How is the friendliness of the admissions office?
10 out of 10
How is the responsiveness of the admissions office?
10 out of 10
How did you prepare for the interview?
discussed main points with my fiance
What impressed you positively?
I really don't know where to start with this question. First off, the campus was the most beautiful campus I think I've ever seen. The architecture and brick buildings were magnificent and the vegetation surrounding campus was lush and abundant. Each corner I turned as I walked through campus made me want to take out my camera and snap away. And the neighborhoods surrounding campus were very quaint and charming.
The two tour guides were extremely upbeat and informative. Their positive attitudes really made me feel like I would welcomed there. I really liked the 'feel' of the medical school facilities. I always have to picture myself in a place (considering it would be a 4 year commitment) and I could definitely see myself spending time there day in and day out, walking down those hallways, and sitting in those classrooms. The library was very impressive. Many courses will be available on audio and video starting next year (fabulous!), the classrooms looked really well-equipped and technologically up-to-date. People around campus were really friendly.
Personally, the cura personalis philosophy captures what I've always thought a medical school curriculum should offer. I was hoping that this wasn't a fleeting statement that doesn't really stick when you delve into the medical school course load. But our tour guide, who I really felt was trying to give us an uncensored picture of the school, said that it has always been a constant throughout her time there (she was a 2nd year) and I learned that courses based on morally, ethically, and culturally delicate issues of the profession are a continuous part of the education here.
I felt really encouraged by Mrs. Sullivan's talk. What I got out of it was a much different story than what I've read from some other posters on here. Of course she was trying to help everyone come to terms with whether we truly wanted to go to GUMS-- or just get into 'a' medical school, but I also think she came from a genuine place and was trying to help us understand that whether we received an acceptance was OUR choice to make.
Loved the idea of working in the Hoya clinic, NIH, WHO, getting involved in health care reform on capitol hill, a gazillion different affiliated hospitals and facilities, doing international electives, and many many other opportunities you can't really beat.
What impressed you negatively?
Not really a reflection on the school, but I literally came an inch close to being hit by a driver in a campus cross walk. So I will have to come to terms with more aggressive driving in DC (and probably anywhere else in the country for that matter). Since I'm originally from CA, I guess have been spoiled by the most stringent pedestrian protection laws in the country...but oh well, not that big of a deal!
What did you wish you had known ahead of time?
My interviewer had not read my file beforehand, but it turned out great because I got to tell my story and express my enthusiasm to him in person firsthand.
What are your general comments?
Please don't apply here, because this is the place I really want to go! :) Just kidding, but really, I am really hoping I get into this one. I flew home today and I totally miss the place. I can't stop talking about the whole experience with my family. I'm eager for them to see the place too, but I guess we'll have to see which type of envelope I receive in a few weeks. Good luck to everyone in finding the right fit!
What are your suggestions for the admissions office?
No responses
