Matriculating Student Checklist

Congratulations on your acceptance into the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical Certificate Program! We are excited to have you join us. Please carefully read and bookmark this webpage so you can easily reference the important information and resources listed below.

Save the Dates

• Pre-Orientation Meet and Greet 2024: Sunday, May 19th
• Mandatory Orientation 2024: Monday, May 20th
• First Day of Class 2024: Tuesday, May 21st

Matriculating Student Checklist

1. Apply for Financial Aid

If you wish to apply for federal loans, you must submit the Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the academic year. In addition to the FAFSA, you may be required to submit supplementary documentation for federal and private loans. Students who receive financial assistance must adhere to the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements. For more information, please contact the School of Medicine and Health Sciences Office of Student Financial Assistance at medfinan [at] gwu [dot] edu (medfinan[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-2960, Option 1

The Admissions Office must have your social security number (SSN) on file before financial aid can be processed. If you did not include your SSN with your application, please contact the Health Science Admissions office at (202) 994-8528.

2. Obtain Health Insurance 

Health insurance is mandatory for all post-bacc students. Students have the option to opt-out of GW's health plan and utilize their own health insurance. Learn more about the GW Student Health Insurance plan.

3. Log into the GWeb Info System

The GWeb Info system allows you to register for classes, pay your bill, change your address, and check your grades.

To log in to the GWeb Info System:

• Go to the MyGW portal.
• On the left-hand side, click on "GWeb Info System."
• Enter your User ID (i.e. your GWid). You can find your GWid on your acceptance letter or via GWid Look-up.
• Enter your PIN (your birthdate) in the MMDDYY format.
• You will then be prompted to change your PIN and set up a security question.

4. Claim Your GW Email Account

Claiming your NetID allows you to create your GWMail account. Your NetID will be the first part of your email address (before @gwu.edu), and your username when signing in to Blackboard.

All official university communication will be sent to your GWMail address. You should plan to check your GWMail several times each week or forward your GWMail to another email address you check regularly. Visit Student Technology Services for forwarding instructions.

Please wait 1-2 business days following accepting your offer of admission to claim your NetID.

To claim your NetID:

• Go to the Account Management Tool Under "New to GW,"
• Click on "Claim an Account."
• Fill out the "Account Claim" form

Access your GWMail account through the MyGW portal or by going directly to the email login page.

5. (For International Students) Review the International Service Office's “Before You Arrive” page

All international applicants must review the International Service Office's “Before You Arrive” page, which includes information on obtaining a visa and scheduling an appointment with the Office.

6. Learn about Blackboard Classroom

Blackboard is the platform that will be used to augment your courses and the portal for syllabi, course-related materials, assignments, assessments, and communication features for each instructor. Your GW Blackboard account is active 24 hours after you create a GW NetID (GWMail account).

Before classes begin, students are encouraged to login to Blackboard and review the Blackboard Student Guides, which are located in the upper right hand corner of the course administration homepage. Here, students learn how to navigate the Blackboard environment through several instructional videos. Enrolled students may access these guides at any time.

7. Review the GW Code of Academic Integrity

The GW Code of Academic Integrity governs all students at the university and is a symbol of the commitment to academic honesty, mutual respect, and moral integrity that the GW community values and nurtures. As a new student in the university, your entry into the GW community is an agreement to these standards and principles.

8. Visit Student Services Hub

Visit the Student Services Hub. Student Services Hub is GW’s virtual and physical one-stop shop for the Registrar’s Office, Student Accounts, Student Financial Assistance, GWorld Office and Veteran Services. As an incoming student, visit Colonial Central to:

• Obtain your GWorld card. Students can apply online for their GWorld cards. Please visit and see instructions below: https://gworld.gwu.edu/getting-your-card 
  1. Once on this page, please scroll to the bottom to GWorld Cards to VSTC.
  2. Click on the link to submit a photo.
  3. You can apply through the online application, you should receive an email to upload a photo. Students must be registered for at least one course and present a valid U.S. government-issued photo ID.
  4. In the pick-up instructions, select the "VSTC" option.
  5. When the GWorld Office contacts you that your card is ready, cards will be picked up by a staff member and provided to students on orientation
• Learn about tuition payment plans and student loans.
• Are you a Veteran or Dependent? Visit the Office of Veteran Services for information on the G.I. Bill and other resources.

9. Make Note of Important Dates on the Calendar

• Academic Calendar
• Sample Day-to-Day Schedule