Frequently Asked Questions

Here is a small collection of questions we are often asked. If you don't find the answers you're looking for here, please email secretary@ufpremed.org for help.

Index



Is there a minimum GPA to join AMSA?
  • No. We have an open door policy, and we accept all students with the common interest of becoming physicians.


How do I join AMSA?
  • You can only join AMSA during the beginning of Fall or Spring semester. Applications will not open until the first day of classes in each term. Once applications are open, a link will appear on the home page. The link will be very obvious. You must complete the application and turn in your dues by the deadline to become a member. If you do not complete the application AND pay dues by the deadline, you will not be a member.


What does the application entail?
  • The application itself is entirely online. You will be asked to provide some basic information about yourself, like your name, gatorlink email, and UFID. You will then designate your top three committee choices. Information about each committee will be available on the application, but is also available immediately, on the committees page. After that, you will be asked about local and national membership preferences. When you are finished with your application, you must print your receipt and bring it into the AMSA office with your dues payment. Once you've done all of this, you are officially a member of UF Premed AMSA. It seems like a long, scary process, but it really isn't. If, at any point in your application, you have questions or uncertainties, please email questions@ufpremed.org for help. That is what we are here for.


How do I pick the committee thats right for me?
  • When you are completing your application, you will have to put down your top three choices for committees. You should definitely research your choices by looking on the committees page. There, you can find descriptions for each committee. Some committees also have websites you can browse. If these things do not sway you, there is always AMSA fair. At the beginning of each semester, while applications are open, we have our committees set up tables and talk to prospective members about requirements and committee goals for the year. Most members find this event both fun and informative, so you should plan to attend.


What is the mentor/mentee program?
  • This is another part of completing your application. You will be asked about the mentor/mentee program. This is a program where we match up premed students based on their year in college and major. Third and fourth years who have finished their premed requirements will be paired up with first and second years who are just beginning on the premed path. The third and fourth year mentors can provide advice on classes, professors, majors, MCAT, and many other things.


Where is the AMSA office?
  • The AMSA office is on the 3rd floor of the Reitz Union. We are located across from the Center for Student Activities and Involvement in room 330B. The directions page can tell you how to get there. If you need a visual, we have a map available.


Where and when are the meetings held?
  • The MSB Auditorium is where all General Meetings are held. It is located down the hill at Shands. Going down the hill from Newell Drive is the easiest way to find the MSB. Head down the hill towards Shands. You'll see the large Ben Hill Griffin, Jr. building. Walk through here and head towards the large fountain that comes out of the ground (sometimes it's on, sometimes it's off). By now you should see a large set of stairs with grassy patches and trees. Go up these stairs and through the double doors. Once inside, head to your right until you're in the atrium. There is a coffee cart. To your right (opposite the hallway that the food court is down) will be a set of stairs. Go up these stairs, and the MSB will be on your right.
  • Meetings are always Wednesday evenings at 7:30 pm. They are held about once a month, somtimes twice a month.


What committee was I put in?
  • You will receive a welcome email from the directors of your committee. We cannot sort anyone until after the application deadline, so you will not know what committee you are in until after this date. On the main page and the listserv, we will announce when your welcome emails should arrive. If you do not receive the email within 48 hours, please email questions@ufpremed.org and let us know!


Where can I find out about events?
  • General AMSA events will be posted on the main page as they come up. The events page will show all upcoming events that we currently know of. Committee events will also be uploaded to the website by your directors, and can be viewed on the committee events page. You will have access to whatever is uploaded. However, this will not necessarily reflect everything your committee has scheduled. You should talk to your committee's directors to find out more.


What is good standing?
  • Good standing is a measure of how active an AMSA member is. Every time you attend an event, it is your responsibility to check in. This is how we keep a record of what events you've attended, and this helps us measure your activity level. We open some opportunities, like Equal Access Support Committee membership, only to members who are very active and in good standing.


How do I get good standing? What are the requirements?
  • This year, we have changed good standing requirements. There are now three levels: bronze, silver, and gold. All levels require committee good standing to be in overall good standing. Bronze standing is the bare minimum you need to be considered in good standing. For that, you need 2 socials, 2 financials, and 3 of 5 meetings. For members who attend 3 socials, 3 financials, and 4 of 5 meetings, their standing will be upgraded to silver. And members who attend 4 socials, 4 financials, and all general meetings will get gold standing. You can always check what events you have down for standing by going to the view standing page.


Can I remain a member if I am not in good standing?
  • Yes. We do not require good standing to remain a member. As mentioned before, good standing is only a measure of how active a member is within our organization.


What if I went to an event but its not showing up on my standing record?
  • If it has been less than two weeks since the event, we may still be in the process of putting in your points. If it has been more than two weeks since the event, you can either email questions@ufpremed.org or come into the office and speak with an officer.


Once I join, do I have to reapply to remain a member?
  • Yes. You must apply every year to renew your membership. If you first joined in Fall, you have to reapply every Fall. If you joined in Spring, you will have to reapply each Fall and Spring. You will only have to pay yearly membership fees and national dues in Spring. We admit that it is a little bit confusing, but the perks of being an AMSA member are well worth it.


Can AMSA help me find volunteering opportunities?
  • Yes. Our advising/volunteering directors can help! They can provide you with the information you need to find a volunteering or research position. They cannot line up positions for you, but they can give you the advice and tools you need to do it yourself. Our advising/volunteering directors will also send out listservs with opportunities available to all of AMSA. You can take advantage of these opportunities, too. Because our directors do not work during breaks like Summer, you want to make sure that you secure their assistance before the end of the term.