ARCHES Frequently Asked Questions

All applications are due by February 20, 2024 at 11:59PM EST.

On the application, there is a section for you to input your recommender name and contact information. Once you complete the recommendation section of the application by inputting the contact details of the recommender and clicking send request, an email will be sent to your recommender within 3 business days. They will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire and attach their letter of recommendation.

We will provide instructions to your recommender on what to write. It is advised that you complete the recommendation section of your application at the earliest to give your recommender ample time to complete the recommendation. If you wait to complete the recommendation section of your application till the deadline on February 20, 2024, your recommender too will have to submit the letter on the same day. We will accept letters of recommendation at the latest on February 20, 2024 at 11:59PM EST.

There is a section on the application for you to submit your transcript. If you have PDF, you can upload it. If you have a paper copy, you will need to scan it and upload it into the application. You can visit your registrar’s office to obtain a copy of your transcript. If you attended more than one institution, you will need to submit transcripts from all institutions into one PDF document.

Please note: We will accept unofficial transcripts for the submission of your application. However, if you are selected to advance to the interview round, we will require an official transcript at that time.

You will receive an email alerting you that your application has been received. 

The completed application includes:

• 3 Short Answer Questions
• 1 Letter of Recommendation
• 1 Evaluation Form (Completed by Recommender)
• Unofficial Transcript (scanned & uploaded to application) 
• Resume

The GPA Requirement for applicants is a cumulative 2.5.

The program is open to all rising juniors and rising seniors enrolled in a four-year college or university eligible to work in the United States.

We consider all applicants regardless of race, sex, age, disability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, socioeconomic background, or other protected characteristic. DACA recipients may be employed only if they have been issued an “Employment Authorization Document” (EAD).

Rising Juniors is defined as having completed their respective University’s sophomore standing by the end of Spring 2024 and having an expected graduation date of either Fall 2025 or Spring 2026. Rising Seniors is defined as having completed their respective University’s junior standing by the end of Spring 2024 and having an expected graduation date of either Fall 2024 or Spring 2025.

International students are eligible to apply if they have been issued an F1 or J1 student visa.

Ten students will be selected as ARCHES fellows.

June 13, 2024 – July 26, 2024.

• Applications Due – February 20, 2024 at 11:59PM EST.
• Selected Applicants notified of  Zoom Interviews – March 18 to April 8, 2024 (subject to change)
• Applicants notified of being selected as ARCHES Fellows – April 15, 2024 (subject to change)

Letters of recommendation should be written by someone who can speak to your academic, professional and life experiences. We will only be accepting letters from applicants’ professors and faculty advisors at their institutions.

The person writing your letter and completing your evaluation should be able to speak about you as a student, leader, and team player and comment on your commitment and interest in pursuing medicine or health professions.

Once you complete the recommendation section of your application, our office will reach out to your recommender. We will ask them to fill out a short questionnaire and attach their letter of recommendation. We will provide instructions to your recommender on what to write.

We are looking for students who are interested in the healthcare field. An ARCHES Fellow is a student who is committed to lifelong learning, research, teamwork, serving the underserved, and critical thinking.

Yes, we provide a stipend of $4,000. ($2,000 paid after the first 3 weeks, and final $2,000 paid at the end of the 6 weeks)

Yes, we provide free housing for 6 weeks in same gender identity, suite style, double occupancy rooms. You will move in on June 14th and move out on Saturday, June 27th. Students are required to use campus housing for the duration of the program.

Up to $250 per student on a case-by-case basis by the Georgetown Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.

Students are responsible for their own meals/food costs (except for program event meals provided by ARCHES).

No, we do not have prerequisites. We accept candidates from various academic backgrounds.

No, we do not require prior research experience. 

To allow us enough time to review your application, you can expect to be notified around March 18 to April 8, 2024 (subject to change).

If your recommender has not received an email request within 3 business days of you sending the request through the application portal, please email us with the subject “ARCHES URGENT” to let us know.