Georgetown Class of 2010

[5prime23]

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Who all is headed into Georgetown's class of 2010, or at least seriously considering it??

What are you planning to do for housing? Is there a system for finding other MS1 roommates before July?

Any current or former students have advice on the best places to live, best books to read the summer before, the best and worst lectures, anything you would do different during 1st year etc. . .

 

[psufan]

Hey! I will most likely be at Georgetown next year...on their website they still have an acceptance packet for the class of 2009 that has a form to fill out to get on a roommate list...my guess is that they will let us know when they update the website for our year...

After talking to a couple of current G'Town students I am definitely going to live within walking distance of the hospital/med-dent building...not sure where or how to locate a good place yet though...so, I would love some advice from current students also...

 

[Just Applied]

Enjoy you summer please! When classes start you pretty much hit the ground running. I dont think any type of studying would have prepared me for med school so I am happy that i just enjoyed my summer. As for living close to school, I cant help you with that. I live about 2 minute walk from school and it hasn't been a problem with me so far.

 

[5prime23]

I was looking at the schedule for current MS1's and it looks like there is a lot of time spent in lecture and lab (looks like 9am-5pm most days). For any current students: Do most students go to all the lectures, or is the note service top-notch enough to rely mostly on that? Also, how much is the note service?

Thanks!!

 

[Just Applied]

The schedule is only that hectic due to anatomy lab. After anatomy is over, then your time in school cuts down a lot. As the far as class goes, I dont go. I just use the note service and the old notes from last year. And if i still need help, i use the text books. It rarely gets to that point. The worst I did as an MS1 was the beginning of last semester when i went to every class and tried to sudy afterwards. I found out that I am a much better self-learner and do much better on exams. Ever since I started this "no class" trend i have been doing a lot better in my classes. But don't take my word for it, everybody needs to figure out their own study style and stick with it if it works well. As for the other students, I know some people who don't go to class at all and some that choose certain classes to attend. So it just really depends upon you.

 

[clowden]

I'm waiting with baited breath on my admissions decision to Gerogetown. If I get in there is no doubt in my mind that is where I will end up.

As for housing I, personally, would probably live with a friend who is going to public policy school at GT next year. I asked the students about where they live on my interview and the tour guides said there are a good portion of students who choose to live on the Maryland side of DC. The Metro is extremely easy to navigate and I've heard the GUTS bus is pretty convenient. It looks to be about a 20-30 minute commute if you choose to do that, but it seems like places to live are much cheaper out there at least according to craigslist.

I'm not in yet, but I can't keep my internet browser from researching the DC area and places to live. I want it bad.

Who all is headed into Georgetown's class of 2010, or at least seriously considering it??

What are you planning to do for housing? Is there a system for finding other MS1 roommates before July?

Any current or former students have advice on the best places to live, best books to read the summer before, the best and worst lectures, anything you would do different during 1st year etc. . .

 

[LadyWolverine]

I'm waiting with baited breath on my admissions decision to Gerogetown. If I get in there is no doubt in my mind that is where I will end up.

As for housing I, personally, would probably live with a friend who is going to public policy school at GT next year. I asked the students about where they live on my interview and the tour guides said there are a good portion of students who choose to live on the Maryland side of DC. The Metro is extremely easy to navigate and I've heard the GUTS bus is pretty convenient. It looks to be about a 20-30 minute commute if you choose to do that, but it seems like places to live are much cheaper out there at least according to craigslist.

I'm not in yet, but I can't keep my internet browser from researching the DC area and places to live. I want it bad.

Hi there:

I did my masters at Georgetown while living in Maryland (about 8 stops from Dupont on the red line). Although the metro and GUTS bus are somewhat convenient, I feel it necessary to warn you about a couple of things. First of all, living in Maryland is certainly cheaper than living in GTown, but you will have to move pretty far up the red line to get more affordable housing (Bethesda is EXTREMELY expensive, and Rockville is getting there....Shady Grove is probably the cheapest option). Now, finding housing within walking distance of the metro is going to be more difficult and prices WILL increase with proximity to the station. Believe me. I grew up in this area and have seen how prices have skyrocketed in the past 10 years or so. You can always drive and park at Park N Ride stations (if you opt to live a bit further out), but that adds cost and commute time.

Now, if you live in Bethesda, you can expect a 15-minute metro ride on a packed and cramped train in the morning. If you live in Rockville, it will be more than 20 minutes. Shady Grove is even further. Riding the metro during rush hour (which is pretty much 7:30-9:15am and 3-8pm...DC commuting is RIDICULOUS) is NOT FUN. You will be packed like sardines and have no place to sit (unless you are fortunate enough to live at Grosvenor, where every other train in the morning is an empty one). You will get to Dupont and cross the street to the GUTS station, where there is usually a bus every 5-10 minutes in the morning.

About GUTS: It's still another 15-20 minute ride on the shuttle to campus, depending on traffic and weather (sometimes it is longer if there is hella traffic or snow). And some of the GUTS drivers are insane. You are often standing up and being jostled about on your way to school. I never had motion sickness until I started taking the GUTS shuttle. Once you get to campus, it's a short 5-min walk to the med-dent building.

My advice - pay the extra money and live near campus your first year. You don't want to spend an hour to two hours EVERY DAY on your commute. I hated doing it as a grad student...I hated it so much that I would stay on campus until 8 or 9 at night every day just so I could get a seat on my way home. And the metro is really expensive...Round trip from Maryland to Dupont during rush hour will cost you ~$5 a day, and that doesn't even include parking if you have to drive. Overall it will save you LOTS of time (if not money) to live within walking distance of campus.

If you MUST live away from campus, live in Rosslyn. The shuttle is much more efficient and you won't need to metro. OH - and there IS a shuttle option from Montgomery Mall in Maryland (a free park-n-ride), but it leaves at 7:45 sharp and returns at 5:30 sharp, no flexibility, and it costs a little more. I took it for about two months.

If you want to know more about Georgetown, I can try and help.

 

[GTDR2B]

Hey everyone, I'm glad to see this thread finally started... Those excited about Georgetown Medical School and it's program seem to be far and few between on SDN. But I for one could not be happier with my acceptance and am truely looking forward to the entire experience both good and bad.

On my interview day, everyone from the students to Ms. Sullivan were very honest with the idea that Georgetown works their students extremely hard. They made it sound as if it was much harder than other medical schools. My question for Just Applied or any other Georgetown students is what do you think is so much harder about Georgetown if anything? I'm ready when the time comes to work through whatever is thrown my way, but I'm curious about the reputation? Does the workload at Georgetown really differ from the workload of any friends you might have at other medical schools? For example, are you required to memorize the ridiculous fine points of some scientists research which has little real-world clinical relevance? Any insite you can give to satisfy my curiousity would be great!

 

[Just Applied]

Hey GTDR2B,


Congrats on your acceptance. georgetown is a great school. As for the workload...I don't know how to describe it specifically but I will try. I have no personal experience from other schools so take my advice with only a grain of salt. The workload here gets to be crazy at some points in the semester. They have a tendency to condense a 3 month course into 2 months wth the same amount of material. this leads to 3 lectures a day on the same subject and can get pretty crazy sometimes. Some people do really well with this schedule because they just study the material a week to 2 weeks before the test and end up doing perfectly fine. I myself experience the workload as enormous amounts of information that can be applied in the real world. Especially what I am taking now (physiology). There are some professors that require you to memorize certain facts and bologna that you do not need to know but not too many. Anyways i was able to deal with all this work by not showing up for class any more. In the beginning I used to go to every class and not gain too much so I decided to stop going. Now I study most of the day and am free to do what I want at night (relax, workout, go out and the like.) So I am able to handle the work pretty well now and it doesn't seem like a lot anymore but in the beginning it was hard to get used to. But if going to class is thing, then by all means do it. I realized here that I should just do what works best for me and not follow what other people say otherwise you gte caught in all the hype which will just stress you out even more. So in the end just do what works best for you and if you do it right, you will greatly enjoy your experience here at georgetown.

Congrats again on the acceptance! 👍

Hey everyone, I'm glad to see this thread finally started... Those excited about Georgetown Medical School and it's program seem to be far and few between on SDN. But I for one could not be happier with my acceptance and am truely looking forward to the entire experience both good and bad.

On my interview day, everyone from the students to Ms. Sullivan were very honest with the idea that Georgetown works their students extremely hard. They made it sound as if it was much harder than other medical schools. My question for Just Applied or any other Georgetown students is what do you think is so much harder about Georgetown if anything? I'm ready when the time comes to work through whatever is thrown my way, but I'm curious about the reputation? Does the workload at Georgetown really differ from the workload of any friends you might have at other medical schools? For example, are you required to memorize the ridiculous fine points of some scientists research which has little real-world clinical relevance? Any insite you can give to satisfy my curiousity would be great!

 

[5prime23]

Thank you Just Applied and LadyWolverine for providing some inside info!!

Good luck to clowden and everyone waiting for news!!

I remember from my interview that community involvment is important at Gtown and is in some way integrated into the curriculum. Does anyone know how this works? I think I remember Ms. Sullivan saying that a group of students went to Africa on a service mission (I may have this completely wrong) and I wonder when they would have had time to do that - summer between MS1 and 2?

 

[anystream]

I'm so glad someone started this thread! I'm 99% sure I'm going to meet you guys this fall...pretty exciting. I absolutely loved Georgetown when I visited and can picture myself being very happy there.

I have a ton of questions:
-does anyone know what the options are for people interested in a MD/MPH? I remember they mentioned this at the interview day (I wish I took better notes).
-some people on SDN have mentioned that the facilities aren't very nice. I never noticed this on my interview day, so I'm wondering if there is something I don't know about
-how technologically advanced is the school (for the class component)? are lectures recorded? do you feel it is relatively easy to communicate with faculty/staff?
-I have a choice between Georgetown and a (similarly ranked) public school. I liked Georgetown so so much better, but I want to make sure its worth the cost difference- any thoughts?
-is there a gym available to students, and how nice is it?
-since no med students live on campus, how cohesive is the student body? is there a general student profile (i.e. age, specialty interests), or are people pretty diverse? how big is the class?
-how do you get a credit report for their financial aid purposes?

and for current students: what is your favorite/least favorite thing so far about our experience at Georgetown? If you could do things over, what would you change about your med school experience?

 

[clowden]

Well, my acceptance letter came yesterday and now the excitement begins. I get to select between GT and another private university in Chicago. Not a bad problem to have...never though I would get to this point 6 months ago. Thanks for posting the questions, anystream...I'm also looking for some opinions on what you brought up.

 

[5prime23]

Congratulations clowden – good luck deciding where to go (definitely a good problem)!

To anystream, I have a bunch of the same questions, and a few thoughts:

1) In the program summary booklet handed out at the interview, the MD/PhD, MD/MBA, MD/MALS, and MD/MS programs are outlined but I can’t find anything on the MD/MPH program - weird
2) I thought the facilities were fine – a little old – but not crumbling apart as some have said. I do find it mildly disconcerting that some posts on this site seem a little anti-Gtown. Or is that just my imagination??
3) I’m also trying to decide between my state-school and Gtown. And even though my state school is ranked higher (~15 spots) and is cheaper, I still think Georgetown will give me a better education and better future opportunities, so I’m pretty sure I’ll be there in August. In terms of whether it’s worth it economically, I think that depends on where you want to be in 10 years. Gtown matches a lot of students into competitive specialties that will lead to higher eventual income, making it easier to pay back loans. So, if you’re interested in one of those specialties, I think Gtown has a distinct advantage over a school where only a small group of the very top students match into the ultra competitive fields. On the other hand, if you want to do family practice in a small town, you have to consider whether Gtown will help get you there any more than your half-the-price state school – probably not. But even then, Gtown might be worth the price difference if you just “click” with their philosophy and program.
4) I would also like to know about the gym – they must have a pretty nice health center since their athletic program is solid, and I would hope it’s open to med students.
5) I asked all 3 of the MS1 tour guides independently about the interaction between students, and they all said that there was a definite sense of teamwork and camaraderie within the class. I think they were being honest and not just giving the “right” answer.

I'm still wondering how easy it is to find roommates and rent a big house within walking distance? Is anyone planning on moving to DC at the beginning of June to get settled and learn a new city?

 

[psufan]

From talking to third and fourth years (I currently shadow a PD there), it seems like there are certain areas around the hospital where mainly med students live. Some landlords are said to only rent to med students b/c they don't want to rent to undergrads.

I am already in Bethesda (Red Line - first stop in Maryland), so I will not be moving in early. I actually plan on traveling during July, but I will definitely be back at the end of July/beginning of August.

If people will be in the area early, we should all have a get-together before orientation.

Oh and to answer an earlier question - go here for a free credit report. You can get one every 12 months for free.

http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/freereports/index.html

Hope to see all of you there next year. I am 90% sure that I will be there! 😍

 

[anystream]

I found this while I was browsing the website:


Starting with the class of 2010, a research paper will be required to graduate. At the end of their second year, students are required to perform a physical exam on a “mock patient”; however, starting this year it will also be required for these students to report their findings to an attending as part of the exercise. The fourth year curriculum will change starting next year, there will only be two required acting internships (AIs), one of which is mandatory to be medicine and the second one can be any of the approximately 20 available AIs (ie. surgery, pediatrics, medicine again, etc). Finally the first and second year curricula will change to incorporate more of the notion of “structure before function” into the class topics. (http://www3.georgetown.edu/som/student/under_the_cupola/under_the_cupola_feb2006.html)

does anyone know anything more about this?

 

[5prime23]

I found this while I was browsing the website:


Starting with the class of 2010, a research paper will be required to graduate. At the end of their second year, students are required to perform a physical exam on a “mock patient”; however, starting this year it will also be required for these students to report their findings to an attending as part of the exercise. The fourth year curriculum will change starting next year, there will only be two required acting internships (AIs), one of which is mandatory to be medicine and the second one can be any of the approximately 20 available AIs (ie. surgery, pediatrics, medicine again, etc). Finally the first and second year curricula will change to incorporate more of the notion of “structure before function” into the class topics. (http://www3.georgetown.edu/som/student/under_the_cupola/under_the_cupola_feb2006.html)

does anyone know anything more about this?

Hey,

I don’t have any info to add. But, at the risk of sounding like an idiot, I was wondering what it means that they are incorporating “more of the notion of structure before function” into the first and second year curricula. Does that just mean anatomy before physiology, or is it an attempt to be more systems-based (wouldn’t that be structure with function)?

 

[ukkat1]

Ok, I will try to answer as many questions as i can....I am a second year right now and I live in rosslyn. I know many people that live in gtown and really like being that close. Most people found their housing on the housing list that was distributed near the beginning of the summer. I have lived in an apartment complex in rosslyn both years and i love it. There are many other people who live in this area have found in very convenient. The GUTS bus runs very regulary from 5am till midnight during the week and usually only takes 15-20 door to door. Parking is much easier here, most places are cheaper than in gtown, and its more convenient for groceries, target, etc. For the schedule...class schedule changes every day, days are pretty long first semester of first year with labs (which are usually mandatory), and then get shorter the rest of the day. All lecture audio is recorded and there is a pretty good notetaking service. Some people learn very well from lecture and attend every one, I found that my time is better spent teaching myself and using the notesets, so i don't go to very many lectures any more. The gym is close to the med school and is adequate, but not great. Some students opt for a membership at washington sports club, but those can get pricey and many students use the gtown gym. Facilities....gtown is working on improving the facilities one area at a time, which unfortunately means there has always been construction going on. The parts they have completed-the first floor of the library and the ILC-are pretty nice. They are planning on finishing the top two floors of the library over the summer from what I have heard. The ILC is the integrated learning center - used for small groups, micro lab, and physical diagnosis (which has been now started in first year). As for the curriculum, it is very difficult, although i can't speak to how it compares to other schools. It was definitely an adjustment to come from a large state school and being at the top of my classes without a problem to struggling to pass some of the exams. But the work can be done and by this year i have figured out how to study and do reasonably well on exams...my standards have just changed! As for the students...every class seems to be different, some are more competitive, more partyers, etc. Everyone is very friendlyand everyone seems to find a group to fit in with. There are a lot of social events, from class-wide kegs and parties after exams, to formal events, to spring break trips. As with everything else, it is what you make it.

 

[jpwinsmcgee]

just got my acceptance! is anyone else definitely going or are people still considering?

where else are you all considering, if you don't mind my asking?

 

[BAM!]

I'm trying to decide b/n BU and Georgetown. I liked DC better than Boston, but I sensed a competitive vibe at gtown. Even Mrs. Sullivan said something about the school's competitive nature.

I have a question for the students of Georgetown. If you had to choose again, would you choose Georgetown, or BU?

Also, jpwinsmcgee - I don't understand, are you going to GW over Gtown?


Thanks 🙂

just got my acceptance! is anyone else definitely going or are people still considering?

where else are you all considering, if you don't mind my asking?

 

[jpwinsmcgee]

ignore my "as of now, gw..." as i am just lazy to go back and switch it. i just did a second look day at both schools and walked away thinking (about gw) "wow, i really like this place" and (about georgetown) "wow, i could really see myself here". although we still have about a month, as of now i am heavily leaning towards georgetown.

one more question:

do they help incoming students with housing? i am entirely unfamiliar with the area and am hoping to live right near campus, hopefully with a roommate. anyone know the protocol or if/how they help?

thanks!

 

[BAM!]

Is there very much traveling during the rotation years? Will I need a car? Will I have to suffer through hour long commutes? Will I need to relocate for certain rotations?

Thanks!

 

[Kleintje]

😀 Anyone looking for a roommate???? 😀

 

[jpwinsmcgee]

it's official... i'm going to georgetown! i need a roommate kleintje...let's speak. looking for a young girl (21-23) to room with. non-smokers only. anyone???

 

[5prime23]

I'm looking for roomates also. You can fill out a housing form to list yourself as looking for roomates and to get housing info. I'm hoping to get something smoke-free within walking distance.

Also, does anyone know anything about the vehicle excise taxes in DC?? I read somewhere that hybrids are exempt from the tax (which is 6-8% of the car's value - nasty) but the people at the DMV had no idea (no real surprise there). Just wondering if someone has tried to bring a hybrid to DC with any luck?

 

[P-Bone]

just got my acceptance! is anyone else definitely going or are people still considering?

where else are you all considering, if you don't mind my asking?

I've been accepted to Georgetown and USC, and wait listed at Vandy. And I'm waiting to hear from Stanford . . . just interviewed recently. Still have NO idea where to go/what to do.

 

[melmel]

Hi,

I am also looking for fun roommates for next year. I am hoping to live with girls and within walking distance of campus.

 

[anystream]

another girl here interested in finding a roommate. i would like to live with at least one other person close to campus.

 

[vhawk]

I will be a class of '10 hoya as well. As far as going to classes, nah, most people dont go to all of them, I didnt go to any of them. Then again, I will be retaking the year, so perhaps there is a better strategy? That being said, I can probably answer a lot of your guys' questions. Just listen to what I did and do the opposite and you should be fine.

 

[Kleintje]

Hi,

I am also looking for fun roommates for next year. I am hoping to live with girls and within walking distance of campus.

So am I! Although I have 3 brothers so I am used to living with guys. Living with girls would be a very nice change though! I have been looking on the web, but havn't had much luck. Most of the places that are posting now seem to want you to move in by june.

Anyone have any advice on where to search for housing besides craigslist and the off-campus postings through georgetown?

Thanks for the help!

 

[psufan]

You won't find much if you start looking this early. I plan on waiting until the end of May/beginning of June at the earliest before I start looking for a place.

Are all of you guys sure about G'Town? Or are you waiting for other schools still?

I love G'Town, but I am on a waitlist of another school which I has recently become my first choice, partly due to my bf's future location. I would still be very happy @ G'Town with all of you though 🙂 .

I'm not sure when I should give up on the other school and commit myself to G'town--probably will when I start looking for housing I guess.

 

[jpwinsmcgee]

i'm on a bunch of waitlists but there is only one of them that i might possibly consider seriously. for people in this situation, i feel like we shouldn't bank on the possibility that we might get accepted. we need to get emotionally vested in georgetown and work from there.

aside question, what do you guys think about the whole 'summer reading' list they gave us? it basically says: restudy chem, orgo and parts of bio. ahh. i spoke to my friend who is an m1 at penn and he said he was given a list like that but didn't have to and didn't do any of the review. what do you guys think? anyone else at georgetown do this?

 

[5prime23]

So am I! Although I have 3 brothers so I am used to living with guys. Living with girls would be a very nice change though! I have been looking on the web, but havn't had much luck. Most of the places that are posting now seem to want you to move in by june.

Anyone have any advice on where to search for housing besides craigslist and the off-campus postings through georgetown?

Thanks for the help!

Is that a toilet seat reference, or is there more to it??

Is that your C6? If so, are you looking for any new best friends?

I think housingmaps.com is very helpful for searching for housing. It just combines the craigslist database with a google map, making it really easy to find stuff within walking distance. But as you said, most of the current listings are looking for a June 1 lease start. Also, it seems like the places get taken really quickly. I'm taking a trip out to DC next week and hope to at least get a few rental phone numbers.

If any upperclassmen are looking for replacement roomates, please let us know where to find that info.

 

[Just Applied]

i'm on a bunch of waitlists but there is only one of them that i might possibly consider seriously. for people in this situation, i feel like we shouldn't bank on the possibility that we might get accepted. we need to get emotionally vested in georgetown and work from there.

aside question, what do you guys think about the whole 'summer reading' list they gave us? it basically says: restudy chem, orgo and parts of bio. ahh. i spoke to my friend who is an m1 at penn and he said he was given a list like that but didn't have to and didn't do any of the review. what do you guys think? anyone else at georgetown do this?

Don't read anything on the list. Enjoy your summer and be ready to hit the ground running here.

 

[anystream]

any word from financial aid?

 

[psufan]

any word from financial aid?

I called last Friday, and I was told that the offers were to be sent out today...so hopefully we will get them mid-week!!

 

[Kleintje]

I live in Fl and havn't recieved anything yet. Anyone get their finacial award letters yet? 😕

 

[psufan]

I live in Fl and havn't recieved anything yet. Anyone get their finacial award letters yet? 😕

I live in Bethesda and still have yet to receive it! I did call last week and was told that my letter was sent out on Thursday, so hopefully I'll get it today. They told me that some were sent out on Thursday and some would be sent out on Friday. I'll post here when I receive it b/c I'll prob be the first to get it.

Also, I will be looking for roommates soon. I want to live near the school and preferably with girls. However, I do live with mostly guys now, and I could do it again.

 

[Jockey00]

Well hi everyone, I'll be joining you all next year at G'town m'10. I was told my financial aid letter would be sent out last Tuesday (3/25), and I haven't received it as of yet -- bummer.

Can a current student pass along some advice on how good the school is in communicating with students over the summer (eg. on housing, obtaining a g'town e-mail account, etc.)

Looking forward to August.

 

[CocoMD]

hi! i'm a current 1st year at gtown and can try to answer some of your questions...

first of all, i absolutely love gtown and am very happy with my choice to come here! most of all, the people at gtown are great. the students are very nice and classes are pretty cohesive - we have good turnout for class events, etc. the professors are also very approachable, even the deans, and work with the students to make the changes we want happen.

HOUSING - i'm looking for a few more roommates to fill my house that's right down the road from campus (under 5 min. walk). we have 3 rooms available and a parking spot out back. 2 girls from m'09 (including myself) will be living there as well. guys and girls are both welcome as roommates. 2 of the rooms share a bathroom, so it would be ideal to have people who know each-other. the other has it's own bathroom. if you'd like more info, you can email me at cc326 @georgetown.edu (just take out the space - i wanted to make sure it didn't block the address). this is the first time i've been back on sdn this year, so it's best to email me about housing or other questions you might have. i love living right by campus. first of all, i can sleep a bit later in the mornings😉 it's also near a lot of my classmates and is really easy to run over to campus for meetings, etc.

someone was asking about changes to the curriculum - there's a committee of students that works with the professors to recommend changes, etc. so, the changes that will be taking place have all been supported by both students and faculty.

as for class time - as others have said, it depends on your study habits. i like to go to class. it's nice to see everyone and i enjoy most of the lectures. there are some classes (the non-science ones) that i didn't mind missing too much. personally, i do better when i go to lecture. if i don't go to lecture, it's probably because i'm still asleep, not because i'm up studying. so, if you're disciplined enough to make yourself study when you don't go to class, that could work. i'd say at least go to the first few classes and see what you think. i'm not a huge fan of the lecture notes - they're just not my way of studying. other people swear by them. there is lecture audio - that's what i use if i miss a class. also, anatomy labs are scheduled til 5, but you're usually not there past 4 (we often left around 3 - it's whatever you want really).

the coursework is definitely manageable - don't worry! there might be an adjustment period, depending on how hard you had to work in college, but you figure it out pretty quickly. you just have to find what works for you. some people study a bit each day. others (like me) tend to wait til the week or two before an exam to really study intensely. i don't think it's worse than other med schools and there's plenty of time for fun in between.

someone was asking about bu vs. gtown - i also interviewed up at bu last year and liked it a lot. i actually find the two schools to be very similar. in the end, i'd say choose the one that felt like the best match for you (students, location, etc.). both are great schools. i would NOT describe gtown as having competitive students as in cut-throat. i wonder if perhaps ms. sullivan meant that students are very competitive when it comes to boards/residency placement (they often use the word in that context - as in we get competitive scores and placements, not we compete about grades, etc.). we all study together, share study resources/study guides we make, etc. it's a very friendly environment.

oh, and don't do any summer reading unless it's for pleasure! have fun!


don't hold your breath about receiving communication from the school. a few things trickled in toward the end of the summer, but i don't think there was a ton of communication. there will be a website up at some point this summer w/ info about orientation, white coat ceremony, etc. - they should send you an email about it at some point, but probably not til much later. you'll get a lot of info during orientation, though, so don't worry about it. if you have questions between now and then, feel free to email me at the address i wrote above.

i look forward to meeting you all at orientation! 🙂

 

[NYMed]

I received my financial aid package yesterday. It was pretty good actually. I was leaning toward AECOM (location, close to family), but Georgetown gave me a good amount in grants, so now I'm confused. Any advice?

 

[5prime23]

I've heard conflicting reports on the convenience of commuting from Rosslyn. The admissions office provided some info on the GUTS bus that runs a Rosslyn loop and then drops off right by the med-dent building, but I've also heard that the GUTS bus is unreliable and a little sketchy. So, could any current students comment on the commute?

Initially, I thought I would definitely live within walking distance of campus, but I just got back from a trip to Gtown and it seems like you really get a lot more housing for your money in northern VA. So now I'm somewhat conflicted. Also, if anyone knows of any apartments or condos near the Key Bridge, that would be really helpful info!

 

[Just Applied]

I currently live in Roslyn and have never had any problem with the GUTS bus. Its goes back and forth between GU and Roslyn every 5 mins during rush hour and every 20 mins during off peak schedules. It runs till from 6-12 AM on weekdays and till 5 pm on saturday. GU is about 20 minute walk from roslyn and is a nice walk overall.

 

[anon729]

(sorry if you're seeing this for a second time, i posted it in another GU forum and then found this one)!
Do most GU students live with roomates in townhouses or do the live alone in apartments (in VA mostly, since there aren't really any in Georgetown near campus)? I know that this is a matter of personal preference, but I was just wondering if there were any trends? Also, do a lot of students study in the library on campus?

 

[megamd]

hey guys - so i think im most likely going to be joining the georgetown class of 2010!! yay!!! i'm still trying to decide between georgetown, UCI, and BU, so I had a couple of questions:

1. did anyone attend second look? how was it? does the incoming class seem cool?

2. for georgetown med students - i've heard that the class tends to be stuck-up, conservative, and unfriendly - is this true? or do the students get along and people make very close friendships within their class?

3. are people generally happy and excited about their decision to be at ger

4. does the school have a lot of funding for AMA conferences, international volunteer programs?

5. also, if anyone is trying to decide between the same schools I am, why did they choose the school they decide to attend?

thanks!!

 

[megamd]

I received my financial aid package yesterday. It was pretty good actually. I was leaning toward AECOM (location, close to family), but Georgetown gave me a good amount in grants, so now I'm confused. Any advice?

so i was initially deciding between GU, UCI, BU and AECOM but i ruled out AECOM because i realized taht i couldn't live in the bronx for 4 years. i realized that i needed to live in a big city, not an hour away from one. i know that the AECOM med students go out to manhattan a lot but I just feel like it would take a lot of planning and the commute in and out would kill the next day for me. instead of getting home at 3, i'd get home at 4 or something like that. i know its just a minor example but it made me realize i need to live in a big city. i am also interested in health care policy and living in Washington DC would give me so much access to that type of work. in the end, the location became the deciding factor for me. my advice is to consider whether you would like living in the bronx and if you would like the living situation - everyone living in the same building.

good luck!

 

[ukkat1]

Hey! I am just finishing up my second year and hopefully will try to answer some more of your questions. In my opinion, gtown is anything but unfriendly. Everyone is incredibly nice, and for the most part, are demanding on themselves, but are not incredibly competitive with each other (a big part of why i chose gtown over other schools). Most people are very social and live by the "work hard play hard" motto (from kegs right outside after exams to enjoying the never ending stream of things to do here in DC). Academically I have found it very challenging, but not impossible. I struggled to get adjusted during my first semester, but once i got settled into a routine, everything has gotten so much better. And i'll throw in my two cents on second year - it is a lot harder, but SO much better, the work is so much more interesting and I haven't minded taking the time to study stuff that i know is important. For housing ~ i don't know if they still do this, but we got a list from the office with people looking for roommates and I went by that when I came up to look for housing. I know a lot of people live in the burleith area (around 37th and T) and foxhall (down reservoir road, about a 10 minute walk) and really enjoy it there. Those are pretty much houses that are shared by 3-6 people and there are usually people with spaces opening up as the 4th years move out. There are also a bunch of us living in rosslyn who love it here as well. I found my apt complex on the internet before i came out and have lived here both years (and hopefully will be staying here the next few years as well), there are also some people who moved over after first and second years for the convenience. It takes me about 20 min door-to-door to get to class. The GUTS bus is very reliable, although i always seem to be a block away when it pulls away, but that is just because i always forget something as i walk out the door! I love living here because I love my apartment - rooftop deck, small workout room (and two blocks from golds), pool - and i love how close it is to everything else. I can get to target, the airport, the mall, anything i want in 10 minutes. It just makes life very convenient. If you are interested in rosslyn, a few places to check out are Normandy/London apts (where I am), Rosslyn Heights, and Riverplace (there are a ton of kids living there). We (me and a current first year girl) are also looking for a roommate for next year...if you are interested drop me an email at lea22 @georgetown.edu (as with above, delete the space). I probably won't be on here for awhile as boards studying starts up on monday, but i will try to get back to you promptly on email. Get excited to come here - i know the first years are planning some fun events for you guys for orientation week, and it is a great chance to get to know everyone!

 

[megamd]

so ive decided - ill definitely be at gtown in Aug. YAY! now that i've made my decision im soooooooooo excited.

i'm also looking for housing/roomates next year. preferably one other girl and walking distance from campus. i'm looking into 2 bedroom/2 baths or 2 bedrooms/1 bath. any advice ? and any one else interested? i've also signed up on georgetown's housing/roommate list.

 

[anon729]

so ive decided - ill definitely be at gtown in Aug. YAY! now that i've made my decision im soooooooooo excited.

i'm also looking for housing/roomates next year. preferably one other girl and walking distance from campus. i'm looking into 2 bedroom/2 baths or 2 bedrooms/1 bath. any advice ? and any one else interested? i've also signed up on georgetown's housing/roommate list.

Congrats on your decision! Have they already sent e-mails, etc. with housing options and/or roomates? I know the list said biweekly, but I didn't know if it started yet???????

 

[megamd]

Congrats on your decision! Have they already sent e-mails, etc. with housing options and/or roomates? I know the list said biweekly, but I didn't know if it started yet???????

i received the list on tuesday. The email said that it would be sent out every 2 weeks on Tuesday. I'm sure if you call the office of admissions - they will send it to you. You just need to fax that form in to sign up for it. have you definitely decided on georgetown?

 

[anon729]

i received the list on tuesday. The email said that it would be sent out every 2 weeks on Tuesday. I'm sure if you call the office of admissions - they will send it to you. You just need to fax that form in to sign up for it. have you definitely decided on georgetown?

Yes, I've definitely decided on Georgetown. Were there any good options on the list re: places to live? Mostly townhouses or apartments in DC/VA? I'll get right on it and send in my form. Thanks!