School overview
- Degrees
- MD
- Ownership
- Private Non-Profit
- Program length
- 4 years
- Enrollment per class
- 178
- Founding year
- 1824
- Accreditation year
- 1942
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SDN Insights
Cost of Attendance: $496,236
Estimate repayment
Estimated loan burden for GWU using 4 years of in-state tuition, $1,500 annual fees, $3,000 monthly living expenses, government-derived local cost-of-living adjustment, $1,000 loan fees, and an 8.5% interest assumption.
Cost of Living: Above national average cost of living
Washington, DC is about 1.09x higher than the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment raises the living allowance from $3,000 to about $3,270 per month, mainly reflecting rent, food, transportation, and day-to-day expenses. Compare this with your own housing plan before treating it as exact.
Environment: Urban
With top-tier walkability and great biking infrastructure, the neighborhood around GWU offers true versatility. Whether on foot or on wheels, students have a range of options to navigate their surroundings comfortably.
Interview feedback
Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 25% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a low stress level and felt they did well.
Secondary essays for GWU
1. Motivation and Fit
Please provide the Admissions Committee with a summary of your activities, academics, employment or other occupations from the point of application through matriculation.
2. Other
The MD Program includes substantial content in Clinical Public Health. What are your specific interests and experiences related to that aspect of the MD Program?
3. Personal Experiences and Challenges
What makes you a unique individual? What challenges have you faced? What have you learned from your experiences?
4. Motivation and Fit
What is your specific interest in the MD Program at GW? What opportunities would you take advantage of as a student here? Why?
5. Motivation and Fit
Do you want to pursue the joint MD/MPH program? If YES, please describe why and how the combined degree would fit into your career goals.
About the school
Founded in 1824, the George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS) is the 11th oldest medical school in the United States and the first in the nation’s capital. Located in Washington, D.C., SMHS is part of George Washington University and is affiliated with the George Washington University Hospital. The school offers a range of programs, including the Doctor of Medicine (MD), Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy, and various graduate degrees in health sciences. SMHS is known for its commitment to public service, leadership, and innovation in medical education and research.
Curriculum
The MD program at GW SMHS is designed to prepare graduates comprehensively for residency training and lifelong learning. The curriculum emphasizes early clinical exposure, with students engaging in patient care activities from the first year. It integrates basic and clinical sciences, focusing on developing competencies in patient care, medical knowledge, professionalism, and systems-based practice. Additionally, the curriculum includes training in public health, health policy, and advocacy, reflecting the school’s mission to produce “Physician Citizens” committed to public service.
Facilities
GW SMHS boasts state-of-the-art facilities that support its educational and research missions. The primary academic building, Ross Hall, houses lecture halls, laboratories, and the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library, providing extensive resources for students and faculty. Research facilities include the McCormick Genomic and Proteomic Center, the Flow Cytometry Core Facility, and the Nanofabrication and Imaging Center, among others. These facilities enable cutting-edge research in various biomedical fields.
Demographics
The entering MD class at GW SMHS is diverse, with students representing various backgrounds and experiences. As of Fall 2023, the class comprised 51% female, 48% male, and 1% identifying as other. Students ranged in age from 20 to 38 years, with an average age of 24. The cohort represented 27 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and countries including China, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Canada. The average total MCAT score was 512, and the average undergraduate GPA was 3.72. Students came from over 81 colleges, with majors in Biological Sciences, Psychology, Public Health, Engineering, and International Politics.
