georgetown undergraduate admissions essay

Georgetown Supplemental Essays: 2022-2023

Georgetown Essay Guide Quick Facts:

• Georgetown acceptance rate: 12%— U.S. News ranks Georgetown as a highly competitive school.
• 1 half-page (~250 word) essay
• 1 full-page (~500 word) essay
• 1 school-specific essay (~500 words)
• Georgetown application note : Georgetown DOES NOT accept the Common Application or Coalition Application. Students must submit an application via Georgetown’s own application portal.  
• #1 Georgetown Essay Tip : We recommend answering ALL Georgetown University supplemental essays comprehensively and thoughtfully, highlighting in all of your Georgetown essays why Georgetown is the perfect school for you.

Does Georgetown have supplemental essays?

Yes. You will be required to answer three Georgetown University essay prompts as part of the Georgetown application requirements.

While many students may find the Georgetown supplemental essays stressful, the Georgetown essays are actually a great chance to show Georgetown admissions who you are. In particular, pay attention to your “why this college essay” (in this case, the why Georgetown essay). Georgetown admissions loves this question when assessing a Georgetown application. 

Still stressed about getting the Georgetown University supplemental essays right? This guide will break down each of the Georgetown essays, giving you the best chance to impress Georgetown admissions.

Note: Georgetown does not use the Common App . Instead, you will respond to the Georgetown essay prompts through the Georgetown Application portal . Since the Georgetown application does not go through the Common App , keep a close eye on Georgetown’s application deadlines in order to ensure you have plenty of time to work on your Georgetown essays.

What are Georgetown’s supplemental essays?

The Georgetown essay prompts are found only in the Georgetown application. Your responses to the three Georgetown University essay prompts will discuss your extracurriculars , background , and motivations for attending Georgetown.

Above all, the Georgetown University supplemental essays aim to help the Georgetown admissions officers get to know you . Each of the Georgetown essay prompts is broad. This gives you the freedom to write your Georgetown supplemental essays about who you are with relatively few limitations. Take advantage of each of the Georgetown University essay prompts to maximize your Georgetown admissions odds .

Georgetown Supplemental Essays — Prompt 1 ( Required ):

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (1/2 page, single-spaced).

In the first of the Georgetown essays, Georgetown admissions asks about the activity in which you are most involved. Most strong Georgetown applicants will engage meaningfully with several extracurricular activities . So, highlight what extracurriculars make you unique in your Georgetown supplemental essays. 

This Georgetown essay prompt gives you the chance to demonstrate how your extracurricular pursuits make you special. This will help you impress Georgetown admissions.

Answer the “why,” “what,” and “how”

This prompt for the Georgetown essays asks you to discuss three key things: 

• Why you chose to do your chosen activity
• What you’ve done to show dedication to this activity
• How this activity has impacted your community

Strong Georgetown University supplemental essays will address each of these things. Don’t get bogged down in statistics when answering the first of the Georgetown supplemental essays: why you chose to do an activity and the results of your involvement matter more than the sheer number of hours you’ve spent doing something.

The best Georgetown essays will discuss topics that you haven’t already emphasized elsewhere in your application. Use this Georgetown application essay to offer new insight into your extracurricular life, and be careful not to be repetitive. This Georgetown application essay should provide a response that Georgetown admissions hasn’t seen in another part of your application. 

Show another side of yourself

Additionally, note that the activity that you write about in this Georgetown application essay doesn’t need to connect directly to your major. After all, your Georgetown supplemental essays should help admissions officers understand all aspects of who you are, both as a student and as an individual.

In this Georgetown application essay, use your chosen extracurricular to highlight your collaboration and leadership skills. Think about how your extracurricular engagements will inform what you do in the future and weave it into the first of the Georgetown University supplemental essays. While your accomplishments are relevant and important, Georgetown admissions will ultimately admit you based on your potential. 

The Georgetown supplemental essays are a great way to show admissions what you will do with your education. You want admissions officers to come away from your first Georgetown application essay with an understanding not only of what you’ve done in high school but, also, of what you will do on their campus.

Think outside the box

In your Georgetown supplemental essays, try to avoid writing about an activity that lots of students could write about such as sports, Model UN, or volunteering at homeless shelters. Georgetown essays about these topics can feel cliché. That being said, if you have a unique story to tell about one of these topics, tell it in the Georgetown supplemental essays. 

As you craft this Georgetown application essay (as well as the other Georgetown University supplemental essays), make sure that your response is as unique and personal as possible. Additionally, all of your Georgetown essays should be vivid, descriptive, and deeply authentic. With that in mind, if you read over your Georgetown essays and feel like someone else could have written them, you might want to rethink your topics and responses to the Georgetown University essay prompts.

Successful Georgetown supplemental essays focus more on the applicant than the organization. In other words, don’t waste time describing the logistics of your activity or program when responding to the first of the Georgetown essay prompts. Instead, just write about what you did and why it mattered . Write about your actions, leadership, and impact. Finally, balance storytelling with reflection. How can you use your Georgetown application essay to reveal your values and goals?

Georgetown Essay Reflection Questions:

• Is your response to this Georgetown application essay personal and unique?
• Did you use the first of the Georgetown supplemental essays to write about one of the activities in which you are most involved?
• Does your Georgetown application essay focus on you more than the organization or club you describe?
• Do you avoid repeating details found elsewhere in your application?

Georgetown Supplemental Essays — Prompt 2 ( Required ):

As georgetown is a diverse community, the admissions committee would like to know more about you in your own words. please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you. (1 page, single-spaced).

As stated above, Georgetown does not use the Common Application or the Coalition Application. As a result, many students reuse their Common App essay for the second of the three Georgetown essay prompts. 

For many students, this is a good choice for this Georgetown application essay. In general, applicants tend to spend more time editing and reworking their Common App Personal Statements than any other college essays. So, if you feel like your Common App essay “best describes you,” you might consider repurposing it for this Georgetown application essay prompt.

When (and when not) to use your personal statement

That being said, the second of the Georgetown essay prompts does differ from the Common App essay prompts in some notable ways. Often, your Common App essay topic was chosen because it “best describes you.” This Georgetown application essay prompt, however, also highlights how Georgetown is a “ diverse community ,” essentially asking how you would supplement this diversity. 

While not necessarily a standard “why this college essay,” the second of the Georgetown University essay prompts asks what you would bring to campus in terms of “diversity.” Remember, the term “diversity” can mean many things. In other words, it doesn’t just relate to your cultural background or heritage. Essentially, your second Georgetown application essay should revolve around what makes you unique and what your perspective would bring to the Georgetown community.

To strengthen your Georgetown University supplemental essays, consider writing a new personal statement if your Common App essay was primarily about academics. You might also edit your Common App essay to better suit this Georgetown application essay by emphasizing how your diverse attributes will inform your presence on Georgetown’s campus. Successful Georgetown supplemental essays will do just that. 

One more note: Georgetown supplemental essays in response to this prompt can either be “personal or creative.” If you are a creative writer, this Georgetown application essay is your time to shine! If you have a deeply personal and impactful story, tell it in the second of the Georgetown essay prompts—even if you don’t do so in a conventional essay form.

• Does this Georgetown application essay response highlight the unique perspective you would contribute to Georgetown’s diverse community?
• Do you reveal what “best describes you”?
• Does your essay present a part of your background and experience that you did not already write about for one of the other Georgetown University essay prompts?
• Does your essay “show” your message more than it “tells” it?

Georgetown Supplemental Essays — College Specific Prompts

The Georgetown supplemental essays in this section will vary depending on your intended major or area of study. Responses to these Georgetown essays should focus on your intellectual interests and intended educational goals. Successful student responses to these college specific Georgetown University supplemental essays should be unique and passionate. Lackadaisical and cliche responses to these Georgetown supplemental essays will not stand out to admissions amongst the many Georgetown essays that are submitted. 

What’s the best way to impress admissions when responding to these college-specific Georgetown essay prompts? Successful college-specific Georgetown supplemental essays will write a why Georgetown essay that shows how applicants will enrich Georgetown specifically. These Georgetown University supplemental essays should also show how applicants would benefit from and utilize Georgetown specific programs. 

While all the Georgetown essay prompts seem different, at the core they are each a why this college essay. Let’s check out what it takes to impress admissions officers when responding to each of these college-specific Georgetown supplemental essays. 

Unpacking the College Specific Prompts:

These Georgetown University essay prompts are school-specific. The school-specific Georgetown application essay responses should not exceed 1 page, single-spaced.

The third of the Georgetown supplemental essays will depend on which of the four colleges within the University to which you apply. The last of the Georgetown supplemental essays essentially poses the why this college essay prompt. Successful responses to these school specific Georgetown supplemental essays will include everything you’d want to see in a why Georgetown essay.

However, this why Georgetown essay should get specific. Your final Georgetown application essay should show why you want to study your major and why at Georgetown. 

When reading Georgetown University supplemental essays, the Georgetown admissions committee looks for applicants who accord with the University’s Jesuit values of service, ethics, and global awareness. Also, they want to see that you’ve considered why Georgetown is the place for you. This leads us to the “why Georgetown essay” and the college-specific “why school essay.”

Be specific

Successful Georgetown supplemental essays responding to this Georgetown essay prompt will make full use of the one single-spaced page limit. This Georgetown application essay will typically be around 650 words. The best Georgetown essays will use specific details to articulate a cohesive plan for studying at Georgetown. Research the specific programs, professors, classes, and opportunities that you want to participate in at Georgetown. Given the specific nature of Georgetown’s programs, it’s even more important that you know exactly why Georgetown is the place for you. Then, demonstrate that to Georgetown admissions through the last of the Georgetown University supplemental essays.

In your Georgetown application essay, avoid just writing about location. Many students write their why Georgetown essay about wanting to go to college in Washington D.C., but there are many universities nearby. When writing about D.C. in this Georgetown application essay, articulate how your engagement with the community will be made possible by opportunities at Georgetown . What makes Georgetown the perfect school for you?

Georgetown College Prompt: 

What does it mean to you to be educated how might georgetown college help you achieve this aim (applicants to the sciences and mathematics or the faculty of languages and linguistics should address their chosen course of study.).

This Georgetown application essay prompt depends on a definition—namely, what it means to “be educated.” To begin, think about what education means to you—is it academic? Social? Cultural? All of the above? Now, consider how Georgetown’s programs can help you educate yourself as a professional and as a community member. This Georgetown College why school essay (or why this college essay) needs applicants to tie that all together.

In general, successful Georgetown essays (Georgetown supplemental essays that impress Georgetown admissions) for Georgetown College will use the definition of “educated” to address why a student wants to pursue a major. Impactful Georgetown University supplemental essays for Georgetown College will think critically about why you want to pursue your chosen field and how this field will inform what your education looks like. At the end of the day, this Georgetown application essay should make the case that you can only truly be educated by Georgetown to achieve your goals. Use specific details—courses, professors, and programs—to emphasize why Georgetown College is the place for you. 

School of Nursing & Health Studies Prompt:

Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. please specifically address your intended major (global health, health care management & policy, human science, or nursing)..

When writing the Georgetown supplemental essays, keep in mind that everyone can say they want to make a difference and help people. If you want your “why school essay” for the School of Nursing & Health Studies to stand out, then, be sure to include specific details of how your interest in health and nursing originated and what you hope to do with it.

Successful Georgetown essays for the School of Nursing & Health Studies will be authentic and personal. Try to approach this prompt through a personal connection to healthcare. Then, connect your story to specific programs at Georgetown. Many students will write about their shadowing in the medical field or volunteering in medical facilities in their Georgetown essays. What sets you apart? 

Additionally, avoid focusing on the COVID-19 pandemic in this Georgetown essay—these essays can seem cliché unless you have a specific personal connection to healthcare in the age of COVID-19.

Walsh School of Foreign Service Prompt:

The walsh school of foreign service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. what is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world.

Effective Georgetown supplemental essays responding to the “why this college essay” for Walsh will detail how you plan to impact the world and how Georgetown will make that plan a reality. ”Global problems” and “service to the world” both take many forms. Successful Georgetown essays won’t narrow applicants’ interests solely to political science and international relations—instead, they’ll think broadly about the tools Georgetown can give them to make the world a better place. Like other Georgetown essays, your response to this prompt should be specific and personal.

Successful Georgetown University supplemental essays for this prompt should not just be aspirational. Instead, they should also include how your interest in solving global problems translates to your past and current activities.

If you aren’t sure how to begin answering this “why school essay” prompt, think about how you spend your time. Do you tutor underprivileged children, so you care about expanding access to education? Do you help people learn to speak English because you want to break down cultural and linguistic barriers? International problem-solving comes in many forms. The best Georgetown supplemental essays will depict Walsh as the next step in an applicant’s journey toward making a difference in the international sphere.

McDonough School of Business Prompt: 

The mcdonough school of business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. please discuss your motivations for studying business at georgetown..

This Georgetown application essay prompt emphasizes the holistic nature of business—namely, how it relates to “ethical, analytical, financial, and global” perspectives. This holistic attitude also accords with Georgetown’s Jesuit values, which set McDonough apart from its competitors.

The best responses to this specific “why school essay” (“Why McDonough ?”) will answer all aspects of this prompt, emphasizing the Jesuit dimensions of McDonough’s programs. A moving “why business” and “why this college essay” will not focus on money or titles. Instead, the best Georgetown essays for the “why school” essay for McDonough will emphasize the impact that you will have at Georgetown and beyond.

The most impactful Georgetown supplemental essays will get personal. What are your current and prior experiences with your intended major? How have you developed the skills to succeed in business? Research the specific programs and opportunities you would join at McDonough.

College-Specific Georgetown Essay Reflection Questions:

• Does your essay respond adequately to the essay prompt?
• Do you discuss the specific clubs, classes, professors, and/or opportunities that you would be involved in?
• Does your essay tell a personal and specific narrative?
• Do you articulate a clear plan for your time at Georgetown?

How to write Georgetown Supplemental Essays

So, how should you answer the Georgetown University essay prompts?

First of all, keep in mind the word limits of the Georgetown university essay prompts. The first of the Georgetown essays is limited to 250 words. This Georgetown supplemental essay asks you to discuss the importance of an extracurricular activity in which you are most involved. The next two Georgetown essays– the personal statement and the “Why Georgetown” college-specific essay– have one-page single-spaced limits rather than word limits. 

All three Georgetown University essay prompts are required

Before you start writing, it’s important to understand how your essays will be assessed. 

In evaluating Georgetown essays, the admissions team looks at both content and writing skill. Essentially, this means it’s not just about what you say in the Georgetown supplemental essays, but how you say it. Use the Georgetown University essay prompts to tell your story, and approach each of the Georgetown Universityessay prompts holistically. Since there are three Georgetown University essay prompts, you can illustrate different parts of your identity in different essays. Each Georgetown application essay should tell your readers something new about you.

It may feel overwhelming to complete three Georgetown University essay prompts. However, if you give yourself enough time to plan, draft, and revise your Georgetown supplemental essays, you can help minimize your stress. In fact, using the tips from this guide will show you how to use the Georgetown University essay prompts to your advantage!

Focus on your identity

In each Georgetown application essay, focus on one experience, event, or element of your identity. Then, introduce it in an intriguing way through a “hook” at the beginning of each of your Georgetown supplemental essays. Next, provide background and relevant details to each of your Georgetown essays. And finally, discuss in your Georgetown supplemental essays how this has impacted your life, motivations, and relationships with others. In each of the Georgetown essays, relate your stories, background, and discussion to a central message in order to best respond to the Georgetown essay prompts.

In this guide, we’ve broken down each of the Georgetown University essay prompts to help you write Georgetown supplemental essays that will stand out in admissions.

How much does Georgetown care about essays?

Georgetown is intentionally not part of the Common Application; they want to admit applicants who put in the extra effort to apply. This makes the “Why Georgetown” college specific supplemental essay even more important. However, of course, all of the Georgetown supplemental essays are important within the Georgetown application requirements.

Read the checklist of Georgetown application requirements to make sure you complete each step, including the three Georgetown supplemental essays. Many students have impressive GPAs and test scores, which means your Georgetown University supplemental essays give you the chance to stand out. 

Implement the tips in this essay guide to set yourself apart through your Georgetown supplemental essays. Use your Georgetown essays to engage your reader through interesting stories, vivid details, and an actionable plan for your time at Georgetown.

Top 3 Tips for Writing Georgetown Essays

In this guide, we’ve discussed how to specifically answer the three Georgetown essay prompts. But, what are some of the most important tips in making sure you impress the admissions team with your Georgetown supplemental essays?

How to write impressive Georgetown supplemental essays:

#1 – start early.

Be sure to leave yourself time to edit and revise each of your Georgetown University supplemental essays! Georgetown has two deadlines to turn in all of your Georgetown application requirements: November 1, 2021, and January 10, 2022. Apply by November to know your decision on December 15, 2021.

#2 – Look at the big picture

When writing your Georgetown supplemental essays, consider your application as a whole. Make sure that each of your Georgetown essays says something new about you. After all, no two Georgetown essay prompts are the same. Be sure to not repeat other parts of your application in the essays.

# 3 – Show your unique self

These Georgetown supplemental essays are an opportunity for you to stand out to admissions. Don’t generalize when writing your Georgetown essays. Get specific about your experiences. Use the opportunity to not only demonstrate who you are, but also to show off your writing style.

Georgetown Supplemental Essays — Final Thoughts

In each of your Georgetown essays, be unique and original, but also genuine and honest. Instead of trying to predict what your readers would like to hear in your Georgetown supplemental essays, just tell your personal story. 

Do your research on the specific college within the University to which you are applying so you can connect yourself with Georgetown. Be clear, concise, and specific in your responses to the Georgetown essay prompts. There is no cookie-cutter Georgetown student, so highlight what makes you stand out in your Georgetown supplemental essays. Good luck!

This Georgetown supplemental essays guide was written by Sarah Kaminski .  Looking for more admissions support? Click  here  to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how  CollegeAdvisor.com  can support you in the college application process.

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Georgetown University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Extracurricular essay.

Briefly (approximately one-half page, single-spaced) discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

Personal Statement Essay

As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief personal or creative essay which you feel best describes you and reflects on your own background, identity, skills, and talents.

Select-A-Prompt Essay

All students applying to Georgetown will have to answer 3 essay prompts: two general essays and one school-specific essay.

Please elaborate on any special talents or skills you would like to highlight.

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved.

Georgetown College of Arts and Sciences: A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.)

School of Health: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care at Georgetown University. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).

School of Nursing: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying your intended major, Nursing.

Walsh School of Foreign Service: The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?

McDonough School of Business: The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

Georgetown Supplemental Essays 2023-24 – Prompts and Advice

September 11, 2023

The nation’s oldest Jesuit institution of higher learning is also its most selective, as Georgetown University welcomed just 13% of applicants to the Class of 2027 onto its historical and notably beautiful Washington, D.C. campus. Whenever you are applying to a school of Georgetown’s caliber, where the average admitted applicant has a 1470 SAT score and is at (or near) the top of their high school class, you need to find ways to set yourself apart from the pack. Toward that aim, prospective Hoyas need to take advantage of the Georgetown supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Georgetown? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Georgetown: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

The goal is to write compelling, standout compositions. Your essays should showcase your exceptional writing ability and reveal more about who you are as an individual. Below are Georgetown’s essay prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle along with tips about how to address each one.

Georgetown Supplemental Essays – Prompt 1

Indicate any special talents or skills you possess. (250 words)

If you are a world-class athlete, you are likely already in the recruitment process. If you placed high in AIME or won a National Merit Scholarship, that is already stated in the awards section. Therefore, using the prized 250 words of real estate to merely rehash the fact that you won an award for something you are good at would not be an inspiring move. Instead, use this essay as an opportunity to offer a new level of depth and understanding about your talent(s). In addition to discussing the talent you possess, touch on the journey of how you developed your abilities.

A few years back, Malcolm Gladwell popularized the idea that becoming an expert at anything takes 10,000 hours of practice. Consider talking about the grind and sacrifice it took you to become great at a given skill. Describe how you see that skill becoming even more finely-tuned/developed over time. If this skill fits into your future academic/career plans, all the better—share that too!

Georgetown Supplemental Essays – Prompt 2

Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (approximately 1/2 page, single-spaced) 

Perhaps you are the captain of a team, the editor-in-chief of your school paper, or the president of a club. On the other hand, you may simply be a valuable contributing member. Regardless of whether you are a leading man/woman or a still-essential bit player, make sure that you use your writing ability to show the admissions officer what type of involved team member you are rather than merely telling them.

You can also discuss how you have engaged with your high school local/community. Share what you have learned from interacting with people of a different ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual identity, etc. Draw on past evidence of your commitment to being a positive force in the context of your activity/activities. Also be sure to speculate how that is likely to manifest on Georgetown’s campus. Research and cite Hoya student-run organizations, local nonprofit groups, or anything else you are drawn to. The admissions committee wants to understand precisely how you will contribute to their campus community of 7,000+ undergrads. Drawing the link between your past efforts and future aims is critical here. For example, if you’ve done work with Habitat for Humanity throughout your teens, it will be most impactful if you express your commitment to joining Georgetown’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity in the future.

Georgetown University Supplemental Essays – Prompt 3

As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you. (approximately 1 page, single-spaced)

Whether you decide to write about yourself in a way that is light, creative, humorous, personal, sincere, or vulnerable (any are perfectly fine), aim to reveal a picture of yourself that cannot be gleaned from elsewhere in your application materials.

Take note of the wide-open nature of this prompt. While there are no limits to the way in which you approach this essay, here are some angles to consider:

• A perspective you hold
• An experience you had
• A community you belong to
• Your cultural or family background
• Something you’ve had to overcome

The admissions officer looking at your essay is hoping to connect with you through your written words. So be open, humble, thoughtful, inquisitive, emotionally honest, mature, and insightful. No matter what type of story you tell, the goal is to have the reader come away saying, “I can definitely see this applicant as a contributing member of our talented and engaged student community.”

Georgetown Supplemental Essays — The School-Specific Essay

Depending on the College or School that you are applying to at Georgetown, you’ll need to write a separate school-specific essay. At their core, all of them are “Why Us” essays, so as you address each prompt (see below), be sure to include Georgetown-specific offerings and opportunities that support your reasoning, interests, and future plans.

Elements of a great Georgetown “Why Us?” essay

• Cite school-specific  academic programs , professors,  research opportunities ,  internship/externship programs , and  study abroad programs .
• Reference student-run organizations at Georgetown that align with your passions.
• Describe how you take advantage of Georgetown’s immense resources both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Make sure to touch on both a) why Georgetown is the perfect fit for you and) why you are the perfect fit for Georgetown. Covering both topics is essential.

Common mistakes on a Georgetown “Why Us?” essay .

• Fawning over the picturesque Gothic-style Georgetown campus (it is quite beautiful, but they already know that).
• Georgetown is top-ranked, prestigious, and has a great reputation. Again, they know!
• Too many generic expressions of feeling (e.g., It has been my dream since I was a toddler to be a Hoya…).
• Recycled statements from your other “Why Us?” essays that come across as stale, impersonal, or worst of all–irrelevant/inaccurate.

Georgetown College: A liberal arts education from the College of Arts & Sciences involves encounters with new concepts and modes of inquiry. Describe something (a class, a book, an event, etc.) that changed your thinking. (Applicants to the sciences, mathematics, public policy or languages are encouraged to include examples related to that field.).

Since you’ll be encountering all kinds of new topics and ways of thinking at Georgetown, the admissions committee is interested in discovering how you’ve interacted with new and surprising information in the past. Keep in mind that the ways in which your thinking changed are much more important than the class, book, or event you select, so choose something that allows you to demonstrate your open-mindedness, curiosity, and willingness to challenge yourself—this might be a book you read in English class, a lecture you attended, a summer course you engaged in, etc. Note that Georgetown encourages certain types of applicants to choose examples related to their prospective field of study.

Further, be sure to describe why you are interested in a liberal arts education from Georgetown specifically.

Georgetown Supplemental Essays (Continued)

School of nursing & health studies: describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. please specifically address your intended major (global health, health care management & policy, human science, or nursing)..

“A nurse is not what you do, it is who you are.”

This quote from an anonymous source captures the idea that becoming a nurse is a calling; not a profession you just stumble into. Healthcare in general is no different. Healthcare professionals are willing to work long shifts in the service of others, be on the frontlines of a pandemic, and deal with life’s toughest challenges (e.g., suffering and death) on a regular basis. Many applicants share stories of caring for sick relatives, experiencing a tough medical episode themselves, or observing the challenges faced by a particular community as inspiration for studying nursing or healthcare. In addition to your school-specific research, this essay is a chance to show the admissions committee that you are a passionate and mature healthcare or nursing candidate and that this field is genuinely “who you are.”

Walsh School of Foreign Service: The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?

International service is not something every 17/18-year-old in the country is dreaming about doing as a vocation. There is likely a very interesting story surrounding what motivated you to apply to the Walsh School of Foreign Service and this essay invites you to share this very narrative. You don’t need to look any deeper than today’s headlines to identify powerful and immensely challenging global problems. Whether you are aiming for a B.S. in Business and Global Affairs, a B.S. in Foreign Service, or a B.S. in Global, International, and Comparative History, you likely have a highly specific set of academic and career goals taking shape in your mind.

If you can communicate these goals and the motivations behind them while sharing a vision for how you will contribute to the betterment of humankind in one or multiple regions of the world, then you are likely to end up with an excellent Walsh essay. Moreover, you’ll want to be sure to discuss why Walsh in particular will be a great fit for you.

McDonough School of Business: The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

Before you start writing, you’ll want to do some McDonough-specific research and think about why a business education from McDonough in particular will be a great fit for your interests and goals. Further, to stand out, applicants need to connect the resources they’ve chosen to experiences they’ve had, demonstrating that they have availed themselves of every opportunity to dive into the business world during their high school years. Of course, not everyone has parents who hand them money to invest in the stock market or land them an internship at Goldman Sachs in 9th grade.

Relevant experiences can include high school investing clubs, participation in activities like FBLA, summer programs/courses in business/finance/economics, running your own local small business or e-business (Etsy, landscaping, etc.), or just a regular old retail job. The important thing to highlight is what you learned from your experiences, how you’ll bring that newly acquired knowledge to the classroom at Georgetown, and how your experiences have informed & influenced what you hope to continue learning in college.

How important are the Georgetown supplemental essays?

There are a whopping 8 factors that Georgetown considers to be “very important” to the evaluation process. These are: rigor of secondary school record, character/personal qualities, class rank, GPA, standardized test scores, recommendations, extracurricular activities, and most relevant to this blog—the application essays. The essays undoubtedly play a significant role in the admissions process at Georgetown. They can help the committee decide who to admit when choosing between similarly-credentialed (GPA, test scores, etc.) applicants.

Want personalized assistance with your Georgetown supplemental essays?

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• College Essay

Andrew Belasco

A licensed counselor and published researcher, Andrew's experience in the field of college admissions and transition spans two decades. He has previously served as a high school counselor, consultant and author for Kaplan Test Prep, and advisor to U.S. Congress, reporting on issues related to college admissions and financial aid.

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Undergraduate Admissions

Georgetown University admits qualified students of any age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, color, disability status, religion, citizenship, immigration status, and national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, disability status, color, religion, citizenship, immigration status, or national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.

• High School Preparation
• Standardized Tests
• Application Procedure
• Early Action
• Campus Visits
• Deferred Enrollment
• Transfer Students
• Transfer Undergraduate School within the University
• International Students
• Visiting Student Program
• Immunization Requirements

1. High School Preparation

While the Committee on Admissions is most interested in the quality of a student’s work, general promise, and seriousness of purpose, it is recommended that secondary school preparation include four years of English, a minimum of two years of social studies, modern language, and mathematics and one year of natural science. Students who plan a concentration in mathematics or science should include four years of mathematics and at least three years of science. Candidates for the majors in the School of Nursing and the School of Health should include at least three years of mathematics and must include one year each of biology and chemistry. Students interested in the McDonough School of Business should complete a minimum of three years of mathematics, through advanced algebra and trigonometry, as calculus is required of all students in the program. Two years of natural science are recommended. Students interested in the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics or the Walsh School of Foreign Service are recommended to have a background in a modern foreign language or Latin.

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2. Standardized Tests

All applicants are required to take the SAT or the ACT. Both tests are acceptable, and on neither test will a Writing component be utilized in admissions decisions. All tests should be taken by January of the senior year in order to allow time for the results to reach Georgetown by early February. We continue to recommend that students who have A.P. (Advanced Placement) scores submit them to supplement their admissions file.

The University requires that all scores from standardized tests be submitted directly from the testing agency; please indicate Georgetown’s code number when requesting score reports (SAT code 5244; ACT code 0668).

It is important to note that, while objective test results provide important information about candidates, the Committee on Admissions is far more concerned with school record, academic program, and rank in class than with test scores. There are no cut-off scores.

3. Application Procedure

All first-year student applications are due in the Office of Undergraduate Admissions by November 1 for Early Action and January 10 for Regular Decision. These applications should contain the results of three and one half years of high school work. A complete application should include:

• Georgetown Application for First-Year Admission
• Georgetown Application Supplement
• Secondary School Report (including transcript and counselor recommendation)
• Teacher Recommendation
• Nonrefundable Application Fee
• Results of the SAT examination or the ACT sent directly from the testing service
• No application will be considered until all of the above credentials have been received. A notice of missing credentials will be sent via e-mail, but students should make every effort to ensure credentials are submitted on time.
• Students seeking financial assistance should submit a copy of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the CSS PROFILE (administered by the College Board). Financial need is considered separately from the application for admission.

4. Early Action

The Early Action program is designed to enable superior students to learn of their admission early in their senior year. Students offered admission at Early Action are those whom the Admissions Committee members feel confident would be admitted at Regular Decision. Georgetown’s Early Action program is grounded in the belief that students should be free to choose among colleges until the Candidates Reply Date, May 1. Accordingly, accepted students will have the same reply date (May 1) as all candidates.

In keeping with this principle, students applying under the Early Action program may not apply at the same time to binding Early Decision programs since they would not be free to choose Georgetown if admitted. Students are welcome to apply to other Early Action programs or other Regular Decision programs while at the same time applying to Georgetown’s Early Action program. No candidates are denied admission during the Early Action review. Candidates not accepted under the Early Action program are deferred to the regular review. Deferred Early Action candidates are given the same full and fair consideration as Regular Decision candidates.

Applicants for Early Action must indicate their interest in being considered for this program in the space provided on the application form. The admissions application and all credentials for Early Action must be received at Georgetown by November 1. Please note that the Early Action review is based on information from first, sophomore, and junior years, so it is not necessary to rush SAT Subject Test results to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions. Fall scores will be added to an applicant’s file if the student is deferred to the Regular Decision review. Early Action decisions will be announced December 15.

5. Campus Visits

Students interested in Georgetown are encouraged to visit the University. A  campus visit  will provide prospective students with a clearer understanding of Georgetown’s educational programs, environment, and social setting.

Information sessions, conducted by members of the Admissions staff, offer prospective students and their parents an opportunity to learn more about the academic programs and student life at Georgetown, as well as the admissions process and procedures. Information sessions and tours are held on weekdays and Saturday mornings throughout the year on a variable schedule. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions at (202) 687-3600.

6. Interviews

Another important part of the selection process at Georgetown is an interview with a member of an Alumni Admissions Program committee which are located in all fifty states and in many foreign countries. As applications are received by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, each student who lives or attends boarding school within a committee’s jurisdiction is provided with the name of an alumni interviewer and asked to make arrangements for an interview. This interview provides candidates an opportunity to highlight particular aspects of their background and achievements which they would like to call to the attention of the Admissions Committee, as well as to learn more about the University from the point of view of the local alumnus.

7. Deferred Enrollment

Georgetown has a policy of allowing admitted first-year students to defer their enrollment until the following year. Further details can be obtained from the  Office of Undergraduate Admissions . Transfer students may not defer admission.

8. Transfer Students

Georgetown welcomes transfer applications to its undergraduate programs. Transfer applicants should have completed one full-time semester of at least twelve transferable credits, or the equivalent, on the college level; otherwise they should follow the first-year student application procedure. Students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree at another college or university are not eligible for admission to Georgetown’s undergraduate degree programs. Students who have an undergraduate degree are welcome, however, to apply to take courses at the undergraduate level as a special non-degree student either through the School of Continuing Studies or one of the five undergraduate schools according to the relevant policies of the school.

Transfer students admitted for the fall term, may begin studies during the summer term if they wish. Credit toward Georgetown degrees may be given for work done at other accredited institutions subject to the following limitations:

• Credit for required courses will be given if the course is similar to the one required at Georgetown.
• Credit for electives will be given if the course is similar to courses offered at Georgetown. Credit for courses not offered at Georgetown will be considered on an individual basis.
• Grades earned must be at least one level above minimum passing level, e.g., C. Passing grades on a Pass/Fail system are acceptable if defined as C or better.
• The maximum number of transferable credits is one-half of the total required for the degree. Students must spend a minimum of four full semesters in residence at Georgetown to earn a degree. Summer sessions will not count toward fulfilling the residency requirement.  Work completed on semester study abroad will not count toward fulfilling the academic residency requirement unless completed at one of Georgetown’s Global Living and Learning Communities or at SFS-Qatar. These programs count toward academic residency requirements.

An evaluation of courses accepted for transfer will be sent with or shortly after the notification of acceptance. The following materials should be submitted no later than March 1:

• Georgetown Transfer Application
• Georgetown Transfer Application Supplement
• Secondary School Report, to include high school transcript
• SAT/ACT results (Waived only for applicants who graduated from high school five or more years prior to intended matriculation at Georgetown) 
• Official college transcripts from current institution and any previously attended institution(s)
• A list of the courses planned for the term(s) not included in the current transcript
• Dean’s Report from current college/university
• Professor’s Report from a professor preferably in major area of study

Applications will be reviewed as soon as possible after these materials have been received and admissions decisions will be sent June 1. In some cases it will be necessary to wait for the final transcript before a decision can be reached. Students who are offered admission by June 1 will be expected to confirm their enrollment by June 15.

9. Transferring Undergraduate School within the University

Since the five undergraduate schools are distinct colleges under the jurisdiction of separate deans, a student wishing to transfer within the University must make an application in writing to the school to which he or she wishes to transfer. Each undergraduate school establishes its own admission standards for students. Students considering a change in program should consult with their undergraduate advising deans to learn about deadlines and procedures. Students who switch programs should expect to complete all of the degree requirements of the undergraduate school to which they transfer.

10. International Students

Georgetown welcomes applications for admission from well-qualified international students. Deadline dates are the same as those established for students applying from within the United States. Please note that the application fee must be in U.S. dollars.

Along with final application forms, students should submit complete, translated, and  official transcripts of all secondary and, when applicable, university credentials along with subjective evaluations from teachers and tutors when obtainable. Similarly, students applying from countries offering Matriculation Examinations must submit results of such examinations as soon as results are available. These credentials will be considered for admission as well as for placement at the proper level when the application file is complete.

All candidates studying in non-U.S. educational systems whose native language is not English are required to demonstrate a level of competence that would indicate their ability for successful study in English. It is recommended that such students submit results from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), including the Test of Written English (TWE), given at test centers throughout the world. International applicants  are required  to take the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing Program (ACT) examination. These tests are available in virtually every foreign country, and should be taken prior to January 1 to allow the results to be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions in time for review. Complete information for International Students is available from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions .

11. Visiting Student Program

Due to limitations of space, Georgetown is only able to offer admission to a limited number of students via our Visiting (non-degree) Student Program. Applications must be approved by the dean of the school in which the student wishes to study. Admission for the Visiting Student Program is for one semester.

Application forms may be obtained from the Office of Undergraduate Admissions website. Completed applications (including transcripts and application fee) must be submitted by November 15 for admission in January, and by July 15 for admission in September.  No applications will be accepted after these dates.  Final decisions will be made by August 10 for the fall semester and by December 20 for the spring semester.

Students who are earning degrees at schools other than Georgetown and who wish to attend Georgetown as Visiting Students must include with their application materials a letter from the current dean approving the courses to be taken at Georgetown. Such students are expected to attend full time in the school to which they are applying at Georgetown.

Approval for Visiting Student status does not mean automatic acceptance into the courses requested and approved. Enrollment in specific courses is determined on a space-available basis only. Visiting Students are ineligible for financial aid; campus housing may be available but is not guaranteed.

12. Immunization Requirements

Mandatory immunizations and health screenings are based on District of Columbia Law as well as guidance from the CDC and the American College Health Association. Requirements vary based on a student’s age, history, and course of study. Student specific requirements can be found within their account in the GU Immunization and Health Information Database Portal. Students must submit all required information and documentation electronically through this portal upon matriculation. Required immunization and testing information must be entered into the Georgetown immunization database portal, at https://georgetown.studenthealthportal.com with accompanying verification signed by a health care provider. The deadline for incoming fall semester students to enter this information is September 1 (December 15 for students entering in the spring semester). Failure to meet this deadline may result in a penalty fee and prevent students from registering for classes.  If, after reviewing the immunization requirements, you or your health care provider have questions, please contact the Georgetown Student Health center through a secure message in the immunization database portal or by calling the Student Health Center immunization line at 202-687-3100.

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The Ultimate Guide to Applying to Georgetown

What’s covered:, average stats of accepted georgetown university students, georgetown university application process, georgetown university financial aid, what are your chances of acceptance.

Founded in 1789, Georgetown is the oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher learning in the United States. Georgetown is counted among the best universities in the nation and is commonly thought of as the most prestigious Jesuit college in the U.S. Georgetown’s location, just minutes from downtown Washington, D.C., has significantly influenced the school’s academics—its Walsh School of Foreign Service is the oldest school for international affairs in the U.S. and alumni have gone on to serve in the Senate, Congress, Supreme Court, and even as President of the United States. 

Georgetown attracts some of the highest-achieving and most motivated students in the nation. Earning great grades and outstanding test scores are the first steps to gaining admission to this excellent university. 

• Average GPA and rank: Georgetown doesn’t publish the average GPA of its admitted students, but most Georgetown students graduate at or near the top of their class—85% graduated in the top 10% of their high school class, and 97% in the top quarter 
• Middle 50% SAT/ACT: 1380-1530/33-35

A strong GPA and test scores aren’t enough to guarantee a spot at Georgetown, but they will ensure an application receives serious consideration. Selective schools like Georgetown use a tool known as the Academic Index to screen applicants. Academic Index summarizes an applicant’s academic performance with a single numerical score. Failure to meet Georgetown’s academic benchmarks can deem a student unqualified and remove them from the admissions process. 

While many schools have transitioned to test-optional admissions in recent years, Georgetown still requires applicants to take either the SAT or ACT.

Here’s what to expect when applying to Georgetown University. 

Application Overview

Georgetown uses its own application, aptly named the Georgetown Application. There is a $75 application fee and fee waivers are available for qualifying students. 

Georgetown has two paths to admission: early action (EA) and regular decision (RD). The deadline for EA applications is November 1 and the deadline for RD applications is January 10. 

Georgetown’s early action program is nonbinding—meaning students are not committed to attending Georgetown if admitted and have the same reply date as regular decision candidates. However, early action Georgetown applicants are prohibited from applying to binding early decision programs at other schools. 

Those applying for early action typically have an admissions advantage, but the margin is slim at Georgetown. Statistically, students applying to Georgetown via EA and RD have similar rates of admission. 

• Early action acceptance rate: 9.97%
• Regular decision acceptance rate: 11.98%

Application Components

• Georgetown application
• Application supplement
• Secondary school report
• Teacher’s recommendation
• SAT/ACT scores 

Supplemental Essays: All Georgetown applicants are required to compose two supplemental essays as part of their application. Furthermore, five of Georgetown’s undergraduate schools require an additional essay. Georgetown’s two required essays are: 

• Essay 1: Briefly discuss the significance to you of the school or summer activity in which you have been most involved. (Half page, single-spaced) 
• Essay 2: As Georgetown is a diverse community, the Admissions Committee would like to know more about you in your own words. Please submit a brief essay, either personal or creative, which you feel best describes you. (One page, single-spaced)

Georgetown’s school-specific essays should be approximately one page, single-spaced, and are as follows: 

• Georgetown College: What does it mean to you to be educated? How might Georgetown College help you achieve this aim? (Applicants to the Sciences and Mathematics or the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics should address their chosen course of study).
• School of Health: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major (Global Health, Health Care Management & Policy, or Human Science).
• School of Nursing: Describe the factors that have influenced your interest in studying health care. Please specifically address your intended major Nursing.
• Walsh School of Foreign Service: The Walsh School of Foreign Service was founded more than a century ago to prepare generations of leaders to solve global problems. What is motivating you to dedicate your undergraduate studies to a future in service to the world?
• McDonough School of Business: The McDonough School of Business is a national and global leader in providing graduates with essential ethical, analytical, financial, and global perspectives. Please discuss your motivations for studying business at Georgetown.

Students preparing to apply to Georgetown will want to read our guide to Georgetown’s essays— How to Write the Georgetown Essay Supplements 2022-2023 —for insight into the questions and advice to strategically compose answers that will grab the attention of admissions officials. Those who have already begun to compose essays will want to check out our  CollegeVine Essay Review , which provides free essay feedback from other students and paid expert essay evaluation.

Interviews: All first-year applicants must sit for an alumni interview as part of their application. Interviews are conducted by members of the Alumni Admissions Program committees, which are located in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, along with numerous foreign countries. Georgetown considers the interview an “important” part of the admissions process, although the requirement is waived for those where no alumni interviewers are available. 

Supplements: Most students will find that the Georgetown Application provides an adequate opportunity to spotlight their extracurricular activities. However, those with exceptional talent in music, theater, dance, and studio art and who hope to pursue it on campus are able to submit supplemental materials as part of their application.

When Will You Hear Back?

Early action applicants will receive notification on December 15, while those who applied for regular decision will receive notification on April 1. 

Financial Aid Generosity

The cost of attendance at Georgetown for the 2022-23 academic year is $84,696, making it one of the most expensive colleges in the country . Helping ease some of the economic burdens is financial aid, which more than half of Georgetown undergraduates receive. Georgetown students are also rewarded for their investment in such an esteemed institution—the website Payscale ranks it 56th (out of 1,978 schools) on its list of best-value colleges. 

Georgetown students are expected to contribute a minimum amount of money to their education, regardless of their income. The amount of the contribution is dependent on the class year.

Georgetown was one of the first colleges in the country to offer need-blind admissions and continues the tradition today for both domestic and international applicants. This means all applicants are considered for admission, despite their economic circumstances. Georgetown also meets 100% of the demonstrated need of its students. Georgetown doesn’t offer academic or merit-based scholarships. 

Read our article What Does it Cost to Attend Georgetown University? to learn more about what it actually costs to attend Georgetown.  

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Georgetown requires students seeking financial aid to submit both a FAFSA and CSS Profile—those pursuing just federal aid only need to send in a FAFSA. Both the FAFSA and CSS Profile are due February 1st.

Georgetown is known for its super-selective admissions and for attracting some of the nation’s top students. The odds of gaining admission to this prestigious university vary from applicant to applicant depending on a number of factors. CollegeVine can clarify your unique odds at Georgetown as well as hundreds of colleges across the country. Our free Chancing Engine uses aspects like academics, extracurriculars, and demographics to estimate your individual odds of admission at Georgetown and provide valuable insight into improving your profile!

Learn more about Georgetown , including diversity stats, majors, and how long your application should take.

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Sample Essays

The breadth of Georgetown’s core curriculum means that students are required to write for a wide variety of academic disciplines. Below, we provide some student samples that exhibit the key features the most popular genres. When reading through these essays, we recommend paying attention to their 

1. Structure (How many paragraphs are there? Does the author use headers?) 

2. Argument (Is the author pointing out a problem, and/or proposing a solution?) 

3. Content (Does the argument principally rely on facts, theory, or logic?) and 

4. Style (Does the writer use first person? What is the relationship with the audience?)

Philosophy Paper

• Singer on the Moral Status of Animals

Theology Paper

• Problem of God
• Jewish Civilization
• Sacred Space and Time
• Phenolphthalein in Alkaline Solution

History Paper

• World History

Literature Review

Comparative Analysis 

Policy Brief

• Vaccine Manufacturing

White Paper

Critical Analysis

• Ignatius Seminar

Georgetown University Application

To begin or continue an application, please click on the application round below for which you are applying. If you are unsure about which application best applies to you, please refer to our website here .

How to Apply

CCT is a unique interdisciplinary program. Apply now and tell us why this is the right place for you.

The Communication, Culture & Technology Program accepts applications for the Fall semester according to the deadlines below. Note that if you apply by January 15, we will waive the application fee.

January 15: Priority Fall Deadline

Apply for Fall admission and CCT scholarships/fellowships. Application fee waived. Fall term starts late August.

April 1: Regular Fall Deadline

Apply for Fall admission (no CCT funding). Application fee of $90. Fall term starts late August.

Application Components:

    online application.

Create an online application (new window) and review all the sections. You may save your application while you work. Once you submit, you would not be able to make further changes.

    Statement of Purpose

In 500 words, tell us what your academic interests are and why you think CCT’s learning environment is right for you. Tell us what questions, problems, or research inquiries you would want to explore while at CCT.

Tip: Write this Statement of Purpose after finding out as much as you can about CCT and after reviewing the rest of your application. Use this essay to draw attention to the parts of your record that speak to why CCT is the program for you at this stage of your life.

    Resume or CV

Tip:  Draw the attention of application reviewers to work, projects, courses, awards, competitions and other activities that are particularly relevant to CCT.

    Academic Writing Sample

Provide a 15-25 page essay that was entirely written by you. This could be an undergraduate paper, an excerpt of a longer thesis, or a combination of two shorter essays. Application reviewers will want to see evidence of original analytical thinking, clarity of expression and proficiency with academic style. There is no restriction on the subject matter of the essay. If you have been out of college for some years, you may submit an undergraduate essay plus a more recent example of professional writing.

Tip:  If you are submitting excerpts of a longer paper, add a brief description at the top to explain your choice of excerpts.

    Transcript(s)

Upload copies of official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended. If you are a college senior expecting to graduate in the semester before your intended entry date, you may upload your current (in-progress) official transcript.

Follow the Grad School’s How to Apply instructions (new window) , in the section on “Transcripts, Translations and Evaluations.”

International Transcripts: Applicants who have attended institutions outside of the United States are strongly encouraged to upload their transcripts in the form of World Education Services (new window) (WES) ICAP evaluations or may utilize other credential evaluation services that are members of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (new window) (NACES). Applicants should upload this evaluation directly to the application. If the evaluation does not include a copy of the transcripts that were evaluated, applicants must upload both the transcripts from the institution and the credential evaluation as one document to the application. 

    Self-Reported Grade Point Average

The online application will ask you to self-report your GPA. Refer to the Grad School’s How to Apply instructions (new window) , in the section on “Self-Reported GPA.”

The minimum undergraduate GPA for CCT applications is 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale). 

    Video Statement

A video statement is required of all applicants. Upload a video in which you answer ONE of the following prompts:

• Describe a career that you think technology will make possible in 10 years’ time. 
• How would you use technology to solve an existing social and/or environmental problem?
• Pick one technology that has made an impact in a community you belong to. Tell us how you might re-design it. 

The video should be no more than 2 minutes long. At the start, please say your name and the prompt to which you are responding. There are no restrictions as to style. Your video may be formal, informal, serious, humorous, animated, spoken-to-a-webcam, graphics-filled, interview- or documentary-style. Use the medium to express yourself however you wish.

    Three Recommenders

In the online application, provide the email addresses of your three recommenders. The system will then contact them with instructions on how to upload their letters. Once received, these letters will be added to your CCT application.

Tip : Select recommenders who are able to speak to your academic performance, your interest in CCT topics, and your suitability for a self-directed graduate program. If your recommender is an employer, ask them to address your critical thinking and analytical skills in particular.

    GRE Test Scores (not required)

GRE scores are not required. However, if you do wish to provide your GRE test scores, please have the testing agency send your scores directly to Georgetown using the code 5244.

    TOEFL or IELTS Test Scores

TOEFL or IELTS test scores are required of all applicants unless they have received an undergraduate degree or higher from a school where English was the primary language of instruction.

Test scores must be received by the application deadline. Plan to take your test six to eight weeks prior to the application deadline. Applications will not be considered without TOEFL or IELTS scores.

During the COVID crisis, TOEFL tests may be completed online. See TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition (new window) . The minimum required score is 100.

Please ask TOEFL to send your official scores directly to Georgetown’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, using code: 5244.

If IELTS test centers are closed in your area, you may take the IELTS Indicator (new window) , which can be completed online. Please ask IELTS to send scores to “Georgetown’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.” The minimum required score is 7.5.

Tip: CCT is a particularly verbal environment so application reviewers will want to know if you are ready for fast-paced and complex discussions. Submit your best language test scores with this in mind.

    Application(s) for Scholarships and Fellowships

If you submit your application by the January 15 deadline, you may apply for CCT merit-based scholarships, CCT-Gnovis fellowships, CCT-CNDLS fellowships, and/or CCT-Berkley Center fellowships. See Tuition & Scholarships (new window) for more information.

    Application Fee

The application fee will be waived if you submit by the January 15 deadline. If you submit an application by the April 1 deadline, you will be prompted to pay a fee of $90.

How to make your application as competitive as possible:

• Read our Tips & Timelines (new window) .
• Review the Graduate School’s Application Requirements Checklist (new window) .  
• See Class Profile (new window) for average GPAs and test scores achieved by CCT students.
• Check that your application is complete by logging into the application portal. You will see if there are any items not yet received by Georgetown. This status page will be updated as materials arrive.
• Contact [email protected] (new window) if you have any questions.

Harvard’s acceptance rate is 3.6 percent, a slight year-over-year uptick

Brown university in providence, meanwhile, accepted 5.2 percent of 48,898 applicants.

Thursday was a big day for prospective students at the nation’s most prestigious universities, as tens of thousands received offers and rejections from Ivy League campuses.

In Cambridge, Harvard College accepted 3.6 percent of applicants for the Class of 2028, a slight increase from last year, when it was 3.4 percent. The total number of Harvard applications fell 5 percent from a year ago to 54,008. The college offered admission to 1,937 students, including 1,245 students during the regular admission cycle and the rest through the early action process.

According to Harvard, this marks the fourth year in a row that the college has received more than 50,000 applications.

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The prospective students sought admission amidst what has been a tumultuous year for Harvard. There has been campus unrest over the Israel-Hamas war that began in early October. Last June, the Supreme Court ruled against the college in a high-profile case that banned race-based action in the admissions process, overruling nearly half a century of precedent and depriving selective universities of a tool they say is essential for keeping their campuses diverse. And Claudine Gay, Harvard’s first Black president, resigned in January over controversies stemming from the Israel-Hamas war, campus antisemitism, and allegations of plagiarism in her scholarly works. The events led many to urge Harvard to do more to protect diversity.

Recently, a growing chorus of voices has been calling on Harvard and other top colleges to eliminate their longstanding admissions preferences for children of alumni . Known as “legacy preferences,” these advantages tend to favor white students from affluent families.

A Harvard spokesman said in an e-mail Thursday that, based on advice from its lawyers, the school’s “admissions readers will not be accessing applicants’ self-reported race or ethnicity data or aggregated data about applicants’ self-reported race or ethnicity at any time until the admissions process has concluded.” A racial breakdown of students accepted to the college was not immediately available on Thursday; a Harvard spokesman said the school will not have such data “until the admissions process is complete.”

Because the Supreme Court left the door open for prospective students to talk about how race has affected their life experiences through essay questions and interviews, colleges are tweaking what they ask students to better understand how each applicant got to where they are. The new essay prompts were crafted by college administrators as part of their new efforts to achieve diversity goals within the bounds of the Supreme Court prohibitions.

Harvard said that the Class of 2028 students hail from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and 94 countries. International students make up 15.4 percent of the class.

Meanwhile, Brown University in Providence also announced its admissions results Thursday. The university accepted 5.2 percent of 48,898 applicants, which is slightly higher than last year’s acceptance rate.

“[T]he students admitted to the Class of 2028 represent a group of extraordinarily talented young people who demonstrate truly impressive intellect, ingenuity and cross-disciplinary interest in pursuits both in and out of the classroom,” said Logan Powell, associate provost for enrollment and dean of undergraduate admission.

Earlier this year, Brown announced plans to move to a need-blind admissions policy for international students starting this fall, making the Rhode Island institution only the eighth college in the country to implement the practice.

The shift to a need-blind policy would have the admissions office evaluate academics and other work when considering a potential student, but not their ability to pay.

The policy change was expected to have a “significant” impact, allowing the university to expand its ability to recruit academically, and ultimately allowing Brown to “admit exceptional students from a much broader range of socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Powell.

Most of the few colleges that do have need-blind admissions for international students are elite private schools or part of the Ivy League. They include Harvard, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Amherst College in Massachusetts; Yale University in Connecticut; Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, and Princeton University in New Jersey. Some schools, such as Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., are need-blind for all applicants, with students who are not US citizens considered for limited scholarships as part of the financial aid process.

Earlier this month, Brown University also announced that it will again require students to submit standardized test scores when they apply for admission.

The university’s policy around tests comes after an internal committee spent the last six months deliberating certain undergraduate admissions practices. The decision to reinstate test scores comes just two weeks after Yale University reevaluated its own policies regarding test scores, and about a month after Dartmouth College announced that it would once again require SAT and ACT scores.

At Brown, the change will go into effect for all first-year applicants starting with the fall 2025 application cycle for the class of 2029.

Laura Crimaldi and Alexa Gagosz of Globe staff contributed to this report.

Danny McDonald can be reached at [email protected] . Follow him @Danny__McDonald . Hilary Burns can be reached at [email protected] . Follow her @Hilarysburns .

Transfer Application

The transfer application deadline of March 1, 2024 has passed. The work of the Admissions Committee is already underway and submission of a late transfer application can only be approved under extenuating circumstances. Extenuating circumstances typically include factors fully outside of an applicant’s control which have only evolved since March 1. If you believe your circumstances are extenuating, please complete the late submission request form

Please visit the General Information page for transfer applicants to learn more about the Georgetown application process. For important information about the 2024 application process, please download and review the Information for Transfer Applicants document.

Reference copies are available in PDF format below:

Georgetown Transfer Application (pdf) Transfer Application Supplement (pdf)

If y ou submitted the application online and need to make changes or updates, please complete the Application Changes Form . Please do not submit another copy of the application.

Additional Documents to Complete Application

Transfer applicants are strongly encouraged to use the Recommendation Request Form (Step 3 of the Transfer Application found in the Transfer Application Supplement) to request submission of their Secondary School Report (including high school transcript), Dean’s Report and Professor’s Report. If hard-copy forms are preferred or required by your high school, dean or professor, you can find additional information and downloadable PDF copies of these forms below:

Dean’s Report Professor’s Report Secondary School Report Standardized Testing Official College Transcripts

Georgetown University Office of Undergraduate Admissions Room 103 White Gravenor Hall 37th and O Streets, NW Washington, D.C. 20057-1002

We appreciate your interest in Georgetown University and look forward to working with you throughout the application process. If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office at (202) 687-3600.

More Information

General Information for Transfer Applicants Transfer Student Profile Transfer of Credit Active Military and Veterans Financial Aid Application Fee Waiver Join Our Mailing List Georgetown Admissions Ambassador Program