement of scientific principles during clinical experiences

UCF emphasizes lifelong learning and professional development, culminating in a final-year capstone experience that prepares students for residency and real-world practice.

In addition to the core MD curriculum, UCF offers several dual-degree pathways, including:

• MD/PhD – for aspiring physician-scientists
• MD/MBA – for future healthcare administrators and leaders
• MD/MS in Hospitality – a unique offering that blends patient care with service and systems design

The program is also enriched by the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, which serves nearly 3,000 undergraduate majors and supports research collaboration across disciplines.

Want to learn about other med schools in Florida? Check our comprehensive guide.

UCF College of Medicine Tuition Fees and Scholarships

For the academic year 2024-2025, tuition and associated fees at UCF College of Medicine are as follows:

• State Residents: $29,680
• Non-State Residents: $56,554

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These amounts include tuition and mandatory fees such as capital improvement, financial aid, activity & service, athletic, transportation, health, technology, and equipment fees.

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Some additional estimated costs include:

• Books & Supplies -  $1,363
• Room & Board - $18,600
• Health Insurance - $3,540
• Personal Expenses - $3,146
• Transportation - $1,498

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Thus, the total estimated cost of attendance comes down to:

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• Florida Residents-  $57,882 per year
• Non-Florida Residents-  $84,756 per year.

It’s important to note that tuition and fees at UCF College of Medicine are reset annually and may vary by academic year. The length and structure of the academic year differ depending on a student’s class level. 

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While the academic year is treated as a full term for planning purposes, tuition is billed semi-annually, helping to distribute financial obligations more evenly throughout the year. Tuition is billed in two equal payments each academic year. M1 and M2 are due in August and January, whereas M3 and M4 are due in May/June and January. 

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Financial Aid

UCF COM offers a range of financial aid packages including:

• Merit-based scholarships
• Need-based grants
• Federal student loans

If you want to learn more about all of them we suggest you take a look at the UCF COM’s website. 

How Hard Is It To Get Into UCF College of Medicine?

UCF COM admissions are competitive, with the school placing high value on academic achievement, service, leadership, and community involvement.

Admission requirements include:

• Completion of AMCAS application
• Minimum of 90 credit hours from an accredited U.S. institution (bachelor’s degree required prior to matriculation)
• Strong academic performance in science courses
• Competitive MCAT score
• Letters of recommendation (at least 3, including 2 from science faculty)
• Secondary application and essays
• Interview (Multiple Mini Interview format)

Desirable But Not Required:

• Clinical experience (shadowing, scribing, volunteering)
• Research background
• Community service and leadership

UCF practices a holistic review and does not have rolling admissions. All decisions are made post-interview. Applicants selected for interviews will participate in virtual sessions, focusing on topics such as ethics, leadership, and their interest in UCF COM. 

Although not mandatory, successful applicants typically had been involved in extracurricular activities that show:

• Significant and meaningful clinical experience (e.g., volunteering, employment, or shadowing)
• Consistent community service
• Physician shadowing
• Teamwork and leadership skills
• Interest in research
• Perseverance or excellence in a high-level activity (sports, research, etc.)

Required Premed Courses at UCF College of Medicine

UCF COM requires the following prerequisite courses:

• Biology with Lab: 2 semesters
• General Chemistry with Lab: 2 semesters
• Organic Chemistry with Lab: 1 semester
• Biochemistry: 1 semester (with labs if available)
• Physics with Lab: 2 semesters (algebra- or calculus based is accepted)
• College English: 2 semesters
• College Math: 2 semesters

Advanced coursework in genetics, cell biology, statistics, comparative anatomy, and calculus is recommended but not required. Moreover, coursework in the natural sciences, humanities, or communications arts is also encouraged.

Applicants from any academic major are welcome to apply to the M.D. program, provided they meet the minimum academic prerequisites. While students from non-science backgrounds are fully eligible, they are strongly encouraged to complete additional coursework in the sciences to strengthen their preparation for medical school.

UCF College of Medicine GPA, MCAT, and Admission Rate

Academic excellence forms the foundation of a competitive application to the University of Central Florida College of Medicine. While the admissions committee embraces a holistic review process, strong academic metrics remain essential for serious consideration.

To be eligible for review, applicants must meet the following baseline academic criteria:

• Cumulative Undergraduate GPA: 3.0
• Science GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math - BCPM): 3.0
• MCAT Score: 500 (best single exam score within the past three years)

Meeting these minimums, however, does not guarantee an interview or admission. In fact, applicants who are invited to interview—and those who ultimately matriculate—tend to far exceed these thresholds. The overall acceptance rate at UCF COM is approximately 7.1%.

UCF College of Medicine Letter of Recommendation Requirements and Guidelines

Applicants are required to submit three to five letters of recommendation through the designated application portal. These letters must meet the following criteria:

• At least one letter must be from a core science faculty member who has taught the applicant in a lecture or lab course. 
• Non-traditional applicants, who have been out of school for a year or more, may submit a letter from a recent professional supervisor in place of a faculty member. 
• All letters must be typed on official letterhead, signed by the recommender, and dated within the past two years. Outdated or informal submissions will not be considered.
• Letters from family members, close friends, or significant others are not accepted.

While the number and source of letters matter, quality is paramount. Applicants should choose recommenders who know them well and can speak in detail about their intellectual curiosity, integrity, work ethic, communication skills, and commitment to a career in medicine.

Are International Students Eligible to Apply to UCF COM?

The UCF College of Medicine M.D. program accepts applications only from individuals who are U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or designated as asylees by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS). Applicants with permanent resident or asylee status must provide finalized INS documentation (such as a green card) before their application will be reviewed.

UCF College of Medicine Application Timeline

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Applying to the University of Central Florida College of Medicine involves a structured, multi-step process that begins more than a year before matriculation.

1. Primary Application
   Prospective students must submit their initial application through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS). The application opens in late May and must be submitted by November 15. This step includes submitting transcripts, MCAT scores, and your personal statement.
   
   
2. Secondary Application
   Selected applicants will be invited to complete UCF COM’s secondary application, which is due by December 1 and includes a $30 processing fee. This phase allows applicants to expand on their experiences and alignment with UCF’s mission.
   
   
3. Interviews
   Competitive candidates are invited to participate in virtual interviews, typically conducted between August and October. The interview process provides an opportunity to showcase your communication skills, ethical reasoning, and passion for medicine in a personal setting.
   
   
4. Final Admissions Decisions
   UCF COM uses a rolling admissions process, meaning decisions are made and offers extended as early as October 15 and continue through the admissions cycle. Applicants are encouraged to complete their materials early for full consideration.
   
   

Early Decision Program (EDP)

UCF also offers an Early Decision Program (EDP) designed for highly qualified applicants who are committed to attending UCF if accepted. To be eligible, applicants must:

• Be Florida residents
• Have a minimum GPA of 3.8
• Achieve an MCAT score of at least 513, with no section score below 128

EDP applicants may only apply to UCF College of Medicine and must withdraw all other medical school applications upon acceptance. 

Let’s Put You on the Path to UCF College of Medicine

Embarking on the journey to UCF College of Medicine requires careful planning, academic dedication, and a clear vision of your future in medicine. Whether you’re a freshman starting to build your premed profile or a senior polishing your application, PreMed Catalyst is here to guide you every step of the way.

We specialize in helping aspiring physicians stand out through: 

• Strategic mentorship
• Personalized application coaching
• Expert insights

Ready to take the first step? Fill out our quick form—it takes less than two minutes—and let’s work together to make your dream of becoming a UCF physician a reality.

Apply for personalized premed coaching now

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