Your questions are probably answered here....
1. What are the requirements for admission into the ABS Certificate Program?
• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university
• The desire to pursue a career in medicine, dentistry, or other healthcare-related fields
• Completion of all of the prerequisite courses for medical, dental or other healthcare-related schools
• Limited training in sciences at the undergraduate level (non-science majors, for example) or modest grades in sciences as undergraduates
• Overall credentials suitable for acceptance to the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences
• We expect that applicants have overall credentials that healthcare-related schools are looking for in terms of letters of recommendation, volunteer experiences, etc.
2. Do I need to take the MCAT (or DAT or any other professional exam) before I apply to the program?
No. Our program will provide a preparatory course before you take this exam or to help you improve if you have already attempted the exam.
3. I still need to take one more pre-med class before I have all of my requirements completed. Can I take that course while I’m in the program?
No. All pre-health program requirements must be completed before acceptance into this program can be offered.
4. How long is the certificate program?
It is an 11 month, 20-credit certificate program.
5. Are the certificate program courses held at George Mason University or Georgetown University?
The Georgetown/George Mason program is located at the Manassas, VA campus of George Mason University. The courses are taught by faculty members from both schools.
6. What is the tuition for the ABS Certificate Program?
Tuition and Financial Aid information for the ABS Certificate can be located at http://gumc.georgetown.edu/georgesquared/78756.html. Please note that this information is subject to change. Applicants are urged to visit this website regularly for current information about tuition and financial aid.
7. What is the deadline for applying to the certificate program?
The deadline is June 15. However, we have rolling admissions so it is advisable to apply early.
8. How many students are in the certificate program?
We have approximately 50 students in the 2010-2011 class. We may have slightly more in the fall 2011 semester.
9. Are the classes for the program held during weekdays, evenings, or weekends?
All classes are held during the day, but not on weekends.
10. What is the purpose of the post-baccalaureate certificate program?
This program provides excellent advanced science preparation for health professions including medical, dental and other healthcare-related advanced studies. It also includes preparation for professional school entrance examinations (MCAT, DAT), and outstanding advising and support towards your professional goals.
11. Do you hold any information sessions for the certificate program?
Yes, information sessions are generally held during the spring and summer semesters. Please check our website for more information on upcoming sessions.
12. Will I have time to hold part-time or full-time employment while enrolled in the certificate program?
There is definitely a lot of enrichment in our program to support both the classes as well as medical school applications. While it is possible to work part-time, it might not be a good idea for most students since a great deal of study is required!
13. How many letters of recommendation are required for the certificate program?
We ask that you request three letters of recommendation. However, interfolio or a university’s committee letter will be accepted in lieu of three separate letters of recommendation. Please contact Interfolio and request that your letters be sent to COS Graduate Admissions Processing Center at George Mason University.
14. Do I submit official transcripts with my application?
Official transcripts should be submitted directly to:
COS Graduate Admissions Processing Center
George Mason University
4400 University Drive, MSN 6A3
Fairfax, VA 22030
15. Does your certificate program have a direct linkage for admission to or interview with Georgetown University’s School of Medicine?
No.
16. I am not a US citizen or a US permanent resident at this time. Am I still eligible to apply to your certificate program?
We consider all applications for admission. All ABS applicants requiring F1 visas are eligible to apply. George Mason University does not guarantee that any applicant will receive an F1 visa. However, applicants must submit all required documents in a timely manner to enable the College of Science Graduate Admissions Processing Center the time necessary to process the forms to secure such a visa.
17. Where can I find more information about financial aid for this program?
Please visit the Office of Student Financial Aid at http://financialaid.gmu.edu/ for more information about financial aid and how to apply. George Mason University school code for the financial aid application is 003749.
18. Do you offer on-campus housing?
For the 2011-2012 academic year, we will provide help in finding local off-campus apartments for our students. Starting in the 2012 academic year, on-campus housing will be available.
