2009-2010 George Washington University Application Thread

[MegaProjectile]

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I've already used Kaplan and EK....not sure how much I can improve. I'm assuming the 4 was your pre-study score?

I studied hard the first time when I took the MCAT and scored a 4 . Trust me you can improve. I tried a different technique called mapping where I mentally noted the main idea of each paragraph and was scoring 11s and occasionally 12s on EK practice. The real test was more like my Kaplan though where you fish for the answers in the passage.I scored a 9 on the second test but that was because I skipped a whole passage due to time. So yea, re-do your EK 101 and practice with Kaplan. I also have 2 full-length EK if you need fresh passages. PM me and I'll email them to you.

 

[delicatefew24]

Still no e-mail about the "correspondence". Couldn't sleep very well. Ugh

 

[benny345]

Sorry to post this again, but anyone else interviewing on 9/22?

 

[delicatefew24]

I'm getting really worried... its 6pm Eastern time and I've had this "check your email" message since yesterday... should I call again? I know I am sounding neurotic but I read a few pages back that someone with this message didn't have their US citizenship forms or something, did ANYONE get e-mails from GWU today?

Sorry for being SDN-ish/crazy.

 

[Appless]

I'm getting really worried... its 6pm Eastern time and I've had this "check your email" message since yesterday... should I call again? I know I am sounding neurotic but I read a few pages back that someone didn't have their US citizenship forms or something, did ANYONE get e-mails from GWU today?

Sorry for being SDN-ish/crazy.

i dont think it warrants a call unless u like being annoying lol. Just wait its been one day...You dont even need to send them citizenship unless u were not born in the US

 

[delicatefew24]

i dont think it warrants a call unless u like being annoying lol. Just wait its been one day...You dont even need to send them citizenship unless u were not born in the US

Thanks elijah, you're right. I cannot believe its bothering me so much. This process makes people absolutely insane haha

 

[Appless]

Thanks elijah, you're right. I cannot believe its bothering me so much. This process makes people absolutely insane haha

lol np dude. We all have our mini freak out moments during this process...🙂

 

[CalBear2009]

Thanks elijah, you're right. I cannot believe its bothering me so much. This process makes people absolutely insane haha

Seriously, I feel like I'm going out of my mind right now. I know its still way early in the process, but with all these invites being thrown out, and none of them landing in my inbox, I feel dejected already. I jest need to quit SDN cold turkey, that might help.

 

[Appless]

Seriously, I feel like I'm going out of my mind right now. I know its still way early in the process, but with all these invites being thrown out, and none of them landing in my inbox, I feel dejected already. I jest need to quit SDN cold turkey, that might help.

lol u think it would, but then you just think man i bet peeps on sdn are getting more ahah. After your 1st interview invite it gets easier, at least i think so. I was freaking out, then i got an interview from creighton and now its just like , hoping more come but not going insane.

 

[goducks]

lol u think it would, but then you just think man i bet peeps on sdn are getting more ahah. After your 1st interview invite it gets easier, at least i think so. I was freaking out, then i got an interview from creighton and now its just like , hoping more come but not going insane.

so true.

 

[jackson1]

lol u think it would, but then you just think man i bet peeps on sdn are getting more ahah. After your 1st interview invite it gets easier, at least i think so. I was freaking out, then i got an interview from creighton and now its just like , hoping more come but not going insane.

I can't wait for that first one to come!!

 

[BlueElmo]

lol u think it would, but then you just think man i bet peeps on sdn are getting more ahah. After your 1st interview invite it gets easier, at least i think so. I was freaking out, then i got an interview from creighton and now its just like , hoping more come but not going insane.

Same. Except for me, it was after the second interview invite. Then I was like in chill mode.

Still gotta pass my summer class, though.

 

[spj]

I'm applying to GWU for 2010.
I have looked and all I keep reading about is bad things about the school since they've been put on probation.
Can anyone tell me some good things about the school, curriculum, professors, and hospital?
Thanks 🙂

 

[not so calm now]

I'm applying to GWU for 2010.
I have looked and all I keep reading about is bad things about the school since they've been put on probation.
Can anyone tell me some good things about the school, curriculum, professors, and hospital?
Thanks 🙂

You can get plenty of good things from their website. From what I can gather good things are the "tracks" you can participate in (i.e., disaster, urban, etc.) in addition to location in D.C. You might want to ask over in the 2008-2009 thread as they probably know more about the particulars. I'm guessing most of us haven't even visited the school before.

 

[sandeaud2010]

I have a question concerning LOR's. I have a pre-med committee letter that I am sending, but would like to send along additional letters from the PI of my research lab, a couple of doctors I worked with, etc. Will GW accept letters in addition to my committee letter? I realize on the secondary that they say a committee letter will fulfill their requirements in full, but I feel that these other letters are important in order to paint a well-rounded picture of me. Any thoughts on this will be extremely appreciated.

Thanks in advance! 🙂

 

[medicalkid123]

.

 

[ajkby52]

I got a couple of questions

My physics lab was only 2 quarter units, which translates to 1.3 semester hours. Does this make it so I'm unable to fulfill the course requirements? Would I really need to take another physics lab at a CC?

Also this sounds really dumb, but what qualifies as non-academic? Anything unrelated to courses and schoolwork right, so volunteer is fine?

What's the best way to post the picture? Just get a bunch of copies and develop them, or just print it from a computer?

And lastly, is it just me, or does the pdf not allow you to save the information on the file.

 

[Luun]

I got a couple of questions

My physics lab was only 2 quarter units, which translates to 1.3 semester hours. Does this make it so I'm unable to fulfill the course requirements? Would I really need to take another physics lab at a CC?

Also this sounds really dumb, but what qualifies as non-academic? Anything unrelated to courses and schoolwork right, so volunteer is fine?

What's the best way to post the picture? Just get a bunch of copies and develop them, or just print it from a computer?

And lastly, is it just me, or does the pdf not allow you to save the information on the file.

I can't answer your quarter/semester question, but I would say that a volunteer experience is non-academic. At the same time, I personally think of hobbies and activities first when I see "non-academic".

Regarding the picture, the best way is relative to whatever is easier for you. I had photo paper so I just printed out my own pictures using epassportphoto.com but others who don't own or use photo paper found it easier to just get their pictures printed at a local store.

It's not just you, I wasn't able to save my information in the pdf either. Unless you have Adobe Acrobat Pro, you usually won't have the option of saving a filled pdf. Most users only have Adobe Reader.

 

[Appless]

I got a couple of questions

My physics lab was only 2 quarter units, which translates to 1.3 semester hours. Does this make it so I'm unable to fulfill the course requirements? Would I really need to take another physics lab at a CC?

Also this sounds really dumb, but what qualifies as non-academic? Anything unrelated to courses and schoolwork right, so volunteer is fine?

What's the best way to post the picture? Just get a bunch of copies and develop them, or just print it from a computer?

And lastly, is it just me, or does the pdf not allow you to save the information on the file.

you need to call the school and ask about your classes, there are always exceptions to the rule and you may be one.

 

[MegaProjectile]

so those with interviews, where are you staying? my date is in early october and hotels are really expensive. the best rate i have found so far is $128 at the hotel harrington

I'm trying to look into Student Hosting. I have emailed the interview committe and I'm waiting to hear back. They tend to reply quickly. Also there is a place called the Hilltop Hostel. It's $24/night and close to the train. More :


Hilltop Hostel ($24/night) ----->http://www.hosteldc.com/

Simpkins Bed & Breakfast & Hostel (College students and international travelers only.$10 - $20/night)----->http://simpkinsbedandbreakfast.com/

Hostelling International ($20 - $40)---->http://www.hiwashingtondc.org/rates.shtml

 

[w8ting2exhale]

I'm trying to look into Student Hosting. I have emailed the interview committe and I'm waiting to hear back. They tend to reply quickly. Also there is a place called the Hilltop Hostel. It's $24/night and close to the train. More :


Hilltop Hostel ($24/night) ----->http://www.hosteldc.com/

Simpkins Bed & Breakfast & Hostel (College students and international travelers only.$10 - $20/night)----->http://simpkinsbedandbreakfast.com/

Hostelling International ($20 - $40)---->http://www.hiwashingtondc.org/rates.shtml

😱 Those rates are unbelievable! Im also considering the student hosting thing but the list wont be posted until sept 1.

Btw, are those of you with interviews looking at arrangements (i.e. travel, hotels, etc) now? I'm waiting till I finish filling it out secondaries before concentrating on interviews. I wish I can start prepping asap though.

 

[8mile]

I'm trying to look into Student Hosting. I have emailed the interview committe and I'm waiting to hear back. They tend to reply quickly. Also there is a place called the Hilltop Hostel. It's $24/night and close to the train. More :


Hilltop Hostel ($24/night) ----->http://www.hosteldc.com/

Simpkins Bed & Breakfast & Hostel (College students and international travelers only.$10 - $20/night)----->http://simpkinsbedandbreakfast.com/

Hostelling International ($20 - $40)---->http://www.hiwashingtondc.org/rates.shtml

Thanks for the links! (I can't get the Simpkins one to work). These rates are very good, but something about sharing a room with 6-8 other strangers doesn't quite appeal to me. 🙁

Has anyone tried calling the list of hotels on the GW website for special prices?

 

[MegaProjectile]

Thanks for the links! (I can't get the Simpkins one to work). These rates are very good, but something about sharing a room with 6-8 other strangers doesn't quite appeal to me. 🙁

Has anyone tried calling the list of hotels on the GW website for special prices?

Hostels are not for everyone but at least you have an option if hotels are not financially feasible later on down the road.

😱 Those rates are unbelievable! Im also considering the student hosting thing but the list wont be posted until sept

Sept 1st sounds like a good time. I don't interview until the 18th anyway.

 

[medicalkid123]

.

 

[8mile]

im landing at reagan. whats the best (read: cheapest) way to get to the school?

I think that's what we're all trying to figure out.🙂

 

[medicalkid123]

.

 

[w8ting2exhale]

haha, one more question: hotel checkouts are typically at 11 or 12... what the heck will we do with our bags after we check out?

You can leave them with the concierge. Are you guys staying just for interview day or taking an extra day to explore the city/hang out?-- if you get a student host, that is (and dont have to pay extra for hotels). I know of some folks who do this.

 

[kia ora]

I think that's what we're all trying to figure out.🙂

Metro (the train/subway). take the blue line from Reagan to Foggy Bottom (this is the closest station to GWU main campus, idk about the med school). it's cheap (used to be $1.50 when I lived there, probably more like $2 or sth now). under half an hour point to point.

 

[kia ora]

haha, one more question: hotel checkouts are typically at 11 or 12... what the heck will we do with our bags after we check out?

have you kids never traveled before?🙂 almost any hotel will store your bags for you for a few hours after you check out, or for a few hours before check-in

 

[jasmine112]

im landing at reagan. whats the best (read: cheapest) way to get to the school?

the metro, definitely. There's a metro stop at Reagan National and you take the yellow line into the city, switch at l'enfant plaza, and then orange/blue line west to Foggy Bottom/GWU.

here's WMATA for better info/prices:

http://www.wmata.com/

 

[kia ora]

the metro, definitely. There's a metro stop at Reagan National and you take the yellow line into the city, switch at l'enfant plaza, and then orange/blue line west to Foggy Bottom/GWU.

here's WMATA for better info/prices:

http://www.wmata.com/

you can take the blue line directly from Reagan to Foggy Bottom, no line change needed

 

[jasmine112]

you can take the blue line directly from Reagan to Foggy Bottom, no line change needed

*doh*

sorry for giving the long way! my bad...

 

[buju]

do the 3 LORs need to be from faculty or is non-faculty fine? also should i apply now or is it a bit late?

Thanks

 

[house vs god]

Its a fill-able pdf. I think we have to mail it to them? It doesnt say on the app. Though im trying to save the work i did and it wont let me-_-.........😡

Does anyone know of any freeware that I can download for a Mac to save filil-able PDFs that are formatted to be unsaveable?

That would make life so much easier for this secondary...

 

[Bryson17]

Does anyone know of any freeware that I can download for a Mac to save filil-able PDFs that are formatted to be unsaveable?

That would make life so much easier for this secondary...

Formulate pro.

I've used it a lot.

 

[house vs god]

Formulate pro.

I've used it a lot.

BRILLIANT thank you.

 

[delicatefew24]

Interview!!! Had the "check your email" status for 4 days, got increasingly stressed. Finally called and they said "oh you should have gotten an email," and it popped up in my inbox in minutes! If in doubt, call 👍

Oh and Dulles is really fast if you have a car/take a taxi using the toll road, and I think its cheapest. Otherwise Reagan is definitely easiest. I'm flying into Dulles and having one of my friends pick me up.

PS. my interview is in October! They said all the dates in September are full now.

 

[drMeep]

Interview!!! Had the "check your email" status for 4 days, got increasingly stressed. Finally called and they said "oh you should have gotten an email," and it popped up in my inbox in minutes! If in doubt, call 👍

when did you get a "file complete" email?

 

[Toadsworth]

Yikes, on hold via status update.

 

[delicatefew24]

when did you get a "file complete" email?

July 28 -- SR: 6/25, SS: 7/6, C: 7/28 (It took my LORs a while...) II: 8/10

 

[LAS10886]

For the people who have been invited to interview: Did any of you have your status be "hold for re-review" before you got granted an interview? Or did you just automatically get an interview after your application was reviewed.

I am just wondering if the "re-review" is like a couple of months from now, or if they are constantly re-reviewing applications.

 

[Kneige]

Yeah, I wonder about that too. I'm also on hold for re-review.

Edit: Just received a reply to my email asking them when they'd do the review again. It doesn't really answer the question.

"Ours is a rolling admissions process. There is no set schedule for review and we do interview from September through to March. If you are offered an interview, you will be contacted directly via email. We appreciate your interest in GW."

 

[Appless]

Yeah, I wonder about that too. I'm also on hold for re-review.

If you looked through the thread, you will notice people who were on hold, but also got interviews. While others were never put on hold but still got interviews. Point being dont panic, just chill and wait because its all you can do. hold does not equal rejection. If you are rejected trust me you will find out.

 

[teachmed27]

Interview!!! Had the "check your email" status for 4 days, got increasingly stressed. Finally called and they said "oh you should have gotten an email," and it popped up in my inbox in minutes! If in doubt, call 👍

Oh and Dulles is really fast if you have a car/take a taxi using the toll road, and I think its cheapest. Otherwise Reagan is definitely easiest. I'm flying into Dulles and having one of my friends pick me up.

PS. my interview is in October! They said all the dates in September are full now.

Congrats on the interview!

Reagan is the easiest, quickest, and cheapest. From Reagan, you can take the metro for $1.35 ($1.65 rush hour) and it'll take about 15mins. If you take a cab from Dulles it'll cost you $40-50 and a good 30-45mins.

The med school and hospital is literally right at the Foggy Bottom metro stop.

 

[Luun]

Congrats on the interview!

Reagan is the easiest, quickest, and cheapest. From Reagan, you can take the metro for $1.35 ($1.65 rush hour) and it'll take about 15mins. If you take a cab from Dulles it'll cost you $40-50 and a good 30-45mins.

The med school and hospital is literally right at the Foggy Bottom metro stop.

🙁 I'm flying into Dulles, but it was way cheaper than flying into Reagan for me. That and I'm making a mini-trip out of it and going with my mom. I've never been to DC before, so I'm staying for a few days.

 

[LeavingThisLab]

Yikes, on hold via status update.

Same here -- well, it could be worse I guess.

 

[MegaProjectile]

🙁 I'm flying into Dulles, but it was way cheaper than flying into Reagan for me. That and I'm making a mini-trip out of it and going with my mom. I've never been to DC before, so I'm staying for a few days.

First time to DC too. Wish I could spend a few days canvassing and enjoying DC. I leave right after my interview.🙁

 

[brainologist]

on hold too.. 🙁

 

[WhatsUppDoc]

on hold.

 

[teachmed27]

🙁 I'm flying into Dulles, but it was way cheaper than flying into Reagan for me. That and I'm making a mini-trip out of it and going with my mom. I've never been to DC before, so I'm staying for a few days.

There is always the SuperShuttle option - http://www.supershuttle.com/default.aspx - it's a bit cheaper than taking a cab. If you really want to save money, there is a Metro Bus that will take you into the city (to connect to Metro Rail) for about $3. - http://www.wmata.com/getting_around/new_metro/ - It'll take a bit longer, but I've used it before and it's not bad at all and well worth the money saved!