Welcome to the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine Class of 2028!
Today is the first day of class for these talented students. Every year our newly matriculating students astonish me by their increasing academic prowess. Each year since 2015 the entering class has had a higher median MCAT and GPA – and this year, they’ve done it again. The new class of 2028 has a median MCAT score of 520, placing them in the 97th percentile nationally and a median GPA of 3.95.
I always look forward to greeting our students on the first day. Each of our new students will receive a book: The Obstacle Is The Way, by Ryan Holiday.
So why a book about ancient Greek philosophy for students about to start classes in anatomy, physiology, molecular genetics and pharmacology?
Class of 2028 students with USF mascot Rocky D. Bull
Well, because medical school is hard. And this book will help them do hard things. It’s a brief primer on Stoic philosophy that aims to develop grit and resilience in the reader. At heart, it focuses on the idea that we become stronger by rising to our challenges.
Our 130 incoming students were selected from thousands of promising applicants because we believe they have track records of talent, empathy, focus, and achievement that indicate they’re up to the challenge of medical school. I hope this book will help better prepare them for that challenge.
To learn more about the Class of 2028's first day, click here.