ARCHES Frequently Asked Questions
When is the application due date?
All applications are due by DATE TBA at 11:59PM EST.
How do I submit my letter of recommendation?
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 three 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 DATE TBA, your recommender too will have to submit the letter on the same day. We will accept letters of recommendation at the latest on DATE TBA at 11:59 p.m. EST.
How do I submit my transcript?
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.
I submitted my application and I did not receive my confirmation that it was received. How can I check the status of my application?
You will receive an email alerting you that your application has been received.
What does the completed application include?
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
What is the GPA requirement?
The GPA Requirement for applicants is a cumulative 2.5.
Who should apply?
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 2025 and having an expected graduation date of either Fall 2026 or Spring 2027. Rising Seniors is defined as having completed their respective University’s junior standing by the end of Spring 2025 and having an expected graduation date of either Fall 2025 or Spring 2026.
International students are eligible to apply if they have been issued an F1 or J1 student visa.
How many students will be selected for the program?
Ten students will be selected as ARCHES fellows.
What are the ARCHES Fellowship Program Dates?
June 12, 2025 – July 25, 2025
What is the timeline for admittance?
- Applications Due – DATE TBA at 11:59PM EST.
- Selected Applicants notified of Zoom Interviews – DATE TBA to DATE TBA (subject to change)
- Applicants notified of being selected as ARCHES Fellows – DATE TBA (subject to change)
Who should write my letter of recommendation?
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.
How do I submit my letter of recommendation?
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.
What makes an applicant the “ideal” ARCHES Fellow?
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.
Is this a paid internship?
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)
What is a sample schedule?
Monday: Lab
9 AM-12 PM: Continue Lab Work
12 PM – 1 PM: Lunch and Check-in: Faculty Mentor
1 PM – 2 PM: Inter-cohort updates
2 PM-4 PM: Individual Research/Lab Work
4 PM -5 PM: Science Writing Mentor Meeting
Tuesday: Lab
9 AM-12 PM: Continue Lab Work
12 PM-1 PM: Lunch (Lab Group)
1 PM-2 PM: Inter-cohort updates
2 PM-4 PM: Individual Research/Lab Work
4PM-5 PM: Panel: Medical Student Life and Self-Care
Wednesday: Lab
9 AM-12 PM: Continue Lab Work
12 PM-1 PM: Lunch (Lab Group)
1 PM-2 PM: Med School workshop: Academics
2 PM-4 PM: Individual Research/Lab Work
4 PM-5 PM: Book Club: The Tragic Life of Robert Peace
Thursday: Lab
9 AM-12 PM: Clinical Rounds
12 PM-1 PM: Lunch (Medical Students)
1 PM-4 PM: Tour: National Institutes of Health
4 PM -5 PM: Seminar: D.C. Health Disparities by the Ward
Friday: Service Learning
9 AM -12 PM: Clinical Rounds
12 PM -5 PM: Service Day at Assigned Community Location (please pack a lunch)
Is housing on campus provided during the program?
Yes, we provide free housing for 6 weeks in same gender identity, suite style, double occupancy rooms. You will move in on DATE TBA and move out on DATE TBA. Students are required to use campus housing for the duration of the program.
Is travel compensation provided for the program?
Up to $250 per student on a case-by-case basis by the Georgetown Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.
Are meals provided during the program?
Students are responsible for their own meals/food costs (except for program event meals provided by ARCHES).
Are there prerequisite classes required to apply to become an ARCHES fellow?
No, we do not have prerequisites. We accept candidates from various academic backgrounds.
Do I need to have prior research experience to apply to become an ARCHES fellow?
No, we do not require prior research experience.
When will I find out if I am selected as a finalist for the ARCHES program?
To allow us enough time to review your application, you can expect to be notified around DATE TBA to DATE TBA (subject to change).
My recommender has not received an e-mail requesting their letter of recommendation. What should I do?
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.
More Questions?
If your question has not been answered, please contact Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Samantha McLaughlin via email at gumedarches@georgetown.edu with the subject “GU ARCHES.”