GEMS at Georgetown and Similar Programs

[mdocfuture]

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Soooo... Given my less than par GPA I am definitely applying to the GEMS program at Georgetown. Is anyone familiar with the program? Any insight?

Also, do you know of additional programs that are similar at other MD schools or DO schools?

 

[maliro]

While I am not currently in the program I am in one of the master's programs associated with the medical school and have friends in the GEMS programs. If you really want to go to Georgetown it is a great way to go, you take many medical school classes and if you get in to Georgetown (which is extremely likely IF you do well) you don't have to repeat any of the classes. Additionally, the group seems to be quite close. One draw back is that they recommend you apply later in the cycle as they don't interview GEMS applicants until the Spring. So it does hinder your ability to apply/ get in to other schools. But if you Georgetown, go for it!

 

[mdocfuture]

How hard is it to get into the program? I know they look for "high risk" medical school applicants, but what qualities do they look for on your application?

Also, are you referencing applying late for medical school before or after you do GEMS?

 

[maliro]

GEMS is one year as far as I know, so you go through the program while you apply to medical school-- so apply late for medical school during the GEMS year. As I didn't apply, I can't speak to its competitiveness, but I assume it is fairly competitive. Again, as I didn't apply I'm not sure exactly what they want in an applicant, I believe it is people who underperformed at school of MCAT though they may tend towards one or the other. I also believe it is geared for people who are URM/low income or are hoping to work with those associated populations.

 

[maliro]

From the website:
The (GEMS) Program is a one-year post-baccalaureate experience for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are most likely to make a significant contribution to meeting the needs of the nation’s minority, disadvantaged and under-served populations, and whose disadvantaged circumstances have contributed to modest academic credentials.

The GEMS Program is designed to provide an opportunity for disadvantaged students who show promise of the ability to complete a medical education to demonstrate this ability by passing selected courses taught to first-year medical students at Georgetown University School of Medicine.
In concert with these objectives:

GEMS students are United States citizens from disadvantaged backgrounds. Many are from groups that have been traditionally under-represented in medicine (African-Americans, Mainland Puerto Ricans, Mexican Americans and Native Americans). All meet the program’s academic criteria and show evidence of their ability to satisfy the social and educational goals of this program.

GEMS students take courses selected from the first year medical curriculum and are graded on the same basis as medical students. GEMS students also take a graduate level biochemistry course. GEMS students are involved in active learning sessions, resulting in an average seven-to-eight hour day.

GEMS students who successfully complete the program are encouraged to apply to the School of Medicine.