GW Hold

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luckycharms08 said:
yes. you should also consider yourself very lucky. look how many people are being put on hold.
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Yes. I am shocked! Thus, all the weird questions! Thanks

Has anyone been rejected fron GW yet? it doesnt seem like any1 one SDN has been. I looked at the "rejected" thread
 
DrDugger said:
Ok, linkage may skew the scores, but the people in this thread (many > 3.5/32 ) want to know why they have been on hold for so long?

While I would still like to say that the more competitive should worry less simply based on the statistical data- I am intrigued by many of the posts above.
  • at the source of this thread I find the question to be what is the "GW fit?"
    • may anyone elaborate on the facets of this fit?
      • GPA / MCAT (open applicant pool)
      • Geographic orientation?
      • Experience in policy?
      • Other facets?
    • Also please describe the Health Policy program there
Thanks in advance.
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I wouldn't say GWU is looking for a specific score range or necessarily ties to the Washignton DC area. Most private med school actually have very few students from the surrounding area relatively and GWU is no expection. Yes, there are more students from GWU, MD and Virginia but I dont think that the three of those area combined equals 50% of the class.

GWU is less interested in your statistics but more, what experience can you bring that would add something to their class. What kind of person are you and would you make a good doctor? They place an emphasis on POM (practice of medicine) course that is taken all four years and some of the dean's office will say that it is your most important course of your entire four years. They want students with people's smart and book smarts. I know, it sounds like all med schools but I think thats perhaps why some students with above the average MCAT and GPA scores do not receive acceptance to GWU. Not b/c they couldn't become good drs, its just that GWU would rather have someone who might have good scores but slightly lower than another candidate if they feel the first person has a better personality, experiences, and attributes to make a good doctor. I know its vague but if you want more info, PM me.
 
cdarnay said:
I wouldn't say GWU is looking for a specific score range or necessarily ties to the Washignton DC area. Most private med school actually have very few students from the surrounding area relatively and GWU is no expection. Yes, there are more students from GWU, MD and Virginia but I dont think that the three of those area combined equals 50% of the class.

GWU is less interested in your statistics but more, what experience can you bring that would add something to their class. What kind of person are you and would you make a good doctor? They place an emphasis on POM (practice of medicine) course that is taken all four years and some of the dean's office will say that it is your most important course of your entire four years. They want students with people's smart and book smarts. I know, it sounds like all med schools but I think thats perhaps why some students with above the average MCAT and GPA scores do not receive acceptance to GWU. Not b/c they couldn't become good drs, its just that GWU would rather have someone who might have good scores but slightly lower than another candidate if they feel the first person has a better personality, experiences, and attributes to make a good doctor. I know its vague but if you want more info, PM me.
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then why was I put on hold? 😀LOL. I'm joking :laugh:
 
cdarnay said:
I wouldn't say GWU is looking for a specific score range or necessarily ties to the Washignton DC area. Most private med school actually have very few students from the surrounding area relatively and GWU is no expection. Yes, there are more students from GWU, MD and Virginia but I dont think that the three of those area combined equals 50% of the class.

GWU is less interested in your statistics but more, what experience can you bring that would add something to their class. What kind of person are you and would you make a good doctor? They place an emphasis on POM (practice of medicine) course that is taken all four years and some of the dean's office will say that it is your most important course of your entire four years. They want students with people's smart and book smarts. I know, it sounds like all med schools but I think thats perhaps why some students with above the average MCAT and GPA scores do not receive acceptance to GWU. Not b/c they couldn't become good drs, its just that GWU would rather have someone who might have good scores but slightly lower than another candidate if they feel the first person has a better personality, experiences, and attributes to make a good doctor. I know its vague but if you want more info, PM me.
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I find it difficult to believe that they can find out such information from AMCAS and someone's secondary application. This might certainly be the case post-interview, but I would contend that the vast majority of the decision making process pre-interview is determining candidates that would likely matriculate if accepted.
 
drizzt3117 said:
I find it difficult to believe that they can find out such information from AMCAS and someone's secondary application. This might certainly be the case post-interview, but I would contend that the vast majority of the decision making process pre-interview is determining candidates that would likely matriculate if accepted.
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I don't think this is true--for example, I wrote very detailed discriptions of my ECs and I know many others did as well. Also, the personal statement counts a lot more at GW than it may at other schools (those that have long secondary essays). I think someone earlier might have already said it, but if GW wanted, they could only choose the 38 MCAT/3.9 GPA folks (they certainly get enough applications from this group of students) but they don't just look at numbers but whether you'll fit in at their schools. GW is very much oriented toward international health and the many aspects of public health and health policy. At the interview day the dean pretty much says that if you're not interested in these fields, you really wouldn't have a good time at GW. I think someone's ECs could really show that they are interested in those fields, and hence might make a better fit at their school.
 
ladyluck3 said:
I don't think this is true--for example, I wrote very detailed discriptions of my ECs and I know many others did as well. Also, the personal statement counts a lot more at GW than it may at other schools (those that have long secondary essays). I think someone earlier might have already said it, but if GW wanted, they could only choose the 38 MCAT/3.9 GPA folks (they certainly get enough applications from this group of students) but they don't just look at numbers but whether you'll fit in at their schools. GW is very much oriented toward international health and the many aspects of public health and health policy. At the interview day the dean pretty much says that if you're not interested in these fields, you really wouldn't have a good time at GW. I think someone's ECs could really show that they are interested in those fields, and hence might make a better fit at their school.
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So you think someone can get a pretty good sense of your personality from your personal statement, ECs, etc? What if you didn't write them yourself?

I explained a few posts ago about why they couldn't choose the 38/3.9 candidate, because those candidates will get into better schools and go there. Most of those people are only applying to GW as a backup. Raising the stats at your school is a long process that takes a lot of work, and usually a lot of money.

I agree about the emphasis on health policy/global health/public health, and feel that people who have shown strength in those areas have done well in obtaining interviews from GW.
 
Thank you Drizzt, cdrnay, ladyluck3 and an Alex S. (Current GW 1st Year)

:hello: Others please add
  • What are the facets of the GW FIT?
    • GPA / MCAT (open applicant pool)
      • Drizzt-probably slightly higher than their matriculant averages, but not much higher.
      • cdrnay- I wouldn't say GWU is looking for a specific score range. GWU is less interested in your statistics.
      • ladyluck3- they don't just look at numbers but whether you'll fit in at their schools.
      • Alex S.- we're about a 30 mcat and about a 3.5 gpa
    • Likelihood of matriculation if accepted
      • Drizzt- Pre-interview (process) is determining candidates that would likely matriculate if accepted.
    • Personal Statement Quality
      • ladyluck3- the personal statement counts a lot more at GW than it may at other schools.
      • Alex S.- motivation to go into medicine is high priority.
    • Geographic orientation?
      • Drizzt-ties to the area matter
      • cdrnay- I wouldn't say GWU is looking for ties to the area.
      • Alex S- I don't think geographical ties to DC matter much in applying... We dont get state or city money.
    • Experience in health policy/public health?
      • Drizzt-experience in health policy is considered
      • ladyluck3 -GW is very much oriented toward the many aspects of public health and health policy. At the interview day the dean pretty much says that if you're not interested in these fields, you really wouldn't have a good time at GW.
      • Alex S.- A lot of people at GW do health policy/global health stuff in general but its not a requirement- DC, PAHO is across the street WHO is nearby
    • Experience Abroad?
      • Drizzt-international experiences are considered
      • ladyluck3- GW is very much oriented toward international health
      • Alex S.- Experiences abroad, sports, jobs .. obviously all that stuff counts here.
    • POM (practice of medicine)
      • cdrnay- They place an emphasis on POM (practice of medicine) course that is taken all four years and some of the dean's office will say that it is your most important course of your entire four years. (For this) they want students with people's smart and book smarts.
      • Alex S.- Take a look at the different tracks GW offers (and the ISCOPES program, and student run clinic)- clinical experience of any kind is really important for admissions. GW values who the applicant is as a person quite a bit i.e. what do you like to do, are you interesting, what kinda stuff makes you unique.
    • Other facets?
Also if anyone could, please describe the Health Policy program there.

Thanks again
 
DrDugger said:
Also if anyone could, please describe the Health Policy program there.
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I've been meaning to respond to this since you first asked about it. I assume that you're referring to the health care policy track for GW med students (and not the programs available at the School of Public Health). I am in the track, and basically it consists of three major things (like all of the tracks):

-A lecture series throughout the year with various experts in the field coming in and giving a lecture or two each. Some very interesting people come in to talk too since this is DC. The director of the track is Fitzhugh Mullan, who has a ton of experience in health policy. http://www.gwumc.edu/sphhs/faculty/mullan_fitzhugh.cfm

-A summer project that is related to health care policy in some manner. Many people stayed here in DC since this is kinda the place for policy, but others found experiences elsewhere. The OSO is very helpful in finding students a slot somewhere that interests them. Students in the health care policy track get priority for internships/experiences that relate to the field and they are also more likely to receive a stipend from the school. I did an internship at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). (Yes, it's the government...they love their acronyms).

-A project during fourth year that is related to health care policy. GW students are required to do a project anyway, but if you sing up for a track then it has to be related to that track.

Hope that helps you out. 🙂
 
cdarnay said:
I wouldn't say GWU is looking for a specific score range or necessarily ties to the Washignton DC area. Most private med school actually have very few students from the surrounding area relatively and GWU is no expection. Yes, there are more students from GWU, MD and Virginia but I dont think that the three of those area combined equals 50% of the class.

GWU is less interested in your statistics but more, what experience can you bring that would add something to their class. What kind of person are you and would you make a good doctor? They place an emphasis on POM (practice of medicine) course that is taken all four years and some of the dean's office will say that it is your most important course of your entire four years. They want students with people's smart and book smarts. I know, it sounds like all med schools but I think thats perhaps why some students with above the average MCAT and GPA scores do not receive acceptance to GWU. Not b/c they couldn't become good drs, its just that GWU would rather have someone who might have good scores but slightly lower than another candidate if they feel the first person has a better personality, experiences, and attributes to make a good doctor. I know its vague but if you want more info, PM me.
Click to expand...

I disagree with the geography part, but only partly:

GWU has early admit agreements with several regional universities.
50+ members of last year's class came from GWU (either from UG or master's programs).
Granted, they may have come from Iowa or East Africa originally...

Neverthless, I don't see it as improbable that 50% of the class was "local" or "tied" to DC prior to acceptance.

People who truly believe that GWU is their "it" school could consider doing an MPH there and reapplying in order to improve their chances -though I'd think really hard about it, and certainly talk to an adcom before doing anything rash.
:luck:
 
tacrum43 said:
I've been meaning to respond to this since you first asked about it. I assume that you're referring to the health care policy track for GW med students (and not the programs available at the School of Public Health). I am in the track, and basically it consists of three major things (like all of the tracks):

-A lecture series throughout the year with various experts in the field coming in and giving a lecture or two each. Some very interesting people come in to talk too since this is DC. The director of the track is Fitzhugh Mullan, who has a ton of experience in health policy. http://www.gwumc.edu/sphhs/faculty/mullan_fitzhugh.cfm

-A summer project that is related to health care policy in some manner. Many people stayed here in DC since this is kinda the place for policy, but others found experiences elsewhere. The OSO is very helpful in finding students a slot somewhere that interests them. Students in the health care policy track get priority for internships/experiences that relate to the field and they are also more likely to receive a stipend from the school. I did an internship at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR). (Yes, it's the government...they love their acronyms).

-A project during fourth year that is related to health care policy. GW students are required to do a project anyway, but if you sing up for a track then it has to be related to that track.

Hope that helps you out. 🙂
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montessori2md said:
I disagree with the geography part, but only partly:

GWU has early admit agreements with several regional universities.
50+ members of last year's class came from GWU (either from UG or master's programs).
Granted, they may have come from Iowa or East Africa originally...

Neverthless, I don't see it as improbable that 50% of the class was "local" or "tied" to DC prior to acceptance.

People who truly believe that GWU is their "it" school could consider doing an MPH there and reapplying in order to improve their chances -though I'd think really hard about it, and certainly talk to an adcom before doing anything rash.
:luck:
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I'm about to finish my MPH in Health Policy and Management from New York Med plus my my dual major in undergrad was Bio and Political Science. Health policy will be my life and GW is my top pick. To what extent would the health care policy track for GW med students complement my current education and ambitions? Thanks for your detailed responses and forgive the additional questions 😀
 
still haven't heard from george washington while my friends, who applied after me, have gotten interviews or put on hold...should i assume that they lost my application? any thoughts on what i should do? thanks.
 
medschool2008 said:
still haven't heard from george washington while my friends, who applied after me, have gotten interviews or put on hold...should i assume that they lost my application? any thoughts on what i should do? thanks.
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Well, it wouldn't hurt to give them a call and make sure that you're complete.
 
It doesn't actually say in the MSAR how many interviews they give out. Anyone have this info? (Yes I already did a search). 🙂
 
bellacnella said:
It doesn't actually say in the MSAR how many interviews they give out. Anyone have this info? (Yes I already did a search). 🙂
Click to expand...

According to USNWR, in 2005 they gave out 1,086 interviews and accepted 300.
 
no news from GW = bad news IMO. I still haven't heard anything and it's wierd to see later applicants getting interview ( I, too, know several).

We can all speculate as much as we want, only Dean McQuail knows what the right "fit" is for a GW Med Student.

DrDugger - a lot of people who don't get accepted right away to GW end up doing the MPH program here at GW and I'm confident in saying that those that reapply while finishing the program seem to mostly get in. I've attended several white coat ceremonies here at GW (where they announce a little tidbit about each student), and it's amazing to see the number of students that come straight out of the MPH program here at GW.

Granted, the MPH program you're doing in NY can't hurt you, and I think that should definetely work in your favor if that's what they consider to be an important component/interest for a 'good fit'.
 
Ive been complete there since 9/10, but have heard nothing. With all these holds going about, could this actually be good news?
 
Called today for a status check, and I too am put on hold. First thing I've heard from any school, so I'm bummed.
 
DocCallaway said:
Ive been complete there since 9/10, but have heard nothing. With all these holds going about, could this actually be good news?
Click to expand...

I've been complete since then, and got a hold message today.

Bummer. GW was definitely top three for me, and now chances are slim. 🙁

(at least it's not a rejection....I guess)
 
cdarnay said:
GWU is less interested in your statistics but more, what experience can you bring that would add something to their class. What kind of person are you and would you make a good doctor? They place an emphasis on POM (practice of medicine) course that is taken all four years and some of the dean's office will say that it is your most important course of your entire four years. They want students with people's smart and book smarts.
Click to expand...

While that sounds very good (and I very much agree with the sentiment), it seems really odd that a school with this philosophy has a secondary application with no essays.
 
Got my hold just now. Maybe they are doing tons of holds till they get all the apps in then will start interviewing less than "perfect" applicants
 
beachblonde said:
I've been complete since then, and got a hold message today.

Bummer. GW was definitely top three for me, and now chances are slim. 🙁

(at least it's not a rejection....I guess)
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I just got it, too. High five!
Isn't it essentially a rejection? (Not to poo on your parade, making it a poo parade which cannot be cool.)
 
I just got one too (w/40S) 🙁. What exactly does one put in a letter of interest? Does it have to be an update on a job/publication or something or can you just write them about why you really want to go there? Also, do you send this snail mail to the admissions office? Thanks for the advice!
 
jebus said:
I just got it, too. High five!
Isn't it essentially a rejection? (Not to poo on your parade, making it a poo parade which cannot be cool.)
Click to expand...

Eh, the parade had poo on it already, it's ok.

I'm hoping that my graduate school fall grades might help me get an interview....but who knows. I'm not entirely sure how the whole hold thing works for GW (aka how many people get it, and how many get pulled off for interviews).
 
Me too,

Its official for me now. I got the hold email today as well. I was told I was on hold though after emailing them last week.
 
Sorry about the holds.

Can you all post when you received the complete email so that others can gauge whether we have been passed over by the hold of death?
 
Regarding the hold, what does that mean in its admissions process at GW, does that mean they will re-review your application later or does that mean basically they wont be looking at it anymore unless they bottom out.
 
OMG i thought they were done with holds a month ago?! how much longer will this circus go on. they can't just put everyone on hold. that's just cruel. there needs to be some resolution SOON. :scared::scared::scared:
 
ahh okay so im on hold too. atleast they didnt reject. their letter was so thoughtful tho
 
First school I've heard back from...why are we on "hold" if it will essentially be a rejection?
 
tulane07 said:
First school I've heard back from...why are we on "hold" if it will essentially be a rejection?
Click to expand...

Sorry about the hold. I have no idea why they put so many people on hold... seems like a cruel thing to do if the holds are essentially rejections. I guess they just want insurance in case they need to interview more candidates towards the end of the process. I hope you have better luck at your other schools.
 
just a guess, but GW may aim high, too high, at the beginning of the process. the top candidates GW interviews/accepts will get into places they want more and they will have to turn to the rest of us, mere mortals. plenty of people, myself included, have stats above the level GW will end up with in their class at the end.

i bet a decent number of us will get interviews off the "hold" list.
 
I just got the hold email today too 🙂 (Hops on the bandwagon)

So...I'm good enough to interview at Hopkins..but not at GW? Haha, it's ok, my stats really aren't stellar so I'm not horribly surprised at the hold. I'm too numb to this whole process to feel upset over it. Hope all of you who really had your heart of GW get off this hold! Best of luck to everyone!
 
I haven't heard anything from anyone except for auto interview schools and got the GW hold earlier today. I was really excited about the prospect of visiting but I won't have the chance unless Georgetown comes through. (OOS 36 3.7GPA)
 
Did anyone here who got the second batch hold have a complete application before September 27th? What does it mean if you've heard nothing and people are getting held? Good/bad?
 
jebus said:
I just got it, too. High five!
Isn't it essentially a rejection? (Not to poo on your parade, making it a poo parade which cannot be cool.)
Click to expand...


hahaha. me too. dang.
 
complete 9/5 and got the hold today.

I'm looking on the bright side, and take it as a positive that at least I wasn't rejected.
 
complete 8/7, got a second hold e-mail today. The wording was identical to the first

im wondering if that means they re-reviewed and cut some people out off the initial hold list, or they're just reminding me that I'm definetely not getting in?

Maybe it's time I paid them another visit....hmm...
 
lisichka said:
OMG i thought they were done with holds a month ago?! how much longer will this circus go on. they can't just put everyone on hold. that's just cruel. there needs to be some resolution SOON. :scared::scared::scared:
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Ok, now just hold on everyone.
 
Add me to this ever growing list of those on hold at GW....sucks because I actually like GW and reside in the DC metropolitan area.
 
hsentar said:
complete 8/7, got a second hold e-mail today. The wording was identical to the first

im wondering if that means they re-reviewed and cut some people out off the initial hold list, or they're just reminding me that I'm definetely not getting in?

Maybe it's time I paid them another visit....hmm...
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what??? they put u on HOLD twice??? it must be some mistake.😕
 
I have received an official rejection from GWU!
 
I am thinking the hold isn't as bad this year. It might be being used to simply delay review of applications due to the sheer number. Someone who was complete on 10/15 got a hold... that is way too fast for GW if they actually reviewed the application. They usually take well over a month. They haven't given out that many interviews either.

Maybe I am being optimistic though.
 
hsentar said:
complete 8/7, got a second hold e-mail today. The wording was identical to the first

im wondering if that means they re-reviewed and cut some people out off the initial hold list, or they're just reminding me that I'm definetely not getting in?

Maybe it's time I paid them another visit....hmm...
Click to expand...

They sent you a second hold? That's strange. Maybe it was a computer glitch? I was complete 8/31 and have not heard anything except that first hold e-mail back in late September. If you decide to visit their office, please let us know that happens. Thanks.
 
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