2009-2010 George Washington University Application Thread

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does anybody know how they break up a 4 unit lab + lecture course? for chemistry, i have 8 units where 4 are lecture only and 4 are a lab+lec. for physics, i have 8 units with 2 4 unit lab+lec. i'm assuming it doens't matter as much and i'm thinking too much about it, since either way it's 1 full year with as much lab as i could have taken at my undergrad, but i do have other physics classes so i was wondering if i should tack that onto the third line as an extra precaution 😳 gonna mail this baby out tomorrow!

thank you!
 
spj said:
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 🙂
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I love this School im a Premed 2 and im doing Reseaarch now there and it is soo much fun the people are nice, the doctors, residents, Medstudents and the premeds there are all amazing its like they are this working machine that would fall out if 1 was not working well but they have managed to keep it runing all the time- sory analogy kinda sucks but basically they are willing to help those in need and those new and etc its like doing research at home they are like a Family and there students know their stuff so i dont get why they were on probation but i would love to go here and did i mention its in the heart of DC 😍 except they have really annoying construction near where i work everything else is AMAZING you SHOULD GO here if you GET A CHANCE plus look at their residency match its pretty steller. 🙂

Hope that helps
 
Interview invite by email! App complete 8/6.
 
how long do people wait on hold before they might get re-reviewd?
 
When people said they were put on hold, what did the message say? Was it this:
"Your application to The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences is complete and has been reviewed by the Admissions Committee. To date, no final decision has been made and the Admissions Committee has placed your application on hold for re-review at a later date."
 
yes, now, how long do you wait before you hear again?

have people come off of being on hold to an interview within a few weeks?
 
I don't know, I'm asking the people who said they were put on hold earlier on and then received an interview. It seemed like they were just put on HOLD without the "re-review" clause, but i'm not quite sure.
 
I'm assuming that is what EVERYBODY on hold got.

then actually re-reviewd and granted an interview
 
Norah89 said:
I love this School im a Premed 2 and im doing Reseaarch now there and it is soo much fun the people are nice, the doctors, residents, Medstudents and the premeds there are all amazing its like they are this working machine that would fall out if 1 was not working well but they have managed to keep it runing all the time- sory analogy kinda sucks but basically they are willing to help those in need and those new and etc its like doing research at home they are like a Family and there students know their stuff so i dont get why they were on probation but i would love to go here and did i mention its in the heart of DC 😍 except they have really annoying construction near where i work everything else is AMAZING you SHOULD GO here if you GET A CHANCE plus look at their residency match its pretty steller. 🙂

Hope that helps
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Haha... Did you just confess your love for GW through a drunk post? I'm just poking fun, but it would be awesome if you drunk dialed the admissions and left a similar long-winded message with analogies and tangents. 🙂
 
teachmed27 said:
Haha... Did you just confess your love for GW through a drunk post? I'm just poking fun, but it would be awesome if you drunk dialed the admissions and left a similar long-winded message with analogies and tangents. 🙂
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hahaha i wasnt drunk i was just high off coffee hehehehe
 
for answering the last question of "Why GWU," would it look bad if I talk about research opportunities? especially those which are related to my current work in an undergraduate lab? Or should I just focus on patient-care? In reality I want to spend most of my time with patients as a doctor but also want to possess the knowledge of critically analyzing research publications and advancements. I believe that it can be done only by doing it ourselves for a specific period of time.
 
viscous said:
for answering the last question of "Why GWU," would it look bad if I talk about research opportunities? especially those which are related to my current work in an undergraduate lab? Or should I just focus on patient-care? In reality I want to spend most of my time with patients as a doctor but also want to possess the knowledge of critically analyzing research publications and advancements. I believe that it can be done only by doing it ourselves for a specific period of time.
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Make sure you talk about that. 👍
 
viscous said:
for answering the last question of "Why GWU," would it look bad if I talk about research opportunities? especially those which are related to my current work in an undergraduate lab? Or should I just focus on patient-care? In reality I want to spend most of my time with patients as a doctor but also want to possess the knowledge of critically analyzing research publications and advancements. I believe that it can be done only by doing it ourselves for a specific period of time.
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Just keep in mind that GW doesn't have the strongest focus on research. They are more clinically-minded. That is not to say that they don't care about research. I believe they are trying to expand their research focus, but clinicals remain the main focus. Your reasons, if worded well, will be great. I wouldn't say that GW's focus on research is why you want to go there because then you would be missing GW's main focus which is patient care.
 
teachmed27 said:
Just keep in mind that GW doesn't have the strongest focus on research. They are more clinically-minded. That is not to say that they don't care about research. I believe they are trying to expand their research focus, but clinicals remain the main focus. Your reasons, if worded well, will be great. I wouldn't say that GW's focus on research is why you want to go there because then you would be missing GW's main focus which is patient care.
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woops.
 
I talked about their Practice of Medicine module and being exposed early to seeing patients...also mentioned the advantages of being in DC and research opportunities I'd like to continue (because I'm interested in academic medicine). You only have 800 characters, so you can't really say anything too consequential anyway.

I was put on hold, so no idea if this was the right approach.
 
Bryson17 said:
woops.
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Well, if it makes you feel any better, I didn't write about patient exposure at all, mostly talked about research and public health stuff/international opportunities and I got an interview. I don't think they put a huge amount of stock in your answer to that question unless it's obvious you have not looked into the school at all...
 
AyCaramba said:
Well, if it makes you feel any better, I didn't write about patient exposure at all, mostly talked about research and public health stuff/international opportunities and I got an interview. I don't think they put a huge amount of stock in your answer to that question unless it's obvious you have not looked into the school at all...
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i talked about similar thing and im on hold...in the end as long as your response is not complete BS or some pure crap...i doubt theres too much stock into the 2ndary answers like this...when everyone will have the same similar answers over and over.
 
viscous said:
for answering the last question of "Why GWU," would it look bad if I talk about research opportunities? especially those which are related to my current work in an undergraduate lab? Or should I just focus on patient-care? In reality I want to spend most of my time with patients as a doctor but also want to possess the knowledge of critically analyzing research publications and advancements. I believe that it can be done only by doing it ourselves for a specific period of time.
Click to expand...


I talked about my interest in the research going on at the GW Cardiovascular Institute(funded by Dick Cheney). I tied it to patient care concerning how it affects minorities in low-income communities. I got an interview.

I would stay clear of talking about publications or the analytical ability to digest them.
 
How long after you got the application complete email was it until you got any notification of your status, I got the email on on the 11th and I still have the "your file is now complete message"
 
Elijah05 said:
i talked about similar thing and im on hold...in the end as long as your response is not complete BS or some pure crap...i doubt theres too much stock into the 2ndary answers like this...when everyone will have the same similar answers over and over.
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FWIW I talked about very specific aspects of their program that I was interested in (such as identifying "tracts" I would be interested in participating in) as well as talked about opportunities to work in free clinic, etc. and I got an interview. I think they want to see that you read the promotional materials they put together on their website. There's a pdf up there that's really helpful and talks about the unique aspects of the curriculum/school. I'd definitely read that and pick from there. Be sure to give a little reason why you're interested. For example, "I'm interested in the disaster relief track. An experience volunteering in Hurricane Katrina made the need for physicians trained in this area very clear to me."

I think there is a lot of stock put into the secondary answers here. They need some way to sort through hundreds of candidates who look the same. This is a place to show that you've researched the school and are interested in what it has to offer. People who have very generic answers are going to come across as applying to GWU as a back-up.
 
not so calm now said:
FWIW I talked about very specific aspects of their program that I was interested in (such as identifying "tracts" I would be interested in participating in) as well as talked about opportunities to work in free clinic, etc. and I got an interview. I think they want to see that you read the promotional materials they put together on their website. There's a pdf up there that's really helpful and talks about the unique aspects of the curriculum/school. I'd definitely read that and pick from there. Be sure to give a little reason why you're interested. For example, "I'm interested in the disaster relief track. An experience volunteering in Hurricane Katrina made the need for physicians trained in this area very clear to me."

I think there is a lot of stock put into the secondary answers here. They need some way to sort through hundreds of candidates who look the same. This is a place to show that you've researched the school and are interested in what it has to offer. People who have very generic answers are going to come across as applying to GWU as a back-up.
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i wasnt saying they werent important, but its just all the "good ones" will have some research. I literally wrote about the SAME thing as you...about the tracks i was interested in and how i was interested in policy and such (i think it was the health policy track or something?) and no interview...like i said of course a generic answer will axe you. but if youput some thought into it, then theres only so much you can do with the why school X question that many others have already done.
 
Elijah05 said:
but if youput some thought into it, then theres only so much you can do with the why school X question that many others have already done.
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I suppose what I was trying to convey is taking the focus away from a "there's only so much I can do with this question" mentality to a "this is your chance to really show them why you want to go here, and you can do this in this way" point of view.

To highlight the difference between a generic and a common answer: Generic implies little thought was involved and some junk was spat out about location, clinical aspects, etc. Common might be saying something about the tracks and giving a reason to support why this interests you. I don't think it's necessarily bad to have a common answer, as there are lots of other things to make you unique.

Better a common answer than a bizarre tangential answer.

Honestly, I think the whole "uniqueness" thing is blow out of proportion here. You want to have a hook, like a really involved research or volunteer/comm. service activity, but you don't want to stretch things to make you seem completely different from other medical school applicants. Hundreds of similar-sounding on paper premeds apply, but hundreds of these people get in, too. It's all about the balance.
 
Yea I got the on hold for re-review status too.
Does that mean that they liked me but are not sure yet and thus will wait for more apps to come in?

How long does it take for a decision once that status is posted?

Sigh.

I noticed how they said they'll email you if you status changes ... well mine did change to that and they didn't email me. :/
 
sigh. worst part is that i actually really want an interview here and would love to go here. its not a 'safety' school for me and i wish they realized that. hopefully with my gpa (3.3), they'll figure that out... lol
 
keep your hopes up... my stats aren't spectacular by any means
 
adavis23 said:
keep your hopes up... my stats aren't spectacular by any means
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i saw your stats. no idea why you say they aren't spectacular. A 30 with a 3.7 is great....

try having a 3.3 and a 34S.

I would have messaged you this but it seems you have them turned off.
 
I've also been put on hold for later re-review. I'm hoping for the best - already got interviews set at four other schools and would like to make this numero cinco.
 
GirlAnachronism said:
i saw your stats. no idea why you say they aren't spectacular. A 30 with a 3.7 is great....

try having a 3.3 and a 34S.

I would have messaged you this but it seems you have them turned off.
Click to expand...

Actually, the both of you have pretty comparable stats as far as initial and secondary screenings go (in general).
 
camaras2480 said:
Actually, the both of you have pretty comparable stats as far as initial and secondary screenings go (in general).
Click to expand...

I would assume a 30/3.7 is far better than a 34/3.3 . Don't get me wrong, a 34 is a spectacular MCAT score, but a decent MCAT/decent GPA is better than a high MCAT/low GPA. It shows you are well balanced in all aspects of the application.

EDIT: I just realized you were talking about preliminary screenings, so in that case, I would assume both of them are good enough.
 
I'm on "hold" and my boss just told me that we're going to a conference in the DC mid October. I'm I allowed to send them an in-the-area email? It would save me money, but I don't want to hurt my chances.
 
greenbeans08 said:
I'm on "hold" and my boss just told me that we're going to a conference in the DC mid October. I'm I allowed to send them an in-the-area email? It would save me money, but I don't want to hurt my chances.
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i'd call, less chance it may be taken as arrogant and/or presumptuous
 
YES! Just got the interview invite yesterday. It's my first one, and I'm kind of excited. I really like GW's programs, it seems like a great place. Totally doesn't deserve the 'fallback school' reputation.

It'll be cool to get back in the DC area, I studied there for a semester in my school's internship program. My school just also opened a new building for the program a couple blocks north of GWU, so I'm excited to check that out.

For anyone wondering about transportation, the Metro is a pretty good way to get around, and the Foggy Bottom station will let you out literally between the med school building and the hospital. It also serves Reagan airport, but not Dulles, so keep that in mind when booking flights. (As a side note, though, the Metro does not serve Georgetown, so keep that in mind if you head over there.) Also, be aware that the Metro does not run 24 hours. So if your flight arrives late or leaves early, you might want to check the schedules. More info at wmata.com.

As for places to stay, keep in mind that the Metro means you don't have to stay in DC itself- there are tons of places in the greater area. Just poke around. The hostels mentioned earlier also look like great options- yes, you're sharing a room, but it's cheap and you might get to meet a bunch of cool people, and in my experience they're generally pretty safe- just be smart, lock up your valuables and you'll be fine. (You also might get a bunch of rowdy drunken Irish people yelling at each other and having sex at 6 AM, but that's a story for another time😉)

greenbeans08 said:
I'm on "hold" and my boss just told me that we're going to a conference in the DC mid October. I'm I allowed to send them an in-the-area email? It would save me money, but I don't want to hurt my chances.
Click to expand...

Definitely go ahead and send them an email as a heads-up. The phrase you want to use is 'if you intend to interview'. I dropped a line to Georgetown to let them know when I was going to be there.

A general note from my pre-med advisor:

Those of you in school will have a difficult (and expensive) semester if you get several interviews that require travel. So of course if you get an interview in New York as an example be sure to call all of the schools in that area to see if you can add them to the trip you are already taking. Just tell the medical school that you are from California and "if they plan to interview you" would they please let you know as soon as possible so that you can visit them when you are already back there for another interview. They are honestly pretty good about this.
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Complete: 8/13
Interview Invite: 8/21

Really excited! Good thing I have a friend in DC I can stay with. How cold is it there in October?
 
Hi everyone,

I'm also having trouble with the non-academic prompt. I want to talk about creating a student organization involving bioethics. I bring various medical/biological case studies to our club meetings and the club members discuss if the procedure or act is ethical or not. We don't delve into specific schools of philosophy but rather in general if something seems right or wrong and for whatever reason. Now, I know bioethics is in the realm of academia, but this club does not pertain to the courses I am taking nor my education. It is a fun way to debate and develop our ethical/moral code.

Do you think this would fit into the description of being non-academic? Because when I think academic, I'm thinking classes, research, awards won,etc.
 
Encrypted said:
Hi everyone,

I'm also having trouble with the non-academic prompt. I want to talk about creating a student organization involving bioethics. I bring various medical/biological case studies to our club meetings and the club members discuss if the procedure or act is ethical or not. We don't delve into specific schools of philosophy but rather in general if something seems right or wrong and for whatever reason. Now, I know bioethics is in the realm of academia, but this club does not pertain to the courses I am taking nor my education. It is a fun way to debate and develop our ethical/moral code.

Do you think this would fit into the description of being non-academic? Because when I think academic, I'm thinking classes, research, awards won,etc.
Click to expand...

yes, i think that fits the description. and i must say, your signature is brilliant and hilarious.
 
adavis23 said:
anybody else interviewing 10/15?
Click to expand...

No, but mine's on 10/16. I'm flying in on the 14th, though (in case GTown decides to interview me, too), so I'll be around...
 
Encrypted said:
Hi everyone,

I'm also having trouble with the non-academic prompt. I want to talk about creating a student organization involving bioethics. I bring various medical/biological case studies to our club meetings and the club members discuss if the procedure or act is ethical or not. We don't delve into specific schools of philosophy but rather in general if something seems right or wrong and for whatever reason. Now, I know bioethics is in the realm of academia, but this club does not pertain to the courses I am taking nor my education. It is a fun way to debate and develop our ethical/moral code.

Do you think this would fit into the description of being non-academic? Because when I think academic, I'm thinking classes, research, awards won,etc.
Click to expand...

I'm not quite sure about this. Yes, it's extracurricular, but it's also about a very academic subject. Do you have any other major personal achievements that you are proud of?

If you do decide to go with this, I would focus more on the leadership skills you employed, the work you did to prepare, the response from the members, and anything specific the club accomplished (events held, speakers brought in, etc.). Good luck!
 
Ah I completely forgot to look at that status page thinking I would get an email. Hold/Re-review for me as well. ... sigh..
 
My status says "..received secondary application...please send your letters to amcas..."

Amcas received my letters about a month ago. It's been about a week since my newest MCAT score came out, which I think might the reason why they haven't updated my app yet? So everything should be in.

Should I give them a call?
 
herewego said:
My status says "..received secondary application...please send your letters to amcas..."

Amcas received my letters about a month ago. It's been about a week since my newest MCAT score came out, which I think might the reason why they haven't updated my app yet? So everything should be in.

Should I give them a call?
Click to expand...


I'm wondering about this too. My secondary was received on 8/17 and I have the "please send your letters" message on my status page. How long did it take everyone to be complete after the secondary ap. was received?
 
Whats the URL for the status updates?
 
herewego said:
My status says "..received secondary application...please send your letters to amcas..."

Amcas received my letters about a month ago. It's been about a week since my newest MCAT score came out, which I think might the reason why they haven't updated my app yet? So everything should be in.

Should I give them a call?
Click to expand...

Yes, definitely give them a call.
 
My secondary is ready and I am going to send it in tomorrow. Is it already too late, and would this be a waste of time? I don't even feel like it's that late but this site has an interesting way of playing with one's head.

My stats are 3.62/35S, strong research background (but my personal desire in med school is an early focus on clinical care)
 
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