ARCHES Frequently Asked Questions

All applications are due by February 20, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. 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 providing your recommender’s contact information and clicking “send request,” an email will be generated and sent to your recommender with guidelines for them to complete a short questionnaire and upload their recommendation letter.

You are advised to complete the recommendation section of your application prior to the application deadline to ensure that your recommender will have ample time to complete their submission. Please be mindful that recommenders will not have access to the requirements they will need to complete until you click “send request” for their submission. Kindly note that all aspects of the application, including your recommender’s submission, will be due by 11:59 p.m. EST on February 20, 2025.

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.

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 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.

Ten students will be selected as ARCHES fellows.

June 12, 2025 – July 25, 2025

• Completed applications are due on 02/20/25 by 11:59 p.m. EST.
• Admissions interviews for selected finalists will begin on 03/17/25 (subject to change)
• Final admissions decisions will be released on 03/31/25 (subject to change)

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)

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)

Yes, we provide free housing for 6 weeks in same gender identity, suite style, double occupancy rooms. You will move in on June 12 and move out on July 26. 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. 

Final admissions decisions will be released on 03/31/25 (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.