- What distinguishes George Washington University's program from other post-bacc pre-med programs?
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- Our Cohort: Students take classes that are restricted to post-bacc students, rather than taking courses among GW undergraduate students. This provides an opportunity for camaraderie and class cohesion.
- Supportive Environment: The program focuses on individual student growth with advisors who increase student success and provides tutors free of charge.
- MCAT/DAT and GRE Reviews: The program offers the Kaplan MCAT/DAT and GRE reviews free of charge to students.
- DC Area: Being near the nation's capital affords students opportunities to visit the National Institutes of Health and the US Food and Drug Administration. Affiliation with GW Medical School offers extracurricular experiences and research opportunities.
- Volunteer and Research Opportunities: We've partnered with local groups to facilitate volunteer experiences in medicine.
- What is a PA?
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A PA (physician associate) is a healthcare clinician who practices medicine with physician collaboration and provides a broad range of medical services that would otherwise be provided by the physician. For more information visit the American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA).
- What if I have not taken the SAT or ACT?
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Our admissions committee uses one of these two standardized tests in the admissions process to help determine whether applicants can be successful in an accelerated science program. If students have not taken either of these two tests, they can substitute the general GRE test score.
- Does the Pre-PA track offer all the prerequisites needed for any PA program?
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PA program prerequisite requirements vary by program. It is best to contact programs you are interested in attending to verify which courses are needed.
- How successful have graduates of the GW Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine Program been in getting accepted to medical school or a PA program?
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Advising is provided throughout the application process, even after students complete the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine Program. Please see our Program Outcomes pages (Pre-PA, Pre-Medicine) regarding the success of our graduates.
- Does your curriculum include all medical school prerequisites?
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Our curriculum includes the primary science prerequisites for most allopathic and osteopathic medical and dental school admissions, including two semesters of each of the following: general chemistry, biology, physics, and organic chemistry, all with accompanying laboratories. Biochemistry is an additional course because it is required by some medical schools and is heavily emphasized on the MCAT.
There may be other courses that medical schools require that our program doesn’t offer, including calculus, psychology, and English composition but you may have taken them as an undergraduate. We recommend you review the prerequisite requirements of specific medical schools to which you hope to apply for more information.
- May I only take the courses that I need?
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No. All matriculating students must complete all required courses in order to receive the certificate. The advantage of attending a program with a cohesive, interwoven curriculum is the development a strong basic medical sciences foundation that will serve you well in your medical career (according to our graduates).
- I have already taken coursework offered in the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine Program curriculum. Am I eligible for this program?
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Our program is intended for career changers who have not yet taken the prerequisite science coursework, unless taken more than 5 years ago. Students who have previously completed more than 50% of the coursework are not eligible for this program.
- I am interested in applying to dental school. Am I a good candidate for this program?
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Our program is designed for those students interested in applying to medical school or dental school, since the prerequisite coursework for dental school is similar to that of medical school.
Those admitted students planning to take the DAT are provided the DAT prep course online.
- Is it possible to hold a job while enrolled in the program?
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Unfortunately, our classes are only offered during the day, nearly every day of the week, it is not recommended to work, even part-time, while enrolled in the program.
- What is the cost of the program?
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Cost of Tuition. There are additional costs for living expenses and books. The MCAT, DAT or GRE preparation courses through Kaplan are included in the tuition.
- Is financial aid available for the program?
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Yes, program participants are eligible for federal financial aid. There are a limited number of scholarships available for qualified applicants. Please see Tuition and Financial Aid for more information.
Admissions Questions
- When does the program begin?
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The program begins each summer semester (mid-May).
- What is the minimum undergraduate GPA needed to apply?
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3.0 overall GPA is the minimum undergraduate GPA required to apply, although those admitted last year had an average GPA greater than 3.5.
- Are there any prerequisite courses I must take before applying to the program?
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No. We encourage students to take calculus and/or statistics because they may be required by some medical schools and may increase your performance in science courses during this program but they are not required.
- What standardized test scores are required for the application? Is the GRE acceptable as a substitute for the SAT or ACT?
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Applicants must submit official copies of scores from the SAT or ACT, regardless of how long ago they were taken. GRE scores may be substituted for the SAT or ACT.
- Am I required to have clinical experiences related to health care prior to applying to the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medicine Program?
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No. Applicants are strongly encouraged to gain volunteer clinical experiences prior to applying to the post-bacc program to (1) affirm your choice of medicine as the field you wish to enter, and (2) show the program of your commitment to a career in medicine. You can continue to volunteer while in the post-bacc program, but it will greatly strengthen your application to have some experiences prior to applying.
- Do you accept out-of-state residents, or give an advantage toward in-state applicants for admissions decisions?
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Yes, GW accepts out-of-state residents. No, there is no preference given to in-state residents.
- Does the program accept international students?
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Yes, but all students must have completed a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited US or English speaking Canadian institution of higher learning.
- Does the program offer admission deferral?
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In rare instances, deferral of the admission offer is permitted and the requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. Those applicants who received an acceptance offer and paid the deposit will be considered. Written request for admission deferral must be received by the Program Director by April 1 of the initial acceptance year.
Decision regarding deferral approval will be rendered on or before April 8. Applicants whose deferral request is not approved may either enroll with the current admitted cohort, or forfeit their deposit and offer of admission. Applicants who forfeit admission may reapply the following year but will be required to submit a second deposit.