2010-2011 George Washington University Application Thread

[Longshanks]

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Yep, same here. I didn't make it passed this round of mass rejects it looks like.

On hold since mid/late September.

 

[tomh98]

I also received the axe today. pre-interview, on hold since the end of september.

 

[Fabio001]

🙁 Too bad for me as well...

 

[lunettes]

Pre-interview rejection here as well, on hold since late September and sent an update letter on Wednesday (...somehow don't think it helped much). Sad, but I'm honestly kind of relieved just to hear anything concrete at this point.

 

[Obliquity]

Interesting... GW just asked for updates on what I've been up to post-graduation, despite having sent them an update/interest letter in December letting them know just that. This is a week post-interview, by the way.

Odd... thoughts?

 

[korsian]

Pre-interview rejection here as well, on hold since late September and sent an update letter on Wednesday (...somehow don't think it helped much). Sad, but I'm honestly kind of relieved just to hear anything concrete at this point.

Nothing here yet; complete since early September, sent a pre-interview update letter in November, might send them another one soon. I'd love to be in DC..

 

[TexasBelle87]

Interviewed on 12.17 and re-visited the school Last Friday (my sister was being interviewed for their 7 year BA/MD program) and I got an e-mail Monday saying that my application is going to be referred for acceptance into the 5 year "Decelerated" program.

I'm a little bummed bc I loved GW and they were definately one of my top choices, especially if my sis gets into their program but I'm not excited about paying $77k a year for 5 years now. I'm holding 3 other acceptances so we'll see what happens. Does anyone know if I'm still in the pool for the regular 4 year program?

Ughh I love DC and want to move there so bad!

 

[DoctaFuture]

Interviewed on 12.17 and re-visited the school Last Friday (my sister was being interviewed for their 7 year BA/MD program) and I got an e-mail Monday saying that my application is going to be referred for acceptance into the 5 year "Decelerated" program.

I'm a little bummed bc I loved GW and they were definately one of my top choices, especially if my sis gets into their program but I'm not excited about paying $77k a year for 5 years now. I'm holding 3 other acceptances so we'll see what happens. Does anyone know if I'm still in the pool for the regular 4 year program?

Ughh I love DC and want to move there so bad!

Oh dang, so what's the terms of the decelerated program?

 

[TexasBelle87]

Oh dang, so what's the terms of the decelerated program?

They split first year courses over two years. My undergrad GPA wasn't the best so i'm thinking thats why they suggested that, but I completed a post-bacc and did well in it....

 

[AlmadeDr]

I was also among the people who received a pre-interview rejection today

 

[FutureDoc315]

They split first year courses over two years. My undergrad GPA wasn't the best so i'm thinking thats why they suggested that, but I completed a post-bacc and did well in it....

How does GW get away with accepting people with low GPAs and poor MCAT scores to a decelerated 5 year program, while rejecting qualified applicants...only in america.

 

[esrever]

I was also among the people who received a pre-interview rejection today

I am still expecting the inevitable pre-interview rejection, hasn't happened yet... On hold since Sept...

 

[physio84]

Add me to the ranks of those who were mowed down today...I guess spending two years to get a Master's in Physiology was a total waste of time. Good luck to all still in the running.

 

[UCD15]

How does GW get away with accepting people with low GPAs and poor MCAT scores to a decelerated 5 year program, while rejecting qualified applicants...only in america.

Who's to say TexasBelle isn't qualified? Afterall, she said she has 3 other acceptances. She had a poor GPA from undergrad, but rectified it with a strong post-bac performance. Plus, this process isn't completely about stats...especially with a school like GW. I have no doubt that schools, for the most part - GW especially - look for a fit with their applicants. There's probably a baseline academic performance that GW looks for, and beyond that, it's likely about a person's motivation for entering medicine, EC's, and goals in medicine that determine how well an applicant aligns with the GW mission...and luck. With 14,000 applicants, many qualified people will get rejected. It's just the nature of the beast. I wouldn't negate the qualifications and abilities of the people who are asked to do the decelerated 5 year program.

 

[BostonFan]

Pre-interview rejection today. 🙁

 

[teddybaer3388]

Pre-interview rejection today as well 🙁 FYI, I sent an update letter last week. I am assuming it does help to speed up the process of getting your application reviewed again, but it doesn't improve your chances of getting an interview invite.

 

[TexasBelle87]

How does GW get away with accepting people with low GPAs and poor MCAT scores to a decelerated 5 year program, while rejecting qualified applicants...only in america.

You know absolutely nothing about me or my application, nor have the ability to claim I have "poor" mcat scores. With 12 interviews and 3 acceptances so far (and I'm sure more to come) I must be doing something right🙂

Good luck to everyone waiting for good news

 

[tritown]

So, I submitted an update letter and additional LORs. I survived this latest mass-rejection. It seems like this might bode well for me, but my status is still on re-review. Does anybody have any insight? Thanks!

 

[lkthlttr]

Rejected preinterview. 3.6 36Q. Good luck everybody.

 

[FutureDoc315]

You know absolutely nothing about me or my application, nor have the ability to claim I have "poor" mcat scores. With 12 interviews and 3 acceptances so far (and I'm sure more to come) I must be doing something right🙂

Good luck to everyone waiting for good news

I am basing my opinion on the information stated on the GW website concerning the 5 year program.
" Applicants are invited to enter this program if, in the view of the Admissions Committee, they show great promise but present cause for concern because of weaknesses or aberrances in academic preparation. Typical examples would be an applicant with relatively low or inconsistent grades or MCAT scores, or a long period intervening between completion of undergraduate work and application to medical school"

But you are correct. I don't know your MCAT scores so feel free to prove me wrong...With 12 interviews, 3 acceptances, and an invitation to join the 5 year decelerated program, I only have one question: Are you a URM?

 

[O2bMD]

I am basing my opinion on the information stated on the GW website concerning the 5 year program.
" Applicants are invited to enter this program if, in the view of the Admissions Committee, they show great promise but present cause for concern because of weaknesses or aberrances in academic preparation. Typical examples would be an applicant with relatively low or inconsistent grades or MCAT scores, or a long period intervening between completion of undergraduate work and application to medical school"

But you are correct. I don't know your MCAT scores so feel free to prove me wrong...With 12 interviews, 3 acceptances, and an invitation to join the 5 year decelerated program, I only have one question: Are you a URM?

WOW FutureDoc315! I hope all of your interviewers got to see the real you because that came off extremely crass. I hope you don't speak to people like this on a daily basis.

I thought this forum was to help people not to put others down to make yourself feel better about your interviews (or lack thereof). There is no clear cut formula for medical school interviews and acceptances. I am glad that schools take the time to look at everyone even if they don't have a 4.0 GPA and 40 MCAT score.

 

[sphun65]

I am basing my opinion on the information stated on the GW website concerning the 5 year program.
" Applicants are invited to enter this program if, in the view of the Admissions Committee, they show great promise but present cause for concern because of weaknesses or aberrances in academic preparation. Typical examples would be an applicant with relatively low or inconsistent grades or MCAT scores, or a long period intervening between completion of undergraduate work and application to medical school"

But you are correct. I don't know your MCAT scores so feel free to prove me wrong...With 12 interviews, 3 acceptances, and an invitation to join the 5 year decelerated program, I only have one question: Are you a URM?

You're an idiot.

 

[surferdud]

supposed to interview this week, but theres yet another snowstorm coming. any experience this/know how we can find out if theyre still holding interviews?

 

[Champaigne]

How does GW get away with accepting people with low GPAs and poor MCAT scores to a decelerated 5 year program, while rejecting qualified applicants...only in america.

But you are correct. I don't know your MCAT scores so feel free to prove me wrong...With 12 interviews, 3 acceptances, and an invitation to join the 5 year decelerated program, I only have one question: Are you a URM?

Come on man, every one of your posts is abrasive, rude, and bigoted. What's more, they don't add to the overall dialogue of SDN but rather just lead to a stream of posts bashing you. So please, stop being such a dolt and go post your bs somewhere else.

 

[Obliquity]

supposed to interview this week, but theres yet another snowstorm coming. any experience this/know how we can find out if theyre still holding interviews?

I had this issue as well at the end of January. They sent me an email the day before, letting me know they were still planning on holding interviews, and they also gave a phone number for the interview coordinator, who kept updating her voicemail with the situation. It snowed about a foot the night before, but miraculously, interviews were held the following day.

 

[surferdud]

thanks for the info, obliquity. glanced at your mdapps, i too am a former NESCAC. glad to see the med school process is treating you well

 

[purplesky89]

I am still expecting the inevitable pre-interview rejection, hasn't happened yet... On hold since Sept...

I'm in the same boat as you guys! Been on hold since Sept. I sent an update letter/LOI in early December. No word yet, hopefully we hear something soon! 🙄

 

[iscream]

Anyone else get an email from GW re: closing the interview season?

 

[korsian]

Anyone else get an email from GW re: closing the interview season?

Yes; seems like they sent this to people last year too according to the 2009-2010 thread. For those of you interested in the content, here it is:

Dear Applicant:

Thank you for your sincere interest in The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences. At this time, the Committee on Admissions has closed the formal interview season for the Fall 2011 entering class. The Committee on Admissions regrets to inform you that we are not able to offer you an interview at this time. However, the Committee would like to keep your application in active status. There is a very slim possibility that the Committee on Admissions may decide to offer a few additional interviews.

Your file has been placed in a pool of applicants that the Committee may review for future interviews. In order to remain under consideration for any remaining interviews, we request that applicants send us an email with their interest to [email protected]. (Please be sure to include in your update your name and AAMC ID #). This must be received by the Office of Admissions no later than February 18, 2011. In addition, you are welcome to include in the email any updated grades for current coursework and any new experiences or activities.

Should you have the good fortune to be accepted to the MD Program of your choice, please inform us (via email at [email protected]) so that we may withdraw your application from future consideration.

Although this does not end what we are sure is an unpleasant waiting period for you, your desire to become a physician, your understanding of the requirements, and your perseverance are commendable. In the event that your status changes, we will contact you.

We greatly appreciate your patience and truly wish you success in achieving your career goal.

Sincerely,

Diane P. McQuail, M.A.
Assistant Dean of Admissions
Chair, Committee on Admission

Here's the question: how many people actually are invited from this pool?

 

[be1213]

Anyone else get an email from GW re: closing the interview season?

Just got it..

 

[RAMCLA2016]

Anyone else get an email from GW re: closing the interview season?

Yes, where it basically says:

we are sorry the interview season is closed - but we may still interview you later - let us know if you are interested

 

[iscream]

Hmm, was wondering whether this was something to be slightly upbeat about... still not sure.

 

[be1213]

Yes, where it basically says:

we are sorry the interview season is closed - but we may still interview you later - let us know if you are interested

Is that what it really means? so does it mean I still have hope. I thought it was a rejection letter.

 

[Dude Man Bro Man]

Yes; seems like they sent this to people last year too according to the 2009-2010 thread. For those of you interested in the content, here it is:



Here's the question: how many people actually are invited from this pool?

I remember this happening last year. If it happens the same way, there will be a round of cuts from this small group of people still under consideration in late feb\early march. I personally don't remember anyone posting that they got an interview after being placed in this group, but I wouldn't be surprised if some non-SDN applicants did.

 

[RAMCLA2016]

I remember this happening last year. If it happens the same way, there will be a round of cuts from this small group of people still under consideration in late feb\early march. I personally don't remember anyone posting that they got an interview after being placed in this group, but I wouldn't be surprised if some non-SDN applicants did.

From reading last years thread a similar email went out around March 5th - interview invites appear to have gone out until March 3rd or 8th - do not know if they will still be sending out interview invites till March this year or not - but does not appear any significant interview invites went out following this email

 

[MechEtoMD]

anyone else get an email from gw re: Closing the interview season?

+1

 

[obgyny]

Anyone else get an email from GW re: closing the interview season?

Me too. I'm still confused 😕... they're saying they're done with interviews... but there's a SLIM chance they'll invite you for an interview... is this in the small chance that someone withdraws their interview invitation or something?

Does everyone get this email? Or have people gotten actual rejections recently?

I almost deleted the email when I saw, "regret to inform you..." I'm glad I read the whole thing! It's funny, I was already planning to write them an LOI.

 

[esrever]

Anyone else get an email from GW re: closing the interview season?

+1, sounds like a really small pool (sarcasm)... Seems more like an expectation management email, or it's a really positive rejection notice. So you can boast to your friends that while you did not get in or even offered an interview at GW, you were in a small (and by small I mean large) select group of individuals that could have received an interview invite at the last minute if someone cancelled because they received an offer of admission to a better school before their interview date!!!

 

[tennisstar89]

I was so excited to see this e-mail in my inbox....then realized that it was basically telling me I'm NOT going to GW, but I should still retain hope. I think this is actually pretty mean of them.

 

[timmyboy213]

If you have already sent them a letter of interest and you don't have any activities that need updating, can you simply reply to the email and say "Yes, I would like to remain in the small, small pool"?

 

[omenee]

I think the email was meant to weed people like me. I decided to withdraw. Good luck to those still waiting! I am sure you will have a better shot if there are more people like me out there lol

 

[masterwolfie]

If you have already sent them a letter of interest and you don't have any activities that need updating, can you simply reply to the email and say "Yes, I would like to remain in the small, small pool"?

That's what I did! I made up for it by accidentally inviting them to create a gmail account, though

 

[jweezy225]

I only have one question: Are you a URM?

You've asked this question in 3-4 of your 10 posts. Seems like you're stuck on this issue. Get a life, dude.

 

[Strath]

mgmtconsultant, KlassikMD and Invictus146 - thanks very much for your input re: hotels in the area!

My interview is next week and I'm really looking forward to seeing the school and learning more about the faculty and students, although I'm quite worried about how late it is in the cycle...

 

[bonoz]

Long story short, my MCATs turned out to be so that the only respectable score I could have was if you were to combine the best section of each of the two/three tests I took. That gives me a 31Q.

My best hope was to apply to a school that looks at MCAT scores that way. Surely, GW was that school. I also live in Northern VA, and GW is only 30 minutes away from me. Add to that, DC is my favorite city in the whole world. All my family/friends live here. I like the area as well and there's always so much to do if you want to have fun, study, learn, practice, etc. Lots of opportunities. So going to GW would have been an absolute dream come true.

Last March, after waiting for several months without any reply from any school, I get an interview offer from GW. I got really excited and everything. Went and interviewed, went ok. Sent in various letters of intents/updates, continued to strengthen my application. 8 weeks later I get an alternate list letter. I was bummed but remained hopeful because you never know right? Continued to strengthen myself and send them letters. This continued all the way through the summer up until August. Every morning I would keep my phone next to me in case if they called. They didn't. They eventually sent me a letter at the end of August.

That was pure misery. I wanted to apply for a second cycle. Retook my MCAT after studying for a few weeks. Not a good idea. All hope was lost after the score I received (I got a 24 for **** sake - no MD school should look at that score). But lo and behold, I get an interview invite two days later for last December. I went absolutely mental thinking that they must really like me.

Everything seemed like it was going for me. I called and just asked for an earlier interview and successfully moved my December date to November. I was like wow surely a November interview > March interview.

The interview itself was a peach. It was probably the best interview of my life... ever. As I was leaving their building, I even ran into a member of the ADCOM, told them about myself, and they liked me and said that they would look for me.

A week later I even went to this lecture the Dean of Admissions was giving, and introduced myself to her.

I wrote in nice thank you letters, updates, etc. etc. etc.

8 weeks later my dear mother hands me a letter from GW. It was a straight-up rejection from GW. Alas, that's where my fairy tale ended.

GW really would have been the perfect school for me. But ahh... sometimes perfection is unattainable or what you may deem perfect may not necessarily BE perfect for you.

Just wanted to share this with everyone. I don't know what this story will give you. But here it is.

 

[be1213]

Long story short, my MCATs turned out to be so that the only respectable score I could have was if you were to combine the best section of each of the two/three tests I took. That gives me a 31Q.

My best hope was to apply to a school that looks at MCAT scores that way. Surely, GW was that school. I also live in Northern VA, and GW is only 30 minutes away from me. Add to that, DC is my favorite city in the whole world. All my family/friends live here. I like the area as well and there's always so much to do if you want to have fun, study, learn, practice, etc. Lots of opportunities. So going to GW would have been an absolute dream come true.

Last March, after waiting for several months without any reply from any school, I get an interview offer from GW. I got really excited and everything. Went and interviewed, went ok. Sent in various letters of intents/updates, continued to strengthen my application. 8 weeks later I get an alternate list letter. I was bummed but remained hopeful because you never know right? Continued to strengthen myself and send them letters. This continued all the way through the summer up until August. Every morning I would keep my phone next to me in case if they called. They didn't. They eventually sent me a letter at the end of August.

That was pure misery. I wanted to apply for a second cycle. Retook my MCAT after studying for a few weeks. Not a good idea. All hope was lost after the score I received (I got a 24 for **** sake - no MD school should look at that score). But lo and behold, I get an interview invite two days later for last December. I went absolutely mental thinking that they must really like me.

Everything seemed like it was going for me. I called and just asked for an earlier interview and successfully moved my December date to November. I was like wow surely a November interview > March interview.

The interview itself was a peach. It was probably the best interview of my life... ever. As I was leaving their building, I even ran into a member of the ADCOM, told them about myself, and they liked me and said that they would look for me.

A week later I even went to this lecture the Dean of Admissions was giving, and introduced myself to her.

I wrote in nice thank you letters, updates, etc. etc. etc.

8 weeks later my dear mother hands me a letter from GW. It was a straight-up rejection from GW. Alas, that's where my fairy tale ended.

GW really would have been the perfect school for me. But ahh... sometimes perfection is unattainable or what you may deem perfect may not necessarily BE perfect for you.

Just wanted to share this with everyone. I don't know what this story will give you. But here it is.

Wow!!! Well everything in life happens for a reason. Five years from now you will look back, or even sooner, to realize why things happened the way they did. Goodluck!! and I hope that another school sees the potential in you.

 

[AshleyC]

From reading last years thread a similar email went out around March 5th - interview invites appear to have gone out until March 3rd or 8th - do not know if they will still be sending out interview invites till March this year or not - but does not appear any significant interview invites went out following this email

So I got the same email earlier this week and decided that I might as well just confirm my interest in the school and stay in the running- I mean, why not?

I basically considered it a tactful rejection but then this afternoon I got an interview for March 3rd. I am really confused by the whole thing, it just feels weird to me that I have been dragged along since August and NOW they decide to interview me? Any thoughts?? I am pretty sure I wont take it for cost reasons (I live in the NW)... especially if I am interviewing for a waitlist spot.

 

[Prateek]

So I got the same email earlier this week and decided that I might as well just confirm my interest in the school and stay in the running- I mean, why not?

I basically considered it a tactful rejection but then this afternoon I got an interview for March 3rd. I am really confused by the whole thing, it just feels weird to me that I have been dragged along since August and NOW they decide to interview me? Any thoughts?? I am pretty sure I wont take it for cost reasons (I live in the NW)... especially if I am interviewing for a waitlist spot.

Depends...do you have interviews/acceptances in other universities? If you do, then your reasoning sounds right, especially if GWU is not a top choice for you. However, if you don't yet have any interviews/acceptances, it wouldn't make sense not to go to the interview

 

[Champaigne]

Wow Guju, I agree that Ashley should be thankful she got an interview...but I don't think anything she was saying was so outlandish as to warrant a two post rant. At times I'm sure we've all felt like various schools are stringing us along.

@AshleyC: If you have any interest in GW I would strongly recommend attending. Their interview day is pretty decent and it gives you the chance to scope out the school. Who knows, perhaps you'll feel right at home and end up choosing it over some other acceptance.

 

[AshleyC]

WHOA WHOA WHOA.... Obviously you misread my post. I didn't mean to say that I deserved an interview earlier, I was just saying that it seemed weird to me that they said they stopped interviewing and then emailed me two days later--- as if I was the first one who responded or something and thats why I got the interview.

If you knew me, you would know I am ANYTHING but pretentious. I have one acceptance (and its not from Miami) and I feel very lucky when I get interviews because it means that all the work I have done up to this point has been worth it. It upsets me that people like you feel the need to tear apart people on the internet --- you have no right. Its people like you who make SDN look bad.

I am DONE with this.