2011-2012 George Washington University Application Thread

[vickpick]

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Do we think GW will start reviewing secondary right away?

I doubt it.

 

[lzane1243]

Anyone else still waiting on getting the secondary email from GW?

Yup. Verified 6/13

 

[tripledouble]

From the GW website, FAQ section.....


I have submitted an AMCAS application, but have not yet received the secondary application. What should I do?

We do send secondary applications to applicants who designate GW Medical School on their AMCAS application. Please note that it does take time to transmit your completed AMCAS application to our office. If you have not received a secondary and it has been two weeks or more since you submitted your AMCAS application, please email us at [email protected] to inquire about your status.
How will I know when my secondary application has been received?

You will receive an email indicating the receipt and processing of your secondary application. We appreciate your patience in this process.

 

[SBAKSHI]

Do we think GW will start reviewing secondary right away?

As it says on the application, if you have your primary verified along with all LORs, I think they should start reviewing soon, as they had received 14000 apps last year! lol, they need to be efficient 😉

 

[Alejandro]

Hm. Greatest extracurricular accomplishment...I feel like I've accomplished more in high school than college...

I wonder if club-related activities (even though it involves healthcare) would still be extracirricular? Is the definition just that it's more than school? i.e. GPA, class grade, mcat? Or...would an MCAT score increase count? lol.

Kinda funny, cuz I'd love to talk about the mcat hahaha. but i'm guessing that is still "cirricular," right guys?

 

[MadMedic704]

I haven't been verfied by AMCAS yet due to a transcript issue but I got an email from GW for the secondary today. Guess they really want my $125.

 

[latrala2300]

secondary received this morning, verified early june

 

[tripledouble]

Does anyone else find it extremely inconvenient the way we have to enter the essay into the secondary?

 

[Don15]

verified 6/15, received secondary this morning

 

[SBAKSHI]

Does anyone else find it extremely inconvenient the way we have to enter the essay into the secondary?

+1..i am not sure how to enter the words that break lol, i want to utilize the full space and still dont want it to be broken by dash or something!

 

[ladeedahh]

Quick question: should I wait until after AMCAS receives my letter packet from my school to send in the secondary to GWU? Or is it okay to send it in before they receive my letters?

 

[Ignatius M.D.]

Yay I got the fee waiver! I love GW, but couldn't afford that secondary fee. I'm not sure what to put for extra-curricular accomplishment though. It's been all school, work, and volunteering for years now...

 

[SBAKSHI]

Quick question: should I wait until after AMCAS receives my letter packet from my school to send in the secondary to GWU? Or is it okay to send it in before they receive my letters?

I am planning to submit mine very early. Keep in mind that I am going individual letters route and 2 out of 3 letters have already been submitted. I don't think it matters what order you submit them in.

 

[fam8]

Quick question: should I wait until after AMCAS receives my letter packet from my school to send in the secondary to GWU? Or is it okay to send it in before they receive my letters?

I mailed mine out already but AMCAS won't be getting my committee letter til the end of the month. It doesn't hurt to send your secondary in earlier- at the very least it shows you're interested

 

[SteveJMarist]

I mailed mine out already but AMCAS won't be getting my committee letter til the end of the month. It doesn't hurt to send your secondary in earlier- at the very least it shows you're interested

+1.. will send my secondary out before the end of the week, but committee letter will not be available until next week or after.

 

[4ksibe]

Just a little word....
GWU does not screen and does not wait for your amcas to be verified. So everyone will eventually receive their secondary application. GW is kinda the fastest at sending out secondaries ( they dont want you to run out of money before you have paid your $125 lol)

For the accomplishment, strongly recommend something outside of academic and MCAT increase..... not a good one for this question. Something meaningful could be health related but not grade or MCAT...

In the space where they are asking for your activities, they want to know what you gonna be up to from now till you matriculate since it is not on the amcas so if you a senior, say you be in college full time... and throw in the ECs you will keep up with during the year.... if graduated, state you post grad plans

Send you application as soon as you are done so they see you are on top of things and the hold up is not on your side. Its better they have everything sooner than later, does not matter if your letters are in yet. And most school dont do snail mail secondaries I saw someone who was scared. a lot of schools do it online

Good luck guyz

 

[CaliBalla]

Verified 6/7 and even have all of my LORs in already and still waiting on an email for GW's secondary! I don't know what's taking so long, but my essays are done, I just want to submit it ASAP. Also want to make sure that AMCAS actually sent my app out 😛

Suggestions? Should I just wait or call someone to follow up?

 

[oaa]

received

 

[steelblue89]

Verified 6/17, received secondary this morning 6/20.

 

[SBAKSHI]

Hi fellow GWers,
I am in a dilemma as to what to write inthe 1st question.
For my story, I frankly believe that migrating from a foreign country in senior year of HS, surviving and fitting in this different environment and new language is the biggest non-academic accomplishment. The pros being that this may add to diversity of the college and show that my will and hard work has brought me to a stage where I can apply in the medical school. The only con I can think of this is that it technically began in the high school senior year and I dont know how universities would view this.

On the other hand, I have been part of astudent organiation for three years which was in bonkers when I was a freshmen. Political polarization prevailed in that situation. That is when I and a friend decided to step in change it around. Today, we have the largest listserv on the largest campus in the nation, a decent track record and events for this cultural organization. Our profits have increased tremendously and as a secretary, I feel like i have done well. The only con is that this was also my meaningful activity in primary.

which one do you think should I write? Honest criticism and opinions are appreciated! 🙂
THanks for your time!

 

[Illinois2012]

Do you guys think getting published for my research would qualify as a non-academic achievement? Technically, research is an extracurricular, but still "academic" in some ways. What do you guys think? Unfortunately, of all my extracurriculars I feel like research is the only thing where I've really achieved something substantial. A lot of the other stuff I just do for fun.

 

[BlockM]

Do you guys think getting published for my research would qualify as a non-academic achievement? Technically, research is an extracurricular, but still "academic" in some ways. What do you guys think? Unfortunately, of all my extracurriculars I feel like research is the only thing where I've really achieved something substantial. A lot of the other stuff I just do for fun.

I used the same thing as my achievement and I already submitted. So...I guess so lol. Then again, I was just really anxious to pull the trigger and send that secondary in asap.

 

[SteveJMarist]

Do you guys think getting published for my research would qualify as a non-academic achievement? Technically, research is an extracurricular, but still "academic" in some ways. What do you guys think? Unfortunately, of all my extracurriculars I feel like research is the only thing where I've really achieved something substantial. A lot of the other stuff I just do for fun.

It's debatable, but I think research is indeed academic. To call it "non-academic" is a stretch.

 

[Edie43]

Hey all,

Just wondering if most of you submitted the optional photograph with the secondary? I don't have any professional looking ones, all of mine are pretty informal so I'm thinking I just won't include one...

 

[frescoengano]

Hey all,

Just wondering if most of you submitted the optional photograph with the secondary? I don't have any professional looking ones, all of mine are pretty informal so I'm thinking I just won't include one...

didn't send it either

 

[apoptosis123]

For question 1 (your best non-academic achievement), do you guys think it be acceptable to describe something that is not related to medicine, healthcare, etc. i.e., something related to a serious hobby? I have one in music that is pretty impressive, and most all of my other major achievements are academic...

 

[SteveJMarist]

For question 1 (your best non-academic achievement), do you guys think it be acceptable to describe something that is not related to medicine, healthcare, etc. i.e., something related to a serious hobby? I have one in music that is pretty impressive, and most all of my other major achievements are academic...

I think that's the purpose of the question. Sounds good to me 👍.

 

[SteveJMarist]

I came across something interesting on their website about the application process: "A letter of good standing is also required from all graduate programs attended. If you are in a post-baccalaureate program, we require a composite letter from the program advisor or director."

http://smhs.gwumc.edu/mdprograms/admissions/applicationprocess

Would a letter from one of my grad school professors suffice? It was NOT a post-bacc (it was a comp sci master's program). I'm not really sure how to approach this- it wasn't mentioned at all on their .pdf secondary! 😕

 

[Illinois2012]

It's debatable, but I think research is indeed academic. To call it "non-academic" is a stretch.

Hmmm, well then I got another question. I've been told tons of time not to put anything from high school on my applications, but do you guys think it'd be okay to put something from high school in this section? My biggest achievement that is completely non academic relates to my years playing football in high school. Should I stay away from that?

 

[Illinois2012]

I came across something interesting on their website about the application process: "A letter of good standing is also required from all graduate programs attended. If you are in a post-baccalaureate program, we require a composite letter from the program advisor or director."

http://smhs.gwumc.edu/mdprograms/admissions/applicationprocess

Would a letter from one of my grad school professors suffice? It was NOT a post-bacc (it was a comp sci master's program). I'm not really sure how to approach this- it wasn't mentioned at all on their .pdf secondary! 😕

I don't know how it works at the school you went to, but at my UG, the registrar usually handled letters of good standing, or letters for proof of enrollment and that sort of stuff.

 

[TheMightySmiter]

I came across something interesting on their website about the application process: "A letter of good standing is also required from all graduate programs attended. If you are in a post-baccalaureate program, we require a composite letter from the program advisor or director."

http://smhs.gwumc.edu/mdprograms/admissions/applicationprocess

Would a letter from one of my grad school professors suffice? It was NOT a post-bacc (it was a comp sci master's program). I'm not really sure how to approach this- it wasn't mentioned at all on their .pdf secondary! 😕

Weird. I'm getting a committee letter from the school where I did my post-bacc. I wonder if this would count? It was an informal post-bacc so there is no program director.

 

[n3xa]

For question 1 (your best non-academic achievement), do you guys think it be acceptable to describe something that is not related to medicine, healthcare, etc. i.e., something related to a serious hobby? I have one in music that is pretty impressive, and most all of my other major achievements are academic...

I'm going with exercise/WL on that question. And I just came across my undergrad graduation photos too... yiiiiikes.

I think you should be fine with music, but ymmv.

I came across something interesting on their website about the application process: "A letter of good standing is also required from all graduate programs attended. If you are in a post-baccalaureate program, we require a composite letter from the program advisor or director."

http://smhs.gwumc.edu/mdprograms/admissions/applicationprocess

Would a letter from one of my grad school professors suffice? It was NOT a post-bacc (it was a comp sci master's program). I'm not really sure how to approach this- it wasn't mentioned at all on their .pdf secondary! 😕

I think you should be ok with the grad school letter. I would assume that you would need a program advisor/director letter if you were in a formal post-bacc program.

 

[SteveJMarist]

Hmmm, well then I got another question. I've been told tons of time not to put anything from high school on my applications, but do you guys think it'd be okay to put something from high school in this section? My biggest achievement that is completely non academic relates to my years playing football in high school. Should I stay away from that?

Tricky. I would only do that if you TRULY, truly feel like that is by FAR your best achievement outside of academics. That is just my .02; it is a very debatable question.

I don't know how it works at the school you went to, but at my UG, the registrar usually handled letters of good standing, or letters for proof of enrollment and that sort of stuff.

Maybe since my UG = my grad school = the institution that is writing my committee letter, I will be OK. I will be contacting them just in case, and will let everyone know the details.

I think you should be ok with the grad school letter. I would assume that you would need a program advisor/director letter if you were in a formal post-bacc program.

I think so too. I'll contact them just to be safe, because that's how I roll.

 

[n3xa]

Maybe since my UG = my grad school = the institution that is writing my committee letter, I will be OK. I will be contacting them just in case, and will let everyone know the details.

Oh yeah I forgot that small tidbit. They might ask that someone from your grad program put in their two cents about you if anything, but yeah, hopefully it won't be too much of an issue.

 

[SteveJMarist]

Oh yeah I forgot that small tidbit. They might ask that someone from your grad program put in their two cents about you if anything, but yeah, hopefully it won't be too much of an issue.

Not sure why that fact you highlighted would push me towards needing the grad school input, but we'll see. I figured that if I went to UG there, did some grad there, had a grad professor write an LOR, and had my committee letter written there, that should be sufficient. Either way, getting a "good standing" letter shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[Nymphicus]

Does anybody know anything that GW is particularly proud of to touch on the "Why GWU?" question? I tried researching on their website but all I found was a simlab of some sorts and an optional 3rd year plan. Really from their website GWU seems pretty "average" (nothing exceptionally interesting or special).

I am probably wrong though, but being a CA resident and never having been to DC, could someone please enlighten me?

 

[citrusguy2010]

Not sure why that fact you highlighted would push me towards needing the grad school input, but we'll see. I figured that if I went to UG there, did some grad there, had a grad professor write an LOR, and had my committee letter written there, that should be sufficient. Either way, getting a "good standing" letter shouldn't be too difficult.

yea all i have are two grad letters. though when i emailed them about if they needed grad letters (or what they needed), this is what they responded back with:

"Thank you for your message. We require at least 3 (and no more than 5) letters of recommendation and the committee prefers to see at least one letter from science faculty. Beyond those requirements, who you select to write these letters is up to you. We appreciate your interest in GW.

Best,
Kiley Gove
Assistant Director of Admissions"

hope that helps. looking at my assigned letters, i didn't even include a grad letter, but if they wanted one i could provide them with one.

 

[Illinois2012]

Wow, I officially hate this secondary. Why do they make it impossible to save your answers directly on it and entering the text is so annoying. I had the entire thing done, and then I clicked the link for paying online, thinking it'd open in a new tab, and lost everything.

 

[SteveJMarist]

yea all i have are two grad letters. though when i emailed them about if they needed grad letters (or what they needed), this is what they responded back with:

"Thank you for your message. We require at least 3 (and no more than 5) letters of recommendation and the committee prefers to see at least one letter from science faculty. Beyond those requirements, who you select to write these letters is up to you. We appreciate your interest in GW.

Best,
Kiley Gove
Assistant Director of Admissions"

hope that helps. looking at my assigned letters, i didn't even include a grad letter, but if they wanted one i could provide them with one.

They told me that I won't need a grad school letter. "We only require a letter of good standing from those currently enrolled in a graduate program." For those of you still enrolled, I'd look into this.

 

[timbercreek]

Have one LOR from my post-bacc (masters) program director as just one of my 3 letters (others are from UG science professors). Obviously if they are recommending you, you are in good standing.

Sent my completed secondary in today 🙂

 

[SteveJMarist]

Have one LOR from my post-bacc (masters) program director as just one of my 3 letters (others are from UG science professors). Obviously if they are recommending you, you are in good standing.

Sent my completed secondary in today 🙂

I'd say you're good 🙂

Congrats on submitting. I plan on mailing mine hopefully today as well.

 

[asrikrishnan]

Happy to say my secondary was received. Hopefully I'll get the complete email soon too considering my LORs have already been received by AMCAS.

 

[DrRower]

1. What do you feel is your most significat non-academic achievement? Why? (Limits of 5 lines)
2. Describe your specific interest in MD program at GW. How do your experiences make you good fit for that? (~20 lines)
3. For 2011-12 application cycle, indicate your activities, academics, employment or other occupation to account for full-time activity (5 lines)
Send it back through regular mail, not online

Best of luck with your application !

There are actually 7 lines, not 5. In case anyone is interested, you can fit about 150 words, ~700 characters, on those lines.

 

[n3xa]

Does anybody know anything that GW is particularly proud of to touch on the "Why GWU?" question? I tried researching on their website but all I found was a simlab of some sorts and an optional 3rd year plan. Really from their website GWU seems pretty "average" (nothing exceptionally interesting or special).

I am probably wrong though, but being a CA resident and never having been to DC, could someone please enlighten me?

I found their website to have a lot more information about opportunities as a medical student compared to other schools.

What are you interested in?

 

[Apark34]

Referring to Q1. Do you think athletic goals are a bad idea?

I participated in my schools Triathlon team, and am currently in my 4th year of my 10 year goal of running 10 Chicago Marathons consecutively. I am also planning on completing an ironman before Med School starts (Cause I know there is no-way I can train for one during med school and get a decent time).

I was going to stress qualities like, goal setting and committing to something big, as well as being a role model for others to pursue large goals. Any of this sound too cheesy? 😛

thanks for the feedback.

 

[SteveJMarist]

Mailed today. Waiting on the committee letter 🙂xf: for 7/1).

Referring to Q1. Do you think athletic goals are a bad idea?

I participated in my schools Triathlon team, and am currently in my 4th year of my 10 year goal of running 10 Chicago Marathons consecutively. I am also planning on completing an ironman before Med School starts (Cause I know there is no-way I can train for one during med school and get a decent time).

I was going to stress qualities like, goal setting and committing to something big, as well as being a role model for others to pursue large goals. Any of this sound too cheesy? 😛

thanks for the feedback.

Athletic achievements are perfect.

 

[n3xa]

Referring to Q1. Do you think athletic goals are a bad idea?

I participated in my schools Triathlon team, and am currently in my 4th year of my 10 year goal of running 10 Chicago Marathons consecutively. I am also planning on completing an ironman before Med School starts (Cause I know there is no-way I can train for one during med school and get a decent time).

I was going to stress qualities like, goal setting and committing to something big, as well as being a role model for others to pursue large goals. Any of this sound too cheesy? 😛

thanks for the feedback.

I went with something related to exercise, so I'm biased. 🙂

 

[SteveJMarist]

I went with something related to exercise, so I'm biased. 🙂

Mine was work related. Just wanted to throw that out there for kicks.

 

[timbercreek]

Referring to Q1. Do you think athletic goals are a bad idea?

I participated in my schools Triathlon team, and am currently in my 4th year of my 10 year goal of running 10 Chicago Marathons consecutively. I am also planning on completing an ironman before Med School starts (Cause I know there is no-way I can train for one during med school and get a decent time).

I was going to stress qualities like, goal setting and committing to something big, as well as being a role model for others to pursue large goals. Any of this sound too cheesy? 😛

thanks for the feedback.

I think that would be great! I was thinking about writing mine on my first sprint-tri.
good luck on your 10 in 10 goal!

 

[GlassSlipper18]

My AMCAS has not been verified yet, but I've already received this secondary. Do I have to wait to be verified before mailing it or can I just send it now?