General Information
- Does GW have a rolling admissions policy?
- When are the deadlines for applying?
- What are the average GPA and MCAT scores of entering students? Is there a minimum that I need to be above?
- What factors does the Admissions Committee consider?
- Do you accept out-of-state or out-of-area applicants?
Does GW have a rolling admissions policy?
The Committee on Admissions does have a rolling admissions policy. As such, we encourage you to submit all materials as soon as possible.
When are the deadlines for applying?
The deadline for the online AMCAS application is December 1.
The GW Secondary Application and all supporting materials (including letters of recommendation to AMCAS) are due by January 1.
What are the average GPA and MCAT scores of entering students? Is there a minimum that I need to be above?
For the 2012 entering class, the average scores are given below. Please keep in mind that the scores of the students selected for admission included a broad range of scores that includes scores reflective of national averages.
- Average GPA: 3.70
- Average MCAT: 30
What factors does the Admissions Committee consider?
There are many aspects of an application that we focus on. We evaluate GPA, MCATs, graduate coursework (if over 12 credits), letters of recommendation, essays, medically-related experiences (volunteering in a doctor's office, clinic, hospital, etc), research, extracurricular activities, life experiences, work experience, community service, and leadership experiences.
Do you accept out-of-state or out-of-area applicants?
GW is a private institution. As such, there are no state residency criteria or location preferences for applicants. We do accept Canadian applicants as well and they are evaluated on the same merits as any other applicant.
Requirements
- What are the citizenship requirements for entry into GW Medical School?
- Are there additional requirements for Canadian citizens?
What are the citizenship requirements for entry into GW Medical School?
GW accepts only U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents (with a valid U.S. Permanent Residency card) and Canadian citizens to its regular 4-year M.D. program. If you are an international student, please click here.
Are there additional requirements for Canadian citizens?
We do accept Canadian citizens to the program and the requirements are the same for everyone. Canadian citizens will receive a Financial Certificate at time of interview. The George Washington University cannot admit you or send you a student visa document (I-20 or DS-2019) until you have submitted documentation showing sufficient funds to pay for your educational expenses.
Coursework
- What are the course requirements for admission to GW Medical School?
- Do I have to complete the required coursework before applying to GW?
- I followed my university's prescribed pre-medical sequence. Does that fulfill GW's requirements?
- I took some of the required courses at an advanced level. Will these still count toward the requirements?
- What courses count toward the English premedical requirement?
- What kinds of Biology courses are suggested for the Biology requirement?
- Will my Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credit count toward the pre-medical requirements?
- Do you accept community college credits?
- Do you accept online coursework?
- I went to school on a quarter system. What do I need to do?
- Do you only accept applicants who majored in the sciences as an undergrad?
What are the course requirements for admission to GW Medical School?
| Biology | 8 semester hours (6 lecture, 2 lab) |
| General Chemistry | 8 semester hours (6 lecture, 2 lab) |
| Organic Chemistry | 8 semester hours (6 lecture, 2 lab) - Biochemistry can be substituted for a second semester of Organic |
| Physics | 8 semester hours (6 lecture, 2 lab) |
| English | 6 semester hours |
Do I have to complete the required coursework before applying to GW?
No. All of our requirements must be completed prior to matriculation, not application. However, most successful applicants have completed most of the required courses prior to application.
I followed my university's prescribed pre-medical sequence. Does that fulfill GW's requirements?
If you have followed and completed, in its entirety, the recommended pre-medical sequence at your school, we will accept your completed sequence as fulfilling our requirements. We understand that your coursework may not fit easily into the chart provided on the secondary. We may request a letter of explanation from your pre-medical advisor; please DO NOT submit this letter unless specifically requested of you.
I took some of the required courses at an advanced level. Will these still count toward the requirements?
Yes, upper-level courses may be used to satisfy our basic requirements.
What courses count toward the English premedical requirement?
All coursework taught in the English Department such as writing composition, creative writing, and literature fulfill our requirements. Courses designated as writing intensive or courses in mythology, religion, philosophy, and poetry also fulfill our English requirement. Additionally, AP credits and advanced coursework in a foreign language can be used for our English requirement.
What kinds of Biology courses are suggested for the Biology requirement?
To meet our Biology requirement, candidates should take courses that focus on Cellular and Molecular Biology as well as the structure and function of living organisms. Please note that Botany and Environmental Science cannot be used towards fulfilling the requirement.
Will my Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate credit count toward the pre-medical requirements?
Yes, as long as these credits are listed on your official transcript and designated as the appropriate credit. The Committee strongly suggests upper level Biology coursework if you have AP credit for Biology.
Do you accept community college credits?
Yes. The Committee on Admissions does accept coursework taken at a community college; however, it is preferable to have the pre-medical coursework taken at a four year college or university.
Do you accept online coursework?
No, we do not accept online coursework.
I went to school on a quarter system. What do I need to do?
You will need to convert your coursework into semester hours. Please see the AMCAS conversion chart for help.
Do you only accept applicants who majored in the sciences as an undergrad?
No, not at all. We are committed to enrolling a diverse student body and each year our class includes students who majored in subjects such as: foreign languages, Economics, Music, Psychology, International Relations, and Management as well as those that have majored in the sciences.
MCAT
- Do you require the MCAT? Is there a time limit in which it needs to be completed?
- What should I do if I am scheduled to take the MCAT this summer?
- How do you view MCAT scores if an applicant took the test more than once?
Do you require the MCAT? Is there a time limit in which it needs to be completed?
Yes. We do require valid MCAT scores that have been taken within 3 years prior to matriculation. We generally will not consider MCATS taken before April 2011 or after September 2013 for the current application cycle (2014). If you have scores that are outside this window, you must have written approval before applying to us. Please email medadmit@gwu.edu if you wish to request an exception.
What should I do if I am scheduled to take the MCAT this summer?
If you already have valid MCAT scores upon application, there will be a review of your completed application. It is possible that an interview will be offered at this time. Otherwise, the Committee will hold your application for your most recent MCAT scores. Please remember that you should submit your application as soon as possible due to our rolling admissions process. It is best to submit all other materials to our office, except letters of recommendation, so that your application is in order and ready as soon as we receive your summer MCAT scores.
How do you view MCAT scores if an applicant took the test more than once?
The Committee on Admissions accepts the highest score in each section. Please keep in mind that for the 2014 cycle, the Committee will only consider MCAT scores from April 2011-September 2013.
Letters of Recommendation
- How do I submit letters of recommendation?
- What type of letters of recommendation are required? How many?
- What about adding additional letters after my file is completed?
How do I submit letters of recommendation?
GW participates in the AMCAS letter service. All letters of recommendation are submitted to AMCAS, which then electronically forwards the letters to the participating medical schools. For full information, please see the AMCAS application site at www.amcas.org. All letters of recommendation MUST be sent directly to AMCAS and therefore arrive via the AMCAS letters system to our office. Please, DO NOT send your letters of recommendation directly to our office.
What type of letters of recommendation are required? How many?
To complete their file, applicants are required to submit either:
- A Pre-Health or Pre-Medical Committee Letter (required if available to you) OR
- Three letters from individuals (and no more than five), at least one of which must be from science faculty familiar with your academic work.
What about adding additional letters after my file is completed?
Once we have received all letters listed on AMCAS, your file will be considered complete. If you submit additional letters after your file is complete, they will be included in the review of your file ONLY if your file has not been reviewed.
Fee Payment
How do I pay the $125 application fee?
We utilize an online payment gateway. We only accept online credit card payments. Please do not send a check with your secondary application. After you make the payment, you will receive your Fee Payment Authorization code. This number must be provided with the completion of your secondary application for processing.
Do you offer a secondary application fee waiver?
Yes, we will waive our secondary application fee if you have been accepted to the AMCAS Fee Assistance Program (FAP). On your secondary application, you will need to select the option for AMCAS fee waiver and this will waive the $125 fee. Please note that we will verify your eligibility with AMCAS.
Checking your Status, Decision Making, and Interviews
- I have submitted an AMCAS application, but have not yet received the secondary application. What should I do?
- How can I check the status of my file?
- How long after my file is complete will I be notified of a decision?
- How will I find out if I received an offer to interview with GW?
- Will the Admissions Office provide counseling to me if I am an unsuccessful applicant?
- What is your policy on deferring admission after I've been accepted?
I have submitted an AMCAS application, but have not yet received the secondary application. What should I do?
We do send secondary applications to all applicants who designate GW Medical School on their AMCAS application. Please note that it does take time to transmit your completed AMCAS application to our office. If you have not received a secondary and it has been more than a week since you submitted your AMCAS application, please email us at medadmit@gwu.edu to let us know.
How can I check the status of my file?
You may visit https://jboss.gwumc.edu/AdmissionsOfficeWeb/ to check the status of your application throughout the application cycle. Please note that you will need to select the appropriate link if you are a first time user, or if you have forgotten your username or password. This is the same login information you use(d) to access/complete the secondary application
How long after my file is complete will I be notified of a decision?
Interviews are offered on a rolling basis and we interview from September through March. The Committee on Admissions judiciously reviews each application and as such it may take some time before you do hear from us regarding your potential for interview. Please keep in mind that many files are put on hold each year and are re-reviewed later in the application season.
How will I find out if I received an offer to interview with GW?
Interviews are by invitation only and are generally conducted on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Invitations are sent via email to the email address you provided on your AMCAS application.
Will the Admissions Office provide counseling to me if I am an unsuccessful applicant?
Unfortunately, all Committee proceedings are confidential and as such we do not have the staff available to provide this counseling. We urge you to utilize your pre-medical advisor or a trusted faculty member, as they can speak to your situation more personally. Please note that regardless of your situation we cannot assure you that you are a competitive applicant or advise you on the likelihood that you will be accepted to our program.
What is your policy on deferring admission after I've been accepted?
Accepted students who would like to apply for deferral must write to the Assistant Dean for Admissions stating their reason for requesting deferral and their proposed plans for using the time requested. Deferrals are granted on a case by case basis and the applicant will be notified of the final decision in a timely manner.
Special Programs
- Does GW have an Early Decision program?
- How do I apply for a dual degree program? M.D./M.P.H. or M.D./Ph.D.?
- Where can I find more information on GW's track program or about joining student groups?
- I would like more information on the 7 year B.A./M.D. program at GW.
- I would like more information on the 8 year B.S./M.D. program with St. Bonaventure University.
- I completed my Bachelor's Degree but I have not taken my pre-medical coursework yet. I am searching for a post-baccalaureate premedical program with a link to the M.D. program at GW.
- I am NOT a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident or Canadian citizen. How can I go to GW to get an M.D.?
- Do you accept transfer applicants from other medical schools?
Does GW have an Early Decision program?
Yes. It is an accelerated application process recommended to outstanding applicants. Decisions are made by October 1. For more information, please click here.
How do I apply for a dual degree program? M.D./M.P.H. or M.D./Ph.D.?
You must apply to the M.P.H. or Ph.D. program separately from the M.D. application process. Upon acceptance to both programs, you will be able to pursue a dual degree. For more information on the admissions process for the MPH or PhD programs, please contact the program directly.
School of Public Health: http://sphhs.gwu.edu/
Graduate Programs: http://www.gwumc.edu/ibs/
Where can I find more information on GW's track program or about joining student groups?
Please visit the Office of Student Opportunities for information regarding the Track Program which allows GW medical students to pursue paths of leadership within the field through nine tracks of study including: community/urban health, emergency management, environmental health, global health, health policy, integrative medicine, medical education leadership, medical humanities, and research.
I would like more information on the 7-year B.A./M.D. program at GW.
Please contact Undergraduate Admissions at gwadm@gwu.edu or visit the Undergraduate Admissions website.
I would like more information on the 8 year B.S./M.D. program with St. Bonaventure University.
Click here to visit St. Bonaventure University's website.
I completed my Bachelor's Degree but I have not taken my pre-medical coursework yet. I am searching for a post-baccalaureate premedical program with a link to the M.D. program at GW.
Each medical school has different requirements, and thus requires you to be familiar with them. You can complete your post-baccalaureate pre-med coursework either in a formal post-bac program (see below for our linkage programs) or you can complete your pre-med coursework as a non-degree student at any accredited US or Canadian college or university. Though The George Washington University does not have a formal post-baccalaureate program (you can certainly take courses as a non-degree student at GW), GW Medical School does have several linkage programs with formal post-bac programs that can help you fulfill medical school entrance course requirements. The following list indicates GW's linkage programs and their corresponding website. If you have any questions pertaining to their programs, please refer to their website for contact information.
- Brandeis University
- Bryn Mawr College
- California State University - Fullerton
- Goucher College
- The Johns Hopkins University
- New York University
- Scripps College
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Virginia
I am NOT a U.S. citizen, U.S. permanent resident or Canadian citizen. How can I go to GW to get an M.D.?
You may apply to GW's International Medicine Program. This is a five year program that prepares non-U.S. citizens for medical practice in their home countries. Applicants MUST be sponsored by their government or a medical institution in their home country. Please note that international students may not apply to the regular four year MD program or for transfer admission. For more information on this program, please visit International Medicine Programs.
Do you accept transfer applicants from other medical schools?
Students eligible to apply to our second or third-year classes are those from U.S. or Canadian schools of medicine, and those enrolled in Osteopathic Medicine Programs. Learn more about the transfer process.
Financial Aid
Where is the best place to find information about average cost and financial aid?
For the most up-to-date information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at medfinan@gwu.edu or at (202) 994-2960.
Visiting
- Can I come visit GW Medical School for a tour?
- What is the mailing address and contact information for the Admissions Office?
Can I come visit GW Medical School for a tour?
Tours are given starting at the M.D. Admissions Office (2300 Eye Street, NW; Washington, DC 20037; Ross Hall 106) on Mondays at 11 a.m. An admissions staff member will answer your questions about GW and the admissions process, as well as take you on a guided tour of the medical school facilities. Please be sure to bring a photo ID to enter Ross Hall. Also, should you be invited for an interview, a more detailed campus tour will be provided at that time.
What is the mailing address and contact information for the Admissions Office?
The mailing address for GW Medical Admissions is:
Office of Admissions – M.D. Program
School of Medicine and Health Science
The George Washington University
2300 Eye Street NW, Ross Hall Suite 106
Washington DC, 20037
The phone number, fax number and email address are:
Phone: (202) 994-3506
Fax: (202) 994-1753
Email: medadmit@gwu.edu