Georgetown Gems 2012-2013

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Congrats to everybody who got a call!! Hopefully, the east coast people hear something soon! Any nyc invites yet?
 
not a private number! if you see a 202 area code pick up!
 
Hi everyone! I came to this thread with some quesitons, and am hoping that a current GEMS student might have an answer for me or just help me out (fingers crossed). I applied to the 2012 application cycle and received my interview call this past Friday (I'm on the west coast). I read on a previous page that once you are part of the GEMS program, you submit your med school application by October. I have taken the MCAT before and didn't do so well. Obviously a call for interview does not guarantee anything as far acceptance to the program is concerned or to med school. So do you think I should retake my MCAT before this July (that is if I am accepted to the program - again fingers crossed)? I am seriously flippin out over this right now and am hoping that I can get some advice. Thank u much! 🙂
 
one more question....anyone know what the assessment test on interview day is like...any input?
 
lkrgurl said:
Hi everyone! I came to this thread with some quesitons, and am hoping that a current GEMS student might have an answer for me or just help me out (fingers crossed). I applied to the 2012 application cycle and received my interview call this past Friday (I'm on the west coast). I read on a previous page that once you are part of the GEMS program, you submit your med school application by October. I have taken the MCAT before and didn't do so well. Obviously a call for interview does not guarantee anything as far acceptance to the program is concerned or to med school. So do you think I should retake my MCAT before this July (that is if I am accepted to the program - again fingers crossed)? I am seriously flippin out over this right now and am hoping that I can get some advice. Thank u much! 🙂
Click to expand...

If you are accepted to GEMS, then you won't need to retake the MCAT when you apply to Georgetown University School of Medicine. Your performance in GEMS is used to prove to the school that you can succeed in the medical classes despite what your GPA and MCAT indicates. If you are planning on applying to other additional schools, you may want to retake it if you are dissatisfied since those other schools might look at your application differently than Georgetown.

lkrgurl said:
one more question....anyone know what the assessment test on interview day is like...any input?
Click to expand...

There's going to be a science test and a study skill assessment. There's not much you can do to prepare for it. I think last year someone suggested going over MCAT material, but I found that my time would have been better spent resting, practicing for the interview, etc. And you really don't need to worry about it. Just try your best! 🙂
Although I should mention that the general attitude of my fellow interviewees after the tests were summed up as: "WTF? How did they expect us to know that? 😕"
So if you think you didn't do well, please don't let it cloud your day or cause you unnecessary concern. 😀
 
Sending positive vibes! Still believing that we still have a chance and WILL get a call this week in JC's name!😍
 
Hey everyone! Congrats to those that got the interview invite!!!

I am a current GEMS so feel free to ask any questions you guys may have.

As far as the test on the interview day, it is ridiculously hard! Some of the interviewees from my year said they studied from their mcat prep books (i did not) but by the end of the test all of us where just like "WTH was what" lol... I THINK its just a test to see where you are, but I am sure I may have gotten maybe 5 questions correct (not lieing). I was hesitant to believe previous gems when they said do not study for it BUT after going through it Im saying please believe us and save yourself the time.

Again, Congrats!!!
 
have any invites on the east coast been given out yet? it seems like most invites have been from the west, midwest and south so far...
 
Hey Everyone,
I'm just a bit confused about the GEMS program - on their website it says that the GEMS program is for underprivileged or undeserved populations.
So I was just wondering - you guys and gals on this thread who applied - do you know if the GEMS program takes applicants who don't come from an underprivileged population etc?
Can other people apply or would that be a guaranteed rejection?
 
Nothing to Jersey. Last year the latest mentioned invitation came two Weeks after the first invite.
 
sharpieLIFE said:
Hey Everyone,
I'm just a bit confused about the GEMS program - on their website it says that the GEMS program is for underprivileged or undeserved populations.
So I was just wondering - you guys and gals on this thread who applied - do you know if the GEMS program takes applicants who don't come from an underprivileged population etc?
Can other people apply or would that be a guaranteed rejection?
Click to expand...

Guaranteed rejection. Non-underprivileged applicants should apply to the Georgetown SMP.
 
The program is geared for underrepresented and underprivileged but of course the definitions for these terms varies. Also, there is a focus on developing physicians who have an interest in serving the underpriveledged and underrepresented. With that said if you already applied just keep the faith. 🙂
 
Thanks for your replies guys!
So I must ask has anyone heard from the graduate office as to what they believes constitutes underprivileged and underrepresented etc?
 
Thank you guys for the input; I feel a little better already!
 
"So I must ask has anyone heard from the graduate office as to what they believes constitutes underprivileged and underrepresented etc?"

The categories are URM (under represented minority), economically disadvantaged and educationally disadvantaged. But it all really depends on your own personal experience. It can't hurt to apply even if you are not a URM, which I believe consists of different ethnic groups.
 
You do NOT have to be a URM. You simply need to have a very good reason explaining your below par academic performance in the past. That is why the essay is so important. If you are looking to apply for the next cycle, wait till this application cycle is finished and call the gems adcom and talk to them about your situation and whether or not they think the program is a good fit for you and your circumstances. All of the people I've talked to in their office are very nice and more than willing to answer your questions.
 
Sorry to beat a dead horse, but does anyone think that just feeling underrepresented in their undergraduate academic community (as in, not many other URMs around) could be cause for poor academic performance in the past?

I could definitely attest to my desire to help fellow URMs once I become a physician, but I cannot honestly say I have had to overcome any financial hardships related to my URM status. Just wondering what you guys think.
 
I suppose it could, however I would think that you'd have to explain quite clearly how it has affected you and your performance. Remember, on the other end of this application is a group of human beings and if you can give a convincing enough reason as to your disadvantaged status, it won't fall on deaf ears. That being said, if you try to create a reason for being disadvantaged that does not quite add up, the GEMS office will see through it as well. Your best course of action is probably waiting until this application cycle is over and calling the office.
 
I think the closest we have to an East Coast call was DJDT in Florida....but eventually we will hear one way or the other. Don't give up hope, but don't stress out over it. Nothing to do now but wait, hope, and keep on going.
 
I believe we also have someone from PA...

FightinUruKai said:
I think the closest we have to an East Coast call was DJDT in Florida....but eventually we will hear one way or the other. Don't give up hope, but don't stress out over it. Nothing to do now but wait, hope, and keep on going.
Click to expand...
 
Congrats to all who have been invited to interview! I am joining the thread a bit late, but please add me to the list of this year's applicants. Best of luck to everyone!
 
Hi everyone, just getting to this thread late. I got an interview and I will be there May 7th. From reading this thread and the one from previous years, seems like this is a good group of people. Congrats to all those applying and to those who got interviews. Good luck everyone!
 
got a rejection letter in the mail today. good luck to everyone! not giving up tho. def getting ready to submit another med school application with an increased MCAT score! 🙂
 
naijacardriodoc does your online application say "In Review" or "Complete" or something else?
 
I did apply. I was staying away from the forums hoping that it would stop me from freaking out once invites started going out. No such luck. I'm East Coast (MA). Looking across the thread I'm starting to think that I may just not have qualified based on where I live...seriously nobody from the NE has heard anything good?
 
Nope no one yet. There have been 5 reported interview invites on sdn and roughly 25 sdn applicants yielding a 20%ish interview offer rate. Gems reports that roughly 35% of applicants will interview. Either we represent an anomalous sample or the applicant pool has increased significantly. Or they may not be finished offering interviews.
 
Application is complete. But I think it said that ever since I submitted it but I'm not sure.
 
got the rejection letter in the mail today. I was a little surprised as my grades were not too low ( i received a few medical school interviews just havent heard yet) so i thought this would be a guaranteed interview. I am out of state (from PA) and although my parents are first generation immigrants from a underprivileged ethnicity i never overcame financial issues so maybe that did it too? who knows but best of luck to you all! it seems like a great program and i hope you guys get in.
 
I got my rejection letter today too - dated April 12th. Good luck to those of you interviewing!
 
Sorry to hear about the rejections guys....I wish you all the best of luck in your future endeavors
 
I fall into the same category as durdaneta2...good luck everyone else...they were pretty quick with response.
 
Also got my rejection letter. I'm the child of first gen underrepresented immigrants, and have lived all my life in a part of town with crazy high murder rates and a health professional shortage area. I overcame and am still dealing with significant financial issues, worked all through college, and faced stigma and difficulty because of other issues, and my parents tried to disown me in the middle of it all. Okay grades at a top ranked liberal arts college despite that. On the board of a nonprofit and work in a hospital. Maybe my MCAT was too high? I also haven't taken biochem. Who knows, maybe the east coast just has too many doctors for them.

Ah well, with re-applications to DO schools and wider application to MD schools I should have a decent shot. Good luck interviewees
 
I'm sorry to hear that. Did you get your letter today? Don't get discouraged because at the end of the day you WILL be a physician. Just will have to go through another door to get there. I still haven't heard anything yet myself and have a similar story to yours. Best wishes to everyone!
 
Got my rejection letter today and was pretty bummed but I am hopeful that I will get into a medical post-bacc program for the fall God willing. Best wishes everyone and congrats to those who will be interviewing and knock 'em dead at your interview!!!!!!
 
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