Back From DC

[rxfudd]

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Just got back from my GWU interview - the people who said that their interviews are laid back weren't kidding. They give one interview with a student and one with a doctor/researcher. Both started out with a "Tell me about yourself" type of question. They also both followed up with further questions about whatever you decided to talk about. The only real interview-type questions they asked were "What are your strengths and weaknesses?" (student), "What will be your biggest obstacle throughout your medical career?" (doctor), and "What will you do if you don't get in?" (both).

One thing I don't quite understand is how they can decide on applicants from such a laid back interview. I can't imagine that anyone would blank on any of the questions, and since most people do well when they have to talk about themselves, I can't imagine anyone not having a good interview. In fact, all 17 of the applicants who interviewed (including myself) thought that our respective interviews went pretty well (although we all knew that some of us HAD to be rejected that day). So I can't help but wonder how they start making the decisions.

By the way, driving from Chicago to DC was quite a pain. Indiana - flat. Ohio - flat. Pennsylvania was nice and mountainous, but by the time I got there, I had been driving for 10 hours and was quite tired. DC is a FANTASTIC city - lots to see and do there (like downtown Chicago, but with most of the tall buildings replaced by trees, recently mowed lawns, and White Houses).

I do have to say that I'm feeling encouraged to come back and see so many people with UIC (and other) interviews, yet a bit anxious at having not received one (any) myself. I'll just have to wait. Speaking of waiting, GWU said that they will send decisions in (not within, but in) 10 weeks.

Moss, I know you had your MSU interview on the same day I had my GWU interview - how'd it go? Send me a PM.

 

[aisha]

i have GWu interview in about two weeks... i am flying into BWI from CA.. any idea how long it will take me to get to washington by MARC train..... i have been to DC once but never been to baltimore and dont know that area... please help!

thanks

Aisha

 

[Dr. Kermit]

From BWI, you can take a cab or the light rail (MTA) to Penn Station. The cab will cost you $15-20. The light rail is $1.65, but I forget. The MARC takes about 45-1hr, depending on what time you are leaving from Penn Station. Once you get to Union Station in DC, you can take the metro to the Foggy Bottom stop. The med school will be on your right as you exit the stop.

Hope all this helps!

 

[Jonny-5]

Count on the train taking over an hour. (BWI is actually halfway between DC and Baltimore)

DC is a great city, the GW campus is near Georgetown so, if you get a chance, take a stroll through M street. Enjoy your interview. Good Luck!

 

[aisha]

is it a safe area for a female to be in at night time?? cab would be safest right? thanks 🙂..

 

[tec]

You don't need to take the Light Rail all the way up to Baltimore. BWI runs a courtesy shuttle at no charge that takes you to the MARC station that's next to BWI. Just go to the lower level and wait at the parking lot shuttle stops (the yellow signs on the poles also say it's for the MARC/Amtrak station). Then hop on the shuttle with the right sign. The shuttles run every 10 minutes or so.

 

[praying4MD]

Glad to hear it went well fudd. I also recently had an interview that was really laid back and wondered the same thing-- how do they narrow it down if the interview is set up so you can't go wrong? 😕

On the other hand, remember that the people you asked were also applicants, so just because they *say* their interview went well doesn't necessarily mean it's true.

At one of my interviews, I asked one guy how his went and he just said, "Very well, thanks." The guy next to him just had to speak up and say, "Mine was absolutely fantastic!" From then on, everyone had to think of better adjectives to describe their interviews. Basically, don't believe everything you hear.

Good luck and keep us posted on the decision. 🙂