GWU Alternate List 2010

[ramleigh7]

I don't know about you guys, but I am constantly on the 2009-2010 GWU Thread looking to see if anyone else is on the alternate list/what they've been doing to increase their chances of being pulled off the alternate list/asking questions.

I've called multiple times, and figured I may as well make a group so those in the know can share some information with the rest of the unfortunates stuck on this waitlist and dying to go to GWU Misery loves company, and maybe this way, we can all keep in touch with each other to confirm any rumors, share correspondence, and cheer each other to victory!

I don't know if they're still doing the "top of the pool" waitlist thing. I know that movement won't really begin till May, and it looks like movement starts around May 15th.

Hope to get to know more people who see GWU as their top choice. Hoping that maybe we'll all be classmates one day

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[IndigoBoy0]

Thanks for starting this thread! Just subscribed. I want to go to GW with all my heart and hopefully they'll see that from the updates, calls and letters I"ve sent. I know I can't put my eggs al in one basket but I'm holiding out hope until May.....

 

[ramleigh7]

I know how you feel! GW was my top choice from the start, and since I was waitlisted in October, I've sent multiple letters updating them and stating my intent... I'm just glad I have a back-up school otherwise I would probably completely lose my mind let's hope we hear good things come May!

 

[gonzalt]

Hello All,

I've been waitlisted too - found out last week. I don't think we're going to hear much until the last two weeks in May and then the last two weeks of June, that's what I was told when I applied. I do have a back up but GWU is my top choice.

 

[HristosKaran]

Hello everyone, I would also like to pronounce my love for GW . I wish us all the best luck in the upcoming months!

 

[TXSC817]

I was also waitlisted at the beginning of October, and it's my top choice! Does anyone know how many people they typically take from the waitlist?

It also worries me that it's everyone's top choice, but I guess that's a good sign!

 

[HateTheMCAT]

just looked at the status site and learned that i am joining you guys as an alternate so thought i'd go ahead and post in this thread. i interviewed on jan. 19. 2 questions: any difference between alternate list and wait list at GW (or do they just have the alternate list)? do they only accept and give alternate spots? any post-interview rejections?

 

[HomeMD]

Hello guys,
I would like to say hi, I am one the new alternate list buddy.

 

[ramleigh7]

Hi!

To answer your questions, I believe their alternate list is their waitlist. One in the same And I have heard of a few post-interview rejections, although I feel the majority are waitlisted/alternate listed. On the interview day they say they do post-interview rejections.

Also, I've heard that they really like it when you show a lot of interest, so it is in your best interest to contact them often, stating your intent if they are actually your top choice.

Good luck!

 

[TXSC817]

has anyone heard if we can go to the 2nd look day as well (whenever that may be...)?

 

[turkaglew]

Hey do you guys know how the waitlist moves? Is it ranked or first come first served?

 

[ramleigh7]

I would definitely ask about second look day. It wouldn't hurt to call them! In general, they've been pretty friendly.

2. I asked Dean McQuail how the waitlist moves, and she said the same quote that you can find in old waitlist letters, "fluid and organic pool". However, in the past, GWU has sent out letters in March to applicants they deem "top of the pool applicants". The rest of the waitlist get generic "fluid and organic pool" letters. Still, I think I heard somewhere that they didn't differentiate top of the pool from rest of the pool last year...but don't quote me on that. I'm just a lowly student, wanting the same thing everyone else here wants! Going by what I've heard/read...You're really better off calling them, and they like it when you show initiative and interest!

Even though they did "top of the pool" applicants in the past, students who weren't in the top were able to get in at the same time as top of the pool applicants. I really think it depends on how much interest you show in the school. Dean McQuail really stressed that they really care deeply about a student's fit. It's in everyone's best interest to keep them updated!

In the past, it seems that GWU really doesn't start accepting off the waitlist till May. However, they've accepted off the waitlist before the May 15th deadline.

The wait is the worst part!

Good luck everyone!

 

[prznpremed]

Have they sent anyone a "top of the pool" letter yet?

 

[ramleigh7]

I haven't heard of anything :-\... But if past threads are true, I would imagine they would send them out beginning of April/very end of March? Or maybe straight up sometime in April.

Also, I don't know if they're doing "top of the pool" this year...I would call and ask if they are. All you can really go by is what they tell you when you call/what you read on past threads on SDN, so everything I'm saying should definitely be taken with a grain of salt.

It would be nice to hear something soon! Anything! Any sign of life

 

[prznpremed]

It would be nice to hear something soon! Anything! Any sign of life

agreed

 

[TXSC817]

does anyone know dean mcquails email address (besides the admissions general email)?

if u sent a letter of intent, who did u address it to and where did u send it?

 

[DRTPK]

Just got put on alternate list today.
Sounds like everybody who interviews gets accepted or put on alternate?

 

[LuckyCharmed]

the "if you're still interested, send us a letter" email is out. did anyone receive the "top of the pool" email or did everyone get the general email?

 

[moonflower]

I just got the general "let us know if you want to remain on the alternate list" letter today.

 

[FutureScaresMe]

In the email, it says:

"...Please let us know of your specific interest in our M.D. program"

So they actually want us write about why we're interested in GWU in the return email?

 

[moonflower]

I interpreted that as in, let us know you are applying for MD, not MPH or some other degree. However, when I was first put on the alternate list I sent a letter about why I want to go to GWU so it wasn't really necessary anyway.

 

[ramleigh7]

I second the top pool question. Did anyone get any indication that they were in a small pool of applicants at the top of the wait/alternate list?

I took it as a prompt to write another update/interest letter letting them know relevant things I've done recently and detailing the reasons I want to attend GW. All we can do know is wait and hope

Good luck everyone! Here's hoping good news comes in May

 

[JellyBellyFarm]

hmmm i'm kind of confused because my email sounded really positive at first. i received it today and interviewed end of february.

"The Committee on Admissions is pleased to inform you that you have been selected as an alternate for the first year class leading to the Doctor of Medicine degree entering in August 2010. A final decision has yet to be made regarding an acceptance.

"You should be very proud and recognize that your selection as an alternate has been made from a large group of very talented applicants. Moreover, many alternates are ultimately offered acceptance to this program. This typically does not occur until Spring."​

it goes on to talk about keeping them updated with new information such as coursework. i'm not sure if we got the same emails but mine doesn't say to inform them that i want to stay on the list.

 

[greentea33]

I got this today too, I think it's the same email ppl on here are referencing. Sigh, it seems like everyone who isn't accepted at GW is wl, aka there's hundreds of ppl on it. gluck everyone.

hmmm i'm kind of confused because my email sounded really positive at first. i received it today and interviewed end of february.

"The Committee on Admissions is pleased to inform you that you have been selected as an alternate for the first year class leading to the Doctor of Medicine degree entering in August 2010. A final decision has yet to be made regarding an acceptance.

"You should be very proud and recognize that your selection as an alternate has been made from a large group of very talented applicants. Moreover, many alternates are ultimately offered acceptance to this program. This typically does not occur until Spring."​

it goes on to talk about keeping them updated with new information such as coursework. i'm not sure if we got the same emails but mine doesn't say to inform them that i want to stay on the list.

 

[IndigoBoy0]

I got this today too, I think it's the same email ppl on here are referencing. Sigh, it seems like everyone who isn't accepted at GW is wl, aka there's hundreds of ppl on it. gluck everyone.

This is the same wait list email everyone gets. The one we are referring to was sent to us beginning of April asking if we want to remain on the alternate list since we were put on it fairly early on (I've been there since November...). You probably haven't gotten this second e-mail yet since you were just placed on the alternate list.

 

[HristosKaran]

Did everyone turn their e-mail into a letter of intent.? B/c that is what the e-mail seems to state....I'm wondering how in depth to go, better more than not enough I guess

 

[IndigoBoy0]

Did alternates get a financial aid e-mail today?

 

[FireTop]

yeah, i got the financial aid info today. ahh may 15th is coming!

 

[IndigoBoy0]

I guess all alternates get this? I really wish they wouldn't string me along like this!

 

[ramleigh7]

I guess all alternates get this? I really wish they wouldn't string me along like this!

LOL. I knew in my heart that it couldn't be anything other than a generic letter to alternates, since they don't start giving away seats till May 15th (25 more days! ), but that doesn't mean that my hopes didn't skyrocket for at least 2 seconds when I saw a letter from GW in my inbox.

25 days in counting Good luck everyone!!

 

[IndigoBoy0]

LOL. I knew in my heart that it couldn't be anything other than a generic letter to alternates, since they don't start giving away seats till May 15th (25 more days! ), but that doesn't mean that my hopes didn't skyrocket for at least 2 seconds when I saw a letter from GW in my inbox.

25 days in counting Good luck everyone!!

So what do we think they do since May 15 is a Saturday? May 14? Some of the threads from years back show acceptances as early as May 10.. I'm obsessed with going to GW.....

 

[Progressive]

Does anyone know how many people have been given a spot on the alternate list?

 

[HateTheMCAT]

Does anyone know how many people have been given a spot on the alternate list?

"several hundred"

 

[ramleigh7]

So what do we think they do since May 15 is a Saturday? May 14? Some of the threads from years back show acceptances as early as May 10.. I'm obsessed with going to GW.....

ooh. Good question. In last year's secondary thread it looked like they only started taking people off the list after May 15th, so I would guess Monday we'd probably start hearing. Argh. 2 extra days...

I think things have changed a little since 2-3 years ago.. It really doesn't look Like they rank the waitlist or divide it in anyway (I'm sure someone would have posted something about being designated high priority by now). of course I say all this with only sdn posts as evidence, so please take with a grain of salt!

Best of luck

 

[IndigoBoy0]

ooh. Good question. In last year's secondary thread it looked like they only started taking people off the list after May 15th, so I would guess Monday we'd probably start hearing. Argh. 2 extra days...

I think things have changed a little since 2-3 years ago.. It really doesn't look Like they rank the waitlist or divide it in anyway (I'm sure someone would have posted something about being designated high priority by now). of course I say all this with only sdn posts as evidence, so please take with a grain of salt!

Best of luck

Thanks, ramleigh. Really all I go off of is the other posts too. Really we're all "fluid and organic" so there's no way of knowing anything. . really.. this wait is much worse than for MCAT scores.... Amused that almost a year after applying to GW I still don't know if I'm in.... Only time will tell.

 

[jbru3423]

I was wondering what people thought would be a realistic number of alternates students that can expect to eventually gain acceptance to GW given the law of averages from past years...

Does 30-40 students sound realistic or not so much?

I too am obsessed with going to GW, but dont want to get my hopes up too much

 

[greentea33]

I think 30-40 sounds reasonable, but really, who knows. Based off of how many ppl GW interviews, I'm not holding out at all for my wl here.

I was wondering what people thought would be a realistic number of alternates students that can expect to eventually gain acceptance to GW given the law of averages from past years...

Does 30-40 students sound realistic or not so much?

I too am obsessed with going to GW, but dont want to get my hopes up too much

 

[ramleigh7]

The admissions office confirmed that it is not split into tiers as it has been in the past They seemed pretty up front about it in the past, so no worries on this particular subject

They said that movement won't begin until they have a better idea of what the class looks like (after May 15th, when people drop multiple acceptances). And she said she wasn't sure what it would look like this year. She sounded tentative, but I suppose she'd rather keep us grounded than let our hopes fly to dangerous levels, which I definitely appreciate.

Overall, the person I spoke to was incredibly friendly and informative. I'm sure they understand how stressful this time is for waitlisters. If you're nervous about calling, don't be! They were really really nice .

Good luck everyone!

 

[turkaglew]

I was wondering what people thought would be a realistic number of alternates students that can expect to eventually gain acceptance to GW given the law of averages from past years...

Does 30-40 students sound realistic or not so much?

I too am obsessed with going to GW, but dont want to get my hopes up too much

In the US news/world report it says something like 350 people are admitted for 188 spots, so wouldnt that mean that 162 WLers are accepted???

 

[IndigoBoy0]

In the US news/world report it says something like 350 people are admitted for 188 spots, so wouldnt that mean that 162 WLers are accepted???

No- from what I understand at least from this forum the 350 is the number accepted outright that doesn't include WLers for the 188 spots. WLers are only accessed if less than 188 out of those 350 access spots/there are remaining spots. Which leave a potential of about 650 people to be on the WL since they interview about 1000 and supposedly don't do too many pre-interview rejections..... oh well. Almost May 15 Keep on.!

 

[dadocca]

No- from what I understand at least from this forum the 350 is the number accepted outright that doesn't include WLers for the 188 spots. WLers are only accessed if less than 188 out of those 350 access spots/there are remaining spots. Which leave a potential of about 650 people to be on the WL since they interview about 1000 and supposedly don't do too many pre-interview rejections..... oh well. Almost May 15 Keep on.!

As a second time waitlister here (i was an alternate last year as well) and long time fan of GW, let me tell you that you have the right attitude about the waitlist movement. The alternate email they send you sounds very promising and ultimately a lot of people (dozen or so on sdn) get in from the waitlist but when you consider the size of that list here it gets a little sad. GW waitlist is definitely not the worst of all the schools but I wouldn't bank on getting in from it either. Just my $0.02, if you don't want to be like I was all last summer expecting to get off the list.

Having said that, I wish us all the best of luck!

 

[baygel]

Do I need to do anything like pay a deposit before May 15 to stay on the waitlist?

 

[ramleigh7]

Nope. They may send you an e-mail asking if you want to remain on the waitlist, and you just say yes. You can also explain why you wish to go to GWU.

You guys...it's definitely May! Good luck

 

[ramleigh7]

Sooo.... I'll be the first to ask it! What has everyone been doing to show interest? (It's way too quiet in this thread)

 

[IndigoBoy0]

Sooo.... I'll be the first to ask it! What has everyone been doing to show interest? (It's way too quiet in this thread)

I've kind of been stalking them. I just send them lots of emails. One when I was promoted at my international health job, another when they asked if wanted to remain on the wait list noting my "continued interest". Although I did ask them if they expect movement before the 15th. I was accepted someweher else and have to send them a really hefty ($1000!) non-refundable deposit and they said May 17 is the last day I have so it would be amazing if I could hear from GW before then as that's where I would want to be 150%.

 

[alamode]

I've kind of been stalking them. I just send them lots of emails. One when I was promoted at my international health job, another when they asked if wanted to remain on the wait list noting my "continued interest". I also brought over another updated rec. from a GW professor personally to the office.....not sure what else I can do. Although I did ask them if they expect movement before the 15th. I was accepted someweher else and have to send them a really hefty ($1000!) non-refundable deposit and they said May 17 is the last day I have so it would be amazing if I could hear from GW before then as that's where I would want to be 150%.

How often do you think is too often to be writing/contacting the admissions office. I've sent them numerous letters of interest and updates and sometimes I just write to see if the waitlist is moving, but do you guys think we should be contacting them more than once/week? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I really want to get into GW!!

 

[ramleigh7]

Well, I guess the question is: how numerous is numerous? Have you been writing them all year? Since you've had your interview? Every week? Have you written a letter of intent, if you REALLY wanna go?

Regardless, I know they like a lot of interest, and I've heard from students that contacting them often can really only help your application, so I'm sure you're fine . I've heard different things, one student told me to send e-mails every week, another told me not to pester too much, but show continued interest throughout the year. Another said to update them whenever I had anything good to tell them. I tried to find a way to compromise. I've also seen students saying not to be afraid to call more often. In an earlier thread, one mentioned that it wouldn't look too great to all of a sudden bombard them with emails and phone calls at the end of the year. Which also makes sense...One can only hope something out of all this information is correct!

Wow, IndigoBoy! I hope you hear from them soon It must be frustrating to have to make a decision based on another schools' deadline. I hope they're receptive to your predicament! I know how you feel. I wish I could put life on hold until I hear from them.

Last time I spoke to the office, they didn't mention when the waitlist would start moving. What did they say to you, alamode? I noticed in last year's thread, someone got in the day before the 15th....

 

[alamode]

Well, I guess the question is: how numerous is numerous? Have you been writing them all year? Since you've had your interview? Every week? Have you written a letter of intent, if you REALLY wanna go?

Regardless, I know they like a lot of interest, and I've heard from students that contacting them often can really only help your application, so I'm sure you're fine . I've heard different things, one student told me to send e-mails every week, another told me not to pester too much, but show continued interest throughout the year. Another said to update them whenever I had anything good to tell them. I tried to find a way to compromise. I've also seen students saying not to be afraid to call more often. In an earlier thread, one mentioned that it wouldn't look too great to all of a sudden bombard them with emails and phone calls at the end of the year. Which also makes sense...One can only hope something out of all this information is correct!

Wow, IndigoBoy! I hope you hear from them soon It must be frustrating to have to make a decision based on another schools' deadline. I hope they're receptive to your predicament! I know how you feel. I wish I could put life on hold until I hear from them.

Last time I spoke to the office, they didn't mention when the waitlist would start moving. What did they say to you, alamode? I noticed in last year's thread, someone got in the day before the 15th....

Thanks for the response ramleigh7. It's nice to have people to bounce ideas around with.

I've been writing them throughout the year...after my secondary, I wrote an update letter in December and then I got an interview invite in February, interviewed in March, wrote thank you's and a letter of intent, then got put on the waitlist, and wrote them another letter of interest/update letter when they asked us to confirm if we want to remain on the list. Since then, I've written them once a week just to check in, but today I called and they said that we could write them everyday if we wanted!! Do you think that's too much?!

Also, yes, the admissions people wrote me last week saying that they didn't expect movement until after May 15th.

 

[ramleigh7]

Wow! Thanks for the info! If they told you every day is fine, I would go for it. . I did pretty much the same thing with the continuous update letters/letters of intent. What you're doing sounds perfectly fine to me! If they want interest, they're certainly getting it .

We should elect one person per week to call and ask questions lol. I'm glad that people are finally responding and chatting on here!

Good luck!

 

[NdNThunder]

Hey guys/gals,
Think by the time we'll hear back, we'll get ANY institutional aid?
Do most of you have other acceptances?
Pretty sure we'll start hearing back May 17th (Monday)...